After the academy's commandant finished his speech, the actual graduation began. Each cadet walked across the stage to meet the commandant. He shook their hands and then had them kneel, where he touched his sword to both of their shoulders. Similar to knighting performed in some nations, but with a different meaning. After that, the cadet stands, salutes the commandant and moves on to the senior NCO a few feet away. After a salute, the NCO pins the bars of a Sous-lieutenant on the cadet's uniform.
After that, the cadets are no longer cadets, but officers in the Alliance military. In a weeks time, all of them will be with their units, serving their country.
In less than an hour, the ceremony has been performed for the entire graduating class. A short few words are said by the commandant, and the ceremony is concluded. The former cadets, relieved from duty for the next week, all toss their kepis in the air. Moments later, they all hurry to retrieve them amid shouts from Sergent-chef Chéreau about respecting the uniform. The cadets disperse into the crowd and around the academy to talk to friends and family and to gather personal belongings since they will not be at the academy much longer.
Jean Lefévre walks off stage and walks over to his father and Prince Robert. His father hugs him and congratulates him, before directing him to the Prince, who apparently had a gift for him. Jean simply looks to the prince, a curious expression on his face.
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