Chapter 3: Magic Class and Inquisitive Gazes

The atmosphere inside the advanced magic lecture hall was both majestic and stifling.

The ceiling was a massive glass dome revealing a brilliant blue sky, while tiered seats arranged in a semicircle overlooked a spacious, barrier-protected arena used for practical exercises.

I sat in the front row near the window, resting my chin on one hand as I stared blankly outside.

In my mind, I kept replaying the incident with the prince that had occurred in the hallway earlier that morning.

Why does he keep getting closer? In the original story, didn't he get deeply annoyed whenever I acted too kindly? If this keeps up, my plan for a quiet retirement in the countryside will be ruined before I even graduate.

"Alright, everyone, settle down."

A stern voice snapped me out of my reverie. Professor Orion Grandis—the academy's headmaster and instructor of high-level elemental magic—stood in the center of the arena, wearing a long black robe that billowed gently.

His piercing eyes swept across the class before lingering on me for a moment.

"Today, we will test each individual's stability and control over elemental magic. We’ll begin with basic energy manipulation exercises within the magic circle."

Several students stepped forward one by one to demonstrate their skills. Some created small bursts of flame, summoned whirlwinds, or condensed water into crystalline shapes.

When my name was called, the class fell completely silent. Every gaze turned toward me, filled with a mixture of awe and reverence.

I rose from my seat, briefly adjusted my uniform, and walked down with a calm, elegant gait.

On the inside, however, I felt like bursting into tears.

Ice magic? If I don't even know how to light a gas stove in my own world, how am I supposed to freeze a room without blowing this place to smithereens?!

I stood in the center of the magic circle, took a deep breath, and tried to recall the memories associated with Alicia's body.

Slowly, I raised my right hand, closed my eyes for a split second, and channeled energy to my fingertips.

*Crackle—!*

In an instant, the air around the arena plummeted in temperature. Shimmering ice crystals materialized in the air, forming a towering, razor-sharp pillar of ice—absolutely perfect, without a single flaw.

The entire class fell into stunned silence. The power was so pure, so cold, and so awe-inspiring.

Professor Orion narrowed his eyes, gazing intently at the ice pillar with a thoughtful expression.

"Magnificent," Professor Orion praised dryly. "Impeccable energy control, Lady Alicia. You didn't even show signs of fatigue."

I lowered my hand, put on a stern, aloof expression, and gave a slight nod.

"Thank you, Professor."

Inside, however, I let out a long sigh of relief.

Thank goodness! This body is amazing! Otherwise, I would have been utterly humiliated in front of everyone.

I walked back to my seat. As I passed the middle row, I inadvertently caught someone staring right at me.

Elena Rosehart.

The girl with honey-brown hair and emerald-green eyes was watching me intently. There was no hatred in her gaze—only a subtle glint of astonishment mixed with deep curiosity.

When our eyes met, Elena looked a bit surprised. But instead of looking away—as most people did when they were near Alicia—she gave me a small smile.

I immediately looked away, resumed my arrogant expression, and sat down at my desk.

*Wait a minute... Why is the protagonist smiling at me like that?* In the original novel, he’s supposed to hate and fear me! Don’t tell me the plot has veered so far off its original course!

The class continued in tense silence, while in a corner of the room, Elena cast furtive glances at me, her heart filled with mounting anxiety.