Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The morning sun cast long shadows across the academy grounds as students bustled about with their luggage, bidding tearful farewells to friends before departing for the summer break. The announcement of the semester's end yesterday had brought a mix of joy and melancholy to the halls, as it often did when close companions prepared to part ways.

Adrian stood in the courtyard, watching as Ardel hefted his bags onto the waiting carriage. Nearby, Kairen was helping Lila organize her belongings while Irithel and Ren checked their travel documents one last time.

"Don't forget to write," Irithel said, approaching Adrian with a warm smile. "We'd love to hear how your recovery progresses."

Adrian nodded, his expression softer than it had been days ago. "Thank you for your support these past few days," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of the warmth they remembered. While still reserved, the complete stranger treatment had given way to something more familiar, if not entirely the same as before.

Ardel clapped him on the shoulder, quickly withdrawing his hand when he remembered Adrian's current condition. "Take care of yourself, friend. We'll see you when the new term begins."

One by one, they said their goodbyes. Ren gave a formal bow, while Irithel offered a respectful nod. Kairen was the last to approach, pausing briefly before speaking. "Your sister mentioned you might visit the other places during the break. If you do visit our lands, my family would be honored to host you."

"I appreciate the invitation," Adrian responded with a slight bow. "I'll keep it in mind."

As their carriages departed, Adrian turned to find Aurelia watching him, her eyes bright with unshed tears. She had always been emotional during farewells, even temporary ones. He gestured for her to follow him. "Come, sister. There's something I'd like to discuss before you leave for Master's mansion."

In his room, Adrian poured two cups of warm tea, the familiar aroma filling the air with comfort. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the neat space that showed signs of recent packing – he too would need to leave the dorms soon. As the dorm would be closed the next week.

Setting the cups down, he settled into his chair and regarded his sister thoughtfully. "Tell me, Aurelia, what do you think about your current life? This year you spent at the academy – were you happy?"

Aurelia's eyes widened slightly at the familiar question, memories flooding back of similar conversations they'd shared at home, where he would check on her progress daily after she returned from Royal Academy. A soft smile graced her features as she wrapped her hands around the warm cup.

"At first, everything felt so foreign," she began, her voice thoughtful. "The new academy, the new faces, the different teaching methods – it was overwhelming. But gradually..." She paused, taking a small sip of tea. "I came to appreciate it all. I've gained wonderful friends who support me, learned things I never imagined I would, and grown stronger in ways I didn't expect."

Her fingers traced the rim of her cup as she continued, "There were challenges, certainly. Times when I doubted myself or felt lost. But..." She looked up at him, eyes shining with sincerity, "Making up with you, rebuilding our bond – that made everything worthwhile. Even though..." she hesitated, then pressed on, "Even though things are different now, I'm grateful you're here, brother."

Adrian sat back, a satisfied smile playing on his lips – the expression of an older brother pleased with his sister's growth. It was a familiar sight that made Aurelia's heart ache with nostalgia.

"What about you, brother?" she asked carefully, setting down her cup. "Do you remember your time at the academy now?"

Something flickered in Adrian's eyes – an emotion too quick to catch. His smile remained, but it carried a different weight now. "My memories of the academy..."

Enjoy new adventures at empire

Before he could continue, a gentle breeze stirred the curtains, carrying with it the sound of more departing carriages. The afternoon was wearing on, and soon Aurelia would need to leave as well.

"Anyway, I am happy to hear about your time. It seems everything back then was worth it..." Adrian's voice trailed off, but his smile remained gentle. "It was worth it. Every moment here, every challenge and triumph – they shaped who we are today."

He looked directly into Aurelia's eyes, his expression growing more serious. "The reason I wanted to speak with you is – I'll be leaving the city in a few days."

Aurelia nodded, not appearing particularly surprised by this news.

"I will be going back home," Adrian continued.

"Can I go as well?" Aurelia asked, leaning forward slightly. Honestly, she very much missed home, the head maid whom she met at the tournament last time, the familiar faces, her room...

Adrian nodded as if reading her mind, his smile warm and reassuring. "Of course, you can, but I will call you myself when the time comes, okay? There are a few things I need to do when I return."

Aurelia was quiet for a moment, then looked up at him with concern in her eyes. "You aren't gonna fight with the Royal family, are you?"

A small, amused smile played across Adrian's lips. "No, why would I fight with them when they are so much more powerful while I'm just a young heir of a noble family with little power." His tone was light, but there was something measured in his words. "Though, I will probably have to have a talk with them. But don't worry, nothing bad will happen."

Aurelia nodded, visibly relieved by his answer. The tension in her shoulders eased, and she took another sip of her tea.

Adrian's expression shifted then, becoming more serious as he set down his cup. "There's something else I wanted to ask you," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "What is your relationship with Aurelius?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Eh? M-My relationship?" Aurelia muttered in confusion and awkwardness.

"Yes. Nothing happened after I broke the forced engagement between you and him, right?" Adrian asked like a strict older brother. "You can be honest."