A Background Character’s Path to Power Chapter 5 5: First Third Rate Villian

The fellow who had boldly invited himself to join us stood tall with broad shoulders, sporting a smirk that clearly shouted, I believe I'm superior to you, and I'll ensure you feel it.

Oddly enough, his uniform appeared spotless, his blond locks perfectly arranged, yet his stance oozed pure arrogance.

To sum it up, he embodied the typical rich young master archetype.

How delightful.

Trailing him came two more students—undoubtedly his loyal followers.

One possessed a skinny frame and a visage that yelled sidekick, whereas the other was a bulkier fellow whose main purpose seemed to be lurking behind the wealthy heir and agreeing with every word he uttered.

Really, man, show some dignity.

To his merit, Aeron didn't dismiss them right away. He kept up his standard amiable attitude. “Uh, sure, I suppose?”

The Rich Young Master grinned even broader. “Excellent, excellent. It's been quite some time since our last shared meal, right?”

I strongly suspected Aeron had never chosen to dine with this person of his own accord.

Nevertheless, the lead character radiated that classic kind-hearted vibe, so he just grinned and refrained from protesting.

Emilia, however, hadn't uttered a single word yet. Her face stayed courteous yet aloof, as though she had already labeled this individual a trivial nuisance.

Wise choice.

Naturally, I remained silent. From what I'd picked up in those overused school scenarios, chiming in during moments like these would merely drag me into pointless trouble.

Regrettably, that choice got snatched away when the Rich Young Master shifted his focus to our end of the table.

“So,” he drawled out, his eyes gliding across me as if I were some utterly ordinary furnishing. “You have to be the additional transfer student.”

I held his gaze steadily. “Amaniel.”

Aman likely serves as a nickname for Amaniel. Thus, I opted for my potential full name.

“Amaniel,” he echoed, like he was sampling the sound of it. “Got it. Never spotted you here previously.”

“No chance you would,” I answered plainly.

Aeron emitted a uneasy laugh. “Ahaha… Aman's fresh here, so he's adjusting to the surroundings still.”

The Rich Young Master murmured thoughtfully. “Really now?”

Silence hung briefly while he examined me.

I gazed right back, fighting the impulse to exhale heavily.

I was well aware of the routine. He was assessing me, figuring out if I merited his interest or could be brushed off as mere scenery.

I preferred the second option.

Alas, destiny despised me.

“You aren't much of a talker, are you?” he pondered aloud, easing back a bit.

“I speak only when necessary.”

Aeron gave me a glance begging, please avoid provoking him.

I had no such intent.

Truth be told, I was showing considerable restraint.

Yet, fellows of his sort? They fed on pointless clashes. That's what made them rich young masters, after all.

The blond Rich Young Master chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “Understood, understood. So you're the silent and enigmatic sort, eh? No insult meant, but that tends not to fare well in these parts.”

I sipped more water. “Lucky for me, I'm not aiming to wow anybody.”

That briefly threw him.

Next, he burst into laughter, truly entertained. “Hah! Bold spirit, I'll admit.”

I hadn't meant to come across as bold.

All I craved was a quiet lunch without interruptions.

Had I foreseen this level of turmoil, I would've skipped it entirely.

Livia, unusually quiet up to this point, at last stepped in. “Okay, okay, stop the glare-down,” she declared, her typical liveliness resurfacing. “We're here for food, not to spread odd vibes.”

Thank goodness, Livia. At last, you're proving worthwhile since we met.

The Rich Young Master smirked once more but dropped it, redirecting to Aeron. “Alright, alright. Time to dine.”

Seems he noticed Livia and Emilia eyeing Aeron. Tough luck for the hero, already targeted.

With that, the talk veered elsewhere, and I got overlooked once more.

Ideal.

I blocked out the bulk of the talk, allowing Aeron and Livia to manage while I concentrated on eating.

Things appeared to calm… until the Rich Young Master piped up anew.

“So, Emilia,” he stated sleekly, “I've been curious—planning to join the academy ball soon?”

I halted halfway through a bite.

Oh boy.

Not yet another.

Emilia's courteous grin held steady, though a clear chill laced her voice as she responded, “Not sure yet.”

The Rich Young Master's grin expanded. “You ought to. It's prime for mingling. Plus, I'd be happy to accompany you that night.”

There it came.

The overt and cringingly clumsy proposal.

Aeron tensed quietly, while Livia's face shadowed slightly.

Me? I was bracing inwardly for the unavoidable vicarious shame impending.

Right on schedule, Emilia angled her head a touch, keeping her courteous grin intact. “Such a kind proposal,” she noted, her voice so even that sincerity or irony remained unclear.

The Rich Young Master, blind to any risk of refusal, inched ahead. “Naturally. An affair like this calls for top-notch companionship.”

I curbed the desire to moan.

Man. For real?

From all those encounters in my recollections—or better, the embarrassing tales I'd read—I recognized precisely the unfolding script.

Phase one: Cocky elite lad boldly asks the female lead to the dance.

Phase two: She turns it down as tactfully as feasible.

Phase three: Rich Young Master ignores the signal and keeps pushing.

Phase four: The hero intervenes, or she lands a sharp retort to humble him.

Frankly, I yearned for prompt phase four.

Emilia, always so poised, merely hummed gently before placing her fork aside. “Thanks for asking, but regretfully, I must pass.”

Phase two: Done.

Livia nodded in support. Aeron, remaining on edge, looked eased that Emilia managed it without much fuss.

The Rich Young Master seemed stunned, like hearing the heavens were emerald.

He blinked, rejection so alien his mind wouldn't accept it. “Oh? What's the reason?”

And so it begins…