Free Web NovelChapter 17: Alicia’s POV [Part-3]
The next day, as the morning sun basked the whole world in a warm light, Alicia walked along the corridor to start her academic life once again.
Did she care about academy life? No.
Did she care about spending time relearning things she had already mastered in the past? No.
Her primary goal for coming here was to get closer to Alden. Everything else was secondary.
She would not sacrifice her time with Alden just to complete other goals. That would be a betrayal to her own heart, and she wasn’t ready to sacrifice that. This was the best time to get close to him, right before the world was covered in darkness again.
’It seems I don’t have to worry about covering up any trouble Alden might unknowingly create. Alexa will handle it.’
’Hehe... it is a checkmate. I gained the favor of an SS-ranker and became her little sister. I can ask her for almost anything, and she will definitely do it for me.’
’And as for her husband... I know where he is and how he is doing. But I cannot tell her yet. It might create a massive butterfly effect if I get involved too early.’
’Hmph. My dear Alden, you are making me work so hard for you. But don’t worry, I will make you pay me back once I finally have you.’
When Alicia reached Class A, she walked through the door. Most of the students had already arrived and were busy chatting. They all noticed her immediately.
But Alicia paid them no mind. She looked at the front row, spotting Alden sitting near the middle by the window.
’Uff~ he still hasn’t changed much. He chose the same seat he used to choose to avoid trouble. He thinks sitting in the middle will make him a background character. But my pitiful Alden, you won’t be able to remain a background character for much longer. You were born to shine, not to hide. Don’t worry, I will cover for you so that others do not get burned by your light.’
Alicia didn’t hesitate. She walked straight toward his desk.
Alden stiffened. His face turned blank and deadpan.
’Oh my, you don’t get to change your expression at my entrance. You should have given me a smile instead. I am definitely going to punish you for that...’
She stopped right beside his desk. She composed her demeanor so he wouldn’t think she was obsessed with him, and asked gently:
"May I sit here?"
’Oh dear, you look nervous, like I am going to eat you right here. But don’t worry, I will not eat you... at least, not yet.’
She sat down gracefully beside him before he could even open his mouth to give her an answer. She knew that if she hesitated now, he would definitely try to distance himself from her. She had to force him to accept her presence.
Just as she settled into her seat, their class teacher, Carasina von Salvonia, appeared. She sat at her desk and began asking for everyone’s introduction. It seemed like a waste of everyone’s time instead of actual learning, which was typical of her.
It did not take long for Alicia’s turn to arrive, as she was the second rank.
’Well, if I had regressed before the entrance exams, I would have been the one at the very top. But forget it. I don’t care about the academy rankings anyway.’
"The next one is... Alicia von Valerion, the Top 2 student. Introduce yourself."
Alicia stood up gracefully and composed herself. She noticed Alden staring at her side profile, but she didn’t mind it. In fact, she felt happy he was noticing her, even for a moment longer.
She started to speak. Her voice was soft, but entirely devoid of any emotion.
"I am Alicia von Valerion, the heir to the House of Valerion and a wielder of Frost Magic. I suggest you all remember my name well, for it is destined to stand at the very top of this academy. Whether you choose to become my useful allies or merely my stepping stones, it is entirely your choice."
Alicia said those words and sat back down in her seat. Her face remained emotionless. Other people might think she was arrogant and trying to look down on them. But in reality, she wouldn’t give anyone else the time of day. She just said those harsh words so others would hesitate to get close to her. She didn’t want anyone’s attention except his.
As time passed and Alden’s turn finally arrived, he was surprisingly more confident. He even talked back to the teacher and switched his words calmly to avoid punishment.
It was her first time seeing this specific side of him. The past Alden was timid before awakening his true power.
’It seems many butterfly effects are already taking place. He awakened earlier than I thought. He should have been helpless without any power right now. But this is for the best. He will grow faster, and it might help him become stronger than he already was.’
After the class was done and everyone had left, Alicia looked at him while he was stuck in a daze, trapped in his own thoughts.
’Hmph... He is looking so frail and weak. Did he not get to eat properly? He looks sick. At this rate, his health might get affected. I have to do something for him... But what should I do? Let’s think about that later.’
She stood up and walked out of the classroom after casting one last glance at him, then headed to the cafeteria.
She grabbed a light meal with simple vegetables and soup, then sat down at an empty seat in the corner. As she ate, a boy walked toward her table. She didn’t look at him at first, but as he stepped closer, she noticed it was Alden.
’Hehe... It seems you are already starting to miss me.’
She quietly ate her food in a comfortable silence, not wanting to attract any attention in a public place.
Suddenly, another boy appeared. Her gaze fell on him as he tried to intimidate Alden. He sat beside Alden calmly and placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.
But did she care about Kaelian? Not really. He was just a pain in the ass, a third wheel trying to get between them.
As Kaelian tried to converse with her, she ignored him calmly. But when he shifted his talk to Alden and tried to intimidate him, Alicia felt a burning anger rise in her chest.
She would accept any harm done to herself. She would accept anyone badmouthing her or disrespecting her name. But if anyone tried to touch what was hers, she would not just sit back and let them.
As she released her killing intent, white frost started to cover the whole table. Kaelian’s hand was instantly frozen in solid ice.
She looked at him coldly.
"You are being annoying."
Kaelian sat stiffly.
"Alicia, my dear~ calm down..."
She looked at him with cold, emotionless eyes.
"Stop fooling around and get to the point. I don’t have time for you."
Kaelian’s fake smile vanished from his face. He looked at her, wearing a composed demeanor, trying to deal with her calmly.
"I heard that you had rejected the marriage proposal which my father had sent. We are suitable for each other, as we have been together since our childhood."
Alicia leaned back in her chair and stared at him flatly.
"Sorry, I am not interested, nor do I have any feelings for you. I don’t think I even considered you as my friend. There is no way I am going to marry you."
’I would never accept his proposal anyway. I do not love him, and I never will. There is only one place in my heart, and I will not let anyone come between us.’
Kaelian’s calm gesture faltered as he looked into her cold eyes.
"Wait, Alicia... did you really forget the sweet time we had spent with each other? We had played together, laughed together, we had talked about our dreams and goals with each other... Are you giving up on us? That’s not fair, Alicia..."
Alicia didn’t reply immediately, maintaining the uncomfortable silence.
’Get lost, you delusional fool. Just because we played as kids doesn’t mean I would marry you. I even played games with my father and told him about my dreams and goals, so does that mean I should marry him too? Not a chance.’
She sat there and focused on finishing her food, letting the drama continue. She believed that Alden would take care of himself. He was still physically weak, but he was not a coward. Even if others looked down on him, he would not get depressed by it. Instead, he would let them know their own places.
Just as she expected, he handled the situation fairly without attempting an actual fight.
She stood up and walked out of the cafeteria after placing her empty tray aside. She didn’t glance back as she walked out the doors.
’Hehe... it seems it would be a good idea to call him for dinner tonight...’
