The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 199: New Roommate

Chapter 199: New Roommate

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?

And that when she saw him... Kill.

It was also the year he and Cassian would be leaving for the academy.

His mother had insisted he attend the party to make "strategic connections." She was a woman obsessed with appearances and alliances, but Lucas knew better than to put stock in her plans. She was, in his eyes, a foolish woman—useful only because of her title.

And of course, the Empress made sure Cassian attended as well. She would rather die than let both of the Imperial Concubine’s sons take everyone’s attention.

Theresa’s father much like his grandfather was a Viscount. She thought they had a common point but she was forgetting that his grandfather commanded a faction... He made his mother the wife of the Emperor.

As for her... She and her forgettable family name can dream.

The real power in the family lay with his grandfather. The old man had been grooming Lucas for years, teaching him how to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and power.

Under his grandfather’s guidance, Lucas had learned to see the world for what it truly was: a game of manipulation, strategy, and control.

At the party, his grandfather had pulled him aside to discuss their plans for the academy. They spoke in hushed tones, mapping out potential alliances and identifying threats. But their conversation was interrupted by a commotion.

One of their spies—a man who had been planted in a rival noble house—had decided to take a gamble. He believed he could extract more leverage from the royal family by revealing his true role and demanding a higher reward. It was a foolish move.

Lucas had acted swiftly. Without waiting for his grandfather’s orders, he summoned his magic. The air grew cold as frost spread across the marble floor. In a matter of seconds, the man’s chest was encased in ice.

His eyes widened in shock, and then, with a sickening crack, the ice pierced through his heart. He collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

The room had fallen silent. Nobles who had been laughing and chatting moments earlier now stared in stunned silence. Lucas, however, remained calm. He turned to his grandfather, who nodded approvingly. It was a lesson to everyone present: Lucas was not someone to be trifled with.

Unfortunately, Theresa had been among the witnesses.

Lucas remembered her wide-eyed expression as she watched the scene unfold. For a moment, she had looked terrified, as if she might faint.

But then, she had composed herself, putting on a mask of indifference. She hadn’t spoken to him that day, but Lucas knew she wouldn’t forget what she had seen.

She was clever enough to shut up about what she had seen. If she had told anyone... Then he would have to kill another person.

Now, as she sat across from him, spinning her plans and speaking as if they were equals, Lucas couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. She thought she could align herself with him, that she could benefit from his ambition.

How naive.

To Lucas, Theresa was nothing more than a pawn. She was useful, yes, but only as a tool to further his own goals. He had no interest in sharing power with her—or anyone else.

Still, he allowed her to speak. He nodded occasionally, giving the impression that he was considering her words. Let her believe they were on the same side. It would make her easier to manipulate.

As she continued, Lucas’s mind wandered back to that day at the party. He remembered the look on his grandfather’s face, the pride in his eyes as he watched Lucas take control of the situation.

That was what mattered to him—earning his grandfather’s respect and solidifying his position as the true heir to the family’s legacy.

Theresa was just a means to an end.

In his past life, his grandfather met a tragic end in Cassian’s hands... This time he would not let that happen.

The divine being gave him a second chance... He heard his voice speaking clearly, "Another chance... You will get it once." He heard this voice as he was dying.

That bastard killed him... He was stupid the first time... Listening to his mother and overconfidence... He knew... He knew a lot of things including how Cassian has powers.

He will not repeat what happened in his last life. He knew who Cassian’s allies were... He knew that Cassian was a manipulative, cunning bastard. This time it will be he who will be the Emperor...

When she finally paused, Lucas leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. He adjusted his glasses, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You make an interesting point," he said smoothly. "Perhaps there’s merit in your proposal."

Theresa’s eyes lit up, clearly pleased with his response. She had no idea that, in Lucas’s mind, her fate had already been decided. She would serve her purpose, and when she was no longer useful, she would be discarded—just like the spy who had overplayed his hand.

As the conversation continued, Lucas’s smile remained in place. But behind those cold, calculating eyes, his thoughts were already moving several steps ahead.

Adeline leaned forward on her elbows, resting her chin on her hand, as she smiled at Layla. "So, what have you been up to?" she asked with a curious tilt of her head.

Layla waved her hand dismissively, a small, easy smile playing on her lips. "Oh, nothing important," she said lightly. "I just had to deliver a letter from my mother to one of the professors. They’re old friends, apparently."

Adeline raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? That’s interesting. Who’s the professor?"

Layla shrugged nonchalantly, brushing a stray curl from her face. "Just Professor Wister. He teaches harmony-focused elemental applications. You probably haven’t met him yet."

Adeline nodded, deciding not to press further. While she was curious about Layla’s family, she respected her friend’s boundaries.

Besides, the topic didn’t seem significant enough to warrant more questions. Unbeknownst to Adeline, Layla’s mother was none other than the Eastern Duchess—a fact Layla deliberately kept quiet.

Her adoption was fairly recent and the Duchess seemed to have plans of her own... She had things to take care of before she wanted to announce the heiress to the Eastern Duchy.

Maia leaned forward, eager to catch Layla up on what she’d missed. "You’ll never believe what happened at lunch," she began, her voice animated as she recounted the events with Benedict, Cassian, and the rest of the council. Layla listened attentively, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as she fiddled with her braid.

"And then," Maia continued, her hands gesturing wildly, "Benedict gave Adeline his seat, right next to Cassian! Can you believe it? The entire council was staring at her like she was some kind of legend."

She had never been this excited to talk about anyone. She usually kept to herself but her friend running for student council was just too interesting! No one from their first year would ever dream of running.

But of course, expected of the daughter of the Western Marquess.

Maia rarely had interactions with the noble society, and after she entered the academy, it felt like a new world.

Adeline did not know her ’bold move’ was being discussed between her friends. She really did not think it was a big deal mostly because she wasn’t well aware of the workings of the academy.

If she had told her plan to any senior she would be met with apprehensive gazes. Usually, people would start applying in their second year or third. Their first year... That was too soon!

But Adeline was determined. She will become a member of the student council, she just knew it. Intelligence? Check. Powers? Check. Influence... Also check.

Adeline turned to look at Victoria who was strangely quiet. She was fidgeting again, something she would do when she was nervous... Adeline wondered what was wrong. So she tried to make conversation with her. Adeline just chalked it up to first day jitters.

"Victoria," Adeline said, softening her tone. "Who are your new roommates? Are they nice?"

Victoria shrugged, her expression unreadable. "They don’t seem to like me much," she murmured, her voice quiet but steady. "But it’s okay. I’m used to it."

Adeline’s heart sank at her friend’s words. She knew Victoria could come across as aloof or blunt, but she also knew that underneath that exterior was a kind and loyal person. "Victoria..." Adeline began, her voice tinged with sadness.

Before she could say more, Maia chimed in, her expression brightening with an idea. "There is an extra bed in our room," she suggested eagerly. "Maybe Victoria could come live with us?"

Adeline’s eyes widened as she turned to Maia. "That’s a great idea!" she exclaimed, excitement colouring her voice. She looked at Layla for confirmation, her pink hair bouncing with the movement.