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"Ms. Saintess, this is our first ti speaking to each other. I hope you'll rember ."
"Of course. You're Ms. Daphne, one of our classmates. It's nice to et you."
For a mont, both Daphne and Aisha smiled warmly.
Strangely, Aisha didn't seem to dislike the woman nad Daphne.
On the contrary, she recognized Daphne as an exceptionally attractive woman.
Judging from Daphne's aura, Aisha could tell she was born with a mysterious physique.
This feeling…
She truly reminded of Sister Liliana.
But I knew, deep down, the woman before was definitely not Sister Liliana.
After all, the fact that Daphne's primary magic was Ice Elent was undeniable.
As soon as Daphne and Aisha finished their greetings, they began chatting.
Even Ash couldn't resist joining their conversation.
Unexpectedly, Ash's gaze shifted unconsciously to Alicia.
When he noticed the gloomy expression on Alicia's face, he couldn't explain why—but sothing inside him rejected the idea of her being sad.
Perhaps, at first, Ash had intended to comfort Alicia.
But he changed his mind, rembering the Emperor's orders.
Ti passed, and I noticed the sky had shifted to evening.
In a fraction of a second, I saw mbers of the imperial family making their entrance.
"The royal family has arrived! Please welco His Majesty the Emperor and the Empress!"
"All hail His Majesty and Her Majesty!"
"May fortune be upon you!"
For a brief mont, the Emperor and Empress waved to the crowd.
Judging by the reactions of the high-ranking nobles, they were clearly captivated by the Empress's beauty.
But so what? They all knew it was impossible to win her away from the Emperor.
In the end, the fact that the Empress had pledged her unwavering loyalty to the Emperor was irrefutable.
"The Empress... She's as beautiful as ever. Her beauty is unmatched."
"Don't be disrespectful. His Majesty is no weakling. Watch your tongue."
"I was only joking. Why so serious? Geez."
Waves-
For so reason, an uncomfortable atmosphere spread across the second floor.
Naturally, the nobles realized the Emperor was now observing their every move.
And just as they feared, their assumptions turned out to be true.
When the Emperor's gaze shifted toward them, they instinctively looked away.
Deep down, they regretted ever discussing the Empress's beauty.
Had they not done so, they wouldn't have earned such a piercing stare from His Majesty.
But what's done is done. There was no turning back now.
"I'm truly delighted to see every student and noble leader attending today's celebration. Thank you all for coming. I hope you enjoy the event."
For a mont, I noticed the Emperor's children standing near a woman.
For so reason, this woman bore a striking resemblance to Aisha.
'Is she the Emperor's eldest daughter? She's powerful... King Stage... What a terrifying level,' I thought, acknowledging her imnse power.
From my perspective, I knew that the King Stage was one of the highest levels among humans.
And now, the Emperor's eldest daughter had reached it.
However... I couldn't understand why I was unable to sense the power of the man standing beside her.
His face... He looked so much like the Emperor.
Was he the heir to the throne?
Still, sothing about his expression told he wasn't doing well.
This man… He gave a bad feeling.
He's an enemy.
I had to admit—I was extrely wary of the crown prince's presence.
Judging from his expression, I knew he strongly despised one thing.
It was entirely possible the crown prince already knew I was the Emperor's adopted son.
'Forget it… I want to see Celine. Yes... Celine is so beautiful. Especially in that dark purplish-black gown.'
But regardless, I wanted to focus on Celine's presence now.
Unexpectedly, I caught Celine glancing back at .
For so reason, a faint blush appeared on both of her cheeks.
Noah... She and I... we really...
"Hm? What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Without realizing it, the Emperor's eldest daughter suddenly asked Celine about her condition.
At first, she wondered if Celine had a fever.
But after hearing Celine's response, she knew her guess had been wrong.
"No... Sister, I'm just a little nervous. That's all..."
"I see... I understand," the eldest daughter nodded, though she didn't seem entirely convinced.
From her perspective, she found it impossible that her younger sister would feel nervous in public.
If she recalled correctly, Celine was the boldest among her siblings.
Maybe that's why she couldn't believe Celine was acting this way.
'Could it be... No, that's impossible. My sister wouldn't fall for so guy. She couldn't... Right?'
Glance-
As her gaze shifted toward the crown prince, she couldn't help but smile faintly.
'Foolish brother... What are you so afraid of? You think our father's throne will beco yours? Ridiculous,' she thought, knowing her brother's true nature.
Ha ha ha... Father, you've truly taken a bold risk.
"As we begin the event, allow to announce sothing first. The reason I held this celebration today is none other than to officially betroth the Saintess and the Hero."
Bhuk!
Even Ian and Siena couldn't help but cough lightly at the announcent.
They knew full well the kind of relationship I shared with the Saintess.
If they thought back, the Saintess and I were seen as a perfect pair.
But why? How could the Saintess be engaged to the Hero?
Of course, they imdiately turned to check my reaction.
And yet, there wasn't the slightest hint of shock on my face.
Instead, I simply reacted as if I had already known.
'This is fine... I was never worthy of her. She and I walk different paths. Aisha, I wish you happiness. May you and Ash live together until the end of ti.'
"What? Ash? He... How is this possible?!"
Eris was at a loss for words.
From her perspective, she never imagined Ash and the Saintess would be engaged.
To her, it was unthinkable that they could ever be together.
'Is this really happening? I can't believe it...'
Unfortunately, just as Eris was about to step forward and confront the Emperor—
She felt a hand hold her back. It was Alicia.
"Don't ruin this. This isn't sothing minor. You know that, don't you? This is fate—sothing we can't escape."
Grip-
"Alicia... Are you serious? What about your dream? Don't you still want to be with Ash?"
"Enough. I want you to calm yourself. Don't do anything rash."
Stare-
That sharp gaze…
For so reason, Eris felt a bit afraid under Alicia's stare.
She began to question whether Alicia was truly her friend.
"I understand. Just forget it..."
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