Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The grand hall fell into a heavy hush as the announcer's voice rang out. Explore more adventures at empire

"Presenting, the heir of the Lighthaven Family… Adrian Lighthaven."

The shift in the hall was immediate, with heads turning toward the entrance, conversations stilled, and the echo of footsteps filling the room. Even the king and queen, seated in their stately positions, looked up with keen interest as Adrian Lighthaven stepped forward.

Adrian moved with a calm, assured stride. He wasn't a man of striking handsomeness like the many princes and noblemen scattered throughout the hall, yet there was something about him that held the attention of those who watched.

His composure, a quiet confidence, and his resolute gaze gave him an aura uniquely his own. His presence was magnetic in its quiet strength, and those who looked on could sense it—the steadiness of a man who knew exactly who he was and where he was going.

With practiced grace, he made his way through the crowd, his expression neutral but respectful. He walked directly toward Princess Isabella, the host of the evening, without faltering or glancing at the curious faces turned his way. Reaching her, he paused just a step away and gave a small, courteous nod.

Isabella's face softened, her eyes brightening with a genuine warmth as she returned his greeting with a sweet smile. "Thank you for coming, Brother Adrian," she said, her voice carrying a quiet fondness that did not go unnoticed.

Adrian inclined his head again in acknowledgment, a subtle smile touching his lips. "It's my pleasure, Princess Isabella. Congratulations on your Awakening. I hope you will reach great heights."

As he straightened, he turned slightly to see the two girls by her side—Princess Cassandra and Princess Alina of the Kingdom of Calanthe. Cassandra's graceful, poised demeanor was a marked contrast to Alina's slightly awkward stance, but both carried themselves with the dignity expected of their rank.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Cassandra's clear, refined voice broke the silence. "We meet again, young master," she said, inclining her head in a formal greeting.

Alina mirrored her sister's gesture, though a slight smile tugged at her lips. "Indeed. It is good to see you here, young master."

Adrian returned their greeting politely, his expression respectful. "Princesses, I am glad to see you both have arrived safely."

He seemed about to excuse himself from their presence, taking a step back and beginning to turn, when Isabella's hand shot out, catching the edge of his light coat. Her fingers held the fabric lightly but firmly, enough to make Adrian pause, his brows raising slightly in surprise.

"Leaving so soon?" Isabella asked with a hint of playful reproach. "You're not intruding on us, Brother Adrian. In fact, we were just talking about you. Why not stay and talk with us for a while?"

Adrian blinked, taken aback by her open invitation. This… He hesitated, but seeing Isabella's smile and sensing her sincerity, he nodded. "As you wish, Princess," he said, his voice polite but with a hint of warmth in it.

Isabella's smile deepened as she took his arm, gently but with familiarity, guiding him closer to the small circle she'd formed with the twins. The entire exchange was subtle yet undeniably intimate, and the nobles around them exchanged glances, murmuring amongst themselves.

It was rare—perhaps unheard of—for Princess Isabella to openly show such affection. Her actions made a statement, leaving more than a few to wonder if there was more to this connection between the princess and the young heir of the Lighthaven family.

Not far off, a group of young noblemen watched the scene unfold with barely concealed disdain. They exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from irritation to thinly veiled jealousy. One of them, a tall young man with sharp features and a haughty air, let out a low scoff, his lips curling into a sneer.

"Didn't she reject our offer to escort her to the banquet?" he muttered sarcastically, his gaze fixed on Isabella and Adrian. "And yet look at her now, smiling so sweetly at him."

Another nobleman nearby, catching the mood, took a long sip from his wine goblet before glancing slyly at the handsome young man with blond hair standing at their side. His eyes glinted with mischief as he tilted his head, setting a bait. "Weren't you going to pursue her, Prince Morgan? It looks like someone may have beaten you to it."

Prince Morgan remained silent, his face unreadable as he lifted his glass and took a measured sip. His cool, blue eyes were fixed on Isabella, watching the way she lingered near Adrian, their closeness unmistakable. He said nothing, but the intensity in his gaze spoke volumes—a quiet fury, and a determination not easily shaken.

Though his posture was outwardly calm, his grip on the glass tightened slightly, a brief flash of frustration breaking through his composed mask. Prince Morgan had long harbored his intentions toward Isabella, considering himself an obvious match for the princess. To see her favor another, especially Adrian Lighthaven of all people, was a blow to his pride.

Around him, the murmurs of the other nobles continued, and their amusement only seemed to fuel his silent resentment further. With an air of icy calm, Morgan watched as Isabella guided Adrian deeper into the heart of the gathering, each lingering smile and glance she sent his way stoking the quiet fire within him.

As the evening wore on, Morgan's expression remained stoic, but the storm in his eyes told of a resolve that would not soon be broken.

However, what frustrated him more was the young man to whom she was showing closeness - Adrian.

He knew him, too well perhaps. After all, they studied together for three years before the Awakening Ceremony. Although they parted ways last year, he has been hearing about him throughout the year, a lot actually.

From how he entered the Celestial Arcane Academy in the first rank to how he recently became a hero, a hero who came back from the dead.

'...Just how long do you intend to stand in my way?'