Eyes of Ice: The Princess and the Bumpkin

Alex didn't give it much thought—entering the EE Academy was more important

right now.

"I won't kill her. For now," Alex said coldly.

Emilia sighed. This boy is really stubborn, she thought. But… I

think I understand where he's coming from.

"Alright then, it's settled. Come with me, Rina," Emilia said as she stood up.Before leaving, she turned to Alex. "You should rest. You don't look alright."

After they left, Alex collapsed onto the bed.

What was I doing? Why did I get so riled up?

He clutched his head. This headache… it's messing with my emotions. I need to rest.

Outside Alex's room, Emilia glanced at Rina. "Come on, let's go to your room and talk."

They walked silently through the dimly-lit hallway until they reached Rina's

room. Emilia took the chair near the window, while Rina sat down on her bed.

"Are you okay?" Emilia asked gently.

Rina nodded. "Yes… just a little pain. It'll go away soon."

"What were you doing there, Rina? If I hadn't arrived in time… you might've died."

"He wouldn't do that, right?" Rina replied awkwardly, scratching her cheek.

Emilia's tone turned serious. "He would have killed you. Something was off with him. He wasn't able to control his emotions like before."

"But wasn't he lying about my brother trying to kill him and tricking him?"Rina asked.

"No," Emilia said, shaking her head. "I don't think so. That kind of hatred…it was too real to be a lie. Besides, I know he's from Romania City."

Rina's eyes widened in shock. She placed her hands over her mouth. "So my

brother… didn't kill and take the red-bellied toad's heart? That was a lie?"

"Yes, it seems so," Emilia replied quietly.

"The academy had already suspected it. Many instructors said William didn't

have the capability for such a feat, but… because he was from the Roarhart clan, nothing could be done."

"But Sister Emilia… why are you so interested in that boy?" Rina asked, her tone growing curious.

"Oh?" Emilia smiled slightly. "So that's why you went to him?"

Rina looked down and murmured, "Yes…"

Emilia sighed. "Stupid girl. He has two elements like you. But unlike you,

his elements are both rare. I think your brother tried to kill him because of that."

"What?" Rina gasped.

William always hated me for having two elements. He only had one. he hates everyone who does. He even tried to kill me once… She thought and shuddered at the memory.

"What should we do, Sister Emilia?"

"Nothing," Emilia said, raising her hands helplessly. "We can't prove

anything. Just stay away from Alex for now. And get some rest. Don't think

about it anymore."

In one of the high towers of the academy, the soft glow of moonlight kissed the frost-laced window, casting ethereal reflections across the stone walls.

A girl lay gracefully on a silk-sheeted bed, her presence as mesmerizing as a winter's first snow. Her hair cascaded in flowing waves of luminous white, shimmering like freshly fallen snow under moonlight. Her ice-blue eyes were as clear and deep as a frozen lake, concealing unknown depths beneath their still surface. A sharp, regal nose and delicately shaped lips completed her

breathtaking features—her beauty was otherworldly.

She was Selene Frostreign, the Ice Phoenix Princess of the Frost Clan—one of the ten great clans.

Despite the previous test, she wasn't even tired. It had been far too easy for her. Her mind, however, was elsewhere—on a boy she saw earlier. A boy in shabby fur clothes with wild white hair. The one who had somehow caught Emilia Aurelwyn's interest.

Emilia Aurelwyn, the youngest pseudo saint in a century, revered across all ten clans. Cold and aloof, even her own fiancé was treated like a stranger by her. She had never shown interest in anyone.

So why… a country bumpkin?

Selene smiled mockingly. He'll probably be eliminated in the next round anyway.

She stretched like a lazy cat and stood up, thinking cheerfully, Time for some chocolates—the special frost chocolates mother gave me.

From her spatial ring, she retrieved a golden box—about 20 centimeters long,

15 wide, and 5 deep—perfectly sized for her hands. The name SELENE was

elegantly etched across the lid in ice-blue letters.

She opened it and smiled like a little child. The aroma of strawberry and pistachio—her favorite flavors. She picked out one piece and popped it into her mouth, savoring its creamy coldness.

The next morning…

Sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the room.

Grrrghhh.

Alex's stomach groaned. "I haven't eaten for a whole day," he muttered, groaning as he sat up. His head still ached, and his body felt sluggish.

"Let's freshen up and find something to eat."

After getting ready, he threw on his tattered fur clothes and stepped out. The hall outside was quiet, his footsteps echoing as he walked toward the stairs. Near the staircase stood an instructor.

"Hello, Instructor. Can you tell me where I can get something to eat?" Alex asked politely.

The man took one look at Alex—his worn clothes and unkempt look—and recoiled slightly in disgust. "Third floor," he said shortly, stepping back.

"Thanks," Alex replied, unbothered.

Descending to the third floor, he soon saw the word CAFETERIA in large block letters above a pair of wooden doors. He pushed them open and walked inside.

The aroma of freshly cooked meat and baked goods filled the air. Students filled the tables—laughing, chatting, some studying. As Alex approached the counter, a few turned to look at him—and then quickly turned their noses up in distaste.

From behind the counter appeared an older woman in her fifties, with grey hair tucked under a white hat, her face wrinkled but kind.

"What can I do for you, kid?" she asked with a smile.

"Can I get something to eat?" Alex asked.

She paused, noticing the judgmental looks from nearby students.

She sighed. "We've got everything. What would you like?"

"Three steaks… and a jug of milk."

"Alright, I'll throw in something extra for you to try. Wait right here."

Alex leaned on the counter, trying to ignore the stares. What's with these people? I don't even know them… why do they hate me already?

"Excuse me."

A soft, melodic voice came from his side.

When he turned, his breath caught. Those ice-blue eyes… Her lips were shaped perfectly, and her face seemed to glow under the light. Time stood still for a second.

A shove brought him back to reality.

"Move, you fucking bumpkin," a sharp voice growled.

Alex stumbled and fell, still dazed. A brown-skinned boy with black hair and blue eyes glared down at him, full of disgust.