Extra's Descent

Chapter 103: Banquet [3]

"Lady Amelia, I'd like to introduce you to my Son, Wesley."

"Always as beautiful as ever, Lady Amelia."

"Lady Amelia, if you would spare us a little bit of your time—"

As soon as her parents separated from her, several military officers would approach, bringing their children along to introduce themselves.

And each time she would decline their offer as kind as she could.

She was sick of it.

All she wanted to do was walk towards her only friend at the party, Belle. But she would always be halted by the officers.

She couldn't be rude to them as much as she wanted to.

As the daughter of Albert Constantine, the Grand Marshal, she had to exhibit proper decorum.

"Thank you for your kind offer. But I'd have to ask my Father first."

Those were the magic words she'd often use for the officers to back down.

She knew what they were up to. To climb the ranks of the Imperial Army in a cheap way, getting on her good side.

But for some reason…

"There's no need for that, Lady Amelia. Just a brief conversation is all I ask for."

Her words didn't reach the officer and he crossed the line.

"No."

A flat out refusal.

There was no other option.

Just like that, she continued to walk towards her friend.

Her familiar long pale-white hair came into view, and what stood beside her was a tall man with strikingly similar features as Belle.

But yet again…

"Lady Amelia–"

"Thank you, I will get back to you shortly after the banquet."

She halted the officer's son's words before he could even finish, not paying a single glance at his dejected look.

Annoying is all she could describe the entire ordeal.

All of them…

They were only after her looks and her status.

All they could ever see was the Constantine blood running through her veins.

Not Amelia, the eighteen-year-old girl who had only wanted someone to see her for true self. Not her status, not her looks, not her wealth, just Amelia.

Despite being ranked as the second strongest third year student, none could see how much effort she put into herself.

—It only makes sense since she's the Grand Marshal's Daughter.

—That's because she's a Constantine.

—Second? Maybe it's because she's a woman.

And in the end, the first rank was given to a man due to nepotism.

She was more than just the Grand Marshal's daughter. Why were efforts always invalidated?

She even had a special affinity, but it was looked down upon since it wasn't as flashy as the others.

The thought made her clench her fist.

"Haa…"

As she breathed out a small sigh, she had finally made it to Belle.

"Amelia, glad to see you."

"You too, Belle. This party sucks."

"Tell me about it. I've been hit on thirteen times."

The two breathed out an audible sigh and laughed in unison.

"This party was way more bearable when we were younger."

"Right?"

"Ah, let me introduce you to my Brother."

She was well aware of Belle's younger brother.

Amelia had never met him, not even once. She had only heard about him from conversations with Belle when they were younger.

But at the start of the semester, news about him had reached her ears.

The young man stepped forward at Belle's call and he gave her a light bow.

"Pleased to meet you, Amelia. My name is Brandon Locke–Ukh!"

Frowning, Belle nudged his elbow.

"Formalities."

At the sight of the two siblings, Amelia pressed her lips with her hand and stifled a laugh.

"Haha~ You two seem close."

"Please don't mind him, Amelia."

Amelia waved her hand down to calm Belle.

"It's fine, Belle. I'd rather have him call me Amelia without the formalities."

"If you say so."

Belle's expressions contorted to a defeated look.

Changing the topic, Belle looked at Amelia and pursed her lips.

"That aside, have you received the documents?"

"Yeah, I didn't plan on accepting at first since Adrien presented it. But when I saw your signature, I guess I had to do my friend a favor."

"Thanks, I couldn't think of anyone more fitting for the job other than you."

Belle then looked at Brandon who looked at her back.

"Don't worry, this guy will be working under you. So you can use him as you please to lighten your load."

"Really…?"

Brandon then nodded and opened his mouth.

"Yes, I didn't know the head would be you. But it'll be a pleasure working with you."

He then extended his hand and gestured for a handshake.

Amelia took the offer and they shook hands.

"Likewise, Brandon."

As she looked at his expressions, she felt something off.

The way he looked at her…

It wasn't like the look she was used to.

The way others would look at her as if they were snakes trying to snag a trophy.

No, the way Brandon looked at her made him seem as if he was…

Afraid?

Wary…?

Why was he wary of her when they had just met?

It was quite peculiar, and it was something she was not used to.

She felt uncomfortable under his gaze. Just what was on his mind to be looking at her with such expressions?

But it seemed like Belle didn't notice as she playfully nudged at his elbow yet again.

Belle leaned close to Brandon and whispered something. But failing to do so as Amelia was able to hear it.

"You're staring at Amelia quite a lot."

She then smirked, as if Amelia couldn't see it.

"She's out of your league, little brother."

Amelia rolled her eyes as she heard that.

What the hell was Belle even talking about?

The two's hands then departed from the handshake.

Belle rubbed her elbows and turned her head to look towards a specific entrance with tall windows.

"Anyway, why don't we all head out the balcony? This place feels kind of stuffy."

"Agreed."

Amelia nodded.

***

The three then beckoned towards the balcony.

"..."

"..."

"..."

But were immediately halted as another familiar announcement resounded.

—Attention! Field Marshal Frost has arrived as well as his family. Pay your respects, officers.

All heads flicked towards the venue's entrance and out emerged a short framed man with light blue hair.

Behind him followed a tall man with light blue hair, and blue eyes.

Brandon looked at the two girls behind him. Scanning, their expressions were fixed into one of disgust.

'So that's him, huh?'

And it was then when a sudden pressure bore down on everyone present.

'It's him.'

Another figure emerged from the entrance. Walking calm steps, he followed the two men in front of him.

With similar small stature as the Field Marshal, his light blue hair waved at every step he took.

His cold blue eyes seemed detached as his expressions displayed visible confidence.

The entire venue was filled with powerful military officers. But under the presence of the newcomer, they seemed to pale in comparison.

His image was deeply imprinted in Brandon's mind, sending shivers down his spine.

Not just him, but the two women beside him seemed to shudder at the sight of the man.

Brandon's gaze was fixed on him and for a brief second, he felt as if the man stared right back at him.

"..."

The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.

'Goosebumps.'

The man was a fixed distance away from them. He didn't look at the other officers, yet he met Brandon's gaze.

Lucian Frost, the strongest ranker had finally made his appearance.