Not-So an Extra



—Splash —Splash —Splash

The sound of the waves crashing against the hulls of the galleys created a symphony of nature that echoed through the surrounding area.

The white-haired boy stood next to the ship railing on the deck, his regal attire billowing in the sea breeze.

Basking in the golden glow of the sun, his locks shimmer like freshly fallen snow.

Adrian's cerulean eyes watched as seagulls soared through the sky, taking in the breathtaking view of the vast ocean before him.

This was his first time sailing in this world, which was a pleasant experience—if he excluded the people gawking at him non-stop for over a damn week.

Also, it had been three weeks since Gizel announced the news about the Study Tour.

Unlike the first Study Tour, where each year had its own agenda, the current Study Tour for all years shares the same destination.

The Tower.

Since the land route would require over two weeks of travel, the Academy chose to take the sea route instead.

This option would take approximately 10 days and could accommodate all students and teachers in a galley.

The Tower the Academy was going to visit was not the main Tower in Agatha, but rather its branch in the Synesta Region.

For your information, the Aeon Empire was divided into four regions, with each region serving its own purposes. **

The Egon Region, located on the western side of the Aeon Empire, served as the center of the military, headed by Duke Lancaster. 

The Solis Region was where the Imperial Capital City, Agatha, lies, located in the center of the Aeon Empire; its region served as the center of politics, headed by Duke Delacroix. 

The Synesta Region, located on the northeast side of the Aeon Empire, served as the center of the economy, headed by Duke Florance. 

The Vottane Region, located on the northwest side of the Aeon Empire, served as the center of agriculture, headed by Duchess Roséria.

Unlike the two Dukes who were clashing with each other, Duke Florance and Duchess Roséria were the heads of the neutral faction.

"Geez, you're here?"

Adrian turned towards the familiar voice and saw four figures approaching him—his classmates.

Péréz, who arrived before the others, immediately spoke his mind.

"We've been looking for you, you know!"

"Is that so?"

Adrian answered lightly.

However, before Péréz could open his mouth, Rhea cut in.

"Yes, he's been searching for you frantically, like a lost duckling looking for its mother."

"What?"

Adrian arched an eyebrow while Péréz quickly retorted.

"What? No! Ian, don't believe her! She's lying!"

But Rhea shrugged nonchalantly and replied with a grin on her face. 

"Just ask Ralph and Sylvina for the truth."

Adrian turned to the duo and saw them nod their heads firmly without hesitation. 

Péréz looked at them in disbelief, feeling betrayed.

However, their attention was shifted when a commotion was heard on the deck.

"Oh, Syna is already in sight!"

A student exclaimed, pointing toward the horizon, and another chimed in.

"Look at those windmills!"

Shortly, they began to rush to the side of the ship to catch a glimpse of the approaching harbor.

As they drew closer, the once indistinct silhouette of Syna gradually took shape, revealing a picturesque cityscape. 

The numerous galleys docked in the harbor added to the bustling atmosphere, with sailors and merchants going about their business. 

But what truly caught their attention were the towering windmills that seemed to greet them from afar.

Syna, the primary port situated in the northeast part of the Aeon Empire's Synesta region, holds significant importance for both domestic and international trade with the northern Kingdoms.

Boosted by its trade as well as its tourism because its prominent features had made Syna become one of the most prosperous cities in the Aeon Empire. 

An outstanding trait of Syna was the windmills that lined up near the docks. 

Initially, Syna used to suffer from regular flooding due to being built on lowlands. 

Fortunately, the issue was resolved after the Tower invented windmills and used them to pump out excess water, helping to control the floods.

Soon, the captain's shout echoed through the air.

"All hands prepare to dock!"

The crew of the ship bustled around, preparing for the upcoming docking. 

Following docking, the students disembarked from the galley and were promptly led by their homeroom teacher to their respectable inn, which was conveniently located near the harbor.

While walking toward their inn, Adrian couldn't help but notice the giant water fountain in the distance, with Chrono's golden statue standing tall in the middle of it.

He saw people surrounding it, throwing coins, and began to make wishes.

The more Adrian thought about it, the more suspicious he became of the Empire.

"By the way…"

As a familiar voice pierced his ears, Adrian frowned and turned his head to the side, only to find a black-haired teen walking beside him.

What was he doing here? 

Wait—where were his classmates? 

Weren't they walking beside him just a moment ago?

Adrian peeked over his shoulder and saw them walking not too far behind him. 

Hmm, it seemed like they were giving him and his brother some privacy.

The moment their eyes met, they waved at him, and he nodded his head in acknowledgment.

Returning his attention to his brother, Adrian asked.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but—"

Nathaniel pointed towards someone in the distance, causing Adrian to furrow his forehead in confusion. 

He couldn't discern who his brother was referring to amidst the crowd.

"—Isn't that butterfly hairpin worn by the lilac-haired girl similar to the one you bought on our trip to Axton City?"

Only then did Adrian notice a girl with lilac hair chatting with her three friends in the distance.

And just like Nathaniel said, she wore a butterfly hairpin decorated with purple gemstones—the gift that he had given her.

'Ah, that girl.'

Without much thought, Adrian answered it lightly.

"It's not similar; I gave it to her."

"You what??"

Nathaniel asked him with a disbelieving tone.

Adrian couldn't help but crease his forehead at his brother's overly dramatic reaction and repeated his words.

"I gave it to her."

Unexpectedly, Nathaniel looked at him with an indescribable expression on his face.

"So… she's…? You…?"

Adrian clicked his tongue in annoyance and spoke sharply.

"Can you talk properly?"

Why the hell was he suddenly stuttering like that?

Nathaniel rolled his eyes in boredom and spat his mind.

"So, she's your girlfriend?"

"..."

Adrian abruptly halted his steps, and his mind went blank in an instant. 

He was too shocked to hear the words that came out of his brother's mouth.

Where had he come to such a conclusion?

Heaving a heavy sigh, Adrian responded.

"She's not."

"Really? Then can you explain why you gave it to her?"

Adrian resumed his steps while massaging his wrinkled forehead, which was suddenly throbbing with a headache.

"She gave me a tassel, so I returned the favor."

He just hoped that this ridiculous misunderstanding would come to an end.

Nevertheless, what came out of Nathaniel's mouth almost made Adrian cough up blood.

"So, she confessed her feelings to you, and you reciprocated?"

'...fuck.'

For the first time in his life here, Adrian had never been feeling this stupid before.

How could he forget that the tassel was only given to one's beloved? 

Nonetheless, Adrian started over with a fake cough.

"Ahem, she's not my girlfriend."

Let alone girlfriend, he didn't even know her name and was not even interested in knowing it.

"..."

Nathaniel gazed at him with an inexplicable expression, and following a momentary pause, he eventually spoke.

"So, she's not your girlfriend?"

"I can confirm that."

He answered firmly.

"Hmm… I see."

Adrian felt immense relief, knowing that this worthless conversation was coming to an end.

"But, still…"

Adrian's brows knitted with concern.

'What? There's more?'

"I mean—if you're able to marry her, you'll be benefited."

'Benefit my ass.'

He didn't give a damn. 

As for now, he just wanted to focus on his goal and enjoy his life to the fullest.

"By the way, can we please change the subject?"

Adrian put on an awkward expression, and Nathaniel spoke apologetically.

"I… I understand. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Well, what was done couldn't be undone, and so Adrian shrugged nonchalantly.

"Nah, it's alright."

Soon, Nathaniel let out a smile and patted his head.

"Thanks."

As their homeroom teacher turned to the opposite side of the corridor of the inn, Nathaniel bid him farewell.

"Anyway, see you later at dinner!"

"Yeah, see you."