Raised From The Wild-Chapter 431: An End, A Beginning

Princess Amaya, as the summa cum laude, was expected to deliver a valedictory speech — a moment that would forever be etched into the history of Lireya’s Alpha University.

As she stood at the same podium where Marx had just delivered his stirring address, the weight of the moment settled over her. The hall hushed into silence.

The grand auditorium was filled with not just the students but dignitaries from around the world who wanted to witness the unprecedented event of a princess who grew up in the wild and yet finished school in two years.

While Amaya had spoken so many times to a big audience in the last two years, she still could help but fell nervous. Then she smelt a lingering faint scent of musk and patchouli and the butterflies in her stomach settled.

She stood tall, the soft glow of the stage lights catching her delicate face, lightly made up for the occasion. Her eyes swept across the sea of faces — friends, family, and strangers alike — before she began to speak. Her voice, clear and steady, resonated through the hall, wrapping around each listener like a gentle breeze. She had crafted her speech so beautifully that it moved her audience to tears.

She spoke of loss and discovery, of how her childhood had been far from ordinary, growing up secluded from the world’s knowledge. Yet, she didn’t dwell on what she had missed. Instead, she celebrated the whirlwind of learning and growth she experienced in the last two years. Every word was a thread, weaving a tapestry of hope, resilience, and gratitude, her sincerity touching even the most hardened hearts. Many in the audience found themselves dabbing at their eyes, moved by her grace and humility.

Then, toward the end of her speech, she thanked her professors who had unselfishly imparted their knowledge to her.

"To my professors," she began, her gaze softening as she looked toward their section, "your patience and dedication have shaped me into the person I am today. You opened doors to worlds I had never imagined, and for that, I am grateful."

Stephane, seated beside the other professors, whispered hoarsely, "Do you think she is insulting us? As a professor, I feel inadequate to be her teacher. I am relieved that she is leaving the university. Now, I will regain my confidence."

The Physics professor chuckled softly. "I know what you mean. Once, I made a mistake during a lecture, and she corrected me."

"She did it in front of the whole class?" a middle-aged female professor asked, eyes wide.

"No... she waited until everyone left, even Julienne, known to be her shadow. Then she quietly pointed out my error." The professor said. A blush crept onto his face at the memory.

Another female professor sighed. "Well, she is graduating now. She will not cause us any more embarrassment. But then, as teachers, shouldn’t we be happy? They said that the best teachers are the ones who produce students that outshine their master."

The professors who heard her words were speechless.

On stage, Amaya’s gaze shifted toward her family. She expressed heartfelt thanks to her grandparents and cousins, her voice steady and warm. But when her eyes landed on Princess Consort Nelida, there was a brief pause — so fleeting it could have been missed, yet heavy enough to set the woman’s teeth on edge.

"And to my Aunt, Princess Consort Nelida... thank you as well."

Nelida, seated beside Ibarra, dug her fingernails into her palms, her face a perfect mask of composure, though her heart simmered with quiet fury. ’That insolent girl. Thanking me as an afterthought, in front of all these people, she did not even give her face.’

"To Daddy Ibarra, thank you for looking out for me as Daddy Ibrahim would. Thank you for treating me like your own daughter."

Prince Ibarra had a gentle smile on his face, and his eyes reddened. "Brother, you have raised a fine daughter. I actually envy you."

Finally, Amaya’s gaze found Marx. The moment their eyes met, her expression softened into something more delicate, more vulnerable. Her voice trembled ever so slightly, though she kept her composure.

"Marx, you were the first man I met and had taught me a lot and protected me in ways I can never repay. You were there when I started my journey back to civilization. Thank you."

The auditorium held its breath. Marx’s expression was unreadable, but the warmth in his eyes spoke volumes.

Amaya paused before sweeping the entire auditorium with her gaze.

"To my fellow graduates, don’t think that this is the end of our learning. We only have just begun. The future is boundless. Out there, is the vast world waiting for us to unravel, to learn from it, and to shape it. Let me end my speech with a piece of wisdom from the poet Max Ermann"

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

She ended with a curtsy — the most elegant and graceful she had ever performed. For a moment, the room was silent, as if the entire world had paused to admire the princess standing on that stage. Then, everyone stood as one, and the auditorium erupted into thunderous applause.

Marx rose to his feet, his strides long and graceful as he crossed the stage, a bouquet of fresh roses in hand. As he reached Amaya, their eyes met once more. He handed her the bouquet, his fingers grazing hers ever so slightly, and then gently guided her down the stairs.

"Welcome to a new beginning, Princess," he whispered in her ears as his fingers tightened on her arm.

Princess Amaya tilted her head and looked at him.

"Will you continue to accompany me on my journey, Marx? In my new beginning?" Her eyes were bright and hopeful.

"Of course, Aya. Of course." He said with a doting smile.

’I would even accompany you until the end of time.’ he uttered in his heart.