As Ronan’s frustration grew everyday, he turned to the library for answers.

Initially, when he walked into the library, Ronan did not expect much from it. However, after flipping through pages of books whose titles Ronan found interesting to read, he realized the library was a literal treasure trove.

From books written on elemental studies to famous moves used by various notable figures in the history of the continent, everything was available in the library.

When Ronan read about the grand and ultimate moves of the legendary figures alongside the scale of mass destruction left behind in their wake, he found himself mesmerized, lost as he daydreamed of seeing such moves being executed in action.

Inside the palace, the library was a restricted area for the two princes as the various A and B level spells stored inside were of national importance and not something a child should have access to.

However, inside the school library, there were a variety of skill scrolls littered around, ranging from F to D grade, sorted according to the elements.

The school did have a few high level spells, but they were restricted. One needed authorization to read them, which usually came as a form of reward for academic excellence or outstanding achievements.

However, just the wide variety of spells available were an eye opener for Ronan, who was enlightened everyday in the library.

At the palace, although Ronan was taught two basic fire spells and one lightning spell, the spells were carefully chosen by Alexander himself to be taught to the young boy. According to him, learning the wrong spells was devastating for one’s foundation.

For this reason, Alexander never let Ronan read the variety of spells out there as he did not want his son to learn trash that could hamper his foundation._.

However, looking at the theory on the mobilization paths for mana and chants, Ronan was able to make many t all assumptions as he energetically made notes of his ideas and tested them out after school in the practice grounds. Steadily, he built his foundation in truly understanding the core concepts of manifesting spells.

However, the only annoying part was that because of his popularity, he was not left to work in peace inside the academy as there was always a crowd which followed him around.

Only because of the librarian’s intervention could Ronan manage to read in peace inside the Library. The old lady would let Ronan sit beside her, next to her desk, as Ronan studied and made notes.

——-

It was just another day for Ronan at the academy. He was diligently reading about the concepts of the spell ‘Fire Rope’ that day. He found it amusing how someone was stupid enough to create a rope from fire, making it completely unusable for the very purpose ropes were good for, which was binding something!

However, the way Ronan saw it, Fire Rope could easily be manipulated into making a Fire Lash, which could become a useful short-range attack spell.

It’s limitations were obvious to Ronan, but, since it interested him, he was noting down the pros and cons of whether or not such a move should be created.

It was lunchtime, and the librarian had temporarily left to take her lunch, so Ronan was alone on her desk as he studied the spell.

It was now that Maddy decided to make her move as she approached her target, Ronan, for the first time ever.

Maddy was a Yellow House student, who was by far the most popular girl in the first year, as both seniors and juniors adored her.

A 4 star fire elemental user, Maddy was quite talented and valued in her house, which, when coupled with her confident personality, made her THE girl to chase after for the boys.

Maddy liked the attention too, as she would have several boyfriends(toys) at a time. However, she was just fooling around with them, as they would be disposed of the day their actions annoyed her.

Ever since Maddy had received the letter from the clan elders, she had broken off all her previous arrangements and started to collect more intel on Ronan Draco, waiting for her chance to make contact.

However, much to her dismay, Ronan was both a training freak and a nerd, making him a complete social recluse who was difficult to approach.

However, even so, Maddy had found her chance. She knew that during the lunch break, Ronan would be alone and not guarded by the old librarian, and Maddy could finally make contact with him.

Many scenarios had played out in Maddy’s mind on how things would develop, as she was confident that the most likely scenario was where Ronan would stare at her beauty for a long time before trying to get her to converse more with him.

It was always the same case with men. They all wanted to talk to her just a little bit longer. However, she was prepared to play the talkative girl too, should Ronan be too shy to initiate.

She had dressed up specifically to look pretty today, her lip gloss applied and make-up done with care as she looked like a complete doll who could only be described as insanely cute and attractive.

Heads turned wherever Maddy passed through, whether male or female, as she had such a presence that it made everyone look at her twice. Which was also why she was so confident to get Ronan’s attention.

When she came to the library, all the boys stopped looking at their books and started to stare at her while most of the girls were baffled.

Some of the nerdy ones could not understand why she was here while some of Ronan’s secret admirers knew exactly why, shooting dirty glances at her.

Maddy paid no heed to them as she scanned the room until she found Ronan. However, since going up directly to him would make her seem desperate, she decided to pick a random book and walk up to him with an excuse.

It was at this moment that Maddy heard soft giggling sounds from the girls who were giving her dirty looks a moment ago. She overheard them pass some snide comments.

‘She thinks she can talk to our Roro when the librarian is not around. She is even using the book tactic. This will be fun.’

‘But she is pretty, what if Roro likes her?’

‘Our Roro is smart, he won’t give her a second glance. I can bet on it.’

At that moment, Maddy scoffed in her mind while listening to the two Ronan fangirls converse. She threw a side-glance, looking at the girl who bet against her.

‘Ugly.’ One glance was enough for Maddy to pass her assessment as she strode towards Ronan’s desk with confidence as she thought, ‘Of course he won’t look at you, but just watch how he falls for me!’

Placing the book on his desk, Maddy asked in a sweet voice, “Umm, can I issue this book, please?”

She expected Ronan to reply. However, even after a full awkward minute had passed, Ronan did not look up from the book he was reading. He also said nothing.

“Ahem. Excuse me, can I please issue this book?” Maddy said again in a louder voice.

“I’m not the librarian,” said Ronan without looking up.

The two girls started to giggle in the background as the rest of the boys watched on the developing situation with interest.

Maddy was pissed. However, she had faith that all she had to do was make Ronan look at her once, and then everything would go smoothly. Persistently, she said, “Oh, my bad. When is she coming back…?”

“No idea,” replied Ronan curtly, as if he had no interest in having this conversation. He still hadn’t looked up from his book.

Nerves popped out on Maddy’s forehead as she had begun to lose her temper. Nobody had ever treated her with such apathy before. Hence, Ronan’s antics were pissing her off.

She said while trying to calm herself, “Hello, can you just look at me while we are talking… Please?”

“No.”

The two fan girls burst into laughter, as even the boys started to find it amusing. It was turning out to be quite the joke.

It was now a matter of pride for Maddy. She said, “Hey, rude guy. What’s your problem? Have you not been taught the decency to look at someone when having a conversation?”

Listening to that remark, Ronan closed the book he was reading. He gave a blank look to Maddy and said nothing.

One minute passed as Ronan just kept looking plainly at Maddy without saying a word. Maddy thought, ‘That’s it! You saw me, and now you can’t look away, can you? Sigh… Since you are saying nothing, I must start this conversation.’

“Hi, I’m a fresher from Yellow House. You can call me Maddy.” Maddy said as she extended her hand.

However, Ronan just looked at her hand, not reaching out to shake it as he said, “Is your conversation over? I really want to read my book and you are wasting my time, Maddy. I am not the librarian and I can’t help you. So, a little space will be appreciated.”

Loud laughter erupted in the room. As if they had seen this scene happen hundreds of times now, the two fangirls just screamed, ‘I knew it!’, as they excitedly simped over Ronan.

However, Maddy was left aghast. She could not believe that Ronan treated her so coldly. It was a first for her in her entire life as she could not understand what to do, facing 40 people laughing at her.

It was then that one fangirl pulled her to the side and said, “Many have tried, many far prettier than you. But Roro is not someone you can charm, so just watch from a distance without disturbing him again, okay?” The fangirl looked at Ronan and continued, saying, “Look, his brows have a small frown now, you ruined his mood!”

Maddy could not believe that her beauty had failed her. She was face-slapped hard today, by a guy who was not even trying!

/// an edited chapter for once , the difference is obvious ///