The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 203: Alliances

Chapter 203: Alliances

Adeline gathered her things, her thoughts preoccupied with what Lucas had told her about the hunt. She hadn’t expected him to approach her or to bring up something as intriguing and potentially beneficial as the upcoming competition.

Despite her initial doubts, she felt a surge of determination. Winning the hunt could finally give her the leverage she needed to access the library’s restricted section and uncover more about her lightning powers.

As the students began to disperse from the field, Adeline was unaware of the sharp gaze observing her from afar. Benedict stood at the edge of the training grounds, his arms crossed, watching her every move. He had noticed Lucas speaking with her earlier and couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

Lucas was many things—ambitious, calculating, and undeniably dangerous. Benedict had seen enough of him over the years to know that Lucas never did anything without an ulterior motive.

When the opportunity presented itself, Benedict stepped forward and intercepted Adeline before she could leave. "Adeline," he called out, his voice firm yet calm.

She paused and turned, slightly startled to see him. "Benedict?"

"Can we talk?" He asked, motioning toward a quieter corner of the grounds.

Adeline nodded, curious but slightly confused by his sudden approach. She followed him to a spot away from the lingering students. Once they were alone, Benedict turned to face her, his expression serious.

"What did you and Lucas talk about?" He asked without preamble, his blue eyes scrutinizing her intently.

Adeline blinked, taken aback by the question. "Why does it matter?" she asked, frowning.

"It matters because Lucas isn’t someone you should be casually speaking with," Benedict said, his tone sharp. "What did he say to you?"

Adeline hesitated, unsure why Benedict seemed so concerned. "We talked about the hunt," she replied honestly. "He told me about the rules and the rewards. That’s all."

Benedict’s frown deepened. "And you don’t think that’s suspicious?"

Adeline tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. "Suspicious? I mean, I didn’t think much of it. He was just explaining the event."

Benedict shook his head, clearly frustrated. "Adeline, Lucas is not a simple individual. I grew up in the palace alongside him. I’ve seen him numerous times. That man is... Something. Trust me, he doesn’t do anything without a reason."

Adeline crossed her arms, feeling a flicker of annoyance. "I’m not naive, Benedict. I know he’s... Complicated. But we just talked. That’s it."

Benedict sighed, his gaze softening slightly. "I’m not saying you’re naive. I’m saying you should be careful. Lucas is dangerous, even on campus grounds. Don’t let your guard down around him."

Adeline raised an eyebrow. "You really think he’d try something here? With professors and students everywhere?"

Benedict’s expression didn’t waver. "I wouldn’t put anything past him. He may not act directly, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t laying the groundwork for something."

Adeline felt a pang of unease at his words, but she pushed it aside. "Well, whatever his motives are, they don’t concern me. I made my own decision to participate in the hunt. He didn’t put me up to it."

Benedict’s eyes widened slightly in disbelief. "You’re serious?"

"Of course I am," Adeline said firmly. "Why wouldn’t I be?"

"You’re a first-year, Adeline," Benedict pointed out. "Do you even realise what you’re getting into? The hunt isn’t just some casual competition. It’s dangerous, even with all the safety measures in place. Most first-years don’t even think about participating, let alone actually doing it."

Adeline straightened her shoulders, meeting his gaze with determination. "I know it’s dangerous. But I also know it’s worth the risk. If I win, I can ask the headmaster for access to the restricted section of the library. I need that information, Benedict."

Benedict shook his head in exasperation. "You’re putting yourself in harm’s way for a chance at some old documents?"

"They’re not just ’old documents,’" Adeline shot back, her voice rising slightly. "They could have information about my lightning powers. I can’t keep stumbling around in the dark, trying to figure things out on my own. This is my best shot."

Benedict hesitated. He knew some of her troubles. They grew up together after all. The disconnect with her element was something she struggled with. There was no teacher who could help her. The only ones who could perhaps help her... Were those in the mage tower?

But that was not an easy ask. Who knows what they would want in return? The Marquess did not want his daughter to the taken away but the Holy Temple, much less the Mage Tower!

Who knows what they would do? Use her? Experiment on her? Whatever it might be, he would never take that risk.

Benedict studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "And you’re sure this is your decision?" he asked finally.

"Yes," Adeline said firmly. "Lucas didn’t manipulate me into this, if that’s what you’re worried about. He just told me about the hunt. That’s it."

Benedict’s jaw tightened, but he nodded slowly. "Fine. If you’re set on this, then I won’t try to stop you. But promise me you’ll be careful."

"I will," Adeline said, her tone softening. "Thank you for your concern, Benedict. I appreciate it."

He nodded again, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he stepped back. "Just... Keep your distance from Lucas," he said as a parting warning.

Adeline watched him leave, her mind racing. Benedict’s words echoed in her head, stirring a mix of doubt and determination. She knew he meant well, but she couldn’t let his warnings deter her.

She had a goal, and she was determined to achieve it. No matter the risks.

Benedict strode away from Adeline, his thoughts spinning as he contemplated her decision to participate in the hunt. The moment she had mentioned Lucas’s involvement, his instincts had flared with a warning.

He had seen Lucas grow up in the palace, and while many viewed him as the quiet, unassuming prince, Benedict knew better. Lucas was anything but harmless. He had a way of masking his intentions behind a composed exterior, and his recent proximity to Adeline only deepened Benedict’s suspicions.

As he walked toward the dormitories, Benedict’s resolve solidified. He needed to speak with Cassian. Adeline might have dismissed his concerns, but Cassian wouldn’t. Cassian had always been protective of Adeline, even if he rarely voiced it outright.

So much so that Cassian viewed him as an enemy... Him... The one that pledged loyalty. Hah. Who cares? They both wanted what was best for Adeline. As for who she would choose in the end...

The bond between Cassian and Benedict was one forged through necessity and mutual respect. Over the years, Benedict had risen to become Cassian’s right-hand man. Their alliance wasn’t born of friendship but of shared goals and an unspoken understanding of the stakes involved in palace politics.

While Cassian bore the weight of the throne’s future, Benedict served as his steadfast support, offering advice and acting as his eyes and ears.

Benedict reached Cassian’s quarters and was immediately granted entry. Cassian was seated by the window, reviewing reports from his advisors. His sharp, calculating gaze lifted as Benedict entered, and he set the papers aside.

"What is it?" Cassian asked, his tone clipped but not unkind.

"It’s about Adeline," Benedict began without preamble.

Cassian’s expression shifted slightly, a flicker of interest breaking through his usual stoic demeanour. "What about her?"

"She’s planning to participate in the hunt," Benedict said.

Cassian raised an eyebrow. "The hunt? Isn’t that months away?"

"Yes, but Lucas has already spoken to her about it," Benedict said, his voice hardening at the mention of the second prince. "He’s the one who brought it up. She claims it was her decision to join, but I can’t help but think Lucas had something to do with it."

Cassian’s eyes narrowed. "Lucas? Why would he approach her?"

"That’s what concerns me," Benedict replied. "Lucas never does anything without a reason. He’s been gathering allies under the guise of supporting his younger brother, but we both know the truth. He’s building his own power base."

Cassian’s eyes narrowed. Adeline was not his weakness, she was his reverse scale, touch her and see his wrath.

Cassian leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "You think he’s trying to use Adeline?"

"It’s possible," Benedict said. "And if he is, we need to ensure she’s protected. She doesn’t fully understand what Lucas is capable of."

Cassian’s jaw tightened, and his gaze grew distant. He hated the thought of anyone using Adeline, especially someone as manipulative as Lucas. "We’ll keep an eye on her during the hunt," he said firmly. "Both of us."

Did he like Benedict? Not even a little, but it was an alliance that benefited him. Support from the Northern Duchy was not too bad. He too should make allies of his own should he not?

He will agree that he was capable and smart... Maybe a little too much. He hated how Adeline and he were closer. He hated how she had more sympathy and care for him... Hah...

Benedict nodded, relieved that Cassian was taking the matter seriously. "Agreed. I’ll make sure she’s not left vulnerable, but you should be aware of Lucas’s larger plans. He’s not just looking for allies—he’s preparing for the succession battle."

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