READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 4: The Weight of Power
The days at Drakmaris Academy continued to pass in a blur of social gatherings, lectures, and tests of wit. Hiroshi's life had become an intricate dance—one where every movement, every glance, every word, was under constant scrutiny. He was no longer just the awkward, uncertain man from his original world; in Drakmaris, Hiroshi Von Drakrion had transformed into a living legend, one that people couldn't stop talking about.
As the heir to the Von Drakrion family, Hiroshi's presence was felt everywhere. The family's wealth, surpassing the riches of entire continents, was no secret. The Duke of Drakrion, Hiroshi's father, was a figure of immense power whose name alone could command armies and influence kingdoms. Their wealth extended beyond mere coin—it was the kind of power that could shape the future of Drakmaris itself. But Hiroshi had yet to fully grasp what this influence truly meant.
In the hallowed halls of Drakmaris Academy, Hiroshi had become an object of fascination. The girls who once whispered behind his back now approached him with fervor, their eyes filled with admiration. They weren't just drawn to his stunning appearance—they were captivated by the promise of power and prestige that came with being associated with the Von Drakrion name.
One of the more vocal of his admirers was Lady Veronica Goldstone, a stunning young noblewoman who had quickly taken to following Hiroshi around the academy. She was the head of the "Von Drakrion Admirers Club," a small but dedicated group of girls who had made it their mission to befriend the heir to the greatest fortune in the kingdom.
"Lord Hiroshi," Veronica said one morning as Hiroshi exited his history class, her voice high with excitement. "We were wondering, would you be interested in joining us for tea this afternoon? We could discuss your latest performance in the leadership seminar—such an impressive demonstration of your abilities, truly."
Hiroshi smiled politely, knowing full well that the "discussion" would likely be a series of adoring comments and subtle attempts to win his favor. He had learned to navigate these situations with ease, responding just enough to keep them interested without committing to anything serious.
"I appreciate the invitation, Lady Veronica," he said smoothly, "but I'm afraid I have other obligations today. Perhaps another time."
The disappointment in Veronica's eyes was fleeting, but the other girls surrounding her seemed ready to swoon at his words. Hiroshi had become a master at this—using his charm to maintain his position at the top of the social ladder, while carefully avoiding any serious entanglements.
But despite his outward composure, Hiroshi couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness in these interactions. The women, though beautiful and alluring, didn't seem to care about him as a person. They were drawn to the image of the Von Drakrion heir—the man who could change their lives with a single word. They saw only his wealth, his power, and his potential.
The academy was not just a place of learning—it was also a stage for political maneuvering. It was here that future leaders were cultivated, where students learned the delicate art of diplomacy, warfare, and court politics. And it was within these walls that Hiroshi had to learn to wield his influence.
One of his most formidable rivals at the academy was Lord Edmund Blackwell, a brilliant young nobleman with aspirations as grand as Hiroshi's own. Edmund, whose family was one of the oldest and most respected in the kingdom, had long been vying for influence at court. He viewed Hiroshi's rise to prominence as a direct challenge to his own family's legacy.
"Lord Hiroshi," Edmund said one afternoon during a debate in class, his tone dripping with condescension, "while I admire your ability to charm the masses, true leadership requires more than just a pretty face and a well-timed smile. It requires substance, not style."
Hiroshi's eyes narrowed, but he didn't rise to the bait. Edmund had a reputation for being ruthless, but Hiroshi had learned to control his emotions, especially in public. He leaned back in his seat, his calm demeanor belying the fire burning inside.
"You're right, Lord Edmund," Hiroshi replied smoothly. "Leadership is about substance, but it's also about influence. One can't ignore the importance of perception, can they? After all, how can one lead without the trust of those they wish to lead?"
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Edmund seemed taken aback. It was a subtle jab, but effective. Hiroshi knew that Edmund's greatest weakness was his arrogance—his belief that his lineage alone was enough to guarantee his success. Hiroshi, on the other hand, understood the value of both substance and image.
Later that evening, Hiroshi found himself in the grand hall of Drakmaris Academy, attending a formal dinner hosted by his sister Rosalyn. The event was a gathering of the kingdom's most influential figures, from high-ranking nobles to powerful merchants, all of whom sought to strengthen their alliances with the Von Drakrion family.
As Hiroshi entered the hall, heads turned. Whispers spread like wildfire, and eyes followed him as he made his way to the center of the room. His tailored suit clung to his lean, muscular frame, accentuating every inch of his striking appearance. His presence was magnetic—his charisma undeniable.
But it was Lady Selene Arkwright, ever the sharp and ambitious noblewoman, who caught Hiroshi's eye. She was standing at the far end of the hall, her gaze locked on him as if she were studying him from afar. Hiroshi couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue whenever Selene was near. She was unlike the others—the women who fawned over him, seeking nothing more than to bask in his fame. No, Selene was different. She saw him for who he was, not just for what he could offer.
"Lord Hiroshi," she said, her voice smooth but edged with a challenge, "I must admit, your presence is always... captivating. I wonder, though, if your fame is more of a gilded cage than a triumph."
Hiroshi raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words. "Gilded cage?" he repeated, his voice low.
Selene smiled, a small, enigmatic curve of her lips. "You're surrounded by admiration, yes. But do you ever wonder if it's all real? Or if it's merely a reflection of the power your name carries? Fame can be a double-edged sword, Lord Hiroshi. It can elevate you, but it can also trap you."
Hiroshi studied her carefully. There was something in her eyes—a glint of understanding, a recognition of the struggle beneath the surface. Selene was the first person at the academy who seemed to understand the complexity of his situation, who saw beyond the image of the charming noble and into the man he was becoming.
"It's a trap I've been trying to escape," Hiroshi admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's not easy, is it?"
Selene's smile deepened. "No. But maybe it's not about escaping. Maybe it's about learning how to wield it."
As the night wore on, Hiroshi found himself surrounded by more of the kingdom's elite, each vying for his attention. The women, especially, were eager to engage him, each one trying to gain favor with the heir to the Von Drakrion fortune. But as the conversations blended together in a haze of flattering compliments and empty promises, Hiroshi realized something: he was no longer just the quiet, uncertain man he had once been. He was becoming the mask he had put on—a man of power, charm, and influence.
And as his fame continued to grow, so did the expectations. His every move was scrutinized, his every word analyzed. It was a game, and Hiroshi was learning to play it better than anyone. But with every admirer, every fan, Hiroshi couldn't help but wonder if he was losing himself in the process.
End of Chapter 4.