The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 197: Council

Chapter 197: Council

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."

Adeline glanced between Maia and Victoria, silently asking for their input. Maia still looked uncertain, but Victoria gave a small shrug as if to say, Why not? Finally, Adeline nodded. "Alright, if you’re sure."

With that, the three girls stood, following Benedict toward the bustling student council table. As they approached, the noise around them seemed to fade into the background, and Adeline’s focus sharpened on the table ahead.

And then, she saw him.

Cassian came into view, seated at the head of the table, his posture regal and commanding. His dark hair caught the light, framing his sharp, chiselled features.

He wasn’t smiling, but his expression was calm and resolute as he addressed the council members around him, his low, steady voice carrying an undeniable authority.

Adeline’s breath hitched for a moment. He looked... Very handsome. There was an intensity about him, a quiet strength that made it impossible to look away. In that moment, he didn’t just look like a student, he looked like a king.

Benedict led the way to the student council table, his usual cool demeanour still intact. Adeline, Maia, and Victoria trailed behind him, drawing curious glances from nearby students.

The council table was a coveted spot, after all, reserved for the most powerful and influential individuals in the academy.

When they reached the table, the conversations around it dimmed slightly as the council members looked up.

Some paused mid-bite or mid-sentence, their gazes flitting toward the newcomers. Benedict was known for many things—his impeccable manners, his noble bearing, and his smile that never quite reached his eyes. He always kept his distance with people.

Yet now, Benedict’s smile was wide, genuine even, as he gestured toward Adeline. "Make some room," he said lightly, his tone almost playful.

The council members exchanged startled looks. Benedict wasn’t known for being personable, and his sudden shift in demeanour caught everyone off guard. Whispers buzzed softly as they took in the sight of the girl with unmistakable pink hair.

For many, it was their first time seeing Adeline Kendrick in person. Though her reputation preceded her, the empire was vast, and not everyone had encountered her yet.

Adeline ignored the stares, her chin held high as she followed Benedict to the table. She wasn’t here to make an impression, she simply wanted to sit with her friends.

Her steps faltered briefly when her gaze landed on Cassian. He was seated at the head of the table, his back straight, his expression calm yet commanding.

His icy blue eyes were focused intently on her.

Her heart skipped a beat before anger surged in its place. She hadn’t seen Cassian in years.

She had written letters and waited for visits that never came. He had abandoned her in a way she couldn’t forget or forgive.

Adeline clenched her fists, swallowing the lump of frustration in her throat. She wanted to march over to him, demanding answers, but she stopped herself. This wasn’t the time or place.

As they reached the table, Benedict pulled out a chair for Adeline, stepping aside to offer his own seat. "Here," he said with an almost teasing smile.

Adeline hesitated, her eyes flicking toward the empty chair. It was right next to Cassian.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Of course," Benedict replied smoothly, gesturing again. His smile didn’t waver, and the council members around the table exchanged glances, clearly surprised by his unusual behaviour.

She nodded and took the offered seat, lowering herself onto the chair gracefully. Cassian’s gaze hadn’t left her since she entered the room, and now, sitting this close to him, she could feel the intensity of his presence.

His icy blue eyes seemed to pierce through her, and she fought the urge to look at him. She refused to meet his gaze. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction.

As she settled into her seat, the atmosphere at the table shifted. One of the girls, a brunette sitting across from them, narrowed her eyes slightly. She was one of the many who had a well-known crush on Benedict, and seeing him so openly defer to Adeline left her bristling.

"This table is reserved for council members," the girl said, her tone cold as her gaze flicked toward Adeline.

Before Adeline could respond, Cassian spoke, his voice smooth and unwavering. "The meeting has already ended," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We’re simply here to enjoy our lunches."

The girl blinked, clearly taken aback. She opened her mouth as if to protest further, but under Cassian’s icy stare, she quickly decided against it, returning to her food in silence.

Adeline still didn’t look at Cassian, though she could feel his eyes on her. The intensity of his gaze made her skin prickle, and she focused instead on the bracelet on her wrist.

Without warning, Cassian reached out, gently taking her hand.

Adeline froze as his fingers brushed over her wrist, his touch feather-light. He traced the golden bracelet she wore, his expression unreadable. "You still wear this," he murmured softly, his voice just loud enough for her to hear.

Her heart clenched and for a brief moment, Adeline yanked her arm away, glaring at him. Her eyes were cold, her anger bubbling just beneath the surface. She wanted to shout at him, to demand why he never visited and why her letters were never returned.

Cassian’s expression didn’t change. His icy blue eyes held hers as if trying to understand her anger.

Victoria, meanwhile, sat beside Adeline, completely unbothered by the tension crackling between her and Cassian. She focused entirely on her meal, calmly eating as though nothing unusual was happening. Normally oblivious to social cues, even she seemed to sense the undercurrent of emotions swirling around her friends.

Poor Maia, on the other hand, looked as though she wanted to sink into the floor. The awkward atmosphere was clearly weighing on her, and she fiddled nervously with her utensils, her head bowed as she focused on her food.

Benedict leaned back in his chair, watching the interaction with a raised brow. He thought that Adeline was mad at him and he would be right, but he was oblivious to many emotions that lay beneath the surface.

Adeline finally broke the silence, her voice clipped as she turned to Maia. "How’s the food?" she asked, forcing her tone to be casual.

Maia blinked, startled by the sudden question. "Oh, it’s... it’s good," she stammered, glancing nervously between Adeline and Cassian.

Adeline nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She refused to let Cassian get under her skin, not here, not now. She picked up her fork and began eating, focusing on the meal in front of her.

Cassian, however, didn’t look away. His gaze lingered on her, as though he were trying to figure out what she was thinking, what she was feeling.

Adeline started conversing freely with Benedict and the others.

She greeted them with a friendly smile and began asking questions about their experiences at the academy. Her natural charm and confidence drew people into the conversation, and soon the table relaxed into a casual exchange of stories and laughter.

Cassian, true to his composed nature, didn’t press her for attention. He understood her anger, her disappointment, and perhaps even her desire to avoid him. Instead of interrupting or forcing his way into the conversation, he watched her quietly.

Adeline seized the opportunity to ask the question that had been on her mind. "So," she began, glancing at Benedict with curiosity. "How does one join the student council?"

Her question immediately caught everyone’s attention. The council table quieted, the members turning to Benedict expectantly.

Benedict leaned back slightly, an unreadable smile gracing his lips that Adeline was not used to but the others were, "Ah, an ambitious question," he said, his tone light. "Joining the council is no small feat. It’s not as simple as volunteering."

For some reason, he did not want her to join the council.

Adeline tilted her head, her interest piqued. "How does it work, then?"

"Well," Benedict began, resting his elbow on the table and propping his chin on his hand, "Each year, students have the chance to sign up and express their interest in becoming a council member. This, of course, is only the first step. From there, the real evaluation begins."

"Evaluation?" Adeline echoed, leaning forward slightly.

Benedict nodded and continued to explain.

"Once someone signs up, the faculty and current council members begin observing them. Everything is taken into account—your academic performance, your participation in extracurricular activities, your leadership skills, and even how you handle difficult situations. Achievements, both personal and public, are noted and documented."

Adeline nodded, processing this information carefully. "And then?"

"Once the evaluation period is complete, the list of candidates is narrowed down," Benedict continued. "The names of the most promising individuals are placed on a shortlist. These candidates are then presented to the entire student body, and a vote is held."

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