An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge

As we made our way back to the manor, Alicia's simmering frustration was impossible to miss. Her clenched fists and the searing glances she shot at Cedric were warning signs that her patience was nearing its limit.

Cedric, either blissfully ignorant or brazenly unbothered, trailed along behind us, whistling casually. "Arthur, I bet you'll get into the Combat Department too. You've always been so strong!"

"Shut it, Cedric," Alicia snapped, her voice like a whip. Read exclusive chapters at empire

He blinked in confusion, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "What? What did I do this time?"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Alicia spun on her heel, her glare intense enough to freeze him in place. "What did you do? You ruined a perfectly good morning, you insufferable pest!"

Cedric raised his hands defensively. "Alright, alright! I get it. Geez, sis, no need to blow up on me."

I chuckled under my breath, nudging Alicia gently. "Let him be, Al. He's just being his usual self."

Alicia crossed her arms, huffing. "His 'usual self' is infuriating."

"Okay, okay. Calm down. No need to let him ruin your mood," I said, holding back a laugh.

"Hmph!" Alicia huffed, her chin raised high as she strode down the hallway.

Cedric and I exchanged a glance. He mouthed a silent Help me, and I shrugged in amusement.

We caught up to Alicia and entered the manor. Inside, the earlier commotion had faded, replaced by a calm, serene atmosphere. The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden glow across the polished floors.

Reaching my room, I grabbed my aetherpad from the desk and activated it. Alicia and Cedric leaned in, eyes wide with anticipation.

The results flashed on the screen, and a small smile crept across my face. "I passed all three tests," I announced casually.

"Of course, you did," Alicia said, her tone matter-of-fact. "You're smart, trained by a sword grandmaster father and an archmage mother. It's hardly surprising."

Cedric let out a dramatic sigh. "Yeah, must be nice having all those advantages. Some of us weren't born with the golden spoon, you know."

I raised a brow, smirking. "Oh, please. My father invited you to train with me countless times, and you always ran off to slack. And don't even try to tell me the Raven family can't afford a master trainer."

Cedric looked to the ceiling, suddenly very interested in its intricate designs, mumbling, "Well… that's different."

Ignoring him, I turned to Alicia. "Alright, your turn. Let's see your results."

As Alicia was about to head out to fetch her aetherpad, the door opened, and Leonard, the ever-efficient butler, entered with it in hand. "No need to trouble yourself, young miss. I've brought it for you," he said with a polite bow, holding it out.

Alicia frowned slightly, her tone playful but firm. "Grandpa Leo, how many times do I have to tell you not to address me formally? Just call me Alicia."

Leonard chuckled warmly. "As you wish, Alicia."

"That's better," she said, taking the aetherpad. She quickly opened the message from the academy, her expression happy. "I've passed all three tests too," she announced.

"See?" I said, smirking at Cedric. "Your sister passed all three, and you could only manage the theory assessment."

Cedric muttered something under his breath, looking thoroughly annoyed, when another voice cut through the air.

"I told you he's weak," Kaela's mocking tone rang out as she stepped into the room, her arms crossed and a smirk plastered on her face.

Cedric glared at her. "What are you doing here?"

Kaela ignored him entirely and addressed me instead. "Leave him with me for a month, and I guarantee he'll be able to go toe-to-toe with the knights at the door."

Cedric's face turned pale as he raised his hands defensively. "No thanks! I'm perfectly fine just the way I am!"

Everyone burst into laughter at his dramatic reaction.

"This calls for a celebration!" I declared, standing tall and flashing a triumphant grin.

"Finally, someone gets it!" Cedric chimed in eagerly, his face lighting up.

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Who said I was talking to you?"

His expression dropped, confusion taking over. "Wait... what? What do you mean?"

Ignoring his protests, I turned to Alicia. Reaching for her hand, I asked in a softer, more sincere tone, "Would you like to go out with me, Al?"

Alicia's eyes widened as a rosy blush spread across her cheeks. She hesitated for a heartbeat, glancing nervously at the others before nodding. "Y-Yes, I'd like that."

Leonard's face lit up with delight as he stepped forward. "Wonderful! I'll inform the driver to prepare the carriage immediately."

"That won't be necessary, Leonard," I said, holding up a hand. "We'd prefer to take a walk and enjoy the fresh air."

Leonard's smile turned knowing, his eyes twinkling with approval. "As you wish, Master Arthur."

"But first," he added, "you should all have breakfast."

"Of course," I chuckled, gesturing toward my disheveled appearance. "But I think I should clean up first."

"Indeed," Leonard agreed, giving me a knowing look.

With that, we all went our separate ways. As I headed to my room, I could still hear Cedric muttering behind me, his complaints barely audible over the sound of my laughter.

The dining room was alive with a soft hum of conversation as we all gathered back together, but my focus was immediately stolen by Alicia.

She had changed into a simple yet elegant outfit: a light, flowy sundress in pastel pink that stopped just above her knees, complementing her youthful, graceful figure. The dress's thin straps revealed her slender shoulders, while its modest neckline highlighted her natural charm. Her soft brown hair cascaded over her back, framing her delicate face. White flats and a small matching crossbody bag completed the ensemble. A subtle silver bracelet adorned her wrist, and her soft makeup enhanced her already radiant features—her rosy cheeks and lightly glossed lips were simply mesmerizing.

I couldn't help but stare, lost in the sight of her.

But a soft hug from behind and a teasing voice snapped me back to reality. "Oh, it's so hurtful, young master," the voice drawled playfully. "You're so enchanted by your girlfriend that you didn't even notice this poor, neglected maid."

Turning, I met the mischievous gaze of Lily, her pout just exaggerated enough to draw a smile.

"How could I ever forget you, Lily?" I replied smoothly, my tone warm but teasing. "It's just that Alicia is looking so stunning today that I got... momentarily distracted."

I glanced back at Alicia, who flushed a deep pink, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress as she avoided my gaze.

Lily's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, I see. Young love, is it? How romantic." She winked before stepping back, her usual lively energy radiating from her every move.

Alicia coughed lightly, trying to hide her embarrassment, and muttered, "You don't have to say it out loud in front of everyone."

"Why not?" I teased, leaning closer to her. "It's the truth, and you should know how beautiful you are."

Her blush deepened as she glanced away, unable to hold my gaze.