After the demonstration of his absurd magic theory, everything took a turn. The people who were once scared because of his trashy personality are now truly terrified that he actually managed to recreate the fire dragon's breath. Reading their faces, fear wasn't the only emotion; some were curious, some confused. Most noticeably, the expressions they wore at the beginning of class that morning had changed completely during break.
Darian rested his head on the wooden desk, feeling exhausted and rueful about what he had done in the class, Ah damn it! I should have been a little more careful instead of making Seris less suspicious; I made the entire class even more terrified of me. He let out a big sigh. Well, whatever. Who knew that applying the basics of a Bunsen burner could lead to something as great as dragon flame? Besides, it's not entirely my fault either; the creator of the novel only mentioned the dragons in a random chapter where both main pairs had to kill a corrupted zombie dragon. thinking about there were five of them: Dravoltis of the sky, Stromvorn of the storms, Levithon of the sea, Gaiatheron of the land, and Draganoier of the fire. It'd be something, wouldn't it? Seeing a real dragon… not in a book, not in a painting—right there in front of me.
As Darian stood up to leave, letting out another sigh, he noticed that other students were practically avoiding his path. He was enjoying the peace for a little more time, but it was interrupted by a soft, feminine voice from behind.
"A-Ahem... Your Highness?"
Darian turned his head towards where the sound came from in annoyance. Standing in front of him was a girl who was adjusting her round glasses; her nervous face had a terrifying determination and an awkwardness.
Yikes! Why is she here? Why now? Darian thought, recognizing the chestnut hair immediately. It was none other than the protagonist, Elaine Blane, in the novel; she was supposed to meet Kayle around this time. Why is she approaching me?
"What do you want?" Darian barked in annoyance, "Who are you? And why the hell are you bothering me!"
"A-Ah! oh sorry!" She bowed quickly, nearly losing her glasses in doing so."I am Elaine Blane, daughter of Baron Blane. I...I witnessed your demonstration in Professor Truefold's class."
"Whatever. Who you are means nothing to me," Darian said, already turning away. "Don't waste my time, lady."
But Elaine didn't move. Her gaze hardened, resolve settling in. She gathered her courage and spoke."Your Highness! Prince Darian, could you?".... her hands trembled, "Could you teach me more about 'Elemental Fusion' ?"
Ah, damn it! I completely forgot that she was a total study freak in the novel, he groaned internally. Lady Lyra often used Elaine's bookworm nature as a reason for her to stay late in the library and get into trouble, and more cringy romance between Kayle and Elaine.
"Sorry, young lady of the Blanes," he said with a false malice dripping voice." I am not interested in sharing my secrets with a low-tier noble. Go find a book in librabry or something instead of bothering me!"
"Please, Your Highness !" she stepped forward, her persistence was starting get on Darian's nerves. "I will do anything! I haven't ever seen someone interpret mana in that way. It was beautiful but terrifying if... if you teach me more about that I.. I will make it worth your while!"
Wait anything? Darian paused for a second, looked at the confident face of Elaine, and remembered the mountain of work that he would have to finish due to his incompetence.
Actually, if she is this desperate, I might be able to assign her to do all of my unpleasant academic assignments.
"Anything you say?" Darian turned back with his smirk, "Fine if you want to learn, you will have to pay the price. You will complete my homework lecture notes and also help me with my studies whenever I demand."
Elaine's eyes widened with a little joy, "mmm.... I can do that! I love studying very much."
Is she actually happy about it? Darian thought to himself after he saw her response. This girl is even weirder than I thought. Fusion magic, it's just basic science. What else is going to lose by telling her about just a little modern science? Moreover, it's a win-win for me. Also, it's about time the protagonists meet. I can't let her hold her here anymore; it interferes with the plot.
Darian looked at her dress and remarked, "Also, your dress is full of ink. Wash it before it parches and became perment mark of your incompetence."
"A-Ah!" Elaine looked down at her dress, her face turned bright red with embarrassment as she realized the state of her skirt. "Ahhhhh! Sorry, Highness! I will... I will do that right away!"
She bowed frantically, then turned and ran towards the washroom to clean the ink stains on her skirt.
Darian followed her without her noticing, making sure that her path would not be interrupted by Kayle.
Darian saw Elaine bump into Kayle while running towards the washroom.
BUMP...both fell to the ground.
"Are you all right?" Kayle stood up and asked her, extending her hands. Her face became red seeing Kayle's face. She reacted, "Y-yes!"
Darian, who was hiding behind the pillars, saw all what was happening. He smirked, being pleased with the outcome.
Perfect, Darian whispered. The fated encounter was a success. The ink stain did its job as a conversation starter, and the romance is back on track. Now I wait for what comes next; until then, I'll use the plot like a loaded die to tilt the odds in my favor.
He turned and continued walking toward his classroom, finally feeling like he had earned a rest from the burden of the plot, but when he entered the class, he encountered another variable that happened because of his interference. Claire Arkaelis was waiting for Darian. She spoke, "Your Highness, third prince, you have an invitation from the dean of the academy."