Back to usual routine

The next day, Marcus woke up early, his stomach grumbling with hunger. He stretched his limbs and decided to head toward the cafeteria for a hearty breakfast. Just as he opened the door of his dorm room, he was surprised to find Charlotte standing right outside, her expression a little strange. She seemed like she was hesitating, as if there was something important on her mind.

"Good morning, Lady Charlotte," Marcus greeted her, surprised but composed. "May I know the reason for your visit?"

Charlotte, who had clearly been lost in thought, blinked and composed herself. "Good morning, Marcus," she replied, her voice steady but with an underlying softness. "I heard that you recovered and returned to the dormitory last night, so I wanted to check on your condition."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. There was something different about the way she addressed him. She had called him 'Marcus' for the first time instead of 'Young Master,' as was typical of her. It was subtle, but the shift was significant.

"I'm fine, Lady Charlotte," Marcus said with a smile, sensing her concern. "Thank you for coming to check on me. I appreciate it."

With that, the tension between them seemed to ease, and Charlotte nodded, relieved. Marcus, deciding to break the ice further, added, "I was just heading to the cafeteria. Would you like to join me?"

Charlotte hesitated for a moment, her posture stiffening slightly. "If... if you don't mind my presence," she replied, unsure whether her company was truly wanted.

Marcus chuckled lightly. "I wouldn't have offered if I minded."

As they walked together toward the cafeteria, Marcus used the opportunity to gather information. "So, what happened after the duel?" he asked, genuinely curious about what had unfolded after his clash with Leo.

Charlotte glanced at him before responding. "Classes were suspended after your duel. The fight stirred the students. Watching it ignited something in them... a drive to become stronger, more competitive. They've been talking about it non-stop."

Marcus nodded, satisfied with the answer. "I see. It's good to know I've inspired them," he said, smirking slightly.

After a brief silence, Charlotte suddenly asked the question Marcus had been expecting. "What was that last attack you used on Leo? It didn't look like anything I've seen before."

Marcus was prepared for this. He had already thought of a convincing excuse. "That was my sword aura," he explained casually. "I used all of my aura and concentrated it in my sword for the final blow."

Charlotte looked intrigued. "But why was it so dark? I've never seen sword aura like that."

"I've wondered about that myself," Marcus said, as though in deep thought. "Principal Lucian said it might be related to my physique, something unique about my body's ability to channel aura."

"Wait, the principal?" Charlotte asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "You met the principal?"

"Yes," Marcus replied smoothly. "She came to check on me when I was in the infirmary, along with Professor Erza. Unlike some people who didn't even visit," he teased, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Charlotte blushed at the comment. "I-I did come to see you," she stammered, her voice quiet. "But you were talking to Professor Erza. I didn't want to disturb you."

Marcus blinked, realizing what had happened. He quickly recalled using his charm ability when he was alone with Erza. Could Charlotte have been affected by it, even unintentionally? The charm ability, as he remembered from the system's warning, was powerful but dangerous, capable of influencing any woman within its range. Had he inadvertently charmed her too?

"Oh, you came to see me?" he asked, feigning ignorance but using the opportunity to dig a little deeper.

Charlotte nodded, her cheeks still faintly flushed. "Yes… I'm your fiancée, after all. I was worried about your condition, but you seemed busy."

Marcus's mind raced. This was a significant change from the cold, distant attitude Charlotte had displayed toward him in the past. The charm ability was far more potent than he had initially realized, capable of swaying even someone who had once resented him. He needed to be cautious with its use moving forward.

"I appreciate your concern," Marcus said, his tone softening. "Honestly, for a while, I thought you hated me. I was even considering calling off our engagement."

Charlotte froze, her eyes widening. "N-no! I didn't hate you," she said hastily, her voice faltering with hesitation.

Marcus could see the guilt and confusion swirling in her eyes. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks—he had changed her feelings unintentionally. Charlotte, who had been indifferent toward him for so long, now seemed to harbor some form of affection or even attraction toward him, all because of his charm ability. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying. He now wielded an immense power that could alter emotions and relationships in ways that were unpredictable.

Marcus didn't press the matter further. Instead, he decided to let it go, for now. They had arrived at the cafeteria, a large, impressive building with luxurious furnishings that rivaled the finest restaurants. The academy's cafeteria was divided into three levels. The ground floor offered free meals, primarily used by commoners. The first floor, where Marcus and Charlotte were headed, provided more luxurious dining options, frequented by nobles and students who could afford it. The second floor was reserved for professors.

Marcus chose a table near the window, taking in the opulent surroundings as he scanned the menu. Before he could make a decision, a familiar voice interrupted him.

"Can I sit here?"

Marcus turned his head, and his eyes widened in surprise. Standing before him was none other than Princess Serina Alvora, the crown princess of the Alvora Empire. She smiled at him, her striking features catching the light as she awaited his response.

"Of course, Your Highness," Marcus replied, gesturing to the seat beside him.

Serina's smile widened as she gracefully took the seat next to him. Marcus felt a jolt of recognition—Serina was a key character in the novel. She was Leo's first love, the one who sparked his desire to become stronger.

As they began to talk, Marcus realized he was now directly affecting the course of the novel's events. Leo, who was currently recuperating from the duel, wouldn't be able to impress Serina. Marcus, on the other hand, now had the opportunity to forge his own relationship with the princess.

"How are you feeling after the duel?" Serina asked, her tone warm and friendly. There was a glint of curiosity in her eyes, as though she wanted to understand him better.

"I've recovered, thanks to some rest" Marcus replied smoothly. "Though I must admit, it was quite the intense fight."

Serina nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "It was. I didn't thought you were so strong"

Unlike Charlotte, serina didn't asked him about Dark aura but from the expression it can be seen that she was curious about that.

Marcus smiled, keeping the conversation light. "What would you like to have?" he asked , gesturing toward the menu in front of them.

Serina glanced down at the menu, her fingers lightly tracing the options. "I think I'll have the herbal tea and sandwiches,"

Marcus then turned his gaze towards Charlotte, waiting for her to speak. She hesitated briefly, perhaps out of habit or simply unused to these casual settings. "I'll have a latte and croissants," she said with a small smile, her usual reserved demeanor slightly more relaxed in this setting.

Marcus nodded and signaled for the attendant to take their order, deciding on something simple for himself. "I'll have the bread omelet sandwiches with tea," he added, watching the attendant scurry off to prepare their meal.

As the attendant left, Marcus leaned back in his chair, observing the two women before him. It was an odd situation—his fiancée Charlotte and the princess Serina both seated at his table. In any other circumstance, such a meeting might have been awkward, but there was a peculiar sense of ease between them. Charlotte seemed more at ease than usual, and Serina carried her usual composed air, unbothered by the dynamics around her.

"Do you two often eat breakfast together?" Serina asked, a curious note in her voice as she glanced between Marcus and Charlotte.

Charlotte looked down for a brief second before answering. "Not really. Marcus and I... well, we haven't had many chances to do things like this."

Marcus noticed the subtle tension in Charlotte's voice and decided to step in, changing the focus. "I suppose we're starting a new habit today then," he said, offering a smile to ease the moment. "And it's not every day one gets to dine with a princess. I consider myself lucky."

Serina chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the banter. "Luck, huh? I think you've made your own luck, Marcus. That duel made quite an impression on everyone, myself included."

Before Marcus could respond, the attendant returned, placing their orders neatly in front of them. The aroma of freshly brewed tea and baked croissants filled the air, mixing with the scent of herbal tea that wafted from Serina's cup. It was comforting, almost homely, despite the prestigious company.

As they began eating, the conversation picked up once more. Charlotte quietly enjoyed her latte and croissants, though every so often, her eyes would dart toward Marcus, as if she was still processing their earlier exchange.

Serina, on the other hand, seemed fully at ease. She sipped her tea and took small bites of her sandwich, all while keeping her gaze sharp and attentive.

After having breakfast it was now time for their classes so they decided to go together.