𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓

EIGHT.

Y/n arrived at the academy with much fanfare.

[System Update: You have arrived at the location where Friendly Rivals take place. Good Luck!]

Y/n swallowed.

He did not need a reminder that he still had to thwart a route from happening—mainly Claude, someone who's bad ending would cause death.

This is all so unnecessary.

Well, he couldn't help but be comforted with the presence surrounding him—normally, he would feel annoyed. Suffocated, even. But Y/n did appreciate the kindness that Aristidis had shown him; as well as the words of reassurance that had flowed off the Prince's lips.

The academy's grand entrance loomed before them, its imposing architecture a testament to centuries of tradition and excellence. Aristidis opened the door and stepped out, extending a hand to help Y/n disembark.

"Of course, your manners are excellent, Your Highness," Y/n said lightly, "what did I expect from the glory of the Empire?"

"Your tongue is honeyed, as usual—who knew the young master of the count family knew how to butter up people like this?"

"Years as an heir," Y/n lied without batting an eye, "you learn how to please people."

Aristidis chuckled, his eyes filled with amusement. "Well, it seems your skills have served you well."

"It really has," Y/n said shamelessly, hiding a smile that was curving up his lips—"and well—thank you. For this whole arrangement—it must have been troublesome.."

Aristidis's feelings—platonic or romantic, were obvious to him. Y/n was someone who had studied every character, after all.

He was treading on dangerous waters.

Aristis's expression softened—Y/n noted with dull reluctance—and he brushed away a loose strand from Y/n's face.

"It was no trouble for me at all," He gave a light smile, "so don't beat yourself up over it."

"I wasn't—"

Y/n was interrupted by Aristidis's calm voice.

"You weren't a bother, if that was what you were worried about."

Oh.

How did Aristidis just..know him so well? It was the very thing—Y/n had been nervous about. He had always been scared of it; scared of being a burden. Holding someone back. Y/n knew himself how his family viewed him as: a money-sucking and useless son.

Perhaps they were happy he was finally gone..

Aristidis sensed the shift in Y/n's emotion—and seemed to tighten his grip on him. Whatever it was, it helped. Yet..

There was still unease swirling in the pits of his stomach—as they made their way through the academy's corridors, Y/n noticed the curious glances from fellow students and staff. It was no secret that the prince rarely made appearances at the academy, and his presence alongside Y/n raised eyebrows and fueled speculation.

"Popular, aren't you?"

"I think you are the one they are looking at," Aristidis said carelessly, "yes, they are looking at me—but it's more like they are looking at us."

Right.

Even in the game, it was depicted that Aristidis was someone who kept to himself; viewed as some terrifying person that was aloof and distant. It was rare he even came into the academy; given he had top-tier private education. And now he was striding in with the heir of the Count Family. Well, this was the very opposite. Aristidis wasn't distant! The game was probably bugged..