Chapter 16: The Invitation

Chapter 16: The Invitation

Aetrial sat at the ornate dining table in the Ranolf family estate, staring at her cup of tea as if it held the secrets of the universe. Despite the mansion's grandiose atmosphere, the weight of recent events dulled its splendor. Between misunderstandings at the academy and her struggle to hide her true identity, her new life was turning into an endless maze of awkwardness and stress.

"More tea, Young Master?" Yvonne, ever composed, asked as she reached for the teapot.

Aetrial gave a distracted nod. "Sure, why not? Maybe another cup will magically fix my life."

Before Yvonne could pour, Lucas entered with his usual efficiency, holding a silver tray with a neatly folded letter bearing the academy's wax seal.

"This just arrived, Young Master," Lucas announced, setting the letter down in front of her. "It appears to be from the academy."

Aetrial raised an eyebrow and hesitantly picked it up. "An invitation? Why does this feel like bad news already?"

She carefully broke the seal and began to read aloud:

"Dear Aetrial Ranolf,

In light of your recent exemplary display of magical prowess, we are pleased to invite you to participate in the Annual Academy Magic Display. This prestigious event showcases the abilities of our most promising students and is an honor bestowed upon the elite."

Aetrial froze mid-read, her face a mask of disbelief. "Exemplary? Promising? Did they send this to the wrong address?"

Lucas raised a curious eyebrow. "Why would it be a mistake, Young Master? It's only natural that someone of your talent and lineage would be invited."

Yvonne added, "Indeed, Young Master. The Ranolf family has long been synonymous with unparalleled mastery of dark magic. This invitation merely reflects your rightful place."

Aetrial groaned, slumping in her chair. "You two are missing the point. I've only been 'demonstrating my talent' because I keep stumbling into situations I can't avoid. Now they want me to show off in front of everyone?"

Yvonne placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "This is an opportunity to reclaim the Ranolf family's prestige, Young Master. Your performance could silence any who doubt your abilities."

Lucas nodded solemnly. "Your grandfather used to dominate such events in his youth. His spells were so terrifyingly precise that even the most seasoned mages trembled before him."

Aetrial winced. "No pressure, right?" She folded the letter and set it aside. "Fine. I'll think about it. But don't expect me to be happy about it."

---

Whispers at the Academy

Meanwhile, back at the academy, news of Aetrial's invitation had spread like wildfire.

"I heard he's going to showcase advanced dark magic," one student whispered in awe.

"Advanced? Last I checked, he barely paid attention in class," another scoffed.

"Doesn't matter. The Ranolf name carries weight. Their family's dark magic is unmatched," a third chimed in.

Rumors continued to swirl, painting Aetrial as a mysterious, unpredictable enigma. Some feared him, others were curious, but all were intrigued by what he might bring to the event.

---

Late-Night Musings

That evening, Aetrial sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at the invitation.

The original Aetrial Ranolf from the novel had never received such recognition. Lazy and arrogant, he had wasted his potential until his untimely demise. Only after meeting the heroine had he begun to hone his talents, but by then, it had been too late.

"This... isn't how the story is supposed to go," she murmured, her fingers tracing the embossed academy seal. "Is it my talent? Yamauca's? Or both?"

The thought sent a shiver down her spine. While she had inherited the original Aetrial's natural aptitude for dark magic, it felt amplified, as if her presence had somehow strengthened it.

She sighed, placing the letter on the bedside table. "Guess I'll have to wing it. Again."

---

A Morning Decision

The following morning, Aetrial found herself pacing her room. Yvonne and Lucas stood nearby, waiting for her answer regarding the Magic Display.

"Alright," she said finally, crossing her arms. "I'll participate. But don't expect me to go overboard. I'll do the bare minimum to not embarrass myself-or you."

Lucas bowed slightly. "As you wish, Young Master. I shall prepare the appropriate attire for the occasion."

"And I'll ensure you have everything you need," Yvonne added, her smile warm.

As the two left to make arrangements, Aetrial collapsed onto her bed. "Why do I feel like I just signed up for a disaster?"

Little did she know, her participation would set off a chain of events that no one could have anticipated.

---

End of Chapter 16

In case you missed it, I've changed our main character's pronouns to she/her.