Waking up in an unfamiliar world with no memories, I had only one advantage, a mind filled with knowledge of fictional tropes, clichés, and common sense learned from countless novels.

At first, I thought I was trapped in a romcom nightmare when I started triggering events like "Helping a Girl on a Rainy Day", "Damsel in Distress", and "Tripping Into the Heroine’s Arms." Naturally, I shut those nonsense down before they could escalate. No forced romances. No misunderstandings. No cringe.

But something was clearly off.

The world wasn’t just a slice-of-life comedy. 

Beneath the cliché academy setting, there were whispers of awakening powers, hidden dangers, and a brutal magic academy entrance exam. 

And every challenge I prevented or manipulated was an opportunity to grow stronger.

[Title Earned: Background Character.]
[Achievement Unlocked: Firm Mind.]
[New Skill Acquired: Background Character's Aura.]
[New Ability Acquired: Anti-Narrative Influence.]

I may be just a background character, but if fate insists on throwing these events at me, I’ll turn them into stepping stones.

Let the protagonists play their scripted roles — I have my own path to power.

━━━━━━━━◇━━━━━━━━


Titles: The Crown Prince / The Uncrowned Sovereign


- Antagonist & Supporting Character of "A Crown Of Ashes"


Resonance Gift: [Veil of Serenity] – Projects a calming, trustworthy aura that makes others lower their guard. Highly effective, yet subconsciously resisted by those of strong will or unique heritage.


Present Goal: "Ensure a smooth return to the capital. Observe his little sister's development."


Note: "His smile is a carefully crafted shield. The blood that grants him the right to rule is the very thing that isolates him from the throne he claims to cherish."


I went silent inside as I processed the information floating in front of my mind's eye.


'Hmm... 4-star threat level, a useful gift, high rank...'


That was all within my expectations. But the rest...


Chapter 372 - Is He Really Just A Doting Big Brother?