If They Get Obsessed, I’m Doomed - Chapter 91

Chapter 46.2

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What was intended as a brief introductory lecture in advanced magic warfare quickly turned into an unexpected sparring exercise.

The students gathered in the lecture hall silently made their way to the academy’s training grounds. Since the proposal came from the grand prince himself, even the professor couldn’t oppose it, leaving no room for objections.

The only person who could have objected was the prince, who was in the same class, but for some reason, he remained silent.

Led by the prince and grand prince, around two hundred students, guided by academy attendants, lined up outside the training grounds. The towering iron gates of the massive training area, reminiscent of a colosseum, swung open, releasing a cacophony of noise from within.

BANG! CLANG! BOOM!

Looking slightly pale, Ariel stepped into the intimidating training grounds.

The interior felt even larger than it had appeared from the outside. A wide, circular expanse of smooth, light brown soil stretched out, ringed by tiered seating about three meters high, with towering walls enclosing the area. Bright sunlight poured down through the open ceiling above.

At the center, around a hundred students were engaged in a fierce skirmish. Sparks flashed, magic bursts streaked through the air, and dust swirled as they attacked each other indiscriminately.

With a pale face, Ariel pressed herself against the wall, watching the chaotic scene in front of her.

The students were so absorbed in what appeared to be a chaotic blend of fighting and training that they didn’t even notice the unexpected audience.

When five or six people collided at once, a brilliant red spark erupted into the air.

Ariel instinctively raised her arm to shield her face, but the spark fizzled out before it could reach her. Lowering her arm cautiously, she checked her surroundings. It appeared that a barrier had been set up, preventing both dust and magic from escaping past a certain point.

It was a perfectly designed arena, seemingly constructed solely for combat.

‘Is this really a training field in an academy?’

A wave of fear washed over her as she took in the towering walls, which loomed ominously, making escape seem nearly impossible. The atmosphere was so intense and overwhelming that it was impossible not to feel intimidated.

‘If I fight here… I feel like I’d get seriously injured.’

Tense, she suddenly realized that the source of this chaos was now standing beside her.

“Whoever thought this surely has a pretty twisted sense of humor.”

Lexius murmured with a smirk as he watched the chaotic scene unfold. Then, as if searching for someone, his gaze traveled up to the rows of seats above.

Hearing him laugh, Ariel turned to look at him.

His golden eyes gleamed brightly in the sunlight, and she found herself following his gaze. At the far end of the tiered seating, she noticed a high, separated balcony.

Lexius’s eyes were fixed there, and Ariel’s gaze lingered as well.

Within the white-railed area, instead of ordinary wooden chairs, there were luxurious couches and sofas. It was clear that this was a seat of honor, reminiscent of the prominent five seats she’d seen in the auditorium.

Someone was sitting there.

The man lounged on a velvet sofa, legs crossed, watching the brawl below. Cloaked in a long red cape adorned with banners, his golden hair sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight streaming through the open ceiling. His posture was as elegant as if he were enjoying an opera.

‘…The Crown Prince.’

The moment Ariel recognized him, Devoncia turned his head with uncanny timing. He spotted her from across the distance and gestured, elegantly extending his smooth hand and beckoning her over with a subtle wave.

Ariel couldn’t help but shudder at his almost supernatural perceptiveness.

‘Why did he have to notice me now, of all times…’

She wanted to pretend she hadn’t seen him, but—

“He’s calling you?”

Lexius, who was also looking in the same direction, quietly pointed it out to her. Since she couldn’t ignore it, Ariel had no choice but to find the stairs. Whether it was fortunate or not, Lexius stayed by her side, guiding her swiftly to the seat of honor.

Ariel followed him up the hidden staircase behind the tall steps.

He gripped the white railing, resembling a balcony’s edge, as he led her to a door covered with a red tapestry. When they reached the top of the stairs, a waiting maid opened the door to welcome them. Past the bowing maid, Ariel caught sight of the elegant figure draped in a red cape.

“I only called for Ariel.”

Devoncia’s soft voice carried over, clearly dismissive toward Lexius.

Lexius, however, paid no mind. He walked over confidently and took a seat on a nearby couch, choosing a spot that provided a good view of the chaotic scene below while also allowing him to meet Devoncia’s gaze.

His gaze swept over Devoncia, who was dressed in formal attire.

“Not even wearing your school uniform—quite the rebellious student, aren’t you?”

“I just returned from an important diplomatic duty.”

“You actually work?”

“I’m always working. And with a guest present, I’d appreciate it if you avoided making misleading jokes.”

At the mention of the word ‘guest,’ Lexius’s eyes naturally shifted toward Ariel.

She remained standing by the door. Without an invitation, she didn’t dare to take a seat beside the Crown Prince. In a more private setting, she might have felt comfortable moving on her own, but with Devoncia’s aides and maids nearby, she was more constrained.

Of course, even if there hadn’t been many eyes watching, she wouldn’t have preferred to sit next to him.

Ever since discovering Anastasia’s existence, Devoncia had become an uncomfortable presence for her. She would rather stand than sit beside him.

If anything, she would have felt more at ease sitting next to Lexius.

As this thought crossed her mind, she glanced at Lexius, who was already looking at her. However, he didn’t give the response she had hoped for.

In the end, it was Devoncia who called her name before Lexius had the chance.

“Ariel.”