The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 180: Time Passed By

Chapter 180: Time Passed By

Months passed, and Adeline’s worry about Dimitri grew heavier with each day. Despite her prayers and her repeated attempts to distract herself, the silence from him was deafening.

She often found herself staring out the window, wondering if he was safe. Had he reached the Mage Tower? Was he thriving in his new environment, or was he struggling? The unanswered questions gnawed at her, but all she could do was hope.

She had hoped that he would find a way to contact her. Just some sneaky way... She knew how the Mage tower prevented outside communication to ensure that their mages stay loyal to their tower and their tower only.

Her days remained filled with activity, though the quiet was unnerving. Edward, who had been a constant source of anxiety with his unpredictable schemes, had not made a single move.

It was as if he had vanished from her life completely, a fact that should have brought relief but instead left her wary. Adeline knew better than to trust the calm before the storm.

He was not going to let this go. He targeted her... He knew she had holy powers, maybe he was making way for Annora, no one but her could be the saintess or something like that... Or maybe he had a hidden agenda.

She was still in possession of the jewellery she found in the cave. It showed struggle... She had no clue what happened there. She did not know if Annora was alive. She did not see her when she went to get her powers tested.

It should be bringing her relief yes? Annora has always been a variable, she knows things she was not supposed to know. The author claimed that she did not bring her here... But Adeline was so sure for some reason that she transmigrated too.

She was gone now... She would not be her enemy... They both had opposite goals and were on opposite teams. If Annora did transmigrate, she would only look out for her life and hate her for changing the plot.

In the meantime, Benedict was adjusting to life in the palace. When the Emperor had extended the invitation for him to live there, it had come as a surprise to everyone.

The Northern Duke, distant and cold as always, had not put up a fight. Anna, however, had been overjoyed to see him leave. She had never seen Benedict as anything more than a pawn, and his departure freed her from the constant reminder of her lack of control over him.

The servants of the Northern estate, however, had been heartbroken. Though Benedict rarely spoke to them directly, his quiet presence had been a comfort to many of them.

He was the only remanent of the late Northern Duchess. Now that she was gone, Benedict who always was a quiet, well-behaved boy became even more withdrawn. He isolated himself and never spoke to anyone unless it was absolutely necessary.

On the day of his departure, they had gathered at the gates to bid him farewell, their faces etched with sadness.

A few even shed tears, offering him small tokens—a scarf, a wooden carving, a pouch of sweets—to take with him.

Benedict had been visibly moved, though he tried to hide it. All these people came to see him off, he didn’t feel too lonely anymore. After the visit from his mother’s spirit, as he called it, he felt more at peace.

He still did not know if he dreamt it or if it really happened. When he learnt about the Emperor summoning him to the palace, he was confused and shocked. He did not want to leave, he was afraid of Anna taking over his mother’s room again.

But he soon realised it was Adeline who arranged this. He was touched, she did all this for him... How could he ever repay her? It was reassuring to know that she never stopped thinking about him. His only friend, his dearest friend, Adeline.

Life in the palace was a stark contrast to the North. The grand halls and bustling court life were overwhelming at first. Benedict used to the harsh solitude of his homeland, found himself out of place among the elaborate ceremonies and strict formalities.

The courtiers whispered behind his back, some mocking about how his father just sent him away and that he was an unloved and unfavoured heir, while others speculated on the Emperor’s motives for bringing him to the capital.

Adeline, sensing his discomfort, took it upon herself to ease his transition. She introduced him to her siblings and helped him navigate the labyrinth of palace etiquette.

Slowly but surely, Benedict began to find his footing. Cassian, despite his own aloof nature, took a liking to Benedict and invited him to join his sparring sessions. At least that was what it looked like.

Cassian never let anyone know of his true thoughts. He placed his mask on, a mask of perfection. Perfect smile, perfect attitude and perfect etiquette. He could tell that Adeline felt more at ease with him like this.

He wished that one day she could see and love the real him though. But until then, he had to be careful. This mask was not just a facade at this point, it was for protection as well.

Adeline kept pulling Victoria into every gathering, she would never let her friend be left out! Everyone viewed her as a difficult child but she was now the favourite of Adeline Kendrick, the pampered daughter of the Western Marquess.

Because of this, Victoria’s social standing improved. Victoria learnt to not be too direct and to think twice before saying something.

She was really grateful for Adeline. Now that she awakened her magic, and proved that she was a powerful water mage, people began to take her more seriously.

Adeline was happy that Victoria got more attention! But Victoria had a completely opposite opinion. Because of this, she started to get more invitations and became a frequent topic of conversation which made her nervous.

She hated social gatherings in general, this just made it worse. If she refused them outright, then wouldn’t she be hated again? It took her a while to unlearn that behaviour and not blurt out the first thing that came to her mind.

She was trying to be more mindful and kind.

As if this was not enough, her sister was going away to the academy! She would be gone for four years!

It was just blow after blow. But at least she made some friends. Her family was thrilled when they found out that she had such powerful friends.

Her parents were not shallow people, at least she did not think so. They were mostly worried about her. What would happen to her if something happened to them? Having reliable friends would lessen their stress.