Chapter 20 Ch. 20: The Academy [1]

A/N:

Welcome to the 2nd arc.

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**AYC 554

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White hair gleamed in the sunlight, it fluttered gently; danced along the wind.

A tween was seen leaning against the window sill with arms folded.

He eyed the purple book that lay on the desk in front of him.

It was the book given by Nathaniel.

In the past two years, Adrian read countless history books.

He visited the Empress and the Emperor's library, but none of them connected to the Void History.

However, there were still two distinguished libraries left to stop by, the academy and the Tower.

Whether the book contained truth or lies, he would find out after visiting them.

–Knock –Knock –Knock

Knocks resounded throughout the space.

"Your Highness, this is Fredinand."

"Enter."

The old man approached him and bowed.

"The preparations are complete and Her Majesty is waiting."

"I understand."

Adrian straightened his back.

He walked towards the desk and put the book into his Magical Sphere.

They exited the room and headed to the entrance hall.

Several maids and butlers bent their backs when he passed by.

It was still fresh in his memory how they struggled to adjust due to the stark contrasting personalities between him and the original Adrian.

But over time, they adapted and eventually accepted him; the new Adrian.

Upon arriving, a blonde-haired woman was seen having a conversation with Marie.

Aerilyn turned and when their blue eyes locked each other, her lips curved upward.

Adrian and Fredinand bowed.

"I greet the Empress of Aeon Empire."

"You may rise."

They straightened their backs and she immediately embraced him.

"Ah, I can't believe my son will be away from me for three years!"

Aerilyn conveyed his sadness whilst stroking his hair.

When children reached the age of 9, they were obliged to attend the Academy for 3 years.

And today was his departure.

"Don't worry, mom, I'll call you."

Adrian patted her on the back to reassure her and after feeling satisfied, Arilyn released him.

"It's a promise, right?"

"Of course."

Adrian nodded and let out a smile.

Aerilyn caressed his face, then smooched his cheeks in turns.

Somehow, he got used to the way his mother treated him and to be honest, it wasn't that bad.

Also, thanks to her, now he knew what it felt like to have a mother.

Aerilyn hugged him one more time and landed a kiss on his forehead.

"I wish you a safe trip."

"Thank you."

After bidding farewell, he entered the carriage and waved his hand.

Aerilyn waved back and soon the carriage began to move.

Adrian rested his back on the couch and crossed his arms and legs.

"Haa…"

His eyes darted at the faraway sky outside the window with a face devoid of any expression.

'Four years…'

He only had four years left before his fateful day came.

Adrian looked at his [STATUS WINDOWS]. **

Apart from attending Martial Arts classes, he still did his secret exercises and even asked Fredinand to teach him.

Nonetheless, all of that did not give him the significant improvement he hoped for.

That was due to Adrian's premature birth—which slowed down his physical progress.

And because of it, he had to work twice as hard just to raise his Physical Stats.

Simply put, he had done everything he could for his survival.

And it would doubtlessly be a pain in the ass if he were killed by the protagonist.

Now that he talked about it, Adrian hadn't had any contact with Nathaniel since the last time they met.

But for him, it was for the best.

He had involved himself in politics in his previous life—thanks to his mission, and honestly speaking, the people in it were disgusting beyond imagination.

He learned about the power struggle between the Lancaster and Delacroix families, and Adrian thought that the politics of the two worlds weren't much different.

Although, it was true that Nathaniel was kind to him.

But as both of them were in the line of succession and amplified by Adrian's fate in the novel, he found it hard to trust him.

Living in a world where politics revolved, trust was something hard to do because you never knew when your allies were going to stab you in the back.

Many medieval histories showed him that sometimes trust could be led to downfall and death was no exception.

Was he being too cautious?

Adrian didn't care.

Better safe than sorry.

He took out a history book and decided to read to kill some time.

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The Arcanist Arts Academy.

It was the most prestigious institution in the Terra Continent.

The academy was located in a grand castle, nestled in Agatha, the capital city of the Aeon Empire.

Established centuries ago, the academy was renowned for its rigorous curriculum.

And during the period of 3 years, the students would be taught various subjects, including magic, combat, politics, and history.

Many merchants and nobles children from neighboring Kingdoms also attended this academy.

Or it was more likely that their parents were looking for opportunities to build networks and alliances using their offspring.

Indistinctive clatter filled the air as the Academy courtyard was packed with people.

Today was the Academy's enrollment day.

–Clack –Clack –Clack

Four majestic white horses were drawn in a luxurious carriage decorated with intricate gold and silver details.

–Neigh!

The coachman parked in front of the academy entrance gate and soon the crowd's eyes landed on it.

The carriage was grandiose and aesthetically pleasing, it looked as if the owners wanted to show off their endless wealth.

They could only cluck their tongues in awe.

When they were curious about who it was, the Imperial pennant that flapped on top of the carriage gave away the riders' identity.

"Is it the Second Prince?"

They had heard rumors that he would be enrolled this year and it seemed to be true.

An old man dressed in a butler suit approached and opened the door.

Soon a white-haired tween dressed in regal attire descended from the carriage.

The buzzing sound of the mob subsided and changed into dead silence upon seeing his striking appearance.

It was the Second Prince's first appearance in public.

Adrian swept the surroundings and he could see how their eyes fixated on him.

White hair was the Leillucis trait descendant and when one tugged their head to the public, it would easily attract unwanted attention—like this.

He sighed inwardly and he decided to ignore them.

"Lead the way."

"As you wish."

Fredinand led in the front and Adrian followed behind.

Their footsteps echoed and when they walked, the crowd quickly took steps back to create a clear path for them.

Who would have thought a scene that you would only see in shoujo anime unfold before his eyes?

It was dramatic and lame at the same time.

However, there was someone who did not bother to move.

He stands tall and confident, with broad shoulders and a lean, muscular build.

His jet-black hair glistened under the sun and his golden eyes shone as bright as ambers.

The corner of his mouth tugged up wryly as he gazed at him.

"What a grand entrance."

Of course, it was a sarcastic joke, regardless, Adrian responded to it.

"Thank you?"

Hearing his little brother answer, Nathaniel couldn't help but chuckle.

"Pfft, ahaha, it's just sarcasm, you don't have to answer it."

Just like him, he also seemed unaffected by the throng.

As soon as he suppressed his laugh, Nathaniel ultimately let out a benign smile.

"Long time no see."

Adrian nodded.

"Long time no see."

Same as attending the Martial Arts class, the student's royal title did not apply here either.

When Nathaniel saw his indifferent face and cold blue eyes, he realized that Adrian had not regained his memories.

Disappointment crept in but he decided to brush it off as he didn't want to spoil the mood.

"Then, should I show you around the academy?"

"I'd appreciate that."

With that, Adrian and Nathaniel walk side by side.

The masses split like a magnet pulling them apart; allowing them to pass through unimpeded.

"So, how are you?"

"Pretty good."

"I'm glad."

They continued to converse and Fredinand decided to separate because he had to complete Adrian's registration paperwork.

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"Here."

Nathaniel handed Adrian a bottle of juice.

"Thank you."

He opened the lid and drank it.

–Gulp –Gulp –Gulp

Adrian watched how water slid down Nathaniel's throat—or specifically studying his [STATUS WINDOW]. **

He clucked his tongue in annoyance inwardly.

Just look at him, the protagonist was only 11 years old yet his Physical Stat rank average was A.

If Nathaniel activated his Gift, then his rank would be around S rank.

'An S rank versus a C rank…'

Adrian sealed his mouth tightly.

Even without further explanation, the result was obvious.

Putting everything aside, Adrian drank the water to cleanse his mind.

Their little tour had ended and they were currently sitting on a bench in the Academy's inner courtyard.

Luckily there were fewer people here which was good.

He distanced the bottle from his mouth and darted to a magnificent water fountain in front of them.

The sound of the water cascading down the fountain's tiers somehow brought tranquility and serenity.

As the silence continued, Nathaniel broke it.

"Hey, why don't you join the Student Council?"

Adrian glanced at him.

Little thing he knew, Nathaniel was the Student Council President of the Academy and without beating around the bush, he replied firmly.

"No."

He didn't have time for such things.

"Tsk. My little brother is no fun."

Adrian shrugged.

"But if it's going to make me graduate early, I'll consider it."

It was true that nobles were required to attend the academy for 3 years, but that didn't rule out the possibility of graduating early.

"So you decided to graduate early, huh?"

"Yes."

Nathaniel nodded his head in understanding.

"In two years?"

Adrian shook his head.

"In a year."

As he was racing against time, Adrian planned to graduate in one year's time—more than that was unforgivable.

Yet, the black-haired tween looked at him in astonishment before his face crooked weirdly, and burst out laughing.

"Ahahaha!"

Adrian patiently waited but the end of his laughter was nowhere to be seen.

"Ahahaha!"

The more Adrian heard his guffawed, the more it grates his nerves.

His lips were trembling with annoyance and for the first time in his life, Adrian wanted to punch someone so badly.

In the end, he decided to ignore him.

Noticing his little brother's sour mood, Nathaniel extended his hand.

–Slap!

Nathaniel's laughter came to an abrupt stop with surprise painted on his face.

Not only he, but Adrian also shared the same expression.

"I–I'm sorry."

The thing was, Fredinand taught him about sensitivity, and unbeknownst to him, he smacked Nathaniel's hand away.

Thanks to him, now the mood was ruined.

Nevertheless, Nathaniel forced out a smile and shrugged.

"No one has graduated in a year, even the fastest record is two years. But I'll cheer for you."

"Thanks."

Adrian knew, he tried to alleviate the awkward atmosphere but it was still there.

"Ian…"

He turned and—

"Ah!"

A shriek escaped Adrian's mouth as his body swung sideways; his neck was encircled by Nathaniel's arm.

"You little brat! Just let me pet you dammit!"

Adrian had no idea what was going on; it happened so fast he didn't have time to react at all and Nathaniel started tousling his white hair.

"Stop it!"

Adrian tried to get away but to no avail—their gap of strength was way too great.

"You're hurting me!"

Nathaniel paused and squinted for evidence that Adrian was harmed, but what he found was his annoyingly unfazed face.

"You little imp! How dare you deceive me!"

And Nathaniel mercilessly ruffled his head once again.

"Waaahhh!"

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Spoiler:

We'll see new characters in the next chapter.