The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 166: A Second Encounter (2)

{Rel's POV}

[Paris, Champs-Élysées - Dawn's Blade Arena, A-League: 2nd Stadium]

My eyes widened seeing Valencia shaking in almost what appears to be fear. I couldn't believe it... but of all people, why him?

Florian Alexandre Etienne Valois.

The current king of France, and Gerrard Freya, the leading number 1 guild in the world – the two should've been on good terms according to how the story went. But I'm sure there wasn't any fallout between the two during the whole story.

It wasn't making sense at all.

What Valencia should've been for Alessandro was a mentor who guided him on the right way of leadership... but that could only exist if she was still in her third year as a senior.

Then... I get it now.

From what I could only assume of Alessandro's superiority complex, his royal status probably made Valencia seem unimportant. This likely created a distance between the two of them.

Certainly, by seeing her actions now, it felt like this information seemed to be the case.

Obviously, if the system allowed me to me confirm these suspicions, then I'd be assured of it all.

But seeing her tremble out in the arena's awe of Alessandro's presence made me feel a little sorry for her.

...

...

...

Rel reached out a hand towards Valencia.

She was still trembling, and he wanted to help, but she abruptly stood up.

"I-I need the washroom, quick..." Valencia mumbled.

Jan looked up to her with a confused expression.

"Alright... next match isn't for another ten," he said. "Just be back before then."

"mmm..."

Valencia nodded frantically and bolted from her seat, disappearing down the tunnel.

Rel watched her go, worry biting at him.

Then Alessandro stood, leaving just as quickly. Something was off, Rel could feel it.

Leaving Valencia alone right now... it didn't sit right.

"Think I dropped something back there. Be right back," he lied smoothly.

Jan and Bazz glanced at him. "Don't be long, match starts soon!" Jan called out.

...

...

...

How the heck did she disappear so fast? And where... am I?

"Will, I be able to step in after the 'fixed event' is finished?"

I asked, still holding out a sliver of hope.

[Of Course! ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧]

I can. well, that's a relief.

[Fixed Eventsare a character's top priority. You as the author aren't allowed to interfere.]

[But there's an exception...]

"Like what?"

[If the fixed event revolves around you as the author, then a predetermined choice is made through an action that is supposed to happen within the novel.]

[For example, you cannot prevent Character A from acquiring a skill crucial to the story's progression.]

[However, in events involving a character's decision where you play a significant role, intervention is permitted.]

So this situation... I'm outta luck, huh?

[Unfortunately so...]

...

...

...

[Paris, Champs-Élysées - Dawn's Blade Arena, Arena Hallway]

The empty hallway echoed with silence.

Valencia froze. Alessandro stood before her, a shock rippling through her frame. She forced herself to breathe, desperately seeking composure.

Alessandro's eyes widened, and a grin broke out across his face.

"Valencia! Or Val, right? It's been ages!"

Valencia took a shaky step back as Alessandro moved closer. "Right... it's been a while," she managed to say.

"Of course! We haven't seen each other since we were kids," Alessandro replied, his grin unwavering.

Valencia gave a slight nod, her eyes fixed on the ground.

A forced shyness crept into her expression, a desperate tactic to mask her true fear.

Forced small talk felt impossible.

Her mind, however, was desperately searching for an escape.

And suddenly, a memory triggered back then, a vivid image from their childhood.

A wave of warmth, tinged with a bittersweet ache, washed over her...

[Flashback to 12 years ago...]

____________

Authors Notes:

- Florian and Gerrard were friends way before he became King Of France.