A few years ago, I was transmigrated into a world I had only ever known through the pages of a novel. Why or how it happened, I still don't know. But strangely enough, this new life felt… comfortable. More than I ever expected.
For starters, I woke up in the body of a baron's child, living on a small patch of land just outside what looked like a castle—or rather, the capital of a thriving nation. It didn't take long for me to realize where I was. This was Eldoria Academy, the very place where most of the novel's story unfolded.
Strangely enough, the body I ended up in wasn't part of the novel—or at least, I had no memory of a character named Klare Edwin. That gave me a flicker of hope. Maybe I could just live a quiet, comfortable life as a noble without worrying about survival or getting tangled in the main plot.
As someone who knew the story inside and out, I also knew one thing for certain: getting involved with that academy was nothing but trouble. And trouble was the last thing I wanted.
A few years of leisure later, I stood there, completely stunned, as my father clutched a letter in his trembling hands. Tears streamed down his face, and before I could even process what was happening, he pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.
"My son! You've finally shown your true talent!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking with pride. "I've never been more proud of you!"
I could understand why my father was so overjoyed-really, I could. But that didn't change the fact that I was at a complete loss for words. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. Not at all.
My eyes dropped to the floor, dread pooling my chest. My carefully laid-out plans for a quiet, peaceful future were crumbling right in front of me. Honestly, I might've started crying if it weren't for the overwhelming warmth of everyone around me.
The whole town was celebrating like it was their own son who'd been accepted into Eldoria Academy-the so-called number one academy on the continent. Either way I had nothing I could do about it.
I was told to start attending by the next semester, which, of course, just had to coincide with the exact date the novel's story began. Could this get any worse? My peaceful, leisurely life was officially over. Now, I'd have to share a campus with those power-hungry maniacs who treated world-ending disasters like they were casual weekend plans.
With a quivering chin, I was practically shoved into packing my things by my overenthusiastic father. He insisted I get an early start so I could settle in before the others arrived. I guess this was his way of looking out for me-his own version of fatherly care.
As a baron, the lowest rung of nobility, we were often treated little better than commoners. And at a place like Eldoria academy, where standards were sky-high and expectations even higher, that made everything ten times harder.
'Oh god, why? Just why? What did I even do to deserve this?'
I sighed inwardly as I stood there, surrounded by what felt like the entire town. They were all parting with kind words, advice, and even small gifts before I left. Honestly, this little town had some of the kindest people I'd ever met. Their warmth was almost enough to make me forget the nightmare I was walking into. Almost.
As I zoned out, my father's voice pulled me back to reality. His words were soft but carried a weight that made my chest tighten.
"Son, I want you to know… you're the pride of this barony. Just being chosen by that academy is a huge achievement in itself. It's okay if you don't do well. Just live upright, as a proud son of mine."
"Yes, Father. I'll make sure I don't stand out at all," I said, trying to sound as sincere as possible.
His eyebrows shot up, clearly not the response he was hoping for. But before he could say anything, I quickly climbed into the carriage that had been prepared for me. It would take me to the Airway System—basically a magical railway that floated in the sky.
You couldn't expect to reach the academy by carriage, after all. It takes ten days just to travel from the outer gates of the academy to the very center where the main campus was located by a rail, let alone a carriage. The place was so massive it rivaled an entire nation in size. It was no wonder people called it the greatest academy on the continent.
But seriously, did my luck have to be this terrible? Out of all the people in the world, why did she have to be my cabin mate? Right off the bat, it looks like I'm already cooked.
In front of me sat a girl with pink hair and piercing blue eyes, her entire presence radiating an aura of nobility. It was like the word "nobility" had been stamped across her face. Her outfit was no less impressive—crafted from the most luxurious materials money could buy. At first glance, it looked like a uniform, but to someone like me, it might as well have been a fortune sewn into fabric. That alone could've fed a poor family for a lifetime.
Of course, it was her. It couldn't be anyone else.
Of all people, it had to be her. Friena Fraudiga, the second daughter of a duke and one of the main character's closest friends. She was the kind of person who radiated energy wherever she went, but it was all a front. Someone who could never be honest with herself, always putting on a cheerful mask to hide whatever was going on underneath. Out of everyone in this world, she was the last person I wanted to see.
And the worst part? Once she took an interest in someone, she wouldn't stop until she became their friend. I couldn't even blame her, honestly. Growing up as a duke's daughter, she was probably taught from a young age to build connections and expand her political influence. But that didn't make it any less annoying for me.
Let's not think too far ahead. Surely, she wouldn't even glance at a lowly baron's son, right? I'll just lay low and mind my own business.
…How I regret that thought.
"Not even saying a word, are you? Interesting." Her voice cut through the silence like a knife. "Usually, people trip over themselves to kiss my feet just for a sliver of approval from my family. But you? You're completely unfazed. Almost like you don't care. So, tell me, what's your name?"
'Pardon? So a person can't even sit quietly without drawing attention? Seriously, what's wrong with my luck?'
I hesitated. If I gave a fake name and we crossed paths later, she'd definitely call me by it. And knowing her, that would only lead to trouble. Especially since she was a duke's daughter.
With an internal sigh of utter despair, I finally spoke. "I'm Klare Edwin, a baron's son. Nice to meet you."
I extended my hand, fully expecting her to recoil in disgust at my lowly status. But to my surprise, her eyes lit up with what looked like genuine excitement. She grabbed my hand and shook it vigorously.
"So you really don't know who I am? That's a relief!" she said, her grin widening. "This is my first time talking to a baron's son. I've always wanted to make friends from every class of nobility. So, nice to meet you, friend! I'm Friena Fraudiga. Let's get to know each other well, okay?"
…I really messed up this time.
Ten days. Ten whole days of non-stop chatter, endless energy, and mind-numbing annoyance. Finally, the Airway ride was over, and I could breathe again. Or so I thought.
To my utter disbelief, she grabbed my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world and practically dragged me along with her. Seriously, can I not catch a break?
"Hey, Klare," she said, tilting her head with that bright, innocent smile of hers. "I get that you're a baron's son and all, but why did you put up with me during the trip? Most people either worship me like I'm some kind of goddess or treat me like I'm going to bite their heads off. But you? You acted so… normal. It's kind of weird, you know?"
Her smile was so radiant it felt like it could melt my face off. But I kept my composure and shrugged.
"You think so? I didn't even know you were a duke's daughter until a day into the trip. By then, it was too late to start acting all formal or whatever."
'Well, I already knew who she was long before she even spoke. But obviously, I can't just say that, can I?'
For a moment, it almost looked like her eyes glistened with tears. But she quickly turned away, her usual cheerful demeanor snapping back into place.
"We should get going, Klare. The inner gate of Eldoria is about an hour's walk from here. Let's hurry so we're not late on our first day!"
"Yeah, we should," I replied automatically.
Wait, wait, wait… Why am I acting like I'm friends with someone from the main cast?