Chapter 17: Uninvited Visit at the Training Ground

Bright morning sunlight pierced through the large glass dome of the enclosed magic training ground, casting golden glimmers across the clean white marble stone floor. 

I stood upright in the middle of the field, wearing a silver-striped academy robe with both arms crossed over my chest. Before me, my three study group members—Elena, Cedric, and Raven—stood neatly lined up awaiting further instruction following yesterday afternoon's exhausting theory session. 

Inside my heart, I was chanting prayers for today to pass peacefully without interference from any male lead characters. 

*Please, give me just a single day without palace political drama or sudden duel challenges. I just want to finish this group assignment quietly then take a nap,* I complained internally while taking a long breath. 

Yet, as if fate truly enjoyed toying with my life's peace, the large iron gates of the training ground slowly creaked open. 

Calm and regular footsteps echoed through the enclosed space, drawing the attention of everyone inside. From behind the shadows of the door, a golden-blond-haired youth in a prince's honorary uniform stepped inside. His white cape fluttered lightly, and his cold blue eyes immediately swept across the room before locking directly onto me. 

Crown Prince Leonhardt Arcelion. 

The temperature inside the room seemed to drop several degrees instantly. Cedric and Elena quickly bowed respectfully, while Raven narrowed his eyes, glaring at the prince with visible hostility. 

I instantly raised my highest mental defense barrier. Behind my ice-cold face and the arrogant expression maintained desperately, panicked screams exploded wildly. 

*Oh goodness! Why did this most annoying male lead character have to come here?! Didn't I say no drama today!* 

Prince Leonhardt stopped just a few steps in front of me. A subtle smile carrying a cold and unreadable vibe curved across his perfect lips. 

"Good morning, Lady Alicia," Leonhardt greeted in a calm yet authoritative baritone voice. "I heard your tutorial group is undergoing intensive training today. As the crown prince responsible for the academy's progress, I feel there is no harm for me to directly inspect the quality of this year's top study group." 

I snorted softly inside, then lifted my chin slightly higher, projecting the high-class noble arrogance that had always been Alicia Valerian's trademark. 

"A very surprising visit, Your Highness," I spoke in a flat, cold, and piercing tone. "The academy must feel deeply honored that the prince deigns to spend time dealing with trivial matters like our basic-level study group." 

Leonhardt was not offended at all. Instead, his blue gaze grew sharper watching me, as if weighing something inside his head. 

"Not a trivial matter, Alicia," Leonhardt replied softly yet with heavy emphasis. "Especially when reports regarding your drastically spiked ice power strong enough to shatter the backyard field a few days ago landed on the council's desk. I merely wish to ensure... whether my beloved fiancée is hiding something from me?" 

Hearing that word "fiancée", my stomach suddenly felt nauseous. In the original novel, Prince Leonhardt was a red flag type of guy who always acted coldly toward Alicia while secretly exploiting her position. 

"I have no obligation to report every development of my abilities to anyone, including you, Your Highness," I answered sharply without an ounce of hesitation. 

The atmosphere in the training ground turned tense instantly. Raven on the right clenched his fists until small electrical sparks began crackling around his fingers, while Cedric swallowed hard nervously watching the tension between us two. 

*Oh no, if this keeps going they'll fight right here! If an inter-lead war breaks out, I'm the one who'll take the hit!* 

With my remaining patience, I stared straight into Prince Leonhardt's eyes, preparing to launch the most elegant expulsion phrase so this nosy prince would get lost out of my sight immediately.