Chapter 425

Words : 2385 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

‘Theon has been quite noisy lately.’ Rene thought this while sensing the highly excited atmosphere. Actually, there wasn’t anything particularly surprising about it. It’s not like similar things hadn’t happened before. Here, one just needed to study hard to fulfill their duties as a student. However, when someone nearby was visibly excited, it was natural to become aware of it. “Senior, are you alright?” Rene carefully asked Erendir, who was looking through a pile of documents beside her. In a small, well-tended garden where no one visited, sitting there on a mat, Rene observed Erendir’s appearance. Erendir didn’t answer. She was already deeply immersed in another world and couldn’t easily break free. “It’s no use calling her.” The one who answered in her place had a pleasantly clear voice. Freuden Ulburg, befitting a high noble’s child, glanced at Erendir with a sharp expression. “Her Highness seems to be completely absorbed in the upcoming ball. She appears unable to escape from her own catalog of which dress to choose.” “Ah, so it’s because of the ball.” “Her Highness’s room is probably piled with all sorts of letters. Famous brands will be begging her to wear their sponsored dresses.” Rene nodded as if understanding. Regardless of her conduct, it wouldn’t be strange to say that Erendir’s appearance truly shone. Although she had the noble bloodline of the Imperial family, natural charisma wasn’t something that could be acquired artificially. Naturally, the reactions would vary depending on what dress Erendir wore to the ballroom. If this weren’t Theon, what would be piled around Erendir wouldn’t be letters but crowds of people and flattery. “She probably has a lot to consider in choosing. She’ll have her own wishes too.” Like making friends beyond her station. Actually, someone of Erendir’s status didn’t need to be so fixated on such dresses. Yet she was concentrating like that, probably because she was thinking about what would happen after going to the ball wearing the dress. She was probably imagining becoming the protagonist by entering the contest. That way, she could look impressive to her juniors and hope for new connections. ‘Though her actions are too transparent.’ Students who didn’t know her true nature might be completely fooled. Thinking this, Freuden felt somewhat irritated but he didn’t bother pointing it out. It had nothing to do with him anyway. Rather, what was important to Freuden was someone else. “Ah, nobles must get a lot of sponsorships.” To Rene who murmured innocently as if it were someone else’s business, Freuden deliberately answered casually, yet not too coldly. “It’s troublesome.” “Does senior Freuden get them too?” “Well, yes. To an annoying degree.” As the eldest son of one of the three Duke families, Freuden was more than qualified as a sponsorship target. With his naturally outstanding appearance, people naturally sought his attention. “Rene, aren’t you interested in the ball?” To Freuden’s subtle question, Rene smiled gently and shook her head. “I don’t really think about it. Just studying is overwhelming enough.” “It’s a special event that only happens once a year. Even if you can’t be the protagonist, you can have rare experiences you can’t usually have. Especially things like the contest. As a first-year at Theon, wouldn’t you be more excited about such things?” Among female students, the hottest topic would definitely be the Miss Theon contest to choose the most beautiful person at the ball that day. Getting one’s name on that list was every female student’s romance and dream. “Um...I’m not particularly interested.” It’s not that Rene hadn’t thought about the Miss Theon contest. But her impression was just, oh, so that exists? She had never even thought about entering and winning a prize herself, besides not feeling the necessity, she wasn’t particularly moved by it. To begin with, if this was a contest to choose a beauty, isn’t everyone’s standard of beauty different? In Rene’s view, Theon had many handsome men and beautiful women. She thought it was nonsensical to argue about who was the best among them. “But you’ll come to the ballroom, right?” “Well, since it’s a rare festival, it would be a bit wrong to skip it, right? Besides, from what I hear, everyone seems to attend without exception. So I’m thinking of just hanging around briefly and then leaving.” “That’s somewhat disappointing.” “Huh? What’s disappointing?” “Because someone like you, Rene, could definitely become the protagonist there.” Rene opened her eyes wide at those words, then soon laughed as if amused. “Senior, you don’t have to say such things just to save my face. I know my place well.” “...” No, I’m serious. Freuden pondered how to make Rene understand his sincerity but thinking that approaching too obviously might make Rene uncomfortable, he carefully asked her opinion. “To go to the ballroom, you’ll need to match the dress code. Do you have a dress picked out already?” “No. I hadn’t even thought about other clothes. I was just thinking of getting something suitable and making do with it.” “That won’t do.” At Freuden’s firm words, Rene’s mouth fell open. Thinking his true feelings had unconsciously slipped out, Freuden spoke again in a calmer tone. “I’ll have one fitted for you instead.” “You will, senior?” “Yes. I can do that much.” Rene waved her hands in protest. “No, no. No matter what, that would be too shameless. It would be troublesome for you too...” “I just want to do it.” Freuden said this while adding a suitable reason. “Because you’re a precious junior to me.” While it was an excuse to somehow hide his feelings, if people who knew Freuden well had heard those words, they would have been shocked. Rene, who didn’t know this fact, simply thought the senior was kind. “Still...” “If you insist, I’ll add a condition. I’ve been troubled because I don’t have a partner for this ball anyway...” Freuden was about to get to the main point. In exchange for gifting her the dress, he wanted to ask her to be his partner at the ball. This was actually closer to his true purpose. Thinking that if they could get even a little closer, he might somehow end this stagnant relationship. “What? Freuden, didn’t you receive all sorts of love letters?” Of all times, Erendir, who had just regained her senses, cut into their conversation. ‘This tactless princess.’ Freuden frowned but didn’t neglect to answer. “They’re all just people approaching me for my family name. Their intentions aren’t pure, so why should I accept them?” “Aren’t your intentions just as impure?” Erendir jabbed at Freuden with a knowing smirk. She was usually lacking in tact, but surprisingly sharp when it came to these matters. “Those words sound particularly weighty coming from Her Highness, who was lost in fantasies about making friends.” “W-what did you say?” The two glared at each other. Like oil and water that wouldn’t mix, their gazes were full of disdain for each other. “Um, I’ll be going now.” Rene knew that her involvement would be useless in this situation. Their minor clashes had continued from before, and now they were such common events that it would feel strange if they didn’t happen. Since intervening was now pointless, she chose to naturally slip away. If she had stayed there, she would have gotten caught up in it too. ‘A ball, huh.’ Still, Freuden’s words definitely stayed in her mind. Rene headed straight to the library. Finding a familiar face there, Rene naturally sat down beside them and explained her situation in detail. “So, what should I do?” “...Are you talking to me right now?” White hair rustled as an incredulous gaze turned toward Rene. Julia Plumhart found it difficult to process the current situation with Rene suddenly asking questions. First sitting down next to her without warning, then explaining things she hadn’t asked about, and now asking her questions. “I thought I could get some advice.” “I don’t think we were that close? Didn’t I tell you before? Don’t act like you know me.” Despite the strongly pushing away words, Rene smiled brightly. “Come on, we know each other’s secrets, so wouldn’t it be nice to be closer?” “...” Julia was at a loss for words at that pure and clear response. Usually when she spoke so harshly, people would either get angry or shrink back with hunched shoulders, but Rene’s reaction was something she had never experienced before. “Julia, aren’t you going to the ball?” “No. I don’t care about such things either.” “Really? Then I guess I can’t ask about the dress code.” Those words strangely pricked at Julia’s pride. Even though she knew Rene had no such intention. No, maybe it was because she knew there was no intention that it affected her more. “If you’re that concerned, why don’t you ask someone who dresses well?” “Someone who dresses well?” “Why? You know. Someone who seems like they’d know about these things. Teacher Rudger Chelici.” Of course, even if Rudger was someone who dressed well, there was no way he could give advice about something like this. Julia mentioned that name simply to tease the other person but ironically, Rene took those words as sincere advice and nodded. “I should do that.” “...What?” Really? As she stared at Rene with round eyes, she stood up from her seat and expressed her thanks. “Thanks for the advice.” And then she left with light footsteps. Julia couldn’t take her eyes off Rene’s retreating figure until she completely disappeared outside the library. * * * Although Rene left the library saying that, she couldn’t immediately go to find Rudger. It bothered her to visit him not for class-related questions, but because of the upcoming ball. ‘I know the teacher is kinder than he looks and treats me well, but still, suddenly visiting to ask such a personal question is a bit...’ Rather, if it was something that happened naturally while walking around, that might be better... Such a convenient thing wouldn’t happen... “...” It did. Rene thought this as she spotted Rudger in the opposite corridor. What kind of twist of fate was this? Rudger also noticed Rene and slowly walked toward her. As always, those steps were full of dignity and grace. Just watching his approaching figure made her feel a bit breathless. “Cinderella.” “Pardon?” Rene unconsciously asked back at the unfamiliar name. “No. Just talking to myself.” “Ah, yes.” While answering like that, Rene hesitated for a moment before asking. Although she thought it would be good if they met naturally, she didn’t expect it to actually happen like this. So she couldn’t organize what words to say first. With other people, she would have acted naturally, but strangely, when it came to Rudger, that wasn’t as easy as she’d like. Why was that? Rene felt frustrated with her own hesitant attitude while also feeling it was somehow natural. Come to think of it, she had heard the news that Rudger Chelici had attended this Night of Mystery. If so, he must have gone through quite an ordeal. Though he looked fine, it would be okay to ask how he was doing, right? Just as she was about to speak with that thought, Rudger opened his mouth first. “Rene. Are you busy?” “No.” “There’s something I want to ask.” Teacher Rudger wants to ask me something? While feeling a strange emotion, Rene readily nodded. “Are you interested in the upcoming ball?” “I’m thinking of attending at least. Since they say it’s one of Theon’s most notable events.” “I see. Then what about the dress? Have you decided on anything?” Rene swallowed hard. It was strange. She had been thinking of asking about that anyway. Was this fate? “Not yet. But...why do you ask?” There was a strange expectation in Rene’s voice. Her eyes sparkled like stars as she looked up slightly at Rudger. “I’m looking for someone to sponsor a dress. And you were the first person who came to mind.” “Really?” “But what’s important is your intention. If you’re uncomfortable, you don’t have to accept...” “I’ll do it!” Rene shouted decisively. It was such a passionate shout that even Rudger was momentarily overwhelmed by the spirit. * * * Grand Chapel, the place where a large cathedral stood, was the second most vibrant place in Leathervelk after Centerford. It was also where the Leathervelk branch of the Lumensis Order was located. There were new visitors to this place. “We welcome the noble High Priestess.” Freden, the district head in charge of the Leathervelk branch, respectfully greeted the woman before him. Remia, wearing a tiara near her eyes, slightly nodded her head to acknowledge Freden’s greeting. “I heard you were busy with matters in the capital.” “Ah, it’s fine. The work there is all finished.” “It’s finished?” Freden had ears to hear. The reason Remia, the High Priestess of the home country, came to the Empire was because of the ominous energy that had appeared in the capital. Even though investigating it would have been difficult due to interference from the Imperial family, it was already finished? Perhaps sensing this reaction, Remia smiled. “I received help.” “Help?” “From the elves.” At the mention of elves, Freden’s eyes widened. “Aren’t they heretics?” “But it was unavoidable to uncover a greater evil. Our Father would have wanted this too.” “...Did you obtain anything?” District Head Freden was not someone simply bound by doctrine either. If necessary, even the power of heretics could be utilized. “Of course. And we also left them a corresponding grace.” “Your grace? I’m curious what that might be.” “It’s nothing special.” Remia spoke with an innocent smile. “I just told them about traces of their blood kin they were desperately searching for. As it happened, they were in this city.”

Chapter 425

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