My Family in the Novel?

Chapter 136: First Act 7

"So, where were you?"

"You were quite far away, you know?"

"Oh, yeah, that's right. Check this out, it's a new potion of mine!"

"Its abilities are quite top-notch, if I do say so myself. Hehe, who knew it was possible to create a tracking potion!"

"I'm sure those of the magical engineering department would die of jealousy when I release this potion out into the public!"

"The principal told me you can create something like this as well, so can you show me how you made yours?"

"Oh yeah! here as well I created another variant of your—"

Euphemia's words rumbled in the air as she and I made our way to the cafeteria to discuss my mysterious absences.

Now she literally reflected her character in the novel, the annoying nosy character who won't stop until her curiosities are piqued.

Although I had little to no reason to answer her, I knew it would just get annoying for me in the future.

In the novel, it was heavily implied that Euphemia always had trouble reading the room.

She didn't even notice how the students we passed by were casting intricate gazes on the bottle of potions she was holding.

Euphemia, in her excitement, spoke aloud, and by now, it was likely that all of them had heard what she was talking about.

I could see both admiration and jealousy written in their eyes.

Even some students from the magic department, curious as well, strained to hear what Euphemia was saying.

To some, they might be in awe of Euphemia's genius, while others probably felt envy and pity for themselves as they once again realized the gap between them and Euphemia, who was held as the number one genius in this generation in terms of alchemy.

As we continued towards the cafeteria, Euphemia's animated chatter about her latest creation echoed in the hallway. It seemed like she was oblivious to the attention she was attracting. Her passion for alchemy, coupled with her genius, had a magnetic effect on those around her, creating a tangible atmosphere of both awe and aspiration.

Though I would've found it easier to talk to her about all of this stuff in private, some eyes were focused on me as Euphemia heavily implied that I could also create the stuff she made, and some were even inspired by me.

Although I didn't exactly dislike having attention on me, it was still a bit unnerving when multiple eyes were set on me.

Sighing, I looked at the girl next to me who kept on babbling her mouth with no end while showcasing all the potions she made for a week now.

Although all of them were pretty much the same as the last time I visited her laboratory, there was a slight difference, as they were improved from the last time I saw them.

Although I really wanted to smack away the aphrodisiac potion she seemed to have also upgraded, I couldn't just downright break it, as who knows what would happen to the students who touches or even smell it.

It seemed Euphemia noticed me staring at her aphrodisiac potion and quickly grabbed it, putting it in her bag. Seriously, why did this woman create something like that again?

As we continued to walk towards the cafeteria, Euphemia's energy seemed unyielding.

Her constant stream of words flowed seamlessly, and it was evident that her excitement for alchemy knew no bounds.

Despite the upgraded potions and the interesting concoctions, my mind lingered on the awkwardness of the situation.

I didn't even know this girl could use telekinetic magic, as she showcased a bunch of potions, all floating near her with an otherworldly grace. Her blabbering was reaching a point of excess.

"Euphemia," I called out to her.

"What?"

"Calm down and look around you."

Pausing, Euphemia surveyed her surroundings. It became evident that a growing crowd of students had gathered, either following us discreetly or eavesdropping nearby.

Their eyes, filled with curiosity, quickly averted when Euphemia noticed them.

I shot subtle glares at the more audacious ones, silently urging them to keep their distance.

The desperation among these students was palpable.

With the end of the semester approaching, anxiety about presenting a final potion project that would meet the academy's standards loomed large.

Estelle Academy had a reputation for culling those deemed inadequate, prompting many to seek Euphemia's expertise.

Some even extended pleading looks in my direction, hoping for a share of my knowledge.

While I understood their apprehensions, their shameless attempts to glean insights from Euphemia were disappointing.

The academy valued self-reliance and innovation, and relying too heavily on others' expertise could jeopardize their academic standing.

"Why are they following us?"

"You really have no idea?"

"No?" said Euphemia as she shook her head.

Is this woman intentionally drawing attention, or is she just oblivious?

She was practically turning our stroll into a parade, showcasing the effects of her latest potions.

What started as her inquiry into my absences had transformed into a grand display, and the students around us resembled stray dogs scrambling for morsels of information on her creations.

Sighing once again, I glanced behind me, fixing a glare on the crowd while regarding them with disgust.

"SHAMELESS"

I uttered just one word, and it seemed to serve as a sobering spell.

The nobles, in particular, looked at me with fear, probably concerned that my words might tarnish their family relationships.

Little did they know about the strained ties between me and my own noble family. If they were aware, my words might have held less weight.

After the condemnation, the crowd dispersed, each student returning to their own pursuits.

The atmosphere shifted, and the air, once charged with eagerness and greed, now carried an undercurrent of caution.

It seemed my blunt dismissal had acted as a wake-up call, reminding them that not every opportunity was worth pursuing, as there was an unwritten rule to never get involved with high ranked nobility in the academy.

Although I don't like relying on the title of being a noble it sure does come with a lot of benefits.

"Those guys were really pathetic, huh?" remarked Euphemia as she observed the struggling students, wearing a somewhat understanding expression.

"So, you were aware?" I asked, a hint of suspicion in my tone.

Did she purposely ignore them?

"Of course, I'm not so dense as to not notice two or three people looking at me, let alone dozens of them," Euphemia replied nonchalantly.

"Right... so why did you say all those words out loud? I never thought you were the type to want attention," I questioned, trying to make sense of her actions.

"I don't exactly hate attention, and at the same time, I don't like it either, as it reminds me of both good and awful things," she explained.

"Then why?"

"Well, to see your reaction," she revealed.

"Huh?" I was puzzled. Why would she want to see my reaction?

"Adrian, I've noticed this since the first time we met, but aside from me and all of your friends, you've been looking at everyone else as if they were not people. Even at the entrance exam, the moment you spoke your speech, you were acting like some god. Well, until now, that is. I can confirm you are human, hehe."

What the heck is she talking about?

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Nothing, let's just say it's a genius's curiosity, perhaps."

A bit curious, I wanted to find out more, but seeing as how she didn't want to expand on the matter, I guess we can ignore it for now.

'But really? Was I always looking at everyone else like some god? If so, how embarrassing!'

'Was I really looking at everyone as if they were below me all this time?'

….

As we continued our way, we eventually made it to the cafeteria, and a peculiar sight awaited us. Alex and Tristan were in their usual seats, but what surprised me was a new visitor.

"Elena?"

"Hello, Ian, fufu. I hope you don't mind me joining you," said Elena as she chuckled slightly. "Sit here," she added, pointing to the seat next to hers.

"Sure, but why—"

"I was actually the one who invited Senior Elena here, Adrian. I'm sorry for not telling you in advance," said Tristan, his voice slightly more nervous than usual.

"It's bad to lie, you know, Brother Tristan," said Elena with a slight pout. "I was actually the one who insisted on coming here when I heard you guys were having lunch together, hehe."

"No saintess, I was the one who suggested it randomly back at the bishop's office, so you don't need to--"

"Shush, Brother Tristan. It was only because I insisted that I'm here right now, so you aren't at fault in any way." Elena looked at me again and asked, "I hope I'm not a bother."

"You're not, so don't worry. The more, the merrier, anyway, haha," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hahaha, that's right. How could we feel bothered with the saintess right next to us? We couldn't even be more blessed right now!" chimed in Alex.

But I'm sure it wasn't just me who noticed Tristan acting stranger than usual.

Since when did these two get so close that they could invite each other now?

And what did Tristan mean by the bishop's office?

Why were the two of them even there in the first place?

.....

"That's a really beautiful ring you got there, Senior! Is that a blue frost crystal embedded at its center? That's quite rare. Where did you get it?"

Commented Euphemia rather randomly as she took her seat.

Even Alex and Tristan were quite surprised at how beautiful the ring was, but what made their eyes widen was the position of the ring, as Elena wore it on her ring finger.

Elena just smiled subtly before glancing at me for a bit.

"It's a gift from someone special, but unfortunately, I have no knowledge regarding its whereabouts" she explained with a graceful smile.