Chapter Twenty-Seven
Liam's Point of View
I looked at my childhood friend as we were on our way to the academy entrance exam, but something about her was really bothering me.
She didn't seem to be listening to what I was saying—her eyes were fixed on something in the distance.
I couldn't help but ask,
"Sylvia, are you listening to me?"
But there was no response.
I followed her gaze and saw a boy with black hair and red eyes.
He was… extremely handsome.
Even as a man, I couldn't help but feel jealous.
His red eyes were like rare jewels, his pale skin as smooth as a child's, and his sleek black hair flowed down to his shoulders like a waterfall.
Was it even possible for someone to be that beautiful?
I felt a strange sensation in my chest.
Why was Sylvia staring at him? Could it be… she liked him?
But all those thoughts disappeared the moment I saw another girl caressing his thigh with her hand.
"Baron Elia's daughter..."
I knew her well.
Since we were commoners, we were forced to memorize the names of the nobles to avoid offending them—and she was one of them.
I was stunned.
How could she have the audacity to touch a man like that in public?
Didn't she care about her reputation at all?
When I turned to look at Sylvia again, I saw her tightly gripping the book in her hands.
Suddenly...
Sylvia stood up to intervene.
No… she shouldn't get involved.
I couldn't help but think in panic.
I grabbed Sylvia's hand, trying to stop her.
"Sylvia, this has nothing to do with us."
I tried to convince her, but she still wanted to step in.
Even though the black-haired boy was looking at us with pity, I held onto Sylvia.
Something deep inside me screamed not to let her go.
But despite all my efforts, Sylvia stood up from her seat to interfere.
"Sylvia, please… stop…"
Before I could finish my words, a girl with black hair walked toward the harasser.
Elena.
Though I knew who she was, I silently thanked her in my heart.
Now, I no longer had to worry about Sylvia getting involved.
After Elena stepped in, Sylvia calmed down and sat back down.
She sat there quietly.
Even though I wanted to talk to her, I realized that silence was the better choice.
Finally…
The train stopped, and the rest of the passengers began to disembark.
When I turned my head, I saw that black-haired boy looking at Sylvia with a broken expression.
I didn't like that look.
The black-haired girl had saved him—so why was he still looking at Sylvia?
Could it be… that he had feelings for her?
Was he using the other girl?
I shook my head—no, this was the first time we'd ever seen him.
No boy should be subjected to harassment like that, no matter the situation.
"Come on, Liam, it's time to get off."
Sylvia interrupted my thoughts.
"Yeah, let's go."
I held Sylvia's hand so I wouldn't get lost on the way to the academy.
The entire walk, I kept admiring her beautiful face—
Her golden hair and those bright blue eyes.
But something kept bothering me...
Would someone else take her away from me?
Sylvia had everything—beauty, intelligence, even strength.
She even had a fan club back in elementary school.
I wanted to grab her shoulder, but I held myself back.
Even though I hadn't confessed to her yet—and wasn't sure if she even liked me—I wouldn't give up.
I was planning to confess after getting good results in the entrance exams.
And even if I didn't do well, I'd still confess.
I wouldn't wait for someone else to take her from me.
"I've made up my mind," I mumbled to myself.
"What did you just say?"
"Nothing, I was just thinking."
When Sylvia asked, I skillfully avoided answering.
She must never know—not until I tell her myself.
Sylvia and I walked until we reached two separate gates.
The statues were impressive, but we didn't have time to admire them.
"Alright, see you at the exam."
"Yeah."
I headed toward the test gate, and a large door appeared.
"Hurry inside, only a few minutes remain!"
The gate guard greeted me and quickly urged me in.
As I entered, dozens of students looked at me before turning their eyes toward the center of the hall.
I walked into the hall and found a good viewing spot.
We were all staring at the center of the hall—
Not at the hall itself, but the person standing there.
There was a stunningly beautiful woman with white hair.
We all looked at her with respect.
There wasn't a single person who didn't know her.
The headmistress of the academy held her magic staff and began to speak:
"You will—"
But just as she began…
We heard the sound of the door opening.
To be continued...
End of Chapter
_________________________________________________
I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Also, a new illustration of Sylvia and Kim Hyul has been made—you'll see it in the comments!