Chapter 15

The Academy buzzed with excitement during the Heritage Jubilee. For weeks, the campus had been alive with energy-performances, exhibitions, and cultural activities filling every corner of the grounds.

For Adrelo, however, this flurry of activity was something he carefully avoided. He managed to steer clear of the crowds and, thankfully, the main leads who were usually found in the far-side building reserved for top elites and seniors.

It was a relief not to cross paths with them, especially after his sudden encounter with the Fourth Prince and Isolde in the dance room.

It was just another day for Adrelo as he attended his classes and quietly kept to himself. His routine had become almost monotonous, but he welcomed the lack of drama.

That morning, as he made his way through the halls, he noticed whispers among the students about a new transfer. Adrelo brushed it off, assuming it was just another noble elite trying to gain recognition in the Academy.

Little did he know, this was the day the female lead of the novel would make her grand entrance after passing the rigorous examinations with flying colors.

By the time his classes were over, Adrelo felt at ease. No major incidents, no troublesome characters-just a calm, quiet day. With a rare sense of relaxation, he decided to visit the music room again. It had become a sanctuary for him, a place to unwind and let his thoughts flow through the melodies he created.

As he approached the music room, Adrelo checked to make sure it was empty. To his relief, it was.

He stepped inside, the familiar scent of polished wood and faintly aged sheet music calming his nerves. He walked toward the grand piano, its black surface gleaming under the soft light.

Sitting down, he allowed his fingers to glide over the keys, producing a hauntingly beautiful melody.

The music carried emotions he couldn't put into words-memories of his past life, bittersweet longing, and a quiet hope for something better. He transitioned into a piece from his original world, a song his mother used to hum when he was young.

The room filled with a melody so captivating it seemed almost otherworldly. Unbeknownst to Adrelo, someone had been drawn to the sound.

Standing just outside the door, the figure hesitated before stepping in quietly, careful not to disturb the music.

As the boy approached, he paused behind Adrelo, captivated not only by the melody but also by the sight before him.

Adrelo's white hair glowed under the soft light, his posture elegant and refined. The boy thought he was looking at an angel, fallen from the heavens and gracing the world with divine music.

The boy didn't move, afraid to break the spell of the moment. But as the song came to an end, he couldn't stop himself from clapping softly, the sound startling Adrelo.

Adrelo spun around, his heart pounding as his eyes landed on a beautiful boy standing behind him. His black hair framed a delicate face, and dark green eyes gazed at him with admiration. The boy's porcelain skin seemed to glow faintly, and Adrelo couldn't help but notice the small beauty mark beneath his lips. He was striking, almost ethereal, with a presence that felt both gentle and captivating.

For a moment, Adrelo was at a loss for words.

"That was extraordinary," the boy said, his voice like a gentle melody itself. It was soft and angelic, carrying an almost hypnotic quality that made Adrelo's breath hitch.

"W-who are you?" Adrelo stammered, his face heating up.

The boy smiled warmly. "Ah, forgive me for startling you. I was just passing by when I heard your music. It was too beautiful to ignore."

Adrelo quickly stood, his mind racing to come up with an excuse. "I-uh, I didn't think anyone would be here. I'm sorry if I disturbed-"

"Disturbed?" the boy interrupted, his tone gentle but firm.

"No, not at all. I'm glad I came by. You're incredibly talented."

Adrelo felt butterflies in his stomach-a strange, unfamiliar feeling. The boy's voice and demeanor were disarming, so unlike the sharp and calculating personalities of the other characters he had encountered in this world.

"What's your name?" the boy asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Adrelo," he replied hesitantly, bracing himself for the reaction he usually received.

The boy blinked, his expression thoughtful.

"Adrelo... That's interesting. You don't seem anything like the rumors I've heard."

"Rumors?" Adrelo asked warily.

The boy nodded but smiled reassuringly.

"Don't worry. I don't put much stock in them. You seem... kind. And your music speaks volumes about your heart."

Adrelo didn't know how to respond. For the first time, he felt a strange comfort in someone's presence, as though this boy's gentle demeanor melted away his usual defenses.

"What's your name?" Adrelo asked after a moment, his curiosity getting the better of him.

The boy's smile widened slightly.

"I'm Elias Caspian Fernhart, the youngest son of the Fernhart family. Most people just call me Elias."

Adrelo's eyes widened in recognition. Fernhart? He suddenly remembered Lucien Fernhart, the green-haired boy from his class.

"You're Lucien's younger brother," Adrelo murmured, more to himself than to Elias.

Elias tilted his head again.

"You know my brother? Oh, of course you would. He's in your year, isn't he?"

Adrelo nodded slowly, still processing the revelation.

This was the famous "Hummingbird" of the Fernhart family, renowned for his angelic voice that could captivate anyone who heard it. Standing here now, Adrelo couldn't help but feel that reputation was entirely deserved.

Elias stepped closer, his gaze curious.

"Will you be playing here again? I'd love to hear more of your music."

Adrelo hesitated, unsure of what to say. He wanted to retreat, to avoid forming attachments or drawing attention to himself. But something about Elias's warm smile and gentle aura made him feel... safe.

"Maybe," Adrelo said finally, his voice quieter than usual.

Elias's smile didn't waver. "I'll look forward to it, then."

As the boy turned to leave, Adrelo found himself staring after him, his heart pounding for reasons he couldn't quite understand.

****

After his encounter with Elias, Adrelo felt an inexplicable mix of emotions-comfort, embarrassment, and confusion. He decided to clear his mind and headed to the schoolyard for some fresh air. The vast yard was beautiful in the late afternoon light, with tall trees swaying gently in the breeze and patches of flowers adding bursts of color to the landscape.

Adrelo found a quiet spot under a tree and sat down, enjoying the peacefulness that the yard offered. As he gazed at the scenery, his usually tense demeanor softened, and his face displayed a rare gentleness.

Moments like these reminded him of his past life, where he found solace in quiet places, away from the noise of the world.

Suddenly, a few birds fluttered down from the trees and landed near him, some even perching on his lap. Surprised at first, Adrelo let out a soft laugh and began gently petting the birds. They chirped and seemed to enjoy his presence, as if drawn to his quiet and calming aura.

Unbeknownst to him, someone was watching this serene moment.

Xaviel Alistair Raventhorn, the Duke of Raventhorn's heir, was passing by the yard when he noticed Adrelo. His sharp gaze immediately locked onto the boy sitting under the tree. Xaviel's initial reaction was irritation.

What was he doing here? Adrelo Dierre, the notorious young master of the Dierre family, had a reputation for arrogance and cruelty. Yet, as Xaviel observed the scene before him, he paused.

Adrelo didn't look anything like the ruthless figure Xaviel had imagined. Instead, he appeared calm, almost angelic, with his pale hair glowing under the sunlight and birds flocking to him like something out of a fairy tale.

Intrigued despite himself, Xaviel strode forward.

"What are you doing here?" Xaviel asked, his deep voice cutting through the tranquil atmosphere.

Startled, Adrelo turned his head sharply, his silver eyes meeting Xaviel's piercing gaze. His heart dropped. Standing before him was Xaviel Alistair Raventhorn, the heir of House Raventhorn and one of the most fearsome characters in the novel. Known for his aerokinesis and unrelenting nature, Xaviel was a figure Adrelo had hoped to avoid at all costs.

Adrelo's hands grew clammy, and he struggled to maintain his composure.

"I-I was just... getting some fresh air," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Xaviel raised an eyebrow, noting the nervousness in Adrelo's tone. The young master of the Dierre family, the same person known for his sharp tongue and cold demeanor, was... afraid?

Adrelo's wide eyes and trembling figure reminded Xaviel of a small, frightened bunny. He found it oddly amusing, a stark contrast to the image he had of Adrelo in his mind. He chuckled softly, more to himself than at Adrelo, but the sound made Adrelo freeze.

Adrelo's gaze flickered to Xaviel's face, and his breath caught. Xaviel was undeniably handsome, with sharp features and a smirk that could either disarm or destroy someone in an instant. The afternoon sun highlighted his dark blue hair and brought out the vibrant beautiful eyes

When their gazes locked, Adrelo's cheeks flushed, and he quickly looked away, fumbling for words.

"I-I didn't mean to intrude!" Adrelo blurted, his voice high-pitched in panic.

"I was just... I'll leave now!"

Xaviel tilted his head, studying Adrelo with a mix of curiosity and amusement. He couldn't remember the last time someone reacted to him this way. Most people either respected or feared him, but this was... different. Adrelo's nervousness wasn't from respect-it was genuine fear, as though Xaviel was about to devour him whole.

"You don't have to leave," Xaviel said, softening his tone. He wasn't sure why he did it, but he felt an odd urge to reassure the boy.

However, this only made things worse for Adrelo. Xaviel's gentler demeanor was unsettling. In the novel, Xaviel reserved this kindness only for the female lead, making this moment even more unnerving for Adrelo. His mind raced with thoughts of escape.

"N-no, it's fine. I really should be going!"

Adrelo said hurriedly, his words tumbling over each other as he stood up and backed away.

Before Xaviel could say anything else, Adrelo turned and practically bolted, his pale hair bouncing as he ran.

Xaviel watched him go, an amused smirk tugging at his lips. Adrelo's figure, so small and fragile in that moment, was nothing like the cruel and arrogant boy he had been led to believe. He found himself intrigued by the contradiction.

"Interesting," Xaviel murmured to himself.

"The young master of the Dierre family... a scared little rabbit?"

For some reason, the memory of Adrelo's trembling figure and flushed cheeks lingered in Xaviel's mind longer than he expected.

****

As Xaviel stood alone in the schoolyard, the gentle breeze ruffling his dark blue hair, he pondered over the strange encounter he'd just had. Adrelo Dierre was nothing like he had expected, and the thought of the boy's flustered, bunny-like expression made him chuckle under his breath.

He shook his head, amused at himself. "What an odd one," he murmured, beginning to turn toward the main building.

Just as he took a step forward, a sudden force collided with him. A girl, clearly in a hurry, had run straight into his chest, almost losing her balance. Xaviel instinctively reached out, his hand brushing against her arm to steady her.

"I-I'm so sorry!" the girl stammered, her voice soft and high-pitched. She immediately stepped back and bowed her head in apology.

Xaviel looked down at her, his sharp green eyes taking in her appearance. She had a delicate frame, honey-white blonde hair that cascaded in soft waves, and wide, innocent blue eyes. Her features were lovely, almost ethereal, and she carried an air of purity and kindness that would make anyone take notice.

This was the female lead of the novel.

For a moment, Xaviel regarded her in silence, the gears in his mind turning. According to the natural flow of events, this was supposed to be their first encounter-his initial meeting with the girl who would later play a pivotal role in his life.

Yet, for some reason, he felt... nothing.

Normally, her beauty and innocence would have struck him, as it had countless others. But instead of being captivated by her, Xaviel's thoughts wandered elsewhere.

Specifically, to a certain pale-haired boy who had just bolted from this very spot. He couldn't help but recall the way Adrelo had flushed and stammered, his nervousness so palpable it had been almost endearing.

The image of Adrelo's wide silver eyes and trembling figure replayed in Xaviel's mind, pushing aside any impression the girl in front of him might have left.

The girl, noticing his silence, hesitated. "Um... I truly didn't mean to run into you," she said softly, her cheeks tinged with pink.

"I wasn't looking where I was going."

Xaviel's expression remained cool and composed. He released her arm and stepped back, his voice indifferent as he said, "Be more careful next time."

The girl blinked, clearly surprised by his curt response. She had expected something warmer, perhaps even an introduction, but Xaviel was already brushing past her.

As he walked away, he didn't even glance back. His thoughts were entirely elsewhere, filled with conflicting emotions and curiosity about the enigmatic young master of the Dierre family.

The girl stood there for a moment, confused by the cold encounter. She quickly gathered herself and hurried off in another direction, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her next destination.

Xaviel, meanwhile, smirked to himself as he made his way toward the main building. "So much for destiny," he muttered under his breath.