Am I… the only guy here?
Well...
That explains the reaction.
I'm not used to being the only visible male in a thirty-meter radius, but I guess this is what happens when you're punctual.
Still—why so reactive?
Is it really because there are no important characters around to steal the spotlight?
I sighed internally.
Kids these days.
Instead of studying, all they think about is romance.
Romantic entanglements. Noble rumors. Partner lists. Dance card strategies.
They should be worried about exams. But no, it's about who will catch whose eye across a glittering ballroom for them.
I clicked my tongue softly.
…Then again, I wasn't exactly in a position to judge.
I was sixteen myself(which I found out not long ago)—technically the same age as most of them. Old enough to be considered nearing adulthood in this world, young enough that those novel worlds would've still labeled me a kid.
But age is just a number. Maturity comes with experience.
And I had plenty of that.
Still, the attention was… uncomfortable. Like being examined under a microscope by a group of overly enthusiastic researchers.
I scanned the area again, this time with more focus. No Emilia yet. No Aeron, either.
Damn, I should have called him, at least he would get all the attention.
Just as the weight of the girls' stares was starting to feel like anvils on my shoulders, a ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd.
"She's here…"
"Wow… so beautiful…"
"That's Lady Emilia?!"
My ears twitched at the whispers. I didn't even need Echo of Life to know who had arrived.
Turning toward the dormitory entrance, I saw her—Emilia, stepping out like a scene ripped straight from a painting.
Long golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the lantern light like spun silk, and her bright blue eyes scanned the area with quiet grace. Her dress, an elegant blend of ivory and sapphire, hugged her frame in a way that was regal rather than ostentatious.
Beside her, Livia followed, her soft pink hair tied back in an intricate braid, green eyes twinkling with amusement. Her own gown, a delicate rose-trimmed silver, made her look like she'd just walked out of a fairy tale.
For a moment, I just stared.
They really live up to their titles as main heroines.
Even I wasn't immune—my breath hitched for half a second before I caught myself. Tch. Only for a moment, though.
Emilia's gaze swept over the whispering juniors, offering them a polite nod before locking onto me. A faint smile touched her lips as she and Livia made their way over.
"You made it," she said, voice smooth but with the barest hint of approval.
I dipped my head slightly. "Wouldn't miss it." Then, because honesty cost nothing, I added, "You both look breathtaking."
Emilia's cheeks tinted pink, but she held my gaze. "Thank you." After a brief pause, her eyes flicked over my outfit, and she gave a small nod. "You're looking… good as well."
Not bad? Well, must be a compliment coming from her.
Livia tilted her head, studying me with an expression caught between surprise and appraisal. "Wow, Aman. I almost mistook you for someone else. How can a person change so much just by dressing up?"
Come on, it's not that much of a big deal. I kept the thought to myself, offering only a faint smile in response.
Before the conversation could linger, Emilia glanced around. "Where's Aeron?"
"Should be here soon," I said, just as a familiar voice cut through the murmurs.
"Hey—!"
A chorus of gasps and giggles erupted behind me. I didn't even need to turn to know what expression the surrounding girls were making—surprise, admiration, blatant infatuation.
Main characters really are attention magnets.
Still, I took a moment to observe their reactions before turning.
Hmm...
Aeron skidded to a stop, slightly breathless but somehow still looking like he'd stepped out of a knight's ballad. His outfit—a deep emerald coat with silver embroidery—fit him perfectly, tailored to accentuate his build without being overly flashy.
Of course. Even running late, he looked like a prince.
The moment our eyes met, Aeron glared. "Why didn't you call me? I was waiting!"
I shrugged. "Sorry. I must have forgot."
He sighed, raking a hand through his windswept hair. "I expected as much, so I came running. Would've been late otherwise."
I flicked my eyes meaningfully toward Emilia and Livia. Aeron caught the cue instantly, straightening up as if he hadn't just been panting seconds ago.
"Emilia," he said, voice softening into something far more charming. "You look… incredible."
You are really a romcom mc, huh.
Livia didn't escape his attention either. "And Livia—stunning, as always."
The effect was immediate. Emilia's lips curled into a pleased smile, while Livia's usual sharp demeanor melted into something almost… giddy.
Barely resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I exhaled internally.
So this is how they react when the person they like compliments them.
Well, not a comment since I haven't experienced it myself.
But if I had to stand here watching them exchange lovestruck glances all night, my nerves would fray faster than a poorly stitched hem.
"Shall we go, then?" I interjected before the atmosphere could thicken any further.
The trio blinked, as if remembering there was, in fact, a ball to attend.
"Right," Emilia said, smoothing her skirts.
Aeron grinned. "Lead the way."
And with that, we moved—leaving behind a sea of whispers, lingering stares, and the unmistakable aura of a story unfolding.
─── ⋆⋅✦⋅⋆ ───
In a quiet corner of the academy grounds, far from the lantern-lit paths where students laughed and chattered, a lone figure leaned against a stone pillar.
To any passerby, he looked like just another student—perhaps one who had stepped away for a moment of solitude. His clothes was immaculate, his expression relaxed as he waved absently to a group of juniors skipping past.
But his fingers tapped rhythmically against the small, crystal-embedded device tucked discreetly in his ear.
"Status check." A voice crackled through the artifact, tinny and clipped.
The student's smile never wavered, even as his response was low and measured. "East perimeter clear. No deviations from the schedule."
A pause. Then: "West side confirmed. Staff rotations are in place."
Another voice, colder: "Ballroom preparations?"
"Complete. No suspicions raised."
The student adjusted his cufflinks, laughing softly at nothing as a pair of girls giggled nearby. His free hand hovered near his ear. "And the distraction?"
"Ready on your signal."
A beat of silence. The student's eyes flicked toward the grand hall, where music had just begun to swell. The ball was in full swing now—perfect.
Then, hesitantly, a fourth voice cut in: "What about the girl? Should we…?"
The student's fingers stilled.
The reply came instantly, sharp as a blade: "Yeah. Eliminate her too. Boss said fewer candidates means fewer complications"
The student exhaled through his nose, his gaze drifting to the star-strewn sky. For a fraction of a second, something dark flickered behind his eyes—then vanished, smoothed into practiced neutrality.
"Understood."
He pushed off the pillar, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off a stray thought. With one last glance at the glowing windows of the ballroom, he melted into the shadows of a side path.
"Now," he murmured, "let's get to work."
And just like that, the night's true performance began.