The Extra Who Shouldn’t Exist

As Serena watched Reynard leave the room in a hurry, she let out a soft sigh, shaking her head.

"His habit of doting on her and spoiling her hasn't changed one bit."

At that, Elric smirked faintly, his tone teasing yet respectful.

"It rather reminds me of your father, the previous King, My Lady."

A vein twitched visibly on Serena's forehead.

"Father did not spoil me that much, okay?"

Elric chuckled lightly, bowing his head as if trying to hide his amusement.

"I wholeheartedly disagree with that statement."

Serena opened her mouth, searching for a retort, but after a few seconds of silence, she sighed heavily, admitting defeat.

"Tch… forget it."

She quickly changed the subject, her eyes drifting back toward Alex's unconscious figure.

"Let's go and see how Alicia is doing. Last I heard, after the incident, she hasn't even been attending her classes or fulfilling her duties as the Student Council President properly."

Her lips curved into a smirk.

"And if I had to guess… it's probably because of him."

Elric's brows rose slightly, though his composure never cracked.

"Well, My Lady, I suppose we will find out after seeing it for ourselves, won't we?"

Serena gave a small nod.

"You're right about that."

With that, both she and Elric turned and began walking toward the dining hall.

---

Inside the dining hall, the atmosphere was bustling. A long, polished table stretched across the room, and around it stood servants in neatly pressed uniforms, lining up with trays of steaming dishes.

"My Lady, please try this one," one servant said eagerly, presenting a plate of roasted meat glazed in golden butter.

Another stepped forward, holding a tray of pastries dusted with shimmering sugar cream.

"My Lady, it has been so long since you last visited. Please, eat to your heart's content."

The surrounding servants nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with affection.

Sitting at the table was Alicia von Crestvale, her long snow-white hair tied neatly, her elegant dress draped perfectly across her frame.

She gave them a faint smile, though her usual mischievous spark seemed dimmed.

"Thank you, everyone. But this is already more than enough."

The servants exchanged worried glances. They whispered quietly among themselves.

"She doesn't look like herself… Could something have happened at the Academy?"

Before their whispers could spread further, the large doors at the far end of the hall opened with a creak.

Reynard von Crestvale strode in.

Instantly, the atmosphere shifted. The servants straightened and bowed deeply, stepping back as one before leaving the hall in silence. Within moments, the only ones left were Reynard and Alicia.

For a moment, Alicia simply stared at her father. Her eyes wavered, as if trying to hold back emotions.

Reynard softened his usually stern expression into a rare, gentle smile.

"So… how's my little angel doing? You're eating properly, right? You know, I bought all those games you secretly requested from me."

His brown eyes glinted mischievously as he leaned closer.

"Just make sure your mother doesn't find out about that, alright?"

Suddenly, Alicia stood up from her seat. Her face twisted slightly, her usual composure breaking.

Reynard blinked.

"What happened, Alice? Is everything alright?"

Before he could get another word out, Alicia rushed toward him, throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly.

Her shoulders trembled, and within seconds, warm tears began to roll down her cheeks. She buried her face against his chest, crying silently.

Reynard froze for a moment, his eyes widening.

Then his arms wrapped around her protectively.

His voice turned stern, though it carried worry.

"What happened? Did Alden do something at the Academy? Or was it someone else? Just tell me their name."

But Alicia only shook her head, sobbing softly.

"It's nothing… I just… I've missed you a lot."

Reynard's stern expression melted, and he gently stroked her hair.

"I missed you too… more than you know."

If anyone else had seen the Duke of the North at that moment, they would never have believed it.

The same man who cut down his enemies mercilessly on the battlefield in cold blood… was now smiling so warmly while holding someone close.

Then, a voice broke through the tender silence.

"Ahhh, look at that… the father spoiling his little girl as always."

Both Reynard and Alicia turned their heads toward the doorway.

Serena stood there, her expression carrying a knowing smile.

"Are you only going to hug your father? It's been months since I last saw you face to face, you know."

Alicia immediately pouted, her tears vanishing like magic. She turned her face away dramatically, hiding behind Reynard's tall frame as if using him as a shield.

"Hmph. I don't feel like it."

Serena's beautiful face twitched, a vein pulsing visibly on her temple.

"This brat…" she muttered in irritation.

Reynard and Elric both stifled laughter, struggling to keep straight faces.

Serena's sharp eyes instantly snapped toward them like daggers.

"What's so funny?"

Both men immediately coughed and fell silent.

Serena turned back to her daughter, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

"So that's how you want to play it, huh, brat? Then maybe I should tell your father about that little crush you had…"

Color drained from Reynard's face instantly. His eyes widened as he stiffened.

"What guy?"

His voice dropped lower, sharper.

"Who is it?

Is he a noble?

Is he from Avaloria?

What do his parents do? He better not be playing with her emotions—so that's why she looks so sad, huh!"

Alicia's breath hitched, panic flashing in her eyes.

"I-I didn't have a crush on anyone!"

Serena, ignoring her daughter's protests, smirked slyly and looked at Reynard.

"Oh, but you've already seen him."

Reynard frowned deeply, confusion filling his face.

"I've seen him? Reyna, don't confuse me. Just tell me who it is."

Before Serena could answer, Alicia suddenly blurted out desperately, sadness bursting forth.

"Dad! You don't have to worry! That guy she's talking about is already dea—"

But before Alicia could finish, Serena's voice cut her off, smooth and merciless.

"It's that silver-haired boy. The one lying in our mansion right now. The one we just visited moments ago."

The words hung in the air.

For a second, both Reynard and Alicia froze. Their eyes widened as confusion struck them at the exact same time.

Reynard blinked.

"Heh…"

Alicia blinked.

"Heh…"

And then both of them shouted simultaneously:

"Hehhhhhhhhh?!"

At that exact moment, inside the manor chamber, the silver-haired boy's fingers twitched.

His eyelids fluttered faintly.

The room's silence was broken by the soft sound of breath catching in his throat.

Alex Dragonheart… was about to awaken.

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A/N:

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