11 - How to Escape the Reverse Harem Cliché
Chapter 11
It was a situation Valerian, who had manifested as an Esper right from birth, couldn't understand.
Moreover, the Astolphe Family was a venerable ducal house. For a very long time, whether through adoption or by giving birth, they had continuously produced high-ranking Guides and Espers, solidifying their noble title.
For Valerian, who was more accustomed than anyone to a life of being revered in such a manner, my existence, which had become the topic of conversation at the dinner table, was bound to seem strange.
"I apologize for saying this in front of the young master, but I don't think all Espers or Guides are good."
"Is that so?"
"Just look at my son, who has manifested as an Esper and been taken away by the Imperial Academy."
"The Empire will provide adequate compensation to the Fascianne Family."
"I don't want to be parents who are happy to receive the price of their child's life."
"I see. I overlooked that part. My apologies, Count."
"That's enough. I didn't expect to be able to communicate with the young master anyway."
The dinner grew increasingly awkward. Since Aiden, who had been so stubborn, had weakened, I had to seize this opportunity.
Ignoring Aiden, who was sitting across from me and gesturing towards me, I quickly interjected.
"Father. I want to enroll in the National Academy, just as Mother said."
"Laila?"
Aiden called my name as if he couldn't believe it, but I desperately avoided his gaze, thinking this was my only chance.
I'm sorry, Aiden. This is also a matter of my life.
Aiden, deeply shocked that I had ignored him, stood up abruptly, but I didn't stop.
"I want to carry on my older brother's unfulfilled dream. Just as Mother wished."
"Yes, Laila. You've thought well."
"Laila. What are you saying... Why? You're not going with me? Why?!"
"Aiden. Only Espers and Guides can attend the Imperial Academy. I'm a civilian."
"No. I will get the Headmaster to permit your admission through a meeting..."
"Aiden. I don't like it."
"......"
"I don't like it there."
My serious and firm words caused greater cracks to appear on Aiden's face. His expression showed he had never expected me to say I disliked something.
Figuring it would be best to nip it in the bud, I plunged a dagger into Aiden's heart.
"I have dreams too. Things I want to do, and they have nothing to do with the Imperial Academy."
"......"
"Respect that."
At my words, Aiden, who looked utterly lost, covered his face with both hands and slumped back into his chair.
I had never pushed Aiden away before. While it was true I had manipulated Aiden with the will to change the original story, I had also granted him everything he wanted.
In the first place, Aiden didn't ask for much from me, but regardless, I had never refused Aiden's proposals.
Perhaps because of that, Aiden looked dazed, as if his very existence had been denied. Normally, I would have backed down at this point, but this time I didn't. Instead, I turned my head and completely averted my gaze.
"Aiden. You will rest here with the young master for a few days and then enroll in the Imperial Academy as planned."
"Father, I have no intention of entering that academy without Laila. I just..."
"That would be problematic for us, Pascianne Spiritual Body."
Valerian, who had been staring intently at Aiden and me with his chin propped on his hand, threw in a chilling remark.
"You haven't forgotten the reason I came here, have you? I was sent to escort you in case the Spiritual Body changed his mind. It's problematic to say that in front of me."
"......"
"Considering your rank, I don't think it's wise to act childishly."
Valerian, who spoke more resolutely than his father, the Count, then offered a slight, polite smile to the Count and continued.
"Then, after staying here for a few days, I will depart with the Spiritual Body. I will convey the Fascianne Family's loyalty and understanding to the Academy and the Imperial Family."
He's not someone to be underestimated just because he's young. He's not the male lead for nothing. I clicked my tongue inwardly.
It seemed the Imperial Family had sent the high-ranking Valerian back to the mansion to escort Adrian, fearing he might run away.
That's a relief, at least. With his personality, he wouldn't bat an eye even if Aiden insisted or threw a tantrum.
So now, my concern boils down to one thing.
Aiden's rank.
Judging from Valerian's earlier remark to Aiden about considering his rank, I could infer that Aiden's rank was at a high level.
Manifesting at a high rank was akin to having to fight on the front lines, risking one's life, and it also meant constantly facing the risk of Berserk if one didn't receive high-level Guiding.
So, would Aiden also be assigned to the same unit as Valerian? Would he receive Guiding from that high-ranking Guide, Rose?
If so, that would be a relief. Male protagonists don't die, and Rose, as a top-tier Guide, could fulfill her role as long as I didn't appear.
This way, it's no longer acceptable for things to proceed as in the original story, even for Aiden's sake. Rose would be a better Guide for Aiden than I would be.
At that moment, I felt a prickling sensation on the side of my face. Valerian's green eyes felt like they were scrutinizing me.
Is that a habit? Why does he stare at people so intently...
"However, considering what Pascianne Spiritual Body just said, it seems appropriate for Miss Pascianne to accompany us to the capital as well."
"What?"
"What do you mean by that!"
The Countess's shriek was louder than mine, as I asked in bewilderment. Trembling, she stood up abruptly and glared at Valerian with bloodshot eyes.
It was a sight I had never seen before. The very unrefined behavior she always spoke of was now being displayed by the Countess.
"Why should my Laila go with the young master?"
"Isn't it time for an examination anyway? There's a set schedule."
He looked at the Countess as if asking why she was stating the obvious. Then, his green eyes slowly shifted back to me.
Unlike last night, it was an intense gaze that made my face feel hot.
"When was the last time you underwent a Manifestation test, Miss?"
The criteria for Manifestation tests were: at birth, at the age of ten, and finally at fifteen.
At birth, I hadn't been possessed yet, so I didn't know. At ten, I hadn't gone to the capital, and even this year, at fifteen, I had been confined to the Count's estate.
"Miss. I understand you turned fifteen this year. Did you have your test in the capital?"
Cold sweat trickled down my back under Valerian's gaze, which felt like it was coiling around me like a snake.
As I was about to nod, following the Countess's signal to answer yes.
"Take your eyes off my sister."
With a shattering sound, the chandelier hanging from the ceiling fell and broke right next to the chair Valerian was sitting in.
It was Aiden's ability, fueled by rage. He didn't stop there and instantly lunged at Valerian, grabbing him by the collar. Valerian's cheek was bleeding from a scratch from a piece of glass that had just flown off the floor.
"Don't threaten Laila. Mind your own business, this is my family's affair."
"If you dislike that, then distinguish between public and private matters and act properly, Pascianne."
"......"
"And realize that you have responsibilities that come with your rank."
Fearing a fight might break out due to their abilities, Valerian thankfully merely flicked Aiden's hand off his collar and broke free.
He glanced at the ruined dinner table with a look of disdain and then left after giving a slight bow to the Count and Countess.
In the midst of it all, I truly... felt like I was suffocating.
The ability, imbued with killing intent that I experienced firsthand, was far more terrifying than I had imagined.
\ \ *
After learning that Aiden had manifested as an Esper, I had asked him to show me his ability.
I'm human too. How fascinating it was to find myself in a fantasy novel.
Moreover, Aiden's ability was telekinesis. The superpower I had so desperately wished for in my previous world.
"I can only do this much for now, but I think I can get stronger with practice."
At first, Aiden was reluctant to reveal it in front of me, but he seemed excited when he saw a feather pen float briefly in the air before settling down. Without being asked, he began making things in my bedroom float one by one.
Back then, it was impossible to use his ability on anything large or heavy; he could only levitate small items like books or clothes, one or two at a time. Nevertheless, I was amazed and envious of Aiden's ability.
Wow, with that ability, I could bring my phone from the living room to my room without moving. I had such trivial thoughts before quickly giving up, realizing there were no phones in this world.
As the young lady of the Pascianne Count's family, servants would rush to attend to me even if I just stayed put, so the telekinesis I envied in my previous life was practically useless here.
Still, the fact that Aiden no longer tried to hide his ability from me was a good outcome.
What else could I do? He had already manifested as an Esper. I didn't want to make Aiden uncomfortable because of my personal inconvenience.
