Chapter 19 Art Performance Gala
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
Just as I was getting excited and perhaps a bit smug, Kane beside me let out a sigh.
I could guarantee this wasn't an ordinary sigh, and certainly not a coincidence!
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" I asked. "Was my reaction too intense? Did I upset you?"
Though I knew this was unlikely, I still wanted to ask clearly.
Perhaps even I hadn't realized it, but gradually, I'd come to value Kane's feelings.
No—not just value them. I valued them tremendously!
Kane shook his head gently. "No, I would never be put off by anything you do. Anything at all."
That last sentence struck straight to my heart.
"If you're not upset, then why the sigh? Do you think I can't master magic incantations?" That was the only possibility I could think of.
"No, with your talent, you'll definitely master them." Kane shook his head again. "It's just..."
I was about to lose it. This habit of leaving sentences unfinished was truly unbearable.
"Please, just say what you mean! Don't leave me hanging—I really can't take it!"
Kane took a deep breath and said gravely, "Even after taking the Magic Incantations class, you won't be able to use magic incantations."
"Why not?" In my view, learning was for practical application. If I couldn't use magic incantations, what was the point of taking the class?
I might as well spend the time sleeping in my dorm or eating something delicious.
Kane explained, "Because Star Ring Academy of Magic has a rule that new students cannot use any magic incantations for the first three months."
"Even if you master the incantations now, you might not control them properly. If someone gets hurt, it would be bad for everyone."
I finally understood. "Oh, is that all? I thought it was something serious. You could have just told me directly!"
"You... don't you really want to cast magic incantations?" Kane's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of confusion crossing his handsome face.
I smiled. "Wanting to cast them is one thing, but if the academy has rules, I won't be too stubborn about it."
"Besides, thinking about it carefully, the academy's rule makes sense. Forcing incantations at the start could indeed cause magic to spiral out of control. I don't want to hurt anyone."
Just then, my badge emanated a golden energy wave.
The next second, the schedule for the following week appeared before me.
"Arts Performance Gala!" I exclaimed in delight. "I can't believe I'll get to participate in an arts performance gala at a magic academy! I thought I'd never get another chance!"
"You know about arts performance galas?" Kane asked, his eyes carrying a trace of confusion.
I nodded matter-of-factly. "Of course! Back when I was in school, the academy organized one every year."
"An arts performance gala is where students perform on stage—they can sing, dance, play instruments. I just wonder what a magic academy's arts gala would be like."
Suddenly, something occurred to me and I slapped my thigh.
"I know! The magic academy's arts gala will definitely have people performing magic, but it won't be freshmen, because new students can't use magic incantations for three months!"
"But now I've received an invitation to the arts gala, which means freshmen can perform other acts. This is my chance!"
"Your chance? You really want to participate in the gala?" Kane's furrowed brow remained tight.
"Yes!" I nodded emphatically. "You don't know—back at school, I never got to perform on stage. I was always just background, the most marginal of marginal people!"
"But I've always had a passion for dancing. My dream was to stand on stage and dance in front of countless people. My dream is about to come true!"
In the past, to hide my identity and remain invisible, I'd been forced to suppress my dreams.
Not anymore. I was already special enough at the magic academy.
With Kane standing beside me, even if people wanted to ignore me, it was impossible.
Since I couldn't hide, I might as well face it head-on!
Soon, a bold idea surged through my mind.
"I've got it! You can participate with me and perform together!"
"After all, dancing doesn't have to be solo. We can go on stage together—we're good friends, so we should think of each other in everything!"
"You're not very talkative and quite introverted. This is the perfect opportunity to help you become more outgoing. Maybe it could even change how everyone sees you. Win-win!"
My mind filled with anticipation, already imagining Kane becoming more lively.
If he could change that cold, stoic expression, he'd be the perfect... friend!
Unsurprisingly, Kane refused. "I can't dance, and I don't want to go on stage."
"That's okay! If you can't dance, you could play piano, guitar—any instrument works!"
"As for going on stage, you don't need to feel so much pressure. This is really just a—"
Before I could finish, Kane suddenly interrupted. "I appreciate the thought, but I really can't go on stage. Please don't press me."
I froze slightly, unable to utter another word.
Alright, perhaps I really was forcing him.
But if he truly went on stage, it would be nothing but beneficial for him!
Besides slightly changing his personality, it would let everyone see his lively side, changing their rigid impression of him. What could be better than that?
I resolved to find another opportunity to talk to Kane about this. After all, chances like this didn't come often!
Suddenly, I realized something was off. "Wait, I received information about the arts gala—why didn't you?"
The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. This couldn't be a simple coincidence—the academy simply didn't want him to participate.
"Um... never mind. Pretend I didn't say anything. Let's go to class."
We arrived early for Magic Incantations class, but just as we reached the classroom door, Kane made an excuse about having something to do and needing to leave.
I immediately assumed he was angry and didn't even want to attend class.
"Are you still mad at me? I didn't mean to ask that question—it just slipped out. Please forgive me, okay?"
"Even if you won't forgive me, you can't skip class! Especially not Magic Incantations!"
"Sure, we can't cast magic freely now, but we can in three months. If you don't attend class now, what will you do then?"