"How would I know if you're telling the truth or not?"
Joad still wore a look of deep suspicion. Since arriving at the academy, his social circle had been as simple as could be—practically nonexistent.
To say he had connections here? That was basically impossible.
The First Grand Duke Ilan shot him a glare, clearly annoyed.
"If you didn't have a connection, why would I waste such a precious spot on you?"
"How am I supposed to know what you're thinking?" Joad fired back.
"You little brat!" Ilan huffed, exasperated.
He was seriously starting to think it was impossible to have a normal conversation with this kid. Not only was Joad annoyingly stubborn, but he was also completely ungrateful—not even willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
But now, Joad's expression had turned contemplative. He silently went over everyone he'd ever interacted with—every possible link or relationship—and after some thought, asked tentatively,
