The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 198: Hidden Alliance

Chapter 198: Hidden Alliance

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."

Adeline’s eyebrows raised in surprise. "The whole student body votes?"

Benedict nodded. "Yes. It’s an important tradition. The council represents the students, after all. Each year, we welcome five new members to the council. That might sound like a lot, but considering the academy has over a thousand students, you can imagine how competitive the process is."

Adeline’s eyes sparkled with determination. "So, only five out of thousands of students? That’s... Intense."

"It is," Benedict agreed, his tone growing serious. "But it ensures that only the best and brightest make it onto the council. It’s not just about power or prestige—it’s about responsibility."

Adeline’s mind whirled with possibilities. The council wasn’t just a position of influence; it was her best chance to access the VIP library and uncover the secrets of her lightning powers. Joining the council was no longer just an idea—it was a goal.

"Well," she said after a moment, a small smile playing on her lips, "I love a good challenge."

Benedict chuckled at her confidence. "I have no doubt you’ll make it interesting."

The atmosphere at the student council table grew lively as Adeline engaged the members in conversation. Her boldness, charm, and poise captivated those present. It was undeniable that Adeline Kendrick stood out.

Her pink hair, a mark of her family, was unmistakable, and her reputation preceded her. Many at the table had heard stories about the daughter of the Western Marquess—her sharp tongue, her fiery spirit, and her long-standing ties with Benedict and Cassian.

Up until now, she had been part of a trio that people in the Empire couldn’t stop talking about. The Crown Prince, the future Northern Duke, and the pampered daughter of the Marquess—together, they had been a fixture of high society. But here in the academy, things were different. Status and privilege were meant to fade away, replaced by merit and capability.

At least, that was the ideal.

Adeline noticed some of the members at the table watching her closely. Their interest was piqued not just by her identity but also by her easy camaraderie with Benedict and Cassian. She knew what they were thinking. Would she still shine as brightly in a setting where rank meant nothing?

She was determined to prove she could.

Meanwhile, across the room, Theresa sat at another table, her hands clenched into fists under the surface. She stared at the scene unfolding before her with growing frustration. Adeline, Maia, and Victoria—three girls who, in Theresa’s eyes, had no business sitting at that table, much less commanding the attention of people like Cassian and Benedict.

And especially Maia... She had no right... How could she make friends with influential people so easily... Was it just because they were roommates?

The daughter of the Western Marquess, Adeline Kendrick, and the daughter of the Eastern Duchess... Layla... Even the Griffin family were people noteworthy. They might not be as influential as the big shots but they had their social standing... And here she was...

The daughter of a Viscount... A Viscount who could barely be remembered. She was always dealt the lower hand... The shorter end of the stick...

Adeline had everything handed to her on a silver platter. She was always surrounded by influential people. She was the princess of the Empire.

Layla had only been recently adopted. Every other Duke had a son... And for a long time, Adeline was the Jewel of the Empire. Possessing lightning powers that were considered to be extinct... Hah! Why not make her Queen of the world at this point?

Everything was easy for her, wasn’t it? Not one struggle.

How had Maia managed to worm her way into such company? It was infuriating.

Theresa’s knuckles whitened as she tightened her fists further. This was supposed to be her moment. She had worked hard to get into the academy. She deserved to rise above the rest and claim her rightful place in the hierarchy of noble society.

But instead, she was being overshadowed. By Adeline. By Maia. By Layla... Layla... She was new to the noble circle. Although her family was nobility... She was neglected and the Duchess officially took her in.

She set her eyes on this easy target, or so she thought. She refused her company so rudely it made her grit her teeth. So arrogant for a person who only recently got power.

Her eyes scanned the room, looking for someone who might share her sentiments. Someone who could help her regain the footing she felt she was losing. Her gaze landed on a table near the corner, where a lone figure sat.

Prince Lucas.

The young man was known for his quiet, timid nature... But on one occasion, she saw his true self. He kept himself hidden for a long time, no one would ever doubt him. A prince so timid and shy overshadowed by his older brother who does not possess magic...

That was until his younger brother was born. Earlier it was Crown Prince Cassian and now it was Third Prince Marcus. His life was nothing but pathetic was what most people thought. But she... Was unfortunate enough to witness his true self...

Unlike Cassian, who commanded attention through sheer charisma and authority, Lucas kept to the shadows, observing and analysing. His sharp mind and ambition was not known to others.

Their eyes met across the room. Theresa saw the faintest flicker of recognition in his gaze. Slowly, she stood and smoothed the front of her uniform. Her lips curled into a practised smile as she made her way toward him.

When she reached his table, she stopped, standing just shy of his line of sight. "May I have a seat, Prince Lucas?" she asked, her tone respectful but tinged with confidence.

Lucas glanced up from the book he had been reading, adjusting his glasses with a single, measured motion. His dark eyes studied her for a moment, assessing her intentions. Without a word, he leaned back in his chair and gestured to the empty seat across from him.

Theresa took the seat gracefully, folding her hands in her lap. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Lucas, as always, was in no hurry to break the silence.

Finally, Theresa leaned forward slightly, her voice low and deliberate. "I couldn’t help but notice," she began, "how some people here are... Unworthy of the attention they receive."

Lucas’s expression didn’t change, but his gaze sharpened. "Oh?" he said, his tone neutral.

Theresa nodded, her smile tightening. "It’s frustrating, isn’t it? To see individuals who contribute nothing of substance being elevated simply because of the company they keep."

Lucas closed his book with a soft thud, resting his hands on the table. "Are you referring to anyone in particular?"

Theresa hesitated for a fraction of a second before speaking. "The commoner girl. Maia. She’s clearly out of her depth. And Adeline Kendrick... Well, she may be the daughter of a Marquess, but her arrogance will be her undoing."

Lucas regarded her quietly for a moment. Then, he leaned forward, resting his chin on his interlocked fingers. "And what do you propose to do about it?"

Theresa’s smile returned, sharper this time. "Perhaps we could help each other. We both understand how important it is to maintain balance, to ensure that the right people rise to the top."

Lucas’s lips curled into a faint smirk. "Interesting."

He didn’t need to say more. Theresa knew she had his attention. They shared the same ambitions, the same disdain for those who didn’t deserve their place in the academy. Together, they could ensure that the status quo was preserved—and that those who threatened it would be dealt with.

Lucas barely listened to Theresa as she prattled on, her words weaving a web of supposed partnership and shared ambitions.

She spoke of balance, of maintaining the hierarchy, of ensuring that people like Adeline and Maia didn’t climb higher than they deserved. But to Lucas, her words were noise. She was so absorbed in her schemes that she couldn’t see the obvious: Lucas wasn’t interested in allies. He was interested in tools.

The fact that Theresa thought they could be equals was laughable. Did she forget who he was? Or perhaps, more importantly, did she forget the last time they had met?

It had been two years ago, at his younger brother’s fifth birthday celebration. The event was meant to be a grand affair, a chance for the royal family to flaunt their power and status.

Nobles from every corner of the empire had gathered, including Theresa and her family. At the time, she was just another ambitious noble daughter, eager to make connections and secure her future.

But that day was significant for another reason.

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