[hr][hr][center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/b3RmLjg4LjAxZDVhZi5SR1Z5WldNZ1FtRnNiR0Z5WkNCQ2JHRnBaR1I1WkEsLC4wAAAA/baby-mollusca.regular.png[/img][/center][indent]

The extra class spot had already given Derec a bout of nervousness as it was, but it intensified somewhat at the sight of all five professors gathered. For a moment, he almost thought the class was in trouble, but looking around they didn't seem like the type to get in trouble. Well, that wasn't entirely accurate, but no one could deny there was a polish among most of the students that couldn't be ignored. It made Derec feel a little out of place, but that wasn't anything he wasn't used to. The 'lecture'--or should he call it some words of wisdom?--that Professor Roland gave put some unneeded weight on the students. At least, it definitely put more weight on Derec. 

Fortunately, the lackadaisical Professor Kalonic--Professor [i]Michail[/i] decided to have everyone introduce themselves. Unfortunately, Derec was thrown right back into his previous discomfort. Would he be recognized? He wanted to think that since Auberon Galatea hadn't, it meant that he was essentially incognito. It [i]would[/i] be nice to lay low and enjoy the year while he could. On the other hand, if he was outed, it could reflect poorly on him. 

Despite being buried in his thoughts, he was able to keep a tab on matching names to faces, raising his eyebrows at a few--the Golden Deer in particular seemed like a rambunctious bunch. Kellen Fraldarius' introduction did make him chuckle a little, but he remained polite. After all, it was imperative to get along with those he was going to stay close to, and he seemed like a decent kid. Auberon was...Auberon, even if it was good to see him stay consistent. The dual-wielding-prayer-and-weapon part did surprise him a little, though. Lienna did nearly break him, however: how one from the cooler Faerghus disliked the cold was puzzling. But hopefully they could get along, too.

Just as he thought he had made up his mind on how to introduce himself, however, the last student revealed themselves to be the crown prince of the empire. Any doubt in Derec's mind suddenly vanished--nope, he was going to lay low and go with the flow. No need to expose himself to any potential enemy.

Deciding to take his chance, Derec stood up. [color=turquoise]"I'm Derec Ballard,"[/color] He introduced himself with a smile. [color=turquoise]"I like making weapons and accessories, and as for dislikes, I prefer cooler temperatures and don't do as well in the heat. I look forward to working with you all."[/color]

Short, sweet, and to the point. After giving a bow, Derec reclaimed his seat, feeling satisfied. As he smoothed out his jacket, however, he caught Professor Michail's lingering stare, a tiny smirk on his lips. The redhead blinked slowly, confused, though Professor Michail gave his attention to the next student with the same smile he wore before. Was he trying to tell him something? He was a knight, but as far as he was aware, he didn't come from any major noble house. Maybe Kalonic was a minor noble he hadn't heard of? Maybe Derec was just being paranoid? Exhaling a short breath, Derec tried to put it out of his mind, focusing on the rest of the unit he'd be spending the next year with.

[/indent][hr][hr]