chapter .24 Absolutely opposed! ! !

As summer break approached, it also marked the official end of their first year.

For Serena, it wasn't just about the final exams—it also meant that her older brother, Arthur, was about to graduate from the lower division and move up to the upper division of Elysia Academy.

Though still technically part of the same academy, Elysia itself was akin to a small city-state, occupying one-sixth of the empire's territory. From now on, even though they'd be on the same campus, it would become very difficult for the siblings to see each other.

And so, every year at this time, the lower division would hold a farewell ceremony for the graduating sixth-year students. It wasn't just a formal send-off, but also a heartfelt tribute to the outstanding seniors.

This year, it was Class 6-A—Arthur's class—that stood at the center of everyone's attention.

And this year, the class had unanimously voted for a popular performance event: a stage play.

Only… not everyone was happy when the cast list was posted.

"I forbid it!! No no no no!!!"

Serena threw a full-blown tantrum right in the sunlit plaza, rolling around on the marble floor. Her golden hair sprawled in all directions, her feet kicking wildly, even dragging the hem of her platinum-colored cloak through the dust.

The surrounding students were stunned into silence.

The dignified daughter of nobility and top student of Elysia Academy's Class 1-A… throwing a public fit like this?!

"...Serena, please don't."

Arthur bent down slightly, placing a hand on his sister's shoulder. His voice was helpless and calm, doing his best to maintain the grace expected of a nobleman. "This is a public place. This behavior is really inappropriate."

"I don't care—!"

Serena looked up, her face scrunched in exaggerated grievance. "I don't want you playing the princess! That's terrible!!"

Arthur's heart practically shattered on the spot...

It wasn't really about the play's plot—there was a much deeper reason behind her reaction.

She knew all too well: if her brother Arthur put on a gorgeous dress, added some lighting magic, and used a soft, elegant voice… the entire farewell performance would be drowned in screams.

Arthur already had way too many female admirers. If she didn't stop him now, she feared even the male fans would start appearing in flocks.

Especially—Ault, from the upper division...

If that happened, her status as Arthur's sister would only become more troublesome—she'd have to fend off her brother's admirers and might even be treated as some "stepping stone" to get closer to him.

Unacceptable.

Absolutely unacceptable.

Utterly unacceptable!!!

She had to stop this ridiculous play before it ever happened!

So she committed. Full send. Played mad to the extreme—

"Waaahhh! Brother, you can't wear a dress! You'd look too cute! Too pretty! Everyone would fall for you!!"

Arthur's brow twitched. "So are you against it, or are you praising me…?"

"I'm protesting!!" Serena clung to her brother's leg like a koala, arms wrapped tight, refusing to let go. "You're my brother! No one else is allowed to have you!!"

"Serena..." Arthur didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He was happy his sweet little sister thought so highly of him, but still…

The surrounding students couldn't hold back their chuckles. Even the teachers nearby nearly burst out laughing.

Arthur let out a sigh, then finally leaned down and gently patted Serena's head. His voice was soft yet firm:

"Alright then. I'll go talk to them… I'll play a knight instead."

"Yay!" Serena instantly perked up, her face lighting up. "A knight is perfect! With armor! And no eyeliner allowed!"

"...Who said I'd wear eyeliner as a knight…"

After Serena's dramatic "victory" in the plaza, Arthur's class finally agreed to adjust their stage play.

The original plan for Arthur to play the "breathtaking princess of a lost kingdom" was changed—he would now portray a "steadfast and handsome knight."

This brought Serena a great sense of relief—until one day, on her way back to the dorms after school, she turned a corner near the main academic building… and saw two very familiar figures talking quietly:

Arthur… and Ault?!

Serena froze, then immediately ducked behind a nearby pillar. She pressed her ear to the wall like a seasoned spy.

"…Sorry. I was actually the one who suggested you play the princess. I didn't expect your sister to react that strongly," came Ault's voice.

"You don't need to apologize," Arthur replied with a small, helpless smile. "I didn't expect Serena to be that upset either. Maybe she was afraid I'd look terrible and get laughed at."

Ault chuckled softly. "How could that be? If you were the one playing the princess… no, I mean—it's more likely everyone would be chasing after you."

Arthur shook his head with a laugh. "You're giving me too much credit."

"…I see," Ault's voice turned airy, like a gentle breeze. "You really aren't suited to being in the spotlight…"

The air fell silent.

Serena's expression behind the wall completely froze.

Veins popped on her forehead. So it was Ault—the red-haired brat—who was behind this whole 'princess role' plan?!

Lightning flashed in her mind.

I worked so hard to stop my brother from wearing a dress!! And it turns out YOU were the one trying to turn him into eye candy?!

What struck her even harder was Ault's next line—spoken in a soft, wistful tone:

"Honestly, I think you would've looked… really good in that dress."

"…What a shame." His crimson eyes held a subtle trace of regret.

Serena: "…"

In that moment, she nearly stormed out and tackled this "brother-stealing criminal" straight into the bushes.

But just then, Arthur replied sincerely:

"Thanks for understanding Serena. She's not a bad kid, really. Just a bit… hot-tempered."

Ault gave a slight nod, remaining silent—but his red eyes shimmered with a gentle, complicated look.

Behind the wall, Serena's expression had shifted from "gritting rage" to "speechless disbelief."

—Why is the plot turning out like this?!

I stopped my brother from wearing a dress to protect his dignity—not to play matchmaker for this 'sweet noble guy' setup!!

Even worse...

She had accidentally become the stepping stone that helped Ault earn her brother's favor?!

"…Hahahahaha…"

Serena covered her face and groaned, her mouth twitching uncontrollably.

She just wanted to keep her brother pure—how did she end up becoming an accidental wingman in their budding love story?!

She was absolutely not taking the blame for this!!