Chapter 226: Chapter 226 : A Promise(1)

Inside Zenith World’s most renowned institution, Zenith Academy, a storm was brewing.

The academy grounds buzzed with activity as campaigns for the next Student Council President were in full swing.

The position wasn’t just about prestige—it carried immense authority. The president could influence academy policies, mobilize department heads, and in moments of crisis, hold a level of power nearly equal to the principal.

The campaigns were vibrant, filled with banners, speeches, and passionate students rallying for their chosen candidate.

But beneath the noise, everyone knew the truth: this was not a battle among many. It was a clash between two giants.

On one side stood Charlotte Evans Avaloria, the Princess of the Human Empire, her name shining with nobility and grace. On the other side loomed Lucas Evans Avaloria, the Second Prince, whose influence and cunning made him the most likely successor to the throne.

Despite Charlotte’s noble status, Lucas’s faction dominated the academy’s halls. His campaign teams swarmed every corner, spreading propaganda, pulling in new recruits, and solidifying his hold.

Charlotte’s influence, meanwhile, was slipping away, weakening with each passing day. Whispers spread in the corridors—Charlotte, once radiant, was now a fading star.

In a small, tucked-away corner of the academy was a peculiar club room. Its signboard read in bold, ridiculous letters: *The Beauty Cult of Alex: “He was too Handsome to be Real.”*

Inside, A few people sat around a long table, their faces clouded with seriousness. The mood was tense, heavy enough to suffocate.

It was Alden, Ava, Rey, Ethan, Seraphina, and Lilia—each one of them deep in thought.

Alden leaned back in his chair with a scowl. “This club’s name almost makes me sick. That bastard still has crazy fans even when he’s not here anymore.”

Ava immediately smacked him on the back of his head. “Don’t go off-topic. Be grateful to them. They’ve been letting us use this place for our meetings.”

With a frown, she added, “But the situation isn’t looking good. Our campaigns aren’t making much impact, and Lucas’s influence grows stronger every day. If this keeps up, Charlotte will lose.”

Alden crossed his arms, his tone grim. “He already controls the second years. Now even the third years are leaning toward him. As for the first years—they’re practically in his pocket. There’s no unity among them.”

His sharp gaze landed on Ethan. “And maybe—just maybe—if our so-called Apex wasn’t such a useless disappointment, the first years would’ve been on our side.”

The air grew heavy. Ethan sighed, his eyes shadowed. “I know you’re still angry with me about Alex. But at least try to think rationally for once.”

Alden slammed his hand on the table, his voice low and dangerous. “Don’t say his name. You don’t deserve it.”

The room fell into silence. Everyone’s expressions grew grim. The wound that name carried was still raw, and none of them wanted to argue over it. They all knew Ethan wasn’t solely to blame.

Seraphina broke the silence, her voice calm but firm. “We’re going off-topic. Everyone, calm down.”

Alden clicked his tongue in irritation but sank back into his chair. Ethan rubbed his forehead, then spoke again.

“For the past six months, I’ve done my best to unite the first years. I’ve had some success, but the real problem lies with the vampires and elves. Their factions don’t listen to anyone unless their leaders—Princess Lilith and Princess Elaria—command it. And neither of them care about this election.”

He looked around the table, frustration seeping into his voice. “Two-thirds of the first-year cadets are either vampire or elven. Without their support, we’re fighting a losing battle. And Lilith and Elaria won’t back Charlotte—or anyone for that matter.”

Lilia sighed, her shoulders slumping. “That’s an issue in itself. No matter how many times we’ve tried, they won’t side with us. They don’t even entertain the idea.”

Her voice wavered, and her breathing grew uneven.

Ava’s eyes narrowed with concern. “Lilia, are you okay? You don’t look so good. You’ve got dark circles under your eyes.”

Pressing a hand to her temple, Lilia forced a weak smile. “I’m fine. Just… haven’t been getting much sleep since that day.”

“You should visit the infirmary,” Ava urged.

“No, no, I’m fine,” Lilia insisted, shaking her head. Then she glanced around. “By the way, where’s Charlotte? What’s her next plan? We’re doing all this for her, after all.”

Seraphina let out a long sigh. “Ever since the news spread that she was rejected by the spirits, she hasn’t attended many meetings. She’s been dealing with her own issues. Meanwhile, Lucas is exploiting it, spreading the news about Charlotte getting rejected by the spirits everywhere. More cadets are doubting Charlotte with every passing day.”

Rey, who had been quiet until now, leaned forward. “At least the fairy prince and princess have declared their support for Charlotte. That’s one silver lining.”

Seraphina nodded. “That is good news. For now, it might be the only thing keeping us afloat.”

Ethan leaned forward, rubbing his temples. “It’s not enough—we’re not going anywhere like this. And Lucas… he’s making big moves.”

His voice grew grim. “He’s threatening most of the first years who dare to help us. Those who refuse… end up in the infirmary the next day.”

Alden’s teeth ground audibly. His fists clenched as anger flared in his eyes. “Then we should do the same to his followers. Let’s show them that we’re not weak.”

Ethan shook his head. “It’s pointless. Lucas isn’t the one doing the dirty work—it’s mainly his second-year and third-year supporters. We don’t even know when they’ll strike. And what’s worse…” His eyes narrowed.

“It’s almost like he knows our plans in advance. Every time we try to approach someone influential, Lucas already beats us to it.”

The words hit everyone like a hammer.

Ethan’s tone hardened. “It means only one thing. Someone is leaking our information. We have a traitor among us.”

The room fell into stunned silence. Everyone looked at each other, suspicion creeping in. It wasn’t paranoia anymore—Ethan’s words matched the recent failures they’d all witnessed.

Lilia broke the silence, her voice shaky but firm. “We have to find the traitor soon. If not… Charlotte will lose for sure.”

Alden’s sharp voice suddenly cut through the air. “How do we know you’re not the traitor?”

The accusation left everyone stunned.

Lilia’s eyes widened, then she stood abruptly, slamming her palms on the table. “You’re right to doubt me. But if you’re doubting me, it can be the same for everyone here. For all we know, even Ethan could be the one leaking information.”

Ethan froze, shock flashing in his eyes. Before he could speak, Seraphina rose from her seat, her voice ringing with conviction. “Ethan would never do that. Charlotte is our childhood friend—we’ve known her since we were little. He would never betray her.”

Lilia folded her arms, her gaze cold. “That’s exactly my point. You can’t accuse someone without proof. Not me, not him, not anyone.” She looked directly at Alden.

Alden’s jaw tightened, veins bulging on his forehead. Finally, with a sharp growl, he pushed his chair back. “This is going nowhere I’m out of here.”

He stormed out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hall.

“Alden!” Ava shot up, her voice desperate. “Come back here, we’re not finished yet!”

But Alden didn’t even glance back. He vanished through the door, leaving only silence behind. Ava clenched her fists and dashed after him, calling, “Alden, wait! Alden!”

The tension in the room was unbearable. Ethan let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping. “Things are getting more and more complicated… I even tried asking my sister for help, but she rejected me. She said she won’t involve herself in royal family matters. And Father—he asked her to stay out of it too.”

Seraphina leaned back in her chair, her voice low. “So we’re really on our own. No support from anywhere.”

A faint smile tugged at her lips, bittersweet. “At times like this… I miss that smug smile on Alex’s face. Somehow, whenever he was around, it felt like he would done something to solve this.”

Her words lingered in the air, soft and heavy.

Ethan smiled faintly, but his eyes betrayed his guilt. “You’re right… But it’s also a burden I’ll carry for the rest of my life. I can never forgive myself.”

Seraphina reached across the table, gently clasping his hand. “Don’t take everything on yourself, Ethan. You don’t have to carry it alone.”

The moment stretched—until Rey groaned loudly, slamming his palm against the table. “Guys! This isn’t the time to be flirting.”

Ethan and Seraphina’s faces instantly flushed red. “We’re not flirting!” they shouted in unison.

Meanwhile, in the corner, Lilia lowered her gaze, hiding the small smirk tugging at her lips. ’Fools. They don’t understand. There’s no hope for Charlotte. Lucas already promised me a council position once he wins. Why would I throw that away?’

Her thoughts darkened further. ’But what I don’t understand is Charlotte herself. Why isn’t she here? What the hell is she planning? I need to know… and report everything back to Lucas.’

Far away, in the Phoenix Spire—the lavish living accommodations for the top ten first-year cadets—Charlotte lay sprawled in her luxury apartment.

Her curtains were drawn tight, keeping the world out. Dark circles bruised her eyes, a clear sign she hadn’t slept in days.

“There’s no more support coming…” she whispered to the empty room. “The election already feels like a lost cause.”

She took a deep breath, then slapped her cheeks with both hands, forcing herself awake. “No. I will never give up. I have to think of something. Anything.”

Her mind spun with desperation. “First, I need the support of the vampire and elven factions. That means convincing Lilith and Elaria… But how?”

Her eyes drifted to the wall, where a photo frame hung. The picture captured a group of smiling faces—Alden, Ava, Ethan, Draven, Seraphina, Charlotte herself… and at the center, a silver-haired boy with that infuriatingly smile.

Charlotte’s lips curled into a fragile smile. But the smile vanished quickly, replaced by indifference. She sighed at the photo, her voice trembling. “Lying bastard… you didn’t keep your promise.”

Just then, her doorbell rang.

She blinked in surprise, dragging herself up and walking toward the door. When she opened it, her eyes widened at the figure before her.

The voice was steady, confident, almost commanding. “I will give my support.”

——

A/N:

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