A Background Character’s Path to Power Chapter 3 3: I am definitely inside a romcom

The buzz in the classroom faded swiftly when the door opened once more, unveiling a man with wide shoulders, black hair neatly parted, and glasses in square frames.

A stern look marked his face, one without any foolishness, radiating the authority that instinctively caused pupils to straighten their backs. Under his arm, he held a hefty volume and marched purposefully toward the front of the room.

From his immaculate attire to the precise manner in which he settled his glasses, everything suggested unyielding discipline.

The hero, somewhat foggy from the previous spotlight, shook himself alert as the instructor arrived at the lectern. Emilia, always poised, placed her hands neatly on the desk, prepared to pay attention.

I directed my focus ahead as well.

After scanning the students briefly, he began to speak, his resonant, unwavering tone echoing clearly throughout the space.

"For those unfamiliar with me, I am Professor Calder, your teacher for Imperial History. We'll delve into the ascent and development of the Ardentis Empire, its key battles, and the individuals who forged its path."

With a solid thump, he set the weighty tome on the podium and fiddled with his glasses again.

"Open to page 27 now. Our topic today—The War of the Silver Thrones."

Empire, indeed. Could I be trapped in a medieval romantic comedy?

--- -- -

"The War of the Silver Thrones stood as a pivotal clash in Ardentis Empire chronicles. Lasting for years, this strife involved treachery, governmental turmoil, and carnage among opposing groups, culminating in the merger of fragmented realms beneath a single flag..."

I blinked.

...What?

The textbook's text held my gaze—packed sections, strange names, and an intricate schedule that seemed fit for a college paper. My sight followed the letters, yet my mind wouldn't absorb them.

Who? Where? When?

Once more, I attempted the same section, thinking that repeating it might spark recognition, perhaps recall a detail.

Nope. Still nonsense.

This spelled trouble.

Failing to grasp complex magical ideas or odd fantasy elements was tolerable, but history? It ought to be straightforward. Tales from before, timelines, prominent people, battles—it resembled a video game's backstory overload. Yet the issue remained...

I lacked their recollections.

As I clenched the book harder, I resisted a sigh. Should this be a true fantasy world—brimming with blades, spells, labyrinths, and quests—I'd at least anticipate excitement. Yet instead, I lingered in a school-centered scenario, and given the rampant clichés, it carried strong romcom vibes too.

In such an environment, what role was mine? Study? Finish? Become entangled in pointless intrigue?

To my right, I peeked.

True to form, the leads were busy as usual.

Next to one another sat Emilia and the hero—his identity still unknown to me.

Her seat had edged nearer discreetly, whereas the hero, poor fellow, stayed utterly oblivious or feigned it. Occasionally, their arms nearly touched, and she'd sneak a look his way.

The typical drawn-out romance initiation.

My eyes almost rolled.

Shifting my view ahead, I endeavored to concentrate on the lecture. Even if little stuck, absorbing one fact beat zero.

Onward went Professor Calder.

"The war's crucial shift occurred as the youngest prince, double-crossed by his sibling from another mother, rallied his leftover troops and struck back decisively during the Battle of Hollow Vale..."

Got it. One person stabbed another in the back. A certain prince commanded soldiers.

Fantastic.

One thing I grasped, though, involved this realm—the Ardentis Empire—being monumental. Our institution received backing straight from the empire, implying status, sway, and likely a rigid syllabus.

Internally, I sighed.

Here I found myself confined.

Temporarily.

Eventually, I'll depart this spot.

The class meandered along. I'd stopped striving to comprehend it fully, choosing to catch snippets and tuck in those that seemed noteworthy.

At last—

"That wraps up the session for today."

With a bang, Professor Calder closed his volume.

A fleeting wave of ease overtook me.

However—

"Prior to departing, here's your task: an in-depth paper exploring how the War of the Silver Thrones affects current administration. Hand it in by week's close. At least five pages."

Groans echoed collectively across the room.

I nearly gagged too.

Five pages? Regarding a conflict I scarcely fathomed?

This institution proved harsh. Actually, the instructor did.

While pupils muttered complaints and shut their texts, I paused to overhear.

"...Ugh, why such a lengthy write-up?"

"Five pages? That's more than I do for lit class!"

"Other subjects await us! Does he believe history overshadows everything?"

There we had it.

The lessons ended.

Slowly, I breathed out. Fine. I'd made it through the day, at least partway.

Hastily, I gathered my belongings, keen to exit prior to any mishaps.

Yet during that—

"Miss Emilia, care to explore the academy alongside us?"

My actions halted, grip firming on my bag's handle.

No need to glance; it was those girls—the identical cluster from before, swarming her.

"Thanks for inviting me," Emilia replied elegantly, "but I've already arranged for Aeron to guide me."

My head lifted.

At last, the hero's name revealed itself.

Aeron.

Huh.

Precisely then, I swiveled—just catching Aeron's shocked look.

His features shouted: When was that decided?

A snicker nearly escaped me.

Next—our gazes locked.

With a faint nod, I recognized his plight, then averted my eyes and rushed to finish packing.

An ominous sensation slithered up my back.

Departure was urgent. Right away.

The room emptied gradually, dejected learners streaming through the exit. Before long, the path stood open.

Rising, I prepared to dash—

Still, a palm rested on my shoulder.

"Hey—"

Oh no.

━━━◇◆◇━━━

[Event Triggered...]

━━━◇◆◇━━━

Crap.

Facing Aeron, I turned while holding back a sigh.

"...What's wrong?" I inquired.

A fleeting hesitation from Aeron preceded his casual grin.

"Why not come along with us?"

I blinked.

A pause.

My eyebrow quivered a bit.

Aeron pressed on.

"You transferred this year too, didn't you? You haven't explored the academy fully yet. Seize the moment? Join us, it'll be fun together."

His eyes pleaded quietly for aid.

Staring back, my thoughts briefly rebooted.

Hold on!

Transfer?

Am I a transfer student as well?!