The Extra's Reincarnation-Chapter 117: Preparations

[Julian’s POV]

The room felt large after Kiera left.

I never understood her. For a principal, she was an odd character—so calm yet strangely silly in her own way.

Was it just two sides of the same coin, or a completely different persona?

It was hard to say. But what really threw me were the questions she asked. Despite calling it an interview, there was nothing about academics or the Academy itself.

What disturbed me most was how much she knew.

Withdrawing from the Royal 8 ten years ago… Who even remembers that?

I thought I’d managed to keep my identity under wraps, and I doubted anyone cared enough to link me to it after all this time.

The royal family wouldn’t care; Meredith, who ran the challenge back then, was unlikely to have any connection with Kiera; and that left only mother and Lady Ophelia.

How did she know?

Was she bluffing, fishing for answers? Or had someone been talking?

I shook my head, trying to make sense of it all. Her gaze was something else—like she could see right through any facade I tried to put up.

It reminded me of how Ophelia would probe for reactions without giving anything away herself.

But if Kiera had ties with Ophelia... no, it still didn’t add up.

I took a breath, pushing the thoughts aside for later. The important thing now was focusing on what lay ahead. This year had to be different.

Creakk…

My mother waited outside, looking relieved as soon as Ophelia opened the door.

"How did it go?" she asked softly.

"Strange," I admitted with a small chuckle. "But good."

She nodded, understanding more in one look than I could explain in a hundred words.

Then Ophelia stepped in behind my mother. Her presence was both reassuring and suspicious.

"How was it with the principal?"

"She was different than I expected, she’s certainly an Interesting person."

"Oh?" She arched a brow, curiosity mingling with amusement. "Not unique?"

"No you’re right, she is unique."

So after trying to set the mood in a good tone, I aimed to ask her something purely out of speculation

"Have you ever mentioned my withdrawal from the Royal 8 to anyone?"

Ophelia’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"Did someone she bring it up?"

"No," I said quickly. "Just wondering."

A knowing smile touched her lips, and her gaze was as piercing as ever. "I like keeping secrets to myself, Julian."

Her expression told me she wasn’t lying, but it left me in my own head again. If not Ophelia, then who?

I know that being a background character at the academy comes with consequences.

However, I’m certain that if anyone discovered the ’me’ they met years ago, the risk of the story’s plot deviating from what I know would significantly impact the main storyline.

And I’m not willing to take those chances of going through all of that.

____

[Francine’s POV]

This makes my seventy-ninth time attending Aethel Academy.

Surprisingly, I’m excited.

New novel chapters are published on freewёbn૦νeɭ.com.

To think something so trivial would actually feel new.

The admission exam is in a few days, and here I am, getting restless instead of bored. I wonder if that means I’m starting to go senile.

There are other things too—strange happenings that don’t fit the usual pattern. The most notable? Lady Ophelia.

She always dies. Always. No matter what I do, she finds a way to end up dead.

Even when I managed to keep her breathing for a day longer, something unexpected would happen, and stubborn Diana Florence would have to rebuild the family from scratch again.

Yet this time, Ophelia lives. I’ve racked my brain trying to think of someone who could save her, but nothing comes to mind.

All that matters is that she’s alive and Diana might not even be Diana this time around. It’s a relief—I won’t lie—but it also leaves me wondering about the rest of the changes.

I need to focus on what’s coming next because if this many things are different already, predicting anything will be impossible.

Especially with those four insane women about to enter my life again. Each one problematic in their own way, and somehow always revolving around me despite my best efforts to avoid them.

Princess Audrey Glacia, the Ice Queen. She’s okay most of the time, but she’s really hard to talk with even in all my lives I struggle to find good footing with her.

Princess Elenore Blanchfleur, The Saintes. The least problematic person out of the 4, for someone who’s easy to socialize with It’s always good to have her close when times are rough.

Princess Aziel Elandria, formally known as Elandria’s Grace but everyone knows her as The Sylph. She’s the fastest person I’ve ever seen in my life and probably the most shyest girls I have met in every lifetime, if I were to talk with her once she would disappear before I could get a word in with her.

And finally, Princess Umi Azura… She alone gives me more headaches than all the others combined.

The heretic that has the ability to read the emotions of people. A master manipulator and has a deep hatred for men.

I’ve spent lifetimes fighting them, mediating peace between them—nothing ever sticks. Maybe this time will be different. Or maybe I’ll find a river to throw myself into before they arrive.

But I’m not afraid of dying. Just tired of it.

"Francine!" A voice snapped me back to reality—a familiar royal attendant’s voice tinged with reverence and fear. "Where are you?"

I slipped out from behind the large pillar I’d been hiding behind, brushing dust from my dress as I emerged into view.

"There you are," he said breathlessly. "We’ve been looking everywhere."

I tilted my head slightly. "Everywhere except here."

An awkward pause followed before he hurriedly continued: "Your presence is requested at the palace meeting."

Another pointless discussion about some minor noble dispute or a strategic alliance we already had firm control over no doubt. But I knew better than anyone that playing the dutiful princess kept things running smoothly.

"I’m on my way."