By the next morning, the entire academy seemed to be buzzing exclusively about me. I wasn't sure if I should be flattered or start hiding in a barrel. Selene had conveniently "bumped into me" three times before breakfast, each time giving that faint smirk that said: I'm watching you. Charlotte, on the other hand, just stared. Silent, calculating… terrifyingly quiet.
I shuffled to the dining hall, trying to act casual. My tray clattered slightly, sending a roll tumbling across the floor. Heads turned. Whispering intensified.
"Is he always this… messy?" someone muttered.
"Yes," I said firmly to myself, ignoring the fact that I almost tripped over my own feet while sitting down. Consistency is key, I reminded myself.
And then, of course, Renvor appeared. He plopped across from me, huge grin still in place. "So… you survived Kaelen. Let's see if luck favors you twice," he said, leaning back and stretching like he owned the place.
I considered running. Considered hiding under the table. Considered challenging him to a rock-paper-scissors duel instead. Somehow, none of those options felt particularly heroic.
"Uh… maybe later?" I suggested, hoping my voice sounded casual instead of terrified.
Renvor laughed, loud enough to make half the hall wince. "Oh, don't worry. You'll get your chance. Everyone's curious how you survived yesterday. That's rare… very rare."
Rare. Right. I was apparently now a living legend in clumsiness. Perfect.
Selene leaned closer, whispering so only I could hear. "You know, Kaelen isn't the only one paying attention to you now."
My brain short-circuited. "Oh? Really?"
"Keep tripping like that," she smirked, "and people will underestimate you even more. It's… entertaining."
I nodded vigorously, trying to look cool while simultaneously knocking over my cup of tea. Tea splashed over my robes, my face, and conveniently, a table full of students. Mortified, I froze.
And then… laughter. Not mocking, not cruel — just light, amused chuckles. People weren't angry. They were entertained. My reputation as the hilariously clumsy genius was officially cemented.
Step one: survive exams
Step two: remain unnoticed genius
Step three: keep everyone guessing
Step four: make them laugh without meaning to…
Perfect combination.
I glanced at Renvor. He was grinning. Dangerous. But I couldn't help it — I grinned back faintly. Tomorrow, the real fun would begin.