Not-So an Extra



NOTICE!!!

A/N: 

I changed the 'item user' to 'Endless' in ch.121.

— "I understand your anger, but please remember that he is also an Endless, just like us, the Elders." —

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The entrance of the prestigious academy buzzed with electrifying energy.

Some students made their way to their classes, while others gathered in small groups, engaged in animated conversations. 

Their voices blended together in a harmonious symphony of youthful exuberance.

Laughter echoed through the air, mingling with the rhythmic sound of footsteps.

However, amidst this vibrant chaos, a sudden hush fell over the crowd. 

Heads turned in unison, their gazes fixated on the entrance gate.

—Neigh!

A grand carriage, exuding resplendent regal fineness, gracefully approached the entrance gate. 

It was pulled by four majestic white horses, their ethereal grace captivating the attention of all onlookers. 

As the carriage came to a stop, whispers began to spread like wildfire, swiftly passing from one student to another.

A butler deftly opened the carriage door, revealing a black-haired young man who emerged with elegance, followed closely by a white-haired boy. 

The presence of these two individuals only served to amplify the growing whispers among the students, who watched in awe as they made their way into the academy.

"Oh, behold the sight of two dashing Princes walking in perfect harmony. My eyes are truly blessed."

A student muttered, unable to contain her admiration.

"Have you heard? The Second Prince is eligible for early graduation!" 

"Yes, I heard that His Highness is the first in history to achieve this remarkable feat!" 

"As expected of a Prince of our Empire, he is not only handsome but also incredibly intelligent!"

The whispers continued to circulate, painting a picture of Adrian's exceptional intelligence and accomplishments.

"Eh, did you hear? There's another rumor circulating that he is romantically involved with Lady Leticia!" 

The gossip persisted, their voices filled with intrigue.

The mention of Lady Leticia, known as the most beautiful girl in the academy, sparked a mixture of envy and admiration among the students.

A week after the discovery of the underground hideout, Arthur fulfilled his promise and had his sentence lifted.

However, fate had other plans in store for them.

To their utter surprise, the academy sent a formal letter announcing a month-long suspension as a consequence of their run away during the Study Tour.

With no room for negotiation, they were left with no choice but to comply.

While his beloved brother found it frustrating as if it were the end of the world, Adrian found it worthwhile, since he could now fully focus on studying before the start of the graduation exam.

Despite Nathaniel's constant nagging to sneak out to town or spar with him almost every day, Adrian still managed to enjoy his time.

"Pfftt."

A soft chuckle pricked Adrian's ears, causing him to turn sideways and find his brother laughing. 

When their eyes locked, Nathaniel's mischievous smile grew wider.

"Oh, my goodness, I don't know if my little brother has become quite the celebrity."

Adrian clicked his tongue in annoyance and rolled his eyes in boredom.

"Shut up."

Ignoring his brother, Adrian's cerulean eyes scanned the sea of students, searching for a specific person.

After breaking her hairpin to open the padlock, Adrian decided to give her a replacement, ensuring that he owed her nothing.

"Looking for your girlfriend?"

Nathaniel playfully teased, a smug smirk planted on his lips.

"She's not my girlfriend."

Adrian replied exasperatedly, his voice tinged with frustration. 

No matter how many times he clarified their relationship, his brother seemed to enjoy teasing him about it.

Adrian had no romantic interest in her whatsoever. 

Love and relationships were the furthest things from his mind.

"But you're looking for her, right?"

"..."

He tightly shut his mouth and turned away, causing Nathaniel's laughter to grow unabated.

However, Adrian's attention was suddenly diverted when he noticed a wheat-haired boy peeking out from behind a nearby tree, urgently waving his hand to him.

Upon seeing it, Adrian furrowed and ceased his steps.

'What the hell is he doing there?'

As Adrian abruptly came to a halt, Nathaniel mirrored his actions. 

In the distance, he spotted Simone's brother, clearly attempting to capture his little brother's attention. 

Acknowledging the unspoken message, Nathaniel pivoted to the boy next to him.

"Then I'll see you in the examination hall. Just make sure you're not late." 

Nathaniel affirmed and Adrian nodded.

"I understand."

After bidding farewell, Adrian approached Péréz.

Arriving before him, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in wonder as he witnessed the anxiety that was vividly etched on his face.

"Follow me."

Péréz urged, his voice filled with urgency.

Without much thought, Adrian decided to comply, intrigued by the unusual behavior of his friend.

They ventured into the depths of the nearby woods and when the sounds of students faded away, they eventually came to a stop.

Péréz faced Adrian, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and panic.

Unexpectedly, he dropped to his knees and hugged Adrian's right leg tightly.

"Huaa! Ian!"

"Péréz! What the hell!"

Adrian exclaimed, his frustration evident in his voice. 

He tried to push him away, but his efforts proved futile as Péréz's grip only tightened.

"Péréz, let me go!"

Ignoring his demand, he began to sob.

"Ian! I swear to you! It's not me spreading the rumor about you dating Lady Leticia! I swear! I'm not the one who spread it!"

Well, Adrian heard about the rumor, but he dismissed it as he usually does. 

"I don't care about it! Let me go!"

Additionally, he had no reason to care anyway, especially given that he would be graduating in a few weeks.

But, still—

'What the hell was wrong with this little brat's head?'

He couldn't understand why Péréz was reacting so dramatically. 

They could have simply talked about it like rational individuals, but instead, Péréz chose this irritating and perplexing way to communicate.

Adrian frustratedly brushed his face with both hands, somehow he felt tired for no reason.

Somehow he regretted using that 'trick' to blackmail him; it grated his nerve every time this happened.

"Ian! I swear to you! It's not me! It's not me!"

Péréz continued to plead, seemingly oblivious to his words.

"I know, I know! Now let me go!"

"No! I won't!"

Péréz remained steadfast, clinging to Adrian's leg.

"It's—"

—Rustle!

They stopped whatever they did and darted at the sound, only to discover their classmates with inexplicable expressions etched on their faces and a sense of déjà vu washed over them.