Chapter 25: A Break in the Pattern

Chapter 25: A Break in the Pattern

The academy bustled with activity as the students prepared for an upcoming grand event: the Annual Magic Symposium. It was a chance for students to showcase their skills, network with influential figures, and earn recognition. Naturally, the buzz in the air was infectious.

Aetrial, however, wanted nothing to do with it. The idea of standing on a stage, performing like some kind of puppet, was far from appealing. But she knew that as a Ranolf, her absence would cause a stir.

“Why me?” she muttered, slumping at her desk in the dormitory.

The quiet knock at her door interrupted her musings.

“Aetrial, open up!” Lilliana’s cheerful voice called from the hallway.

Groaning, Aetrial stood and opened the door, greeted by Lilliana’s bright smile. She held a stack of pamphlets and a scroll.

“Here! These are the guidelines for the symposium,” Lilliana said, stepping into the room uninvited. “You’ve got to participate!”

Aetrial raised an eyebrow. “And what makes you think I want to?”

Lilliana rolled her eyes. “Because it’s tradition, and you’re from the Ranolf family. Plus, you’re talented. Everyone’s curious about what you’ll do.”

“Great,” Aetrial said flatly, sitting back down. “More people to stare at me.”

Lilliana plopped onto the chair across from her, leaning forward. “Come on, it won’t be that bad! Besides, I’m performing too. We can suffer together.”

Aetrial chuckled despite herself. “Fine. But if it’s awful, I’m blaming you.”

---

The Symposium Preparations

Over the next week, the academy transformed as decorations went up and magical wards were put in place to enhance the grandeur of the event. Students trained tirelessly, eager to impress the audience, which included prominent mages, nobles, and even royalty.

Aetrial spent her time in solitude, avoiding the practice grounds and working on a performance that wouldn’t draw too much attention but would still meet expectations.

While sketching out the runes for her spell, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Glancing around, she caught glimpses of her peers quickly looking away, their faces a mix of curiosity and fear.

The Ranolf name was as much a shield as it was a cage.

---

An Unexpected Encounter

One evening, while Aetrial practiced near the academy’s secluded forest, she sensed someone approaching. Turning sharply, she spotted Cain leaning casually against a tree, his arms crossed and a faint smirk on his lips.

“Do you always sneak up on people?” Aetrial asked, narrowing her eyes.

Cain shrugged. “You’re surprisingly hard to find. I was curious about what the heir of Ranolf was preparing for the symposium.”

“Curiosity killed the cat,” she retorted, turning back to her runes.

Cain chuckled, stepping closer. “True, but satisfaction brought it back.”

Aetrial sighed, focusing on her spell. She had no intention of entertaining him.

However, Cain’s gaze lingered, his thoughts spiraling. Despite the evidence that Aetrial was a man, her delicate features and subtle mannerisms didn’t match the infamous image of the Ranolf heir.

“Your magic,” Cain said suddenly, “it’s... refined. I didn’t expect that.”

“Why?” Aetrial asked, not looking up.

“You have a reputation,” Cain replied. “Ranolf heirs are known for their raw power, but this is different. It’s precise. Thoughtful.”

Aetrial paused, unsure how to respond. Was that a compliment?

“I guess I’m full of surprises,” she said, her tone guarded.

Cain smiled, though his mind churned with unanswered questions.

---

The Heroine's Concern

The next day, Lilliana cornered Aetrial in the library, her expression unusually serious.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time alone,” she said, sitting across from Aetrial.

“I prefer it that way,” Aetrial replied, flipping through a book.

Lilliana frowned. “I know you’re not as cold as you pretend to be. You’re hiding something, aren’t you?”

Aetrial stiffened, her fingers tightening on the page. “What are you talking about?”

Lilliana leaned closer, her voice soft. “You don’t have to tell me, but I’m here if you need someone to talk to.”

For a moment, Aetrial considered opening up, but the weight of her secret held her back. Instead, she gave a small, forced smile.

“Thanks, Lilliana, but I’m fine.”

Lilliana didn’t look convinced, but she let the matter drop.

---

Cain’s Revelation

That night, Cain sat in his quarters, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. The shadow figure appeared once more, bowing deeply.

“My lord, we’ve gathered additional information,” it said.

Cain gestured for it to continue.

“Aetrial Ranolf’s behavior remains inconsistent with his past records. He interacts more civilly, avoids conflict, and has shown remarkable restraint in his use of magic.”

Cain leaned back, his smirk fading. “And the rumors about his... appearance?”

“They persist, my lord. Many claim that Aetrial’s features are unusually delicate for a man, but we have confirmed his identity. He is, without a doubt, the Ranolf heir.”

Cain tapped his fingers against the armrest, his mind racing. “Interesting. There’s more to Aetrial Ranolf than meets the eye.”

The shadow hesitated before adding, “Do you believe his change is natural, or could it be... external influence?”

Cain’s smirk returned. “That’s what we’ll find out.”

As the shadow disappeared, Cain stood by the window, gazing out at the academy grounds. The Ranolf heir was an enigma, one he was determined to unravel.

---

Unfolding Threads

Aetrial, unaware of the storm brewing around her, continued her preparations for the symposium, her mind focused on perfecting her spell. Yet, deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her carefully constructed facade was beginning to crack.

She only hoped it wouldn’t shatter before she could figure out what exactly was happening to her.