Chapter 17

Adrelo was sprawled across his bed, his arms folded as he stared at the ceiling, a distinct pout on his face. Milo stood at the foot of the bed, arms akimbo, looking at Adrelo like he’d lost his mind.

“Okay, what’s wrong with you?”

Milo asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like I’ve insulted your ancestors?”

Adrelo didn’t answer. His lips pressed further together, and his brows knitted in the most dramatic display of discontent Milo had ever seen.

“Hello?” Milo leaned in closer, waving a hand in front of Adrelo’s face.

“You look like a pouting duck right now.”

“Screw off,” Adrelo muttered, turning his head to face the wall, pulling a pillow over his face.

Milo gasped, clutching his chest.

“A pouting duck with the attitude of a moody cat! Are you okay? Did you drink a potion of perpetual grumpiness yesterday?”

Adrelo peeked out from the pillow, glaring.

“I said screw off, Milo.”

Milo, unfazed, leaned even closer.

“Oh, I get it. You’re still mad about the whole alchemy lab thing yesterday, aren’t you?”

Adrelo said nothing but tightened his hold on the pillow, his pout deepening.

“Look, I said I was sorry,”

Milo tried, his tone exaggeratedly apologetic.

“I didn’t know you’d run into him.”

At the mention of Cielros, Adrelo hurled the nearest object—a potion bottle—at Milo, who barely ducked in time.

“Whoa, easy there, princess!”

Milo cried, holding up his hands defensively.

“That almost hit my gorgeous face!”

“Good,” Adrelo muttered.

Milo picked up the pillow Adrelo had thrown earlier, tossing it back onto the bed.

“Seriously, you’re being ridiculous. It’s a new day! Let’s move on! We’ve got the activity selection for the heritage festival later. Come on, you can’t skip it!”

Adrelo groaned, burying his face back into the pillow.

“No.”

Milo blinked. “No? What do you mean no?”

“I mean no,”

Adrelo replied flatly, his voice muffled.

“I don’t want to go.”

Milo stared at him in disbelief.

“You don’t want to go? You’re acting like I just asked you to duel a dragon!”

“I’d rather duel a dragon,”

Adrelo deadpanned, rolling over to face the wall again.

“Are you kidding me?”

Milo threw his arms up in exasperation.

“It’s literally the heritage festival! There’s crafts, food, magic displays—everything! Everyone is going to be there!”

“Exactly why I’m not going,”

Adrelo shot back, his voice laced with annoyance.

“Too many people. Too much noise. Too much effort.”

“Effort?”

Milo repeated, aghast.

“You mean walking ten minutes to the courtyard and standing around is too much effort for you, the guy who can run from Professors like his life depends on it?”

Adrelo snorted.

“That’s survival, Milo. This? This is optional.”

Milo, undeterred, leaned closer with a dramatic whine.

“Pleeeeease, Adrelo! I can’t do it alone! Everyone else already has partners! If you don’t come, I’ll look like a lonely loser!”

“You are a lonely loser,”

Adrelo said without missing a beat, pulling the blanket over his head.

Milo gasped again, clutching his chest like he’d been mortally wounded.

“How dare you! After everything I’ve done for you! I even shared my chocolate stash last week!”

“Yeah, and you ate most of it yourself,” Adrelo retorted.

Milo groaned, flopping onto the bed beside Adrelo, who immediately shoved him off.

“Okay, fine,”

Milo said, now sitting on the floor dramatically.

“What if I told you the princes of the Breneille Empire will be there to visit the selection event? Huh? Doesn’t that make it exciting?”

Adrelo stiffened under the blanket.

“Even less reason to go,” he muttered.

Milo’s eyes widened.

“What? Are you insane? This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the great princes in person!”

“Exactly. Which means the female lead will be there too,”

Adrelo grumbled, emerging slightly from the blanket to glare at Milo.

“And if she’s there, so are her future male leads. And I’d rather be anywhere else than in the middle of that circus.”

Milo tilted his head.

“What are you even talking about? What circus? This is a student event, not a performance!”

The male leads will be there, and if they were there, surely the female lead will be there. The few first days of the female lead will be more on her day in the heritage festival since she just got there. Since she is not that of a high ranking noble and her family almost in bankruptcy, she will try various ways so that she can graduate in the academy and help her family. And then along with that, she will meet the male leads and her love stories began until she became the empress of Breneille empire.

Adrelo ignored him, muttering under his breath.

“Wow, the author really had it good for the female lead.”

Milo blinked.

“Author? What are you talking about? Are you delirious?”

Adrelo didn’t answer, burying himself back into the blanket.

“Anyway, I’m not going. End of discussion.”

Milo groaned loudly, flopping onto his back like a defeated puppy.

“You’re impossible!”

“Glad you’re finally catching on,”

Adrelo replied, his tone as flat as ever.

Milo sat up suddenly, pointing a finger at Adrelo with a determined gleam in his eyes.

“Fine. You leave me no choice. If you don’t come with me, I’ll...I’ll tell everyone about the time you fell into the fountain while running from a bee!”

Adrelo’s head shot up, eyes narrowing.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Oh, I would,” Milo said with a wicked grin.

Adrelo glared at him for a long moment before rolling over with an annoyed groan.

“Fine! I’ll think about it. But if I regret this, I’m coming after you, Milo.”

Milo beamed, pumping his fist in the air. “Victory!”

Adrelo rolled his eyes. “Don’t push your luck.”

****

Milo practically dragged Adrelo out of his dorm, grinning ear to ear. Adrelo, arms crossed, looked less than amused as he trudged along behind him.

"Alright, Milo, what exactly is this invention you’ve been hyping up?"

Adrelo asked, squinting suspiciously.

Milo turned, his grin widening.

“Oh, just you wait. You’re going to love it!”

Adrelo raised a skeptical brow.

“The last time you said that, you turned my boots into squeaky toys for an entire week.”

“Okay, first of all, that was hilarious,”

Milo said, stifling a laugh.

“Second, this is serious. No pranks this time, I promise.”

They arrived at the workshop, and Milo motioned for Adrelo to step inside. The room was filled with various tools, gadgets, and what looked like glowing crystals arranged on a table. In the center stood a tall, intricate contraption that gleamed with metallic accents and pulsing lights.

Adrelo stopped in his tracks, blinking.

“Uh…what is that?”

Milo puffed out his chest proudly.

“Behold! The Arcane Resonance Synthesizer!”

Adrelo stared at the contraption, his jaw slightly dropping. It was a complex fusion of alchemy and magic.

A tall, cylindrical device with floating rings orbiting a central crystal core. The rings hummed softly, glowing with shifting colors, while intricate runes etched into the surface shimmered faintly.

“I created it to amplify and harmonize magical energy,” Milo explained enthusiastically.

“It can sync with a mage’s core, enhance their spell precision, and even store residual magic for later use. Perfect for high-energy battles or prolonged casting sessions!”

Adrelo blinked again, still processing.

“...You made that?”

“Yes!” Milo said, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Isn’t it amazing?”

Adrelo crossed his arms, giving Milo a mock incredulous look.

“And here I thought your greatest invention was the exploding cupcakes last semester.”

Milo glared at him.

“Hey, those were a hit! But this—this is my magnum opus! Go ahead, praise me.”

Adrelo smirked, shaking his head.

“Alright, alright. Fine. I’ll admit it’s…impressive. For someone who once got stuck in their own enchanted trap for three hours.”

“Rude!” Milo huffed, crossing his arms.

“I didn’t see you inventing anything groundbreaking!”

Adrelo chuckled.

“True, but then again, I didn’t need to invent anything to get us out of Professor Garvin’s labyrinth last month.”

“That’s because you cheated and climbed over the walls!” Milo shot back.

Adrelo shrugged, his smirk growing.

“Creative problem-solving, my dear Milo. You should try it sometime.”

Milo groaned, dramatically throwing his hands in the air.

“You’re impossible! Here I am, on the brink of changing the magical world, and you’re just roasting me!”

Adrelo laughed.

“Alright, alright. You’re a genius, Milo. This thing is amazing. I’ll give you that.”

Milo’s dramatic pout melted into a proud grin.

“Thank you. I knew you’d see the light eventually.”

Adrelo gave him a side glance, still smiling.

“And this is why you were so eager to drag me out here, huh? Need moral support for your grand debut?”

Milo gasped, clutching his chest like a wounded hero.

“You’re cruel! How could you say such a thing? This is pure altruism, inviting you to witness greatness!”

Adrelo rolled his eyes.

“Right, totally altruistic. You didn’t need a hype man at all.”

“Exactly!” Milo said with a grin, missing the sarcasm entirely.

As Milo fussed over his invention, Adrelo’s thoughts drifted to the rest of the day. “Wait,” he said, narrowing his eyes.

“Isn’t there an evening event after the craft selection?”

Milo nodded eagerly.

“Yeah! There are going to be all kinds of performances—singing, dancing, magic showcases. The festival only gets better!”

Adrelo groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

“You mean even more people? My soul is tired just thinking about it.”

Milo laughed.

“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun! You might even enjoy some of the performances.”

Milo said, waving a hand dismissively

Adrelo shot him a withering look.

“Thanks for the reassurance,”

Adrelo muttered sarcastically.

“Guess I’ll just stick to you like glue for the rest of the day.”

Milo grinned.

“Aw, does that mean you’re officially my partner for the craft selection?”

Adrelo sighed dramatically.

“Yes, fine. I’ll stay with you. But only because I don’t trust this thing of yours not to explode and take half the room with it.”

“It’s not going to explode!” Milo protested.

Adrelo smirked.

“We’ll see.”

****

Adrelo and Milo stepped into the sprawling festival grounds, immediately enveloped by the cacophony of excited voices, music, and magical effects zipping through the air. It was a spectacle—everywhere Adrelo looked, students were bustling about, playing games, showcasing their talents, and preparing for the big events later in the day.

Adrelo’s introverted soul groaned inwardly. The sheer number of students in one place was overwhelming, like the entire academy had converged into this one area. He instinctively tugged his cloak closer, as if shielding himself from the crowds would make them disappear.

Milo, on the other hand, was grinning ear to ear, waving at familiar faces and occasionally stopping to chat with passing students.

"Isn't this great?" he said, turning to Adrelo.

"The whole school's out! Look at all the cool stuff!"

Adrelo reluctantly glanced around, taking in the sights. The festival stands were lined with vibrant banners and intricate decorations. Some featured magical games, where students aimed enchanted darts at glowing targets or tried to capture floating orbs of light. Others showcased student-crafted artifacts, glittering under the sunlight, drawing crowds of curious onlookers.

Adrelo found himself admiring the craftsmanship.

“I’ll admit, the decorations are impressive,” he muttered.

“Right?!” Milo exclaimed.

“And wait until you see the evening performances. Last year, someone summoned an entire fire dragon for their act!”

Adrelo rolled his eyes.

“Great. More reasons for this place to feel like a chaotic mess.”

They continued walking, navigating through the lively crowd. Adrelo noticed several first-year students eagerly running from stand to stand, their excitement palpable. Some were trying out spell challenges, while others were attempting magical games with nervous determination.

As they walked further, the energy shifted slightly. The atmosphere became less playful and more organized. Students in official uniforms were setting up for the evening events, directing others and ensuring everything was perfect. Many wore ornate brooches pinned to their lapels—a distinctive accessory that immediately caught Adrelo’s attention.

The brooches were crafted with extraordinary detail: a circular emblem encased in gold, adorned with intricate runes and gemstones that glimmered faintly with magical energy. At the center was the academy’s crest, surrounded by symbols representing unity, wisdom, and power.

Adrelo’s eyes lingered on those brooches, realization dawning.

“The student council,” he murmured under his breath.

The council members were scattered around the area, standing out not just because of their brooches, but because of their poise. Their presence was commanding, their movements deliberate. Each one carried an air of authority, their expressions calm and composed even amidst the festival’s chaos.

Adrelo shuddered slightly. The student council was no ordinary group. They were chosen for their exceptional talent, leadership, and often their prestigious backgrounds. Among them were figures Adrelo knew he had to avoid at all costs.

He glanced at a tall figure standing near one of the central pavilions. Even from a distance, the commanding aura was undeniable.

That had to be the Crown Prince Aid or something. His mere presence seemed to quiet the space around him, his regal bearing unmatched. Adrelo didn’t need to hear his voice to know that he was in a league of his own.

Nearby, another guy—less imposing but equally striking—was speaking with a group of students. His warm smile and gentle demeanor were in stark contrast to the crown prince's gravity.

Probably another future Aid of a prince, maybe the second prince?  Since he looks like a kind hearted and soft-spoken man.

Adrelo’s eyes darted to another council member, a tall student with sharp features and a confident smirk.

This one exuded charm and danger in equal measure, his relaxed posture belying the sharp intellect and cunning that had earned him his position.

Adrelo quickened his pace, grabbing Milo’s sleeve.

“Let’s hurry up,” he hissed.

“What? Why? We’re not late,” Milo said, confused.

Adrelo shot him a look.

“There. Do you see those brooches? The council members are here.”

Milo blinked, glancing around before shrugging.

“Yeah, so? They’re just students.”

Adrelo groaned.

“Let's just get out of here and hurry.”

Milo tilted his head.

“They don’t seem so bad. Look at that guy! He looks like he’d help an old lady cross the street.”

Adrelo shot him a flat look.

“And what about the other guy? Or the rest of them? One wrong word and it’s a one-way ticket to ruin.”

Milo laughed nervously.

“Okay, fair point. Let’s, uh, not hang around here then.”

“Exactly,”

Adrelo muttered, picking up his pace.

“The farther we are from them, the better.”

As they weaved through the crowd, Adrelo couldn’t help but feel a lingering tension. The student council wasn’t just powerful, they were central to the story of the novel. Each member was significant, with deep ties to the main characters, especially the female lead.

Adrelo’s chest tightened. The thought of accidentally crossing paths with any of them was enough to make him break into a cold sweat.

“Let’s just get this over with,” he muttered to himself.

Unaware of Adrelo’s growing anxiety, Milo grinned and said,

“Don’t worry, buddy. I’ll keep you safe from the big scary council.”

Adrelo rolled his eyes.

“You’re as useful as a wet matchstick, Milo.”

They continued on, Adrelo’s pace quickening with every step, determined to avoid becoming a footnote in the council’s drama.