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Chapter 136: The Showdown

She was clad in an exquisite gown, the knee-length crimson silk skirt trailing behind her like flowing flames, sparkling like rubies.

The red-haired princess stood proudly among the crowd, her deep crimson eyes revealing a hint of superiority, her slender figure exuding an undeniable confidence and authority. Her face was like a meticulously sculpted masterpiece, skin as white as snow, lips red and teeth white, resembling a red rose blooming amidst fiery brilliance.

Beneath the breathtaking presence of the Lionheart Princess, the young men had long forgotten the purpose of the banquet.

Even prominent figures like Duke Raymond and Janthea, the Chair of the Verdant Council, couldn’t help but admire the girl’s extraordinary aura.

The scene where she had been humiliated by suitors at the start of the school year was still fresh in memory; hence, no one dared approach her now. Only those with significant power came forward to engage her in conversation.

Charlotte had long grown accustomed to the admiration of others and was even a little tired of the blatant infatuation of her male peers.

But today, she wore a slight smile, feeling rather pleased.

Before officially meeting the Black-Haired Boy, it was nice to gauge everyone’s reactions.

But most importantly, she wanted Roy to like her…

Just then, the atmosphere around her shifted.

Nearly half of the gazes were drawn toward a different direction.

Charlotte glanced over and her mouth twitched slightly.

Black hair danced, and a nightingale twirled.

The elven girl made a grand entrance, in an elegant, soft green off-shoulder gown that gracefully skimmed her slim figure, perfectly accentuating her curves. The skirt was trimmed compared to traditional long gowns, and with each graceful step, a hint of alluring skin peeked through at her thigh.

Her smile shone like sunshine, radiating vitality. Her bright, clear eyes made her resemble a delicate jasmine flower.

In stark contrast to Charlotte’s allure, the compelling charm of the newcomer sent ripples through the banquet hall.

The collision of crimson and green seemed to slice through the attention of everyone present.

And when they stood face to face, smiling at each other, it was a truly striking scene.

Yet beneath their smiles, both girls shared a gaze that was ice cold.

“Miss Nia, you’re dressed so splendidly today, it seems you’re not satisfied with sneaking around and intend to confront me directly.”

“Ha ha, if Princess Charlotte is afraid of that, you might as well surrender now. Besides, it’s only natural that Roy prefers prettier girls, right?”

“You’re as shameless and blindly arrogant as ever.” Charlotte narrowed her eyes, a cold smile on her lips. “Do you really think you can steal my knight?”

“Ha ha, you’re the one being overbearing, as usual.” Nia covered her mouth, chuckling as if hearing a funny joke, then retorted, “You’re the delusional one! Just because you got here first doesn’t mean you can hog him for life.”

Nia’s gaze swept over Charlotte’s flat chest, while she placed her hand on her own soft bosom.

Under the strapless gown, Nia’s already ample chest looked even more enticing.

Nia showed a clear smirk of sarcasm. “The difference in our assets seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it?”

Charlotte’s forehead twitched, a flicker of anger flashing in her eyes.

What’s there to show off about just two lumps of fat?!

The poverty of Charlotte’s chest had long been an unhealed wound in her heart.

But she quickly snorted dismissively, stepping forward to flaunt a glimpse of her leg wrapped in black silk, declaring the devilish words effective for all girls: “As you mentioned, it’s indeed pretty obvious; Miss Nightingale really needs to manage her figure.”

Nia’s smile froze instantly.

No girl could calmly respond after being called fat.

In reality, Nia could only be considered curvy, not fat.

But whether she was fat or not could sometimes be a subjective issue.

Just like many girls who could barely function from dieting but still felt body anxiety upon seeing a good figure model.

At least for Nia, the princess’s slender, elegant legs made her green with envy.

She had to take a sharp breath to suppress the flood of fragrant emotions rising in her.

Yet facing her opponent, Nia was determined to hold her ground.

“Tsk, what do you know? Roy prefers a softer touch!”

“Hmph, I’ll return that statement to you! Small is cute!”

Charlotte’s eyes darkened slightly, while Nia responded with a cold stare, their smiles turning stiff, nearly impossible to maintain a polite façade.

But just then, they both reined in their hostility at the same time.

Charlotte averted her gaze, exhaling a sigh of frustration. “Whether he likes it or not is up to Roy himself.”

“I actually agree with that.” Nia raised an eyebrow. “When he arrives, the outcome will be clear!”

“Pathetic confidence.” Charlotte sighed lightly.

“Foolish arrogance!” Nia shot back immediately.

The two stopped speaking.

Reflecting on that letter, when they looked at each other again, the girls found that their enmity had reduced, replaced instead by pity and mockery, both thinking—

This girl has no idea she’s about to be out of the picture, does she?

When Roy comes over and chooses one of us, let’s see how she cries?!

With that thought, the Lionheart Princess gleefully curled her lips, while Miss Nightingale stifled a giggle, both eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Black-Haired Boy.

Meanwhile, discussions about the two began to spread.

Not just because of their stunning beauty, but also for their bold appearance alone, breaking the unspoken rules of the Academy.

“Neither of them has a partner; could we have a chance?!”

“Idiot, do you want to be humiliated by the Lionheart Princess in front of everyone?”

“Not really, but it’s not impossible!”

“???”

“Ahem, putting the princess aside, maybe Miss Nightingale has a chance!”

“No way, I’ve heard that Miss Nightingale seems to already have a boyfriend. And the guy is that one…”

Before this person could finish, the crowd began to stir.

More accurately, it was the two young ladies at the center of attention who had taken action.

Charlotte and Nia simultaneously caught sight of the Black-Haired Boy from afar, their faces lighting up as they hurried toward him, causing onlookers to naturally follow their gazes.

“It’s definitely him, Roy Ainbrad!”

“That scoundrel?”

“No, he saved me during the Trial and stood up against the Cult’s priest by himself. How could he be a scoundrel?!”

“So, is he just pure scum?!”

There was jealousy and admiration in the glances directed at the Black-Haired Boy, but also gratitude and understanding.

After a semester of his role as Charlotte’s sworn knight, the news of him creating the Trial alongside Nia had become common knowledge.

There had to be some story between them.

But no one expected that these two nobles would willingly show up publicly as her companions.

Even if he’s a scoundrel playing both sides, wouldn’t that usually be done secretly? Isn’t he afraid of getting cut off?!

With such thoughts in mind, some even felt a touch of respect for Roy.

But in reality, Roy was terrified.

Seeing the two exquisitely dressed girls rushing toward him, he nearly blacked out from shock.

Didn’t I say to keep a low profile at the banquet and tone it down? What on earth are you two doing?!

 

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