Lumen Commerce Association Ball.

A grand social gathering where renowned figures from the business world and high-ranking nobles alike convened beneath glittering lights and lavish decor.

It was an event crafted not merely for indulgence, but for connection—a place where contracts were quietly drafted behind smiles, where influence shifted hands with the clink of crystal glasses, and where the many parties financially tied to Lumen Academy ensured they remained closely interwoven.

In essence, it was an elegant web of updates, negotiations, and alliances.

Riley knew this place.

Too well, in fact.

In the game, this ball was nothing more than a minor event—an optional side scenario linked to one of Clara's routes.

Something easily overlooked unless one pursued her storyline.

Even then, it wasn't supposed to happen yet.

According to his memories, the ball only took place after Liyana entered the academy, when both the business and political spheres surrounding Lumen began to destabilize and collide.

And yet—

Here he was.

"This place is huge…"

Riley's quiet murmur slipped out as his eyes wandered across the hall.

"Fufu, quite surprising, right?" Snow replied beside him, her voice carrying a note of amusement.

"Especially for a venue concealed so deeply within the academy's commercial district."

"Yes," Riley nodded in agreement.

Even just arriving here had been impressive.

The hidden mansion itself already bordered on absurd—its scale rivaling noble estates, tucked away behind layers of illusion and security.

But the interior went even further.

Towering ceilings arched overhead, chandeliers of enchanted crystal bathed the room in warm, shifting light, and every surface—from polished marble floors to gold-trimmed pillars—radiated wealth and refinement.

The low hum of conversation filled the space, punctuated by gentle laughter, the soft notes of live music, and the clink of glasses.

Merchants, nobles, guild representatives, and financiers moved about with practiced ease, their smiles polite, their eyes sharp.

Of course, it wasn't anywhere near what the Imperial Palace—or even the Grand Duke's residence—could offer.

Those places were built not just to impress, but to overwhelm, to remind anyone who stepped inside of the authority that ruled above them.

Still… Riley couldn't deny it.

The sheer luxury of the place was impressive in its own right.

Even the air carried a faint scent of expensive incense and aged wine.

One glance was enough to tell that whoever owned this place wasn't merely wealthy—they were absurdly so.

"This must have cost a fortune…" Riley muttered under his breath.

Clara should be somewhere in this ball as well.

He fully expected her presence.

Events like this were practically made for her—social gatherings where influence mattered more than strength, and where a few carefully chosen words could shift entire markets.

Still, remembering that this scenario also tied closely to Lucas made a small sense of foreboding rise in his chest.

This is going to turn into a headache soon, isn't it…

Normally, he could've confirmed her location instantly.

A brief sweep of mana sense would have been enough.

But here, mana usage was strictly forbidden—no probing, no scanning, no subtle leaks of power.

Even divine perception was out of the question.

And honestly… he preferred it that way.

The less he relied on divinity in the real world, the better.

"Hmmm~"

Snow's voice, soft and drawn out, pulled him from his thoughts.

"What?" Riley asked, glancing at her.

"Nothing," she said lightly, though there was a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone. "I'm just a little disappointed by your reaction. I was sure you'd look more impressed—especially considering how many high-level magical arrays are layered throughout this entire area."

Riley tilted his head slightly.

In truth, he had already seen this place more times than he could count—though only as a beautifully rendered background on a screen.

No matter how detailed the game was, it still couldn't compare to standing here in person.

But there was no way he could explain that to Snow.

"Well…" he said after a moment, choosing his words carefully, "compared to the Imperial Palace, this place does feel a bit… lacking."

Snow blinked, then let out a small breathy laugh.

"Is that so?" she replied. "I suppose that makes sense. The palace is the most important structure in the entire empire, after all. Naturally, it would be more extravagant."

She folded her hands behind her back as they continued walking, her expression calm—but there was a subtle pride there, one only someone raised in that environment could have.

Still, as Snow's eyes drifted across the hall once more, even she had to admit—

For something built merely for commerce and connections, this place was anything but ordinary.

Snow knew business around the academy was booming at an unprecedented rate.

Honestly, it was surprising.

With all the scandals, rumors, and half-true accusations the academy had gone through not long ago, one would think investors would hesitate.

But reality proved otherwise.

People who could smell profit didn't care about controversy—they cared about opportunity.

And Lumen Academy, right now, was overflowing with it.

Looks like the principal's plan is working better than expected…

Snow let the thought pass as she glanced at Riley beside her.

She was still a little dissatisfied with his earlier answer, but she didn't press him on it.

Instead, she continued walking calmly, matching his pace.

At the moment, it was just the two of them moving through one of the mansion's side hallways.

Most of the guests had already gathered inside the grand hall ahead, and faint music echoed through the corridors, growing clearer with every step.

They were getting close.

"So," Snow said casually, breaking the silence, "you just want me to stick by you and follow along, right?"

Riley nodded without hesitation."Yes. Just be my kind and loving escort. Don't worry—I'll take care of the rest."

Snow raised an eyebrow, amused.

Being invited to gatherings like this wasn't anything new to her.

As the student council president of Lumen Academy, she already held significant political influence within the institution.

On top of that, she was the crown princess of the Germonia Empire—the academy's biggest sponsor and, in many ways, its most influential backer.

Where she went, attention followed.

Where she stood, decisions shifted.

Despite the academy being situated at the very center of the continent—bordering multiple powerful nations—it still largely followed the rules, traditions, and etiquette of the Germonia Empire.

Because of that, Snow's presence alone was enough to draw attention wherever she went.

And tonight would be no exception.

Under normal circumstances, Snow would have handled an event like this on her own without issue.

Navigating noble gatherings, business talks, and veiled political exchanges was second nature to her.

But the timing was simply too perfect to ignore—and more importantly, there was someone present who was perfectly suited for what lay ahead.

Riley.

For their future plans, having him by her side wasn't just convenient—it was optimal.

Snow slowed slightly and turned her head toward him.

Even after seeing him countless times, she couldn't help but notice how striking he looked tonight.

The black suit with its subtle golden outlines fit him almost too well, giving off an air of quiet authority that didn't need to be announced.

"Just so you're aware," she said calmly, "Count Roverick Astadil is present at this party."

Riley glanced at her, attentive.

"Since we're planning to head north soon, I think it would be best to make his acquaintance. He's the technical ruler of that region."

"Ruler?" Riley asked, mildly surprised. "I thought the northern territories weren't owned by any country."

"Officially, yes," Snow replied. "But in practice, the north borders much of the empire's territory, so it's effectively considered under our influence. Count Roverick happens to be the lord assigned near its borders."

She paused briefly before continuing.

"From what I've heard, the Grand Duke has also begun making his own moves to reinforce the region, especially with the constant monster waves coming out of the north. Still, the count and his soldiers remain the true vanguard—the first line of defense."

"I see…" Riley murmured, understanding settling in.

Snow's gaze sharpened slightly.

"If we're going to act there, it's best we do so with the north's gatekeeper at least aware of us."

Snow continued calmly,

"I've met him once before, back when I was still a child. So I already know how… blunt he can be. Don't be too surprised if he addresses me more casually than you'd expect."

Riley nodded. "That makes sense. I've heard people from the north don't really try to associate themselves with the center of the empire. That kind of personality comes with the territory."

A faint smile curved Snow's lips.

She reached out, gently hooking her arm around Riley's and pulling herself closer.

Her shoulder brushed against his side as she leaned into him naturally, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Together, they took a few steps forward, the soft glow of the grand hall spilling out before them as the doors slowly opened.

"This feels like déjà vu," Snow said quietly. "Just like the ball last time. I hope there won't be too many surprises tonight…"

Riley let out a small chuckle. "Somehow, I doubt things will stay quiet for long."

"Fufu~ I wish I could surprise you even more," Snow replied, her voice dropping just slightly. One hand left his arm and rested gently against her stomach, her eyes glinting with playful intent. "But it seems that will have to wait. You may need to indulge me with a little more effort—and patience—for now."

Riley laughed awkwardly, averting his gaze for a moment as he felt her meaning all too clearly.

The look in her eyes was far too familiar by now.

He didn't dislike what she was implying—far from it.

But there were still lines he couldn't cross openly.

Not yet. Not with looming threats ahead and too many unseen variables waiting in the future.

"By the way… are you sure the others were fine with just the two of us coming here?" Riley asked quietly. "I didn't really get the chance to talk to them earlier—"

Normally, he would've told Alice, Rose, and Seo personally.

Not because he had to, but because it kept things simple.

Less misunderstandings.

Less unnecessary tension.

Snow didn't even hesitate.

"It's fine," she said smoothly. "I already informed them beforehand. They said today would be a special privilege for me."

She smiled, gentle and warm.

"Though…" she added lightly, "you might have to make it up to them later. Give them their own set of privileges in the future."

Riley felt it then—a faint pull in his chest.

Not danger.

Not hostility.

Just… something slightly off.

His divinity whispered that there were half-truths mixed into her words.

But he ignored it.

Snow had never given him a reason not to trust her.

And right now, he chose her words over that quiet warning.

"Well… if you say so," he replied.

They say a young maiden in love becomes blind to the world.

But a young man in love?

He simply chooses not to see.

The moment they stepped fully into the grand hall, the shift was immediate.

Eyes turned. Conversations paused.

Smiles sharpened.

To the foxes of the business world, money and opportunity had just walked through the door—hand in hand.

…..

Meanwhile, back at Riley's dorm…

"That selfish white cat…!"

Rose's voice echoed sharply as she crushed the letter in her hand, the paper wrinkling helplessly between her fingers.

"Rose," Alice said calmly, not even looking up. "Mind your words."

Rose clicked her tongue in irritation and shot Alice a glare—but it was completely wasted.

Alice was sitting comfortably on Riley's bed, legs crossed, casually combing through her long pink hair with a silver brush.

Her expression was relaxed, almost lazy, as if nothing out of the situation bothered her in the slightest.

Seo wasn't any different.

She sat at the small table nearby, quietly chewing on a thick slice of steak Riley's personal dorm maid, Yui, had prepared earlier.

Her posture was relaxed, her movements unhurried, as though the world could burn down around her and she'd still finish her meal first.

Neither of them seemed even remotely upset.

And yet—they had both read the letter.

Its contents were simple. Infuriatingly simple.

"I'll take him all to myself for the night, hehe~ Just think of this as a one-day special privilege of mine. Don't worry, I'll tell Riley to give you girls your own special privileges later, so please forgive me for tonight~"

Rose trembled slightly, folding the ruined paper tighter in her fist.

"She's clearly abusing our kindness," Rose muttered darkly.

Alice finally glanced up at her, eyes soft and amused.

"Fufu… do you really think so?"

Rose paused.

"…Well," she admitted reluctantly, "not really."

Alice smiled, satisfied.

"Then there's no problem, right?" she said lightly. "She even promised that Riley would make it up to us later. So let's just give her tonight alone with him."

She returned to brushing her hair, completely unbothered.

"Though," Alice added after a beat, her tone turning subtly curious, "I am a little interested in what they're doing right now…"

Rose stiffened.

Seo swallowed her bite of steak and nodded thoughtfully.

"Mm. Same."

Alice trusted Riley.

She trusted Snow too.

There was no doubt about that.

But trust didn't erase curiosity.

And it certainly didn't erase jealousy.

"I don't really have a problem with her having alone time with Riley from time to time…" Rose muttered, arms crossed. "I do that secretly as well…"

"Secretly?" Alice's brows lifted slightly, her hand pausing mid-brush.

"O-Only occasionally!" Rose quickly added, her cheeks heating up. "But still… it's annoying."

"How come?" Alice asked, genuinely curious.

Rose puffed out her cheeks and turned her face away, clearly embarrassed but unable to hold it in.

"It's obvious what she wants to do if she's alone with him for the whole night, right?"

Alice hesitated, then her own face warmed as the thought crossed her mind.

"T-There is a chance it could go that way," she admitted quietly. "But we don't know what they're actually doing…"

"But the chances aren't zero," Rose shot back. "And you know Riley. Give him an opening and he'll gladly go along with it. That's why it's annoying…"

She clenched her hands slightly.

"I wanted the two of us to at least… get impregnated together. At the same time."

Her words came out blunt, mixed with frustration and a shy blush that betrayed her feelings.

"Oh…"

That was all Alice managed to say.

She wasn't sure whether to find Rose's reaction cute, bold, or a little dangerous—but it was undeniably honest.

Meanwhile, Seo, who had been listening quietly the whole time, tilted her head slightly.

"…Impregnated?"

The word felt both familiar and distant to her.

She knew it had something to do with love, with creating life together—but the details were still hazy, like a story she'd only heard in fragments.

Her gaze drifted to Alice's belly.

It was gently rounded beneath the thin, see-through night dress, and Alice's hand rested there naturally, protective and warm.

There was always a softness to her movements, a quiet affection that never needed words.

Seo's chest tightened just a little.

Her grandfather—the head of her clan—had always told her that such things should only come after a proper bond, after vows were exchanged.

And yet…

Watching Alice like this, feeling the calm warmth in the room, a small part of Seo wondered what it would be like to experience that gentleness herself someday.

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