Prince Aurelian's eyes moved from me to Elior and then back to me. The air between us felt stiff and heavy.
I resisted the urge to sigh. Aurelian Maximus Hart.
In the novel, he was known as a mischievous prince-especially during his academy years. His first meeting with the heroine had begun with a prank, one that later turned into affection. Along with his group, he was infamous for causing trouble wherever he went.
...And it seemed like this was the starting.
"Y-yes, Your Highness," I said quickly, bowing. "My name is Azure Windward, the youngest son of Count Windward.
A snort came from behind him.
"What a stupid son of a count," one boy scoffed. "He couldn't even recognise the prince."
"Why would he?" a girl added with a laugh. "He was cooped up in his roon until he was dragged to the academy!"
Their words stung, but I kept my expression calm.
"I sincerely apologise," I said evenly. "I have lived in the county until now, and this is my first time coming so far from home. I truly had no idea of Your Highness's identity."
Silence followed.
The students stare at me, visibly taken aback. Perhaps they hadn't expected a calm reply-certainly not from someone they assumed would stutter or cry.
Prince Aurelian stepped forward.
My shoulders tensed. Is he going to hit me? Or humiliate me further?
Before I could brace myself-
"Good morning, students."
The voice cut through the tension like a blade.
A tall man with a sturdy build stood before us, arms crossed confidently. "I am Professor Strong, your practical instructor. Now then, let us not waste time. Gather up- we'll begin the lesson immediately."
An angel. Truly.
Relief washed over me.
I quickly took Elior's hand and pulled him towards the professor, leaving the stunned prince and his followers behind.
-------------
For the rest of the day, I made sure to stay far away from Prince Aurelian and his group.
Elior, on the other hand, stuck close to me. We talked easily-perhaps because our counties were near each other, or perhaps because neither of us liked forced conversations. By the end of the day, it felt natural to sit together in my room until dinner.
It was comfortable. And genuine.
After all, Elior wasn't a character from the novel. I could know him freely, without fear of plot interference.
Overall, my first day at the academy wasn't so bas. Though, I couldn't help but wonder- How lonely must this place have been for the original Azure?
The next day arrived quickly.
Rowan and Glenn met me in the hall, greeting me as if it were a routine now. Despite ,y attempts to walk alone, they accompanied me to class, asking about my first day.
"It was nice," was all I said.
Classes began.
Study was the same everywhere-even in another world. Wake up. Wash. Attend lectures. Repeat. Strangely enough, the routine felt comforting.
During break, Elior and I went to the academy gardens.
"Wait here," he said cheerfully, "I'll get us some dessert."
I nodded, settling onto a bench with a book from the library. It was a mystery-ghost stories, to be precise.
Bad choice.
A sudden sound echoed from the woods.
"Meow...meow..."
The cry sounded frightened. And oddly strained.
I closed the book and stood. "A cat...?"
As I stepped closer into the woods, bushes rustled behind me.
I turned. Nothing.
The sound repeated. Again. Amd again.
The meowing stopped.
My chest tightened.
I really shouldn't have read that book...
Just as I turned back, the bushes exploded with movement.
I ran.
The rustling grew louder, closer-
Suddenly, a white-clad figure leapt in front of me.
"Aah!"
I stumbled and fell hard.
More figures emerged, surrounding me-white clothes, expresionless masks, knives glinting in their hands.
My heart pounded violently.
Is this it? Is this really how I die?