Chapter 27: The Weight of Expectations

Chapter 27: The Weight of Expectations

The symposium concluded with a grand banquet, a formal affair where students and esteemed guests mingled. Aetrial sat at the far end of a long, elaborately set table, nibbling at her food while keeping her head down. She could feel eyes on her, as always, but most people were content to observe from a distance.

They’re just scared of the Ranolf name, she thought, taking another bite of the overly rich cake.

Despite the prestige that came with her name, the weight of their expectations pressed heavily on her. She had been keeping up the charade, maintaining the image of Aetrial Ranolf, but each passing day brought new challenges.

---

Unwanted Attention

Across the room, a group of students whispered to one another. Aetrial ignored them, but their conversation reached her ears regardless.

“Ranolf’s dark magic is on a completely different level.”

“Of course. You’d expect no less from that family.”

“But have you noticed how... different he’s been acting lately?”

She stiffened slightly but continued to eat, pretending not to hear.

---

The Heroine’s Arrival

Lilliana entered the banquet hall with her usual poise, her light magic practically radiating an aura of warmth. She was quickly surrounded by admirers, her infectious laughter echoing through the room.

Aetrial caught sight of her and immediately tried to shrink further into her seat. Lilliana, however, had already noticed her and began walking over.

“Aetrial!” Lilliana greeted cheerfully, her voice bright enough to turn heads.

Aetrial forced a polite smile. “Hello, Lilliana.”

“You’re sitting all the way back here?” she asked, pulling out a chair beside her. “Why not join the rest of us up front?”

“I prefer it back here,” Aetrial replied, hoping she’d take the hint.

But Lilliana was as persistent as ever. “You’re so mysterious! Everyone’s been talking about your performance at the symposium. It was incredible!”

“It was just a simple spell,” Aetrial muttered, wishing the conversation would end.

---

A Familiar Presence

Before Lilliana could continue, Cain entered the banquet hall. His presence was magnetic, drawing the attention of nearly everyone present. He strode confidently to a nearby table, his crimson eyes scanning the room until they landed on Aetrial.

Aetrial cursed inwardly. Why is he here?

Lilliana followed her gaze, her own curiosity piqued. “Who’s that? He’s quite handsome.”

“No idea,” Aetrial lied, looking away quickly.

Cain didn’t approach, instead taking a seat at a table across the hall, but his gaze remained fixed on her. It was unnerving.

---

The Banquet’s End

As the banquet concluded, students began to filter out, chatting about the symposium and their plans for the next day. Aetrial took the opportunity to slip away quietly, but she wasn’t quick enough.

“Aetrial,” a familiar voice called.

She froze, turning to see Cain leaning casually against a nearby pillar. His crimson eyes gleamed in the dim light, and his smirk was as infuriating as ever.

“What do you want?” she asked, her voice carefully controlled.

Cain straightened, taking a step closer. “You’re awfully quick to run off. I thought we might have a conversation.”

“I’m not in the mood,” Aetrial replied, trying to brush past him.

He stepped into her path, his expression turning slightly more serious. “You carry the weight of your family’s name well, but I wonder—do they truly know who you are?”

Her heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face neutral. “What are you talking about?”

Cain’s smirk returned, though his gaze remained sharp. “Nothing... yet.”

---

A Tense Departure

Aetrial managed to slip away, her mind racing. Cain’s words lingered, stirring unease. Does he know? How could he possibly know?

As she walked through the dimly lit halls of the academy, her footsteps echoed softly. The air felt heavier, as though the weight of her secrets had grown.

---

Cain’s Reflection

Back in his quarters, Cain stood by the window, staring out at the moonlit courtyard. His shadow flickered, and the familiar dark figure emerged once more.

“My lord,” the shadow began, bowing deeply.

“Did you observe her tonight?” Cain asked, his tone thoughtful.

“Yes, my lord. The Ranolf heir continues to act... peculiar. He avoids attention yet draws it effortlessly. And his behavior is far too graceful for the reputation he once had.”

Cain’s lips curled into a smirk. “I’ve already suspected the truth, but it’s still amusing to watch her dance around her secrets. Aetrial Ranolf... what are you hiding?”

The shadow hesitated before speaking again. “Shall we act, my lord?”

Cain shook his head. “Not yet. Let her secrets unravel in their own time. It makes the game far more entertaining.”

The shadow disappeared, leaving Cain alone with his thoughts. His smirk faded slightly as he recalled Aetrial’s expression earlier.

“A contradiction,” he murmured. “And yet, so fascinating.”