[Main Character Detected: Hysteria Baier]
[Type: Female AoTian (Invincible Protagonist) Stream]
[Abilities: Flame Affinity, Ruler's Aura, Arcane Mastery, Blessing of Fire, Blessing of the Sun, [Arrogant One]…]
As expected — it was her.
The woman who looked down on the world in the original story. The textbook female AoTian protagonist. Hysteria.
Frankly, even without the system's help, even without having read her novel, Linen would've recognized her in a heartbeat.
Because she was that famous.
The imperial princess of the Flame Rose Empire — one of the continent's strongest nations. Born with a silver spoon, she'd displayed terrifying arcane talent from an early age. As she grew older, her looks became just as dazzling as her power.
If someone like her wasn't arrogant, now that would be weird. Linen wouldn't have batted an eye if she'd pulled a battle axe from thin air, slung it over her shoulder, and declared, "Between heaven and earth, I alone reign supreme."
If she had a flaw, it was…
Linen's gaze briefly flicked to the front of her formal dress — more specifically, the hollow space she'd tried to distract from with silk embellishments. His eyes betrayed a flicker of... sympathy.
Even the immortal sages would tremble before such a display of flat honesty.
"Tch. That look in your eyes is disgusting. You — man. State your name."
Her voice held a rising edge of annoyance.
Linen curled his lip inwardly. She probably still thinks she'll "grow into it" someday. Cute.
Unfortunately, even in fifty thousand years, she wasn't going to grow anything.
Now, if she were already the fearsome Flame Rose Empress that made the whole continent tremble, Linen might be worried. But at the moment, she was just an arrogant little gremlin with impressive talent and a chip on her shoulder. No real threat — not yet. The plan came first.
"My name is Linen Norton. It's an honor to meet you, Princess Hysteria."
At the mention of "Norton," she finally deigned to give him a real look. Then, as if recalling something, she let out a derisive snort.
"Hmph. So you're the weakest fish in the Norton pond. Still — barely passable to receive me."
"You—!"
"How dare she insult His Highness!"
The crowd erupted before Linen could even respond.
If her earlier sneers had only caused simmering resentment, then calling Linen a "bottom-feeder" was full-on provocation. It was a direct challenge to his dignity — and by extension, to the Empire's.
Of course, Linen knew she didn't mean it that way. She was just blunt, prideful, and didn't think before she spoke.
In the original story, Hysteria had clashed with the OG Linen for exactly that reason. He'd been drawn in by her beauty, tried to cozy up to her, got slapped down — and then she flattened a dozen low-ranking students who dared to defend him. Just as the senior students moved in, a professor arrived and stopped the chaos, launching Hysteria's invincible girlboss arc.
Linen wasn't about to make that same mistake.
With someone like Hysteria — flat-chested and flat-tempered — first impressions mattered. If he pissed her off now, he'd never have a shot at bro-zoning her later.
He waved the angry students down and smiled pleasantly.
"Compared to Your Highness, I'd say it's not just me — the vast majority of us are miles behind in talent. If I'm not mistaken, these crates and bags must be your luggage? They're quite in the way here, and I imagine it's inconvenient for you too. Shall I call the Academy's staff to assist?"
That, at last, earned him a proper glance.
"You may not be strong," she said, with a sniff of superiority, "but you're surprisingly considerate. Fine."
With her approval secured, Linen immediately summoned a few servants to help organize the mountain of suitcases. Meanwhile, the watching students were visibly crestfallen. Some from higher-ranking families were even glaring daggers at Linen outright.
"Why's he bowing and scraping? There's enough of us — why're we letting that arrogant gremlin act like she owns the place?"
"I heard Prince Linen's a total skirt-chaser. But this? Ignoring a public insult? Unbelievable."
"Come on, maybe he's doing it for diplomatic reasons. Swallowing his pride for the Empire's sake…"
"Sure, keep coping. Even you don't believe that."
Linen ignored their mutterings completely.
They're insulting Linen Norton, not me. Totally different people.
Even if they all ganged up together, one [Flame Storm] from Hysteria would wipe the floor with them. Linen backing down was practically charity.
And what did reputation get you, anyway? Couldn't level up with it. The moment word got out that he had no magical talent, no matter how much clout he'd built, it'd all come crashing down.
After that, not even Mommy Empress would back him. His "status" would be worth less than a spit on the floor.
Power is what matters.
Still, now that he'd laid the groundwork and made himself look like a helpful simp, it was time to start cashing in.
Just like with Elena, he wasn't going to jump straight to a love confession — not with Hysteria. She was too direct. She'd brush him off, scoff, and walk away.
Worst case, she'd write him off completely, and he'd lose his route in the story.
No, it had to be more subtle — just enough to get rejected and still keep the relationship alive.
Linen considered carefully. His gaze landed on Hysteria's folded arms, and the delicate red silk gloves covering her pale hands.
He leaned forward slightly and extended a hand toward her.
"Your Highness, since the servants are still busy — may I escort you to your room?"
It was a classic gentleman's gesture. In noble society, a man offering his palm was a signal for the lady to place her hand there, usually at dances or formal gatherings.
But in broad daylight, with this many eyes watching — it was a little too... intimate.
And knowing Hysteria? No way she'd let some "bottom-feeder" take advantage.
Reject me, Hysteria!
Linen could almost hear the system gearing up to reward him.
"…Very well," she said, curling her lips in disdain. "At least you know your place. The weak are born to serve the strong."
And just like that, the proud, scornful Hysteria reached out and placed her hand in his — confidently, smoothly, and without hesitation.
She even gave his hand a little squeeze when he just stood there, stunned. A frown crept over her face.
"What? Why are you just standing there with your hand limp?"
Linen: ???