The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 188: Her Mother

Chapter 188: Her Mother

Adeline turned to face her father. She did not know when he became older. There were a few wrinkles near his eyes but his charisma did not diminish one bit. He stood steady like the imposing midday sun. But his face was full of gentleness.

His only daughter would be leaving after all. He would not say he felt this gutted with Alaric or Aaron left. They were boys and they were strong. He knew they would be fine. His daughter was leaving two years earlier than she was supposed to... And that hurt.

She would always be his little girl.

How did she grow up so much in the blink of an eye? Still, some habits stay the same. No matter where she went, she always caused trouble. Something or the other kept happening!

He sighed, he could not stop her from exploring and adventuring just because he was worried. What kind of father would he be to deny her those experiences? All he could do was hope that his training would stay with her and she would do well.

The academy was where most noble children went to. But so did some exceptional commoners go to... It was also the place where Anna graduated... Adeline shook her head. Why remember her and spoil her mood?

The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels on the cobblestone path blended with the occasional creak of the wooden frame as Adeline and Victoria sat in silence.

She glanced sideways at Victoria, who sat upright, her posture perfect and her expression neutral. If Victoria was excited about this journey, she hid it well, her calm demeanour unshaken by the prospect of the new environment awaiting them.

Adeline’s own emotions were the opposite. She was buzzing with excitement, her thoughts racing as she imagined the academy life ahead.

Her gaze flickered to the passing scenery, a blur of towering trees and quaint houses. The journey had taken them through serene landscapes, but as they approached the capital, the air seemed to buzz with a new energy.

The academy was located in a remote corner of the capital, far from the hustle and bustle, ensuring a tranquil environment conducive to learning. Reaching the teleportation circle that would take them the rest of the way, Adeline felt a thrill.

The crackle of magic surrounded them as the spell activated, and in a blink, they were transported to the academy grounds.

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of a grand entrance. The academy looked like it was a castle! Grand and imposing! It could definitely rival most Duke’s estates.

The heavy doors were opened by workers in neat uniforms, who moved efficiently to unload their luggage. Adeline and Victoria did not think much of it. They were used to this. But when she looked around she realised that others did not think that.

There were many students who arrived, some were personally dropped off by their parents, while some tried to make a grand entrance which she found tacky.

Some were stepping out of carriages like theirs, while others arrived on foot or on horseback. Among them, her gaze caught a young girl with soft brown hair and matching eyes, struggling to handle her luggage. She refused to let the workers handle it.

Adeline felt a pang of pain. She looked... She looked a little bit like Dimitri. Adeline smiled wryly, her head hung low. Victoria immediately took her hand and pressed it just like Adeline would do to her.

It was her awkward way of comforting Adeline and it worked.

"Linny, we should go," Victoria said firmly, her voice laced with urgency. Though they weren’t running late, Victoria’s insistence on punctuality left little room for delays. It was a quirk of hers and Adeline respected it. She kept her on track.

"Yes, yes, I’m coming," Adeline replied, tearing her gaze away from the girl.

Victoria led the way, her stride confident and purposeful as they navigated the grand campus. Adeline followed, her eyes wandering to the towering spires and ornate architecture that spoke of the academy’s long history.

The hallways were lined with portraits of notable alumni, their achievements commemorated in gilded frames.

Adeline’s face lit up when she recognized her father’s portrait. He looked younger but no less dignified, his accomplishments listed beneath the painting in elegant script. Pride swelled in her chest, and she reached out to gently trace the edge of the frame with her fingertips.

"Father," she murmured to herself, smiling. He looked like Aaron... Guess Alaric took after their mother.

As they moved further down the corridor, another portrait caught her eye, one that stopped her in her tracks. It was her mother—or rather, the woman she had always known as her mother.

The resemblance was striking: her mother’s pink hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her green eyes seemed to sparkle even in the painting. Adeline felt a warmth spread through her chest as she read the accolades listed beneath the image.

Her mother had been a beacon of grace and brilliance, her contributions to the magical arts and diplomacy unparalleled.

She never met her... And she was technically the old Adeline’s mother... Not hers, but still, she felt warm and happy.

Although Victoria wanted to be there early, she did not disturb her moment. She knew about Adeline’s mother and she waited patiently. She looked at the portrait. Adeline truly was her daughter, that brightness and charm...

She loved the Marquess, he was a great uncle but he was not exactly the epitome of brightness, his element was though. Victoria smiled.

Adeline nodded, giving the portrait one last look before following Victoria. "I just... I did not know my mother had done so much."

"She was remarkable," Victoria said simply. She was not the best at emotions or reading cues but she could understand that Adeline felt sad.

They passed more portraits, each one telling a story of triumph and brilliance. Adeline’s excitement grew with every step, her earlier nerves replaced by a sense of belonging.

This was the academy where her parents had studied, where they had forged their paths and left their marks on the world. And now it was her turn.

Soon, they reached the hall where orientation was to take place. The room was vast, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and massive windows that let in streams of sunlight. Students filled the space, their voices creating a low hum of chatter and excitement.

Victoria scanned the room, her eyes narrowing slightly as she evaluated the best place to sit. True to her meticulous nature, she steered Adeline toward a pair of seats near the front, ensuring they would not miss anything important.

As they settled in, Adeline couldn’t help but notice the diversity among the students. There were nobles like herself, their polished appearances unmistakable, but also commoners whose simpler attire did not diminish their presence.

Some of them looked nervous though. In the academy, social standing did not matter. Only merit. Even if some of the nobles paid their way in if they did not have anything to show for they would be shunned. Only academics mattered here.

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