(Continuation…)
(Rai's POV)
.
Well, if it isn't the Protagonist himself–
–Brooklion Davonte Arjivon–
I thought wryly, inwardly amused by the timing. It had taken him quite a while to cross paths with a mere extra like me.
"Hello, Student Davonte Arjivon."(Rai)
There was no shock or uncertainty in my expression as I regarded the Protagonist of the Novel – the central character around whom the plot revolved.
"I would love to have a talk with you."(Rai)
I said as we both extended our hands for a shakehand, finally coming face-to-face with the Protagonist.
Took him long enough.
My inner voice chimed in, not at all surprised by his approach.
After all, in the Novel, this was our first encounter.
In a way, you could say I was waiting for him.
Of course, I was also trying to avoid meeting him and other troublesome people by dissing the event altogether, but that's a different story.
He is as portrayed.
A confident smile that carries a hint of arrogance, yet manages to avoid making others uncomfortable.
Brooklion Davonte Arjivon–His striking 17-year-old figure with a crown of golden hair and eyes that held the promise of adventures yet to be embarked upon. His side-combed hairstyle exuded a distinct air of heroism, a fitting persona for a character meant to shape the narrative.
Damn dude's got a lot of charisma, so quarrels there.
"*nod. I am surprised you know me, Student Rai."(Arjivon)
Arjivon's voice was laced with curiosity as he raised an eyebrow. However, he made a nod, a testament to his appreciation for being recognized.
"..."(Rai)
However, I didn't immediately respond, maintaining eye contact for a brief moment longer, just enough to momentarily catch him off guard.
And then, almost as if I hadn't heard him, I leisurely took a sip from the glass of grape juice in my hand.
"??..."(Arjivon)
My action seemed to spark a touch of confusion in Arjivon's expression and created a ripple of tension around us.
"There is no need to be surprised, Student Davonte Arjivon.
–I finally broke my silence after the slow sip, my tone steady and matter-of-fact.
"You are the First Ranked Student, after all."(Rai)
I continued, acknowledging his undeniable position of prominence.
However, there is something I want to point out that I have ignored twice already.
"Par–"(Arjivon)
"Student Davonte Arjivon, I would prefer if you called me by my full name or my given name, which is Karnal if you haven't known."(Rai)
I interrupted his response with directness, unapologetically expressing my preference.
It was a small preference, that I had no qualms expressing, regardless of his background.
...or anyone else's, for that matter.
Yeah, you might be the Protagonist–
…so what? I didn't recall giving permission to call me 'Rai'.
"...
-Arjivon's response was delayed, taking a moment to process my statement.
"Umm~"(Arjivon)
And a second later, in response to it, the Protagonist's face bore an amused smile.
Dude, why are you laughing? Shouldn't you be a bit more offended?
I mean, seriously, you're the Son of the current Military General of the Empire.
"Student Rai–
Who are you calling Rai again?
"It seems I misjudged you based on rumors.
"You once again reminded me that rumors are just rumors."(Arjivon)
–Arjivon spoke, his words tinged with a hint of humility, acknowledging that he might have underestimated me due to hearsay.
No, man, most of those rumors are pretty much on point.
"I think we will become good friends, Student Rai."(Arjivon)
Arjivon continued, wearing a contemplative expression.
...and he's not really paying attention to my preferences, is he?
I guess I had hurt his pride for being told to his face.
"What do you think?"(Arjivon)
Arjivon inquired with a hint of amusement.
"I don't think so."(Rai)
My irritation wasn't concealed in my response.
I firmly believed in mutual respect, and I found his wordplay irritating.
And what's with the subtle indirectness, openly asking me to join his House despite seeing me with Viviana?
Thank God she isn't here.
But wait, I don't remember him making such an invitation in the Novel.
In fact, I was completely ignored after our initial greetings just now.
Did he sense something?
I really shouldn't let my guard down around him.
"That is very disappointing to hear.
"It would have been great if you could join me."(Arjivon)
Arjivon expressed himself with an exaggerated, mockingly dejected tone.
Now he's not even bothering to hide it, is he?
As if I'd ever join his House.
What was his House's name again? He shouldn't have announced it yet, right?
It had something to do with a lion... or was it a tiger?
Argh, whatever…it was, I don't like it that much.
It was a lame and uninspired name.
Forget it, I don't even want to remember it.
But now that I recall it, Viviana's House name was equally lackluster.
I seriously need to discuss this with her after this event. It is of utmost importance.
Why is it that all these main characters are so bad at naming?
Lost in my thoughts, my expression turned serious, and Arjivon, being vigilant, noticed.
"Student Rai, is there something on your mind?"(Arjivon)
Arjivon inquired, observing my face.
Man, he's as stubborn as they come, just like the Novel portrays him.
"Anyway my offer still stands for you.
"You can join our house whenever you want."(Arjivon)
Arjivon said with a serious face this time.
This guy, didn't I sound rude enough to reject a First Ranked the first time?
Maybe I should just say it.
"Didn–"(Rai)
But before I could continue, someone else jumped in, interrupting me-
"Greetings Lord Arjivon.
"I apologize, I couldn't greet you properly when we met earlier."(???)
Just when I was about to shut things down and send him packing, another voice piped up from my right, all apologetic and stuff.
"Greetings, Student Darrow.
"No need to apologize. I see you as my equal, being a fellow House Leader."(Arjivon)
Seriously? You do understand that he should first apologize to me for barging in like that.
Is he ignoring me?
"That's your grateful attitude, my Lord.
"I am an unfitting soul who ended up at the same stage as you."(Darrow)
Ehk! What are these corny dialogues? Don't tell me this is how Nobles lick each other's boots.
But it looks like Arjivon was also disgusted by these.
"No Darrow. You are more than worthy to share the stage with me.
"You shouldn't degrade yourself. Remember, you are a Fifth Ranked Student and have a House to lead."(Arjivon)
Okay, that's it. I'm out of here. I will leave it for Arjivon to deal with it himself.
"I will be taking my leave, Student Arjivon."(Rai)
I announced and turned away, not bothering to wait for any response.
"Student Rai Karnal.
"You can't just leave in the middle of a conversation."(Darrow)
But just as I was turning my back, Mr. Boot-Licker over here muttered something in his annoying tone.
Who was that bastard again? Glazer Darrow?
Fifth ranked in the Entrance Test.
Exceptional Talent and also from one of the strongest Duke Family-Glazer.
He will be respected wherever he goes from here.
However, he is still trying to stump ME to get into the shoes of the beloved potential candidate for Emperor.
A Nobel from a Dukedom of some random Kingdom trying to get away disrespecting Me–A Prince of the Richest and one of the Only Five Prestigious Kingdoms Directly Under the Emperor.
And that Pathetic excuse of his life on the land dared to voice out against Me, just because I wasn't associated with any of these Noble Barts.
My gaze swept over the murmuring crowd of students.
Do they really think I'm some pushover?
I managed to keep my face emotionless, even though I was boiling inside.
Momentarily, Viviana came into view, adjusting herself in my line of sight.
She had an expression of understanding.
That seemed to say, "Don't go too far."
I shot her a smile, one that hinted at my next move.
So, how should I handle this guy?
I think the First Ranker should be grateful to me for the favor of getting rid of a bothersome scrub for the rest of his Academic life.
Nonetheless it is a nuisance to deal with.
.
(To be continued…)
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[Author : Here is the Image of the Actual Protagonist of the Novel-{WarZone}
[Brooklion Davonte Arjivon]
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Chapter words : 1420
Total words : 43K