[***]
The buzz of student voices filled the afternoon air, conversations mixing with footsteps on stone. Kein moved through the courtyard's familiar chaos, but his attention caught on the quiet space where Celia sat alone, separated from the warmth of her classmates' laughter.
The carefully rehearsed words waited on his tongue, but something made him hesitate. Should he proceed with the calculated invitation, or acknowledge what was actually happening here?
As he walked toward her with measured steps, shoulders back and chin raised, his confidence never wavered. This was the moment to reconnect, to show her that despite everything, he still valued her skill.
A voice called out. "Celia!"
It was Vel, approaching from the opposite direction, his unstable attunement emblem visible even from this distance.
Celia's expression immediately brightened, her entire demeanor shifting as she turned toward Vel. They began talking animatedly, their hands moving with excitement. Kein could only hear fragments of their conversation.
"—I just need to sign here?" Celia's voice carried across the courtyard, filled with enthusiasm.
Nearby, Lysithea's head turned sharply at the sound, surprise flickering across her features. The enthusiasm in Celia's voice clearly wasn't what she'd expected to hear.
Kein's steps slowed, the rehearsed speech dissolving in his mind as he watched them. Their easy camaraderie was painfully familiar—a reminder of simpler days in Elnor.
They both turned their gaze to Kein as he approached, conversation pausing. Vel's face remained neutral while Celia's showed a mixture of wariness and confusion.
Kein resumed his pace and approached them, then altered his course at the last moment, walking past without acknowledgment. His attention settled on Lysithea Fairwind who stood behind them with several other noble students.
"Lady Fairwind," he said smoothly, voice carrying just enough to ensure bystanders to hear. "Would you consider joining my team for the Ternion Tournament? Your air affinity would complement our current strategy perfectly. Plus, it's important to have teammates from established houses—people who understand discretion and loyalty."
Whispers rippled through the nearby observers. An elite like Kein Atherwind approaching Lysithea Fairwind, a standard class candidate? Everyone watching understood the significance.
"Lord Atherwind," Lysithea replied with practiced grace, her copper-blonde hair catching the sunlight. "I'm honored by your consideration."
Several female elite students exchanged glances, their expressions shifting between jealousy and calculation. One girl with elaborate braids whispered something behind her hand to her companion, eyes narrowed as she watched the exchange.
Lysithea smiled, clearly pleased by the public attention. "I would be delighted to discuss strategy with you. Perhaps after afternoon classes?"
As they spoke, Lysithea's gaze shifted deliberately toward Celia, who stood watching with Vel beside her.
"An interesting choice you've made," she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Though I suppose it's not surprising for someone from an orphanage to team up with an unstable student. Birds of a feather, as they say."
The crowd tensed. Celia's fingers twitched at her side, her jaw tightening visibly. Vel placed a subtle hand on her arm.
Before Celia could respond, Kein stepped forward, positioning himself slightly between the two groups.
YOU ARE READING
GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation
FantasyWhen renowned game developer Giri meets his untimely end, he awakens as twelve-year-old Vel in the magical realm of Aeonalus-his own creation. Five hundred years have passed since he crafted the world, and Vel finds himself in the village of Oakhave...
