The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 181: Farewell

Chapter 181: Farewell

Victoria 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.

And having the Crown Prince, the future Northern Duke and perhaps the future Crown Princess as a friend... Everyone was guessing about the relationship between Cassian and Adeline.

Although he refused the engagement with her, he would spend time with her. He refused to get engaged to anyone else that absolutely infuriated the Empress but she could not do anything.

The punishment she gave had no effect on him anymore.

In the palace, all of them would congregate and take time to practice and become better. Cassian did not have powers... At least he did not reveal them. Adeline felt sorry for Cassian but she did not push him.

She trusted him and told him that she was here no matter what. If he wanted to keep them a secret, she would protect that secret.

Cassian knew that Adeline became fonder of him because started to train Benedict in the art of the sword. He smiled slyly, it gave him an outlet at least.

For Adeline, these moments of camaraderie were a welcome respite from her worries. She had started spending more time with her brothers and father, cherishing the rare occasions when they could all be together.

Alaric, her eldest brother, was set to leave soon, and Adeline was determined to make the most of the time they had left.

Alaric, ever the doting elder brother, indulged her at every opportunity. They shared long walks in the night. He was too busy in the morning, and she barely had time! Even if she had to lose sleep it was worth it.

One evening, as they sat under a sprawling oak tree, Adeline turned to him with a wry smile.

"I am going to miss you," she said softly.

Alaric chuckled, ruffling her hair. "You will barely notice that I am gone. You’ve got enough to keep you busy."

"That is not true," Adeline insisted. Her lips quivered, she was going to start crying again.

He pulled her closer and hugged her. He was going to miss her and everything. A year ago, he wanted to get away from here as soon as possible. It never really felt like home. But things changed, Adeline changed... Their father changed...

It really changed for the better leaving him missing home more than usual. He will be gone for four years, they could only go home twice per year unless it was an emergency.

He was really going to miss this pink ball of chaos and his goofy younger brother.

But it was not all going to be bad. He made a friend too. Isabelle Griffin, his classmate and Victoria’s older sister. Her abilities were of higher rank, and because of that, she was able to join the offensive classes rather than the normal defensive.

The family dinner was set in the grand dining hall, a space that often felt too large and imposing for intimate gatherings.

Tonight, however, the atmosphere was warm and lively. The long table was adorned with a spread of the family’s favourite dishes, from roasted pheasant to creamy potato gratin, with fragrant loaves of bread and bowls of steaming soup. All of which were Alaric’s favourites.

Adeline sat near the head of the table, beside her father. Across from her were her brothers—Alaric, the eldest, and Aaron, the second-oldest.

Alaric, as usual, carried an air of calm authority. His blond hair, similar to their father’s, was neatly combed, and his posture was straight, every bit the image of a young nobleman destined for greatness.

Aaron, on the other hand, was less restrained. His mischievous grin and the sparkle in his green eyes made it clear that he was already planning some witty remark or playful jab.

"Father," Aaron began, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled as the first course was served, "Are you sure you want to send Alaric away?"

Alaric was touched, his younger brother cared about him, but the sentence that followed shattered his dreams.

"Who else are you going to dump your work on if he’s gone? Not me, right? Maybe he should stay-"

Adeline smirked as she sipped her soup, while Alaric raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by the comment. The Marquess, seated at the head of the table, let out a low chuckle.

"If I recall correctly, Aaron, you’ve been counting down the days until your brother leaves," the Marquess said. His voice was steady, but there was a note of amusement in it. "Something about finally having a chance to best him in fencing?"

Aaron feigned offence, clutching his chest dramatically. "Father, you wound me! I would never think such a thing."

"You would, and you have," Alaric interjected, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Don’t think I’ve forgotten the time you ’accidentally’ swapped my practice sword with one that had a dulled blade."

"That was an experiment!" Aaron protested, though his grin gave him away. "I was testing whether your skill could overcome faulty equipment. Consider it a compliment to your ability."

Adeline chuckled lightly. She was going to be missing this playful banter and fun atmosphere.

"And I’ll miss them dearly," Alaric said, his tone dry but affectionate. He looked at Aaron, then Adeline, his gaze lingering on her. "I’ll miss all of you."

Adeline’s laughter faded, replaced by a lump in her throat. She forced a smile and tried to focus on her plate, but her emotions betrayed her. She set down her fork and looked at her eldest brother.

"You’ll write, won’t you?" she asked softly. "I mean, not just formal reports for Father. Real letters. To us."

"Of course I will," Alaric replied without hesitation. His voice was steady, but there was a gentleness to it that he reserved for his siblings. "You think I could go months without hearing about Aaron’s latest antics or your endless list of projects? I’d go mad."

The Marquess cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. "Alaric will be busy at the academy, but I’m sure he’ll find time to keep in touch. And you," he added, looking pointedly at Adeline, "should focus on your own studies instead of worrying about him."

"I know," Adeline said quickly, though her heart was not in it. She hated the idea of Alaric being so far away, even if it was for his education and future. He had always been her rock, the one who steadied her when she felt overwhelmed.

Aaron, sensing the shift in mood, leaned forward with a playful grin. "Don’t worry, Adeline. I’ll still be here. Your second brother is just as reliable."

"That is not comforting," Adeline shot back, though her smile had returned. How the days had passed...