The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 186: Remembrance

Chapter 186: Remembrance

"You seem too on board with killing people. Have you killed anyone before?" Adeline’s eyes narrowed, this person was definitely suspicious. Only a deranged person would write a story like this.

"No... I am just surrounded by death a lot. I have grown numb to it." She replied.

Adeline blinked and gulped. What the hell was she supposed to say to that?!

Ignoring it she asked the author. "Are there any other ruins I can explore? Maybe I can find scrolls or information on techniques that can help me wield lightning better."

"There are. But let’s give the ruins a break for now. Like your father said, lightning and fire are not too different.

The author being no help, again? What a surprise. She pouted and tossed and turned before falling asleep. Whenever she felt stressed, talking to the Goddess made everything better.

The sun streamed through Adeline’s window as she laced her boots, preparing for another day of training. The morning air was cool and crisp, a perfect setting for her routine.

Her mind was still filled with memories of the duel with her brother, and her determination to grow stronger was unwavering. As she adjusted her gloves, ready to head downstairs, a soft knock at her door startled her.

"Adeline," one of the maids said, poking her head inside, "His Highness Prince Cassian has arrived."

Adeline blinked in surprise. Cassian? Here? She hadn’t seen him in quite some time.

Her initial reaction was a mix of nerves and excitement. Cassian, the Crown Prince, had always carried an air of detachment and perfection that once made her wary of him. But over the years, that unease had faded as they grew closer.

Cassian was not just the polished, cunning person she’d once thought—he had shown her glimpses of kindness and understanding that had won her over.

The Goddess was still suspicious of him for some reason even though he hadn’t done anything! She started to tune out the Goddess’s snarky remarks everytime she met with Cassian. She just can’t have that energy in her mind!

She rushed out of her room, her heart pounding with anticipation, and found him standing in the entry hall. He was dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit that still managed to exude regality.

His ebony black hair caught the morning light, and his blue eyes seemed to soften as they landed on her.

"Your Highness!" Adeline greeted him with a wide smile, running up to meet him.

"Adeline," Cassian said warmly, inclining his head.

There was no stiffness in his voice, no coldness in his demeanour. It was as though he had set aside the expectations of the palace to simply be her friend.

For the first time, Adeline realised just how much she trusted him. The walls she had once put up around herself, wary of his rank and the political games of the court, had long since crumbled.

"What brings you here," She asked with curiosity.

Cassian chuckled a soft and genuine sound that made her grin. "I had had some other business nearby. Since I was here, I thought I would come visit you."

Adeline felt her cheeks flush slightly at the compliment but brushed it off. "Well, I’m glad you’re here. It’s been a while."

"I brought you something," he said, his tone growing a touch more serious.

Adeline tilted her head in confusion. "A gift? But my birthday was weeks ago, and you already gave me something then. The necklace was beautiful—"

For her sixth birthday, Cassian gave her a beautiful Saphhire necklace. She could tell that this came from the Southern mines.

It was too big for her, but it was meant for her to grow into. Inside was a letter he had written for her, he wished her a happy birthday and requested that she wear it for her coming-of-age ceremony in the future.

"I know," he interrupted, smiling. "But this is different."

He reached into a small box he carried and pulled out a delicate gold bracelet. The intricate design shimmered faintly with a magical aura, its surface alive with traces of enchantment.

Adeline’s eyes widened as she took in the craftsmanship. "Cassian, this looks—what is this?"

"It’s enchanted," he explained, stepping closer to her. "I had the palace mages craft it specifically for you. May I?" He asked earnestly.

Adeline hesitated, unsure of what the bracelet might do, but she trusted Cassian. She extended her hand, and he gently clasped the bracelet around her wrist. It felt warm against her skin, humming faintly with power.

"Now watch," Cassian said, waving his hand over the bracelet.

A soft glow emanated from the bracelet, and before Adeline’s astonished eyes, a holographic image appeared. It was a picture of her family.

Her father stood at the centre, surrounded by Alaric, Aaron, and herself. Each face was rendered with exquisite detail, their expressions warm and full of life.

Adeline’s breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t realised just how much she missed the feeling of having everyone together. With Alaric away at the academy, and Aaron always training, she felt like she was lonely.

This image was a reminder of better times, a moment frozen in magic.

"You mentioned how much you miss Alaric and Aaron," Cassian said softly, his voice carrying an undertone of empathy. "I thought this might help."

Adeline’s eyes stung with unshed tears. She tried to maintain her composure, but the gesture touched her deeply. Forgetting all etiquette, she threw her arms around Cassian in a tight hug.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice muffled against his shoulder.

Cassian stiffened slightly at the unexpected embrace but quickly relaxed, his hands resting awkwardly on her back. He wasn’t used to such open displays of affection, but Adeline’s gratitude was genuine, and it warmed something deep within him.

When she pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, though whether it was from the hug or the emotions coursing through her, she wasn’t sure. She fiddled with the bracelet, still marvelling at its magic.

"It’s perfect," she said earnestly. "I’ll treasure it forever."

"It’s not a big deal..." He murmured.

She knew that it was. He was a big tsundere! He came to give this to her! He made the journey for her, him saying that he had a business around this area was a lie. He was such a cute liar.

"I’m glad you like it," he said, and there was a softness in his gaze that made Adeline’s heart flutter unexpectedly.

She looked back at the holographic image, studying the familiar faces. Then, without thinking, she blurted out, "I wish you were in this picture too."

Cassian froze, his expression unreadable for a moment.

Realising how her words might be interpreted, Adeline quickly added, "I mean—Benedict, Dimitri, you, me, and Victoria. I wish we were all together, like a family."

Her cheeks burned as she stumbled over her words, and she hoped he didn’t notice.

Cassian’s expression softened again, and his shoulders relaxed. "That sounds nice," he said quietly.

Adeline nodded, her fingers brushing over the bracelet. The thought of having Cassian, Benedict, and Dimitri by her side felt strangely comforting. They weren’t just friends they were her family!