"All of those being honored will be seated on the lower stage to the right of the main platform. When your name is called, you will be asked to say a couple of words, but please limit your comments to less than thirty seconds. We have many awards to get through." The aide recited robotically.
"My partner will be speaking on behalf of both of us." Noble felt a little weird calling Song of the Fallen, Saint Cassie, her partner.
They had never met, after all. Bee Two completed the entirety of their communication via messages under Noble's name. While the professor had read all of the correspondence afterward, she hadn't reached out since returning from the Nightmare.
At first, it had been because Noble had nothing else to say on the topic that hadn't already been covered. After a while, it felt too awkward to strike up a conversation.
Even the decision of who would speak on their behalf was made by the committee. Noble didn't object to the choice, but she was curious what the mysterious Saint would say.
'I will find out soon enough!'
Seemingly oblivious to her comment, the aide plowed ahead with his rehearsed speech.
"As this is an outdoor venue, we have a procedure for inclement weather. Those on the stage will be allowed to take shelter in the structure located in the back. The guests, unfortunately, will have to seek the refuge of the outlying buildings. There is no rain predicted for today, so it should not be an issue."
"Let's hope not." Noble realized her comment was unnecessary as the aide was only taking a breath.
"Now, for the order of events. First, we will honor those whose humanitarian efforts have earned them recognition."
Noble was familiar with this category. Lena had won that for her work with the Antarctic Evacuation.
"Next will be this year's innovators, and then all of the accolades for research and development. That is your category, Master Noble, so please be ready to make your way to the podium when that part of the ceremony begins. Your presenter will be Mister Ambrose."
Noble simply nodded at the aide. She knew the last part because Ambrose had told her himself. As the young man continued to instruct her, the professor surveyed the room. She spread her emotional sense, limiting it to the area encompassing the ceremony.
To her relief, Helie was not present, at least not yet.
Her assumption that Orum and his niece had been there to see the host of the party last night seemed to be accurate. That did not mean that there weren't many notable figures. Anyone could be honored by the government for their achievements, and members of both the great and lesser clans had gotten a moment to shine in this gathering.
The Great Clans had helped form the government many years before. It made sense that they would not exclude their own people from getting the benefits provided.
As a particular emotional signature drew near, Noble's eyes opened wider.
"Noble!" A voice called out to her.
The professor turned, abandoning her guide as she sped forward and embraced a bushy-browed, grey-haired man.
"Dear girl, there you are!" Julius smiled down at his step-daughter as she released him.
"I didn't expect to see you here. Who are you here to watch get an award?" As far as Noble knew, Julius did not make a habit of attending this event.
The teacher chuckled. "Who else? You!"
"Me? How did you…" Noble suddenly remembered the message she had sent him the night before.
Julius nodded.
"When I arrived in the NQSC this morning and saw where you were last evening, I immediately looked up the list of this year's recipients. Lo and behold, your name was there, so I got here as quickly as I could. Why didn't you tell me that you had won a research award?"
Noble rubbed the back of her neck. "I can explain…but later."
Admitting to her mentor that she hadn't actually earned the award would be hard enough, but trying to do that with an impatient aide listening would cause additional problems.
Julius nodded. "We can talk later, but I'll have to get a photograph to bring back to your mother for both our sakes."
"Teddy will print some images for Fort. I will get some for Mom as well." Noble nodded.
As soon as her mother found out about what she had missed, she would want every detail. And when Lena wanted something, nothing could get in her way.
Fortunately, Teddy was already in place and ready for action. The young assistant could be trusted to capture every moment.
"Master Noble?" The aide tried and failed to keep the anxiousness from his voice.
The professor couldn't blame him. She wasn't the only honoree who needed to be briefed and seated. However, she wasn't quite finished.
"Do you need someone to find you a seat? I am sure—"
"I will be just fine, my dear. Don't worry. This old man can still manage to get himself the perfect place to view the greatest event of the season. I ran into Provost Alden, and he is saving me a seat. I will find you after the ceremony. I'm proud of you, always!" Julius patted Noble gently on the cheek before turning to search out a spot for himself.
Noble's heart swelled with inexplicable pride. Even though she had not wanted to be there or to accept the award, Noble found herself smiling. She glanced at Julius's retreating form.
'If I didn't know better, I would swear he has an Aspect that does that!'
Somehow, he could make whoever he was addressing feel like they were the most important person in two worlds.
Julius's dormant Ability allowed him to put together seemingly useless information in a meaningful way. That was what had helped him escape in his First Nightmare when all of his crew were captured. It also assisted him during his years as an explorer. Julius's Awakened Ability allowed him to help others learn more quickly. If the student were willing, and even more if they were interested, he could teach them a skill or lesson in a fraction of the time.
Feeling special and valued, though? That was all Julius, and Noble loved her mentor for it.
Turning back toward the stage, the professor listened to the final instructions of her guide, which included how to exit when the ceremony was over. Noble nodded when she was asked if she understood.
She hovered over her chair, very glad to have a moment to think.
'I'm glad they gave me a place at the end of a row.'
The chair on the other side of her was empty, but the audience was getting very full. Noble noted a large group of warriors grouped together with a silver-haired princess in the center of them. Even though they were packed tightly around her, they somehow still managed to give the lady plenty of room to sit comfortably and breathe.
'Interesting.' Noble found that Julius was sitting with a contingent from the Academy. Alden was there as her stepfather had mentioned, but he was not alone.
'Rock, Nezha, Lovia... just how many people did he tell about this award?!'
Other than the Provost of the Academy, who had been notified about the award at the same time she had, Noble had not told anyone in the waking world about the event. Yet somehow, Julius had managed a strong showing for her in only a few hours. The rest could have been there to see someone else, of course, but the way they were grinning and waving at Noble made her doubt it.
'I will have to thank all of them later.' The floating woman made a mental note of each friend and colleague that she could find among the crowd.
A murmur beside Noble pulled her attention to the lady approaching with another aide. As expected, Song of the Fallen had come to claim the seat beside her.