The evening sky was exceptionally clear, like a canvas inviting an artist’s brush. Silver Moon Valley was bustling tonight, with nearly all the nobles of Seiwa, big and small, in attendance.
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the entire hall, and musicians were tuning their instruments, preparing for the evening’s banquet.
The air was filled with the aroma of champagne and pastries, mingled with the subtle fragrance of perfume from the noble ladies.
This banquet was destined to be Seiwa’s grandest social event of the year.
But for some, it might be an unforgettable night.
“Adelina, it’s been a while.”
Adelina wore a deep blue velvet gown, its hem embroidered with silver patterns.
The lace design at the chest perfectly accentuated her feminine allure, striking an absolute balance between sensuality and elegance.
Her rose-tea-colored hair was meticulously styled into an updo, with a few soft strands falling by her ears, making her exquisite face even more captivating.
After briefly parting from her family, Adelina had just reached a corner to take out her communication seal when she heard someone call out to her from behind.
“Linda, you’re here tonight too.”
Adelina took Linda’s hand and gave a gentle smile.
St. Andros Academy and Lanche Academy often held joint events.
As student council presidents, the two frequently met and gradually became good friends.
“Last time, you really helped me out big time, thanks to you, I got manage the joint dungeon hunting assignment.”
“I’d say you were the one helping me out. You took care of such a troublesome task.”
Linda covered her mouth, glancing around with a gossipy expression.
“Adelina, is there someone you like on that list?”
“How could that be? Linda, you’re such a tease.”
“Aw, I thought there’d be some juicy gossip about a noble lady falling for a commoner.”
“You've been reading too many knight romance novels.”
Adelina lightly tapped Linda’s head, her expression seemingly unruffled.
Linda didn’t notice Adelina tightly pinching her own arm, forcing herself to maintain a gentle smile.
What a joke!
I was only concerned about Felyn because he’d done so much for me. Like, like, like, like him? No way!
It’s clearly him who likes me!
He ditched Viloti for me, and I just feel sorry for him, that’s all.
“Adelina, you look absolutely stunning tonight. Really not dressing up for some guy?”
Linda hugged Adelina tightly, rubbing her face against hers.
“Linda?! Absolutely not.” Adelina tried to push Linda away, but to no avail.
“If you don’t mind, I want to stick with you tonight, Adelina. I want to bask in your glow and catch some boys’ attention.”
“Uh, but…”
No way!
Adelina screamed internally.
Why did she have to stick with me tonight of all nights?
Adeline had a whole series of plans!
Like letting Viloti “accidentally” see Felyn feeding her cake.
Letting Viloti “accidentally” see Felyn polishing her shoes.
Letting Viloti “accidentally” see Felyn tying her hair.
Letting Viloti “accidentally” see Felyn kissing her…
“Adelina, what’s wrong? Why’s your face so red?” Linda leaned in, her nose almost touching Adelina’s face.
“Huh? Is it?”
Oh no!
Why am I blushing just thinking about it?
From an outsider’s perspective, there was nothing to be proud of in being fawned over by Viloti’s rejected admirer.
But for Adelina, she had to outdo Viloti in this.
Making Felyn, who once voted for Viloti as a child, regret it was Adelina’s long-standing obsession.
If this was a game, Viloti was just a piece in their two-player match.
Her thoughts and feelings didn’t matter.
Of course, if she could see regret and despair on Viloti’s face, that would be the best.
After all, that pink-haired girl had inexplicably attacked her and gotten her grounded by her father for three days.
“Adelina, you’re so popular. Unlike me, no boy even glances my way. Now even you don’t want to be with me tonight… Am I just unwanted, Adelina…?”
Linda threw herself onto Adelina, rubbing her head against her soft chest, pretending to sob dramatically.
“Alright, alright, I’ll stick with you, okay?”
Adelina sighed. She was utterly helpless against such a clingy person.
Hopefully, after a couple of rounds, some boy would notice Linda and whisk her away.
“Hehe, Lady Adelina is the best.”
!
Hearing those familiar words, Adelina suddenly thought of Felyn.
He often said the same thing.
She had invited him to the banquet tonight, but due to family reasons, she couldn’t be with him openly.
She could only sneak him in when the chance arose, which made it seem like she was ashamed of him.
Adelina pulled Linda’s head from her chest and scanned the crowd.
Would Felyn feel inferior and upset at a banquet like this?
He might even be humiliated by nobles he’d clashed with before, mocking his current downfall.
They might pin him to the ground, shouting, “How dare a guy like you show up here? Get out!”
She was awful, dragging Felyn to a place like this just to satisfy her own desires.
Fine, she’d grant him one request to make up for it.
Secretly liking someone was such a humbling, exhausting thing. Thankfully, he was crushing on her.
But what if he asked for kisses, hugs, or to be lifted up? Or if he got bold and asked for something excessive…
Adelina’s face flushed again, and Linda could practically see steam rising from her head.
“Adelina?? Are you really okay??” Linda asked hurriedly.
Also noticing Adelina’s reaction was Felyn, who had been watching them from the third floor.
Mission accomplished!
Felyn was in high spirits, devouring his twelfth chicken drumstick of the night.
To tackle the greatest crisis of his career, he had stayed up all night writing a paper.
“Interpersonal Crisis Prediction and Response Strategies in Silver Moon Valley”
Based on Behavioral Analysis of Viloti and Adelina.
From the moment he stepped into Silver Moon Valley, he had been executing his plan.
Was Linda and Adelina’s meeting a coincidence?
How naive.
According to intelligence, student council president Linda had recently been dumped by her boyfriend and was extremely insecure. If she showed up at the venue, there was a chance she’d break down seeing other young couples being affectionate.
In the first-floor venue, Linda had four acquaintances, including Adelina.
All Felyn had to do was approach the other three girls before Linda could, so when she saw this, she’d be even more devastated and turn to Adelina.
Though the original host was the eldest son of a prominent family, he was such a recluse that hardly anyone had seen him, so there was no risk of exposure.
Everything was within Felyn’s calculations.
Felyn returned to the window corner, picking up a glass of wine.
But man, how infuriating.
The gardens, maids, castle—even the sunset seemed like decorations for Silver Moon Valley.
The Silafiel family was so wealthy they’d rented out the entire castle.
Before he transmigrated, his allowance was probably enough to book Silver Moon Valley for a month without batting an eye.
Why didn’t he transmigrate sooner? Even one day of that life would’ve been nice.
[Felyn, where are you?]
Felyn received Adelina’s message and his heart skipped a beat. He leaned over the railing and saw Linda already chatting and laughing with a noble young man.
Damn it, wasn’t that guy Adelina’s cousin?
Had Adelina sold her cousin for her plan?! She had gone this far?
(End of Chapter)