The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 196: Old Friend

Chapter 196: Old Friend

After learning about the elements and the history, they moved on to ethics. Adeline had been sitting there for almost four hours and she was losing her focus quickly.

The subject matter was interesting enough, centred around the responsibilities of magic users and the ethical considerations of their actions, but her focus wavered.

Instead, she mentally mapped out her next steps, weighing how to make an impression on the council members and—if possible—secure their support.

When the class ended, they were given a break, and the students began dispersing to various parts of the academy. Adeline decided this would be her chance to observe the seniors. Lunch, in particular, would be a prime opportunity.

The dining hall was bustling with energy, a cacophony of voices and laughter filling the air as students gathered in groups to eat, chat, and socialise. It was the perfect setting to locate the individuals she was most interested in—Cassian and Benedict.

As she entered the hall, her eyes scanned the room, eventually landing on the table at the centre of it all. There they were, Cassian and Benedict, surrounded by a crowd of admirers and acquaintances.

Both looked perfectly at ease, exuding the effortless confidence of people who were accustomed to attention. Cassian sat with his usual composed demeanour, a faint smile gracing his lips as he listened to someone speak.

Benedict, on the other hand, was more animated, his striking red hair catching the light as he gestured enthusiastically during a conversation.

Adeline felt a surge of longing to approach them. She wanted to speak with them, catch up, and perhaps even use the moment to subtly hint at her intentions regarding the student council. But something held her back.

She hesitated, worried that her sudden presence might disrupt their conversations or draw unwanted attention to herself.

"That’s the table for the student council," Maia whispered beside her, noting where Adeline’s gaze had landed. It was only her and Maia this time, Layla stayed back because she had some things to discuss with the professor.

Maia’s words made Adeline pause. So, it wasn’t just any group gathered around Cassian and Benedict, it was the council itself. That explained the mix of awe and deference that seemed to radiate from those seated nearby.

The girl who gave them a tour was there too.

She did not particularly care for the popular clique, she experienced all this in high school in her past life. She just hoped that the ones in this life were not as annoying. They wouldn’t be... She told herself.

She would not be bullied, she could not go through those events another time. She was the daughter of a bigshot and she had powers... No one would mess with her. Adeline felt more confident. The memories from her past just came rushing back to her making her panic but she suppressed them.

Adeline sighed inwardly and turned her attention away from the table, glancing around the dining hall. Her eyes caught sight of someone familiar, and her heart sank slightly.

There, standing amidst a small group, was Victoria. At first glance, she appeared calm and composed, her upright posture and poised expression giving no indication of discomfort.

But Adeline knew her friend well enough to see the subtle signs: the stiffness in her shoulders, the way her fingers fidgeted slightly at her sides, and the faint tightness in her smile. Victoria was distressed, likely overwhelmed by the sheer number of people surrounding her.

Many had likely assumed that Victoria, as Isabelle’s younger sister, would be just as approachable and outgoing. This misunderstanding had apparently drawn a crowd around Victoria, and Adeline could tell it was taking a toll on her.

Adeline’s lips pressed into a firm line. Time to save her friend.

Straightening her posture, Adeline strode confidently toward the group surrounding Victoria. As she approached, the chatter died down, and the students turned to look at her. Without hesitation, she declared, "I need to speak with Victoria for a moment."

The reaction was immediate. The group parted, stepping aside without a word. Adeline wasn’t entirely sure what rumours had been circulating about her, but whatever they were, she was glad that they did.

People stared at her, sure, but they didn’t bug her too much or try to curry favour with her. She had enough of that in her time in society.

Victoria’s relief was evident, though she masked it quickly. Adeline hooked her arm through Victoria’s and led her away, her movements deliberate and calm.

As they walked, Adeline glanced over her shoulder, ensuring they weren’t followed. They made their way to where Maia was seated, the quieter corner providing a much-needed respite from the noise and chaos of the dining hall.

"Thank you," Victoria murmured as they reached the table, her voice low enough that only Adeline could hear.

"Don’t mention it," Adeline replied with a small smile. "You looked like you needed saving."

Victoria sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she sat down beside Maia. Adeline joined them, pleased to see her friend gradually regaining her composure. Maia greeted Victoria warmly, and her kind demeanour immediately helped to ease the tension.

As the three of them settled into their seats, Adeline’s thoughts drifted once again to the student council table.

She couldn’t help but glance in their direction, her gaze inevitably drawn to Cassian and Benedict. This time, however, she noticed something unusual. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone approaching their table.

A light tap on her shoulder made her turn, and she was met with a familiar voice.

"Linny," he said softly.

Adeline’s eyes widened in surprise as she turned to face him. Benedict stood there, his vibrant red hair unmistakable, his expression warm and inviting. For a moment, she was speechless, caught off guard by his presence.

"Benedict!" she finally managed, her voice tinged with both surprise and delight.

He smiled, the corners of his mouth quirking up in that charming, boyish way that made him so endearing. "It’s been a while," he said, his tone light and easy.

Adeline blinked, still processing the fact that he had sought her out. "I could say the same to you," she replied, recovering quickly. "I thought you’d be busy with the council."

Benedict chuckled, a sound that was both genuine and contagious. "Oh, I am. But when I saw you, I couldn’t resist coming over to say hello."

Maia and Victoria exchanged curious glances but wisely stayed silent, letting the two of them catch up. Adeline felt a mixture of emotions—joy at seeing her old friend.

"I wanted to welcome you at the orientation but I had to lead the tour. But since we have this time, we can finally talk." Benedict smiled brightly. She looked around to see some girls whispering.

He turned into a handsome man indeed, he was drawing too much attention. Adeline smiled, it was good that he was making many friends and getting along with so many people. There was a time when he shared his true feelings.

He said that he felt so lonely, he had no one left. He couldn’t sleep at night. He blamed it on the unfamiliar environment, he was suddenly placed in the royal palace... But she knew that the issue went deeper than that.

She was worried for him... So much. But everything turned out great.

"You don’t have to make any excuses. I understand that you’re busy. So many responsibilities, so many people looking up to you... You do what you have to do." Adeline smiled.

He smiled softly and turned to look at Victoria and Maia.

"Hello there, Victoria." He nodded. He knew this girl all too well. She was not the type to be warm and chummy to anyone except Adeline. A simple nod would be the most appropriate.

"Hmm." Victoria nodded back with a blank expression.

Benedict chuckled. Classic Victoria. He knew she means well, and that she cares for them deeply, she just has funny ways of expressing it.

"Well, you’ve said hello," she teased lightly, "but don’t let me keep you. I’m sure the council will start wondering where you’ve gone."

Benedict lingered by their table for a moment before turning back to Adeline with a bright smile. "Why don’t you, Maia, and Victoria come join us?" he offered casually, gesturing toward the student council table.

Maia’s eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head. "Oh, no, no. That wouldn’t be appropriate," she stammered nervously. "We’re not council members. We’d just be intruding."

Victoria nodded in agreement, her expression deadpan and her tone neutral. "Maia’s right. It’s better if we stay here."

Benedict waved a hand dismissively, brushing off their concerns as though they were inconsequential. "Nonsense," he said with an easy grin. "It’ll be fine. You’re with me, after all."

Victoria’s expression did not change in the slightest, she looked like she was mocking him. As if saying Sure, we believe you.

Benedict coughed. "It’s not as formal as you think."

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