Chapter 15: A Stranger's Gaze
Kiss the heroine not me
Chapter 15: A Stranger's Gaze
The next morning, Aetrial woke with a renewed sense of determination. Yesterdayâs success in the simulation had bolstered his confidence, though he wasnât foolish enough to think his troubles were over. The academy was still a battlefield of politics, skill, and reputations, and he was far from being seen as an equal by most of his peers.
He got dressed in his less ostentatious clothes, grateful that his trip to the tailor had paid off. His reflection in the mirror gave him pause. No matter how many times he saw himself, he couldnât fully adjust to the sight of his delicate, feminine features. âAt least Iâm not wearing a dress,â he muttered, smoothing his jacket.
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The Library Incident
Deciding to make the most of his free morning, Aetrial headed to the library. The vast hall was filled with rows of bookshelves, towering like ancient guardians of knowledge. It was the perfect place to research magic theory and catch up on the curriculum he had largely ignored in his previous life as Aetrial.
He chose a quiet corner and pulled out a tome on mana control, engrossing himself in its contents. Dark magic might be his forte, but better control over his general mana reserves could open new avenues.
âExcuse me, is this seat taken?â
Aetrial looked up to see Leo, the bishop of the Church of Light and one of the male leads. The young manâs white hair and serene expression gave him an almost otherworldly aura.
âNo, go ahead,â Aetrial said cautiously.
Leo smiled and sat down, placing a stack of books on the table. He began reading, his presence radiating a calmness that put Aetrial slightly on edge. After a few minutes of silence, Leo spoke.
âYouâre Aetrial Ranolf, arenât you?â
Aetrial tensed. âYes. Is that a problem?â
Leo shook his head. âNot at all. Iâve heard a lot about you, though.â
âLet me guess: all bad things,â Aetrial replied dryly.
Leo chuckled softly. âPeople tend to talk more about flaws than virtues. But I believe everyone has their own struggles. I prefer to judge people by how they act, not what others say.â
Aetrial blinked. That was⦠unexpectedly reasonable. âThatâs surprisingly open-minded of you.â
Leoâs gaze turned thoughtful. âThe world isnât black and white, no matter how much some people want it to be. Even dark magic has its place, doesnât it?â
Aetrial wasnât sure how to respond to that, so he simply nodded.
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A Subtle Observation
As they continued reading, Aetrial couldnât help but notice that Leoâs attention occasionally drifted from his book to him. It wasnât overt, but it was enough to make him feel self-conscious.
âIs something wrong?â Aetrial finally asked, unable to take it anymore.
Leoâs eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush crept up his cheeks. âAh, no. I was just⦠admiring your focus. Itâs rare to see someone so dedicated to their studies.â
Aetrial frowned. That didnât seem entirely truthful, but he decided not to press the issue.
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An Unexpected Encounter
As Aetrial left the library, he bumped into Tyler Knightneurs, who was carrying a stack of training manuals. The fiery swordsman barely glanced at him before scowling.
âWatch where youâre going, Ranolf,â Tyler snapped, his tone sharp.
âMaybe you should try carrying fewer books,â Aetrial retorted, stepping around him.
Tyler stared after him, his scowl deepening. âWhatâs with that attitude?â he muttered under his breath.
Aetrial smirked to himself as he walked away. Dealing with Tyler was oddly satisfying, even if it meant earning another glare.
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Reflection
Back in his dormitory, Aetrial replayed the dayâs events in his mind. Leoâs words had left an impression on him. The bishopâs calm demeanor and open-mindedness were a stark contrast to the hostility he usually faced.
Still, Aetrial couldnât shake the feeling that Leo was observing him too closely. Was it simple curiosity, or was there something more to it?
As he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, Aetrial sighed. âThis world is going to drive me insane,â he muttered.
Tomorrow promised to bring new challenges, and Aetrial could only hope he was ready for them.
End of Chapter 15