Chapter 17: Preparations and Probing

Chapter 17: Preparations and Probing

The Ranolf family estate bustled with activity as preparations for the upcoming Magic Display were underway. Lucas and Yvonne coordinated the tailoring, spell scrolls, and logistics with their usual efficiency, leaving Aetrial with little excuse to avoid the event.

Aetrial sat in the library, a book on dark magic open in front of her, though she was far from focused. Instead, her thoughts wandered to the academy.

“Why do I keep getting involved in these situations?” she muttered, tapping her fingers on the desk. “The original Aetrial didn’t even care about these events. If anything, he actively avoided them to slack off.”

Her musings were interrupted when Yvonne appeared, carrying a sleek, black outfit adorned with subtle silver embroidery.

“This will be your attire for the Magic Display, Young Master,” she announced, laying it out carefully.

Aetrial’s eyes widened. “Isn’t this a bit… flashy?”

Yvonne shook her head with a knowing smile. “This is a subdued design by Ranolf standards. Your family’s prestige demands a certain level of grandeur.”

Lucas entered behind her, holding a small box. “And here are the enchanted accessories to complement it. The brooch, in particular, carries a minor shielding spell—a subtle but effective protection in case anything goes awry.”

Aetrial sighed, leaning back in her chair. “You two really think of everything, don’t you?”

“It is our duty,” Lucas replied simply, though his tone carried a hint of pride.

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Curiosity Among the Male Leads

At the academy, the male leads had begun to notice Aetrial’s growing presence.

Arthur Lionheart sat in his study, reviewing a report from his informants. “Ranolf… dark magic talent confirmed. But why now?” He tapped his pen against the parchment, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. “There’s more to him than meets the eye.”

Tyler Knightneurs, meanwhile, heard the rumors through his training partners. “So the dark prince is actually showing up to the Magic Display, huh?” he said with a smirk. “Guess I’ll see if all this hype is real.”

Stephan de’Gold leaned back in his chair, sipping his tea. “He’s unpredictable. A wildcard, really. But that could be… useful.”

William Middleton, ever the scholar, had buried himself in books on dark magic, determined to understand Aetrial’s abilities. “Ranolf’s talent shouldn’t be underestimated. If he’s truly embraced his family’s legacy, he could become a formidable ally—or opponent.”

Leo, the gentle bishop, simply smiled when he heard the news. “Everyone deserves a chance to shine. Perhaps this will reveal Aetrial’s true character.”

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An Unexpected Encounter

The day before the Magic Display, Aetrial decided to visit the academy library to study. She hoped to avoid attention, but fate had other plans.

As she reached for a book on advanced dark magic, another hand brushed against hers. Startled, she turned to see Arthur Lionheart standing beside her.

“Ah, Aetrial,” Arthur said smoothly, his blue eyes scanning her face. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Aetrial stiffened, forcing a polite smile. “I could say the same to you, Your Highness.”

Arthur chuckled, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. “You’ve been the talk of the academy lately. Your talents have certainly caught everyone’s attention.”

“Not intentionally,” she replied, pulling the book from the shelf. “I’d prefer to stay under the radar, honestly.”

Arthur’s expression softened, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of something—concern, perhaps? But before Aetrial could dwell on it, he stepped back.

“Well, I look forward to seeing your performance tomorrow,” he said with a nod before walking away.

Aetrial let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Why does he keep looking at me like that?”

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A Sleepless Night

Back at the Ranolf estate, Aetrial tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. The weight of the upcoming event pressed heavily on her mind.

“I can’t mess this up,” she murmured. “Not just for me, but for the Ranolf name.”

She glanced at her hands, flexing her fingers as dark mana crackled faintly around them. “This power… it’s not entirely mine. But if I can control it, maybe I can carve out a new path for myself.”

Determined, she sat up and grabbed the book she’d borrowed from the library. “If I’m going to survive this world, I need to start taking control.”

As the night stretched on, Aetrial immersed herself in studying, her resolve hardening with every page.

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End of Chapter 17