Chapter 94

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on January 22, 2025

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That evening.

After finishing her last class on Friday, Ivella skipped dinner and headed straight to the dormitory.

She had something urgent to take care of.

“Phew, tomorrow’s finally the day.”

Tomorrow was the day she was going out alone with Ulan.

It was just spending a day together, yet her heart raced for some reason.

No, let’s be honest. She knew exactly why.

It was excitement. She had been waiting eagerly for this day to come.

“Alright.”

With a beaming smile, Ivella clenched her fist.

She had a lot to prepare to ensure tomorrow would be perfect.

How much time had passed like this?

As the sunset sky turned black, her rough preparations finally came to an end.

“Hmm, this should be enough for now.”

Her outfit for tomorrow, her bag, shoes.

And a notebook filled with a packed schedule for the day. Just as she was rummaging through her things to double-check if she had forgotten anything, something fluttered down.

“Huh?”

A crumpled piece of paper.

What’s this? A receipt?

With that thought, she picked up the paper. Ivella’s eyes widened in surprise.

“…Ah.”

It was a familiar item.

A gift that her father, Count Deorg, had enclosed with a letter to Ulan.

A lodging voucher for a hotel in the imperial capital.

She had mentioned disposing of it but seemed to have forgotten completely. Of course, even if she hadn’t disposed of it, it wouldn’t change anything. She could just tear it up.

“…”

But Ivella hesitated.

A hotel suite voucher in the bustling heart of the imperial capital must be worth a considerable sum.

That wasn’t the only reason, though.

With a thoughtful look, she gazed at the lodging voucher. After a while, and not a short one at that, she finally made up her mind.

“Ahem! W-well, just in case…”

Let’s hold off on disposing of it for now.

It might come in handy someday.

Clearing her throat, she stored the voucher away with a face full of excitement.

Just then, a sudden knock echoed on the door.

Ivella jumped in surprise.

It was like getting caught doing something sneaky by her parents. She quickly shoved the lodging voucher into her bag and hurriedly called out towards the door.

“W-who’s there?!”

“It’s me, Noa.”

Oh right, she was supposed to meet Noa today.

Ivella finally remembered her promise made with Noa earlier that day. A moment later, when Noa entered the room, she looked puzzled.

“But you’re late, aren’t you?”

The original meeting time was 6 PM.

But it was already nearing 8 PM.

At Ivella’s words, Noa made a slightly odd expression and started to grunt.

“Ugh, I was stuck in the Student Council room.”

“Huh? Suddenly?”

“Sigh, it happens.”

After exhaling heavily, Noa shook her head as if to shake off a bad thought.

“Anyway, let’s get started.”

The reason Noa came here today was to give advice on how to have a proper date tomorrow. To say that Ivella had asked Noa for help would be more accurate.

‘From just looking at the character story…’

Ivella had never spent time alone with a guy since she was little.

Of course, she had never been on a date either.

So, she had asked Noa for help.

‘The problem is, I’m in the same boat.’

Noa also lacked dating experience. But she and Ivella had a fundamental difference.

That’s because Noa, when living as Yoomina, spent every day enjoying books, dramas, and movies related to romance.

‘In other words, giving simple advice should be doable.’

For example, about what clothes to wear, or reviewing the date schedule.

Most importantly, Ivella was Noa’s first friend since entering the academy. So, she wanted to be of help as much as she could.

After wrapping up her brief thoughts, Noa sat on the sofa and opened her mouth.

“First, show me the outfit you’re going to wear tomorrow.”

“I’ve already prepared it. Here’s the T-shirt and…”

“No, try it on here.”

“Huh? Here?”

“It’s more definitive that way.”

Just looking at the clothes wasn’t enough.

Everyone has clothes that suit them and ones that don’t. Of course, Ivella had a great figure, so she would look good in anything.

“Uh, I’ve put it on.”

At that moment, Noa’s thoughts were interrupted.

Ivella approached shyly. Soon, she came into Noa’s view.

Ivella’s outfit was simple.

A white T-shirt, jeans, and a white hat with sneakers. Noa squinted her eyes and said.

“Fail.”

“W-why?!”

“It’s too ordinary.”

Of course, if you looked purely at how it suited her, it passed.

As mentioned earlier, Ivella had a beautiful figure. But for a first date, it was too plain.

“Isn’t being ordinary a good thing?”

“No, it’s your first date. You’re just going to wear that T-shirt and jeans?”

Under Noa’s scolding, Ivella hung her head.

Not because she was embarrassed, but because her face suddenly flushed at the word date.

And as she kept fiddling with her bright red ears, Noa spoke again.

“Don’t you have other clothes?”

Surely she didn’t just have that one.

When Noa asked again, Ivella hesitated for a moment before answering in a small voice.

“Well, I do have clothes sent from my family, but…”

“But?”

“I feel like they wouldn’t suit me well.”

“I’ll decide that, so just try it on.”

“Okay, just wait a moment.”

Ivella took the clothes and headed to the bathroom.

But this time, it took quite a while.

While patiently waiting, finally, Ivella’s voice came through.

“…I’m done.”

Her voice was tiny, almost a whisper.

At the same time, Noa turned her gaze. Then her eyes widened in surprise.

“…!”

It was understandable.

What Ivella wore was an off-shoulder dress that revealed her shoulders.

Such attire was rare here.

As Noa stared at Ivella in a daze, Ivella said.

“Say something.”

Wrapping her shoulders, she spoke.

Noa, shaken from her thoughts, gave a thumbs up without hesitation.

“…Pass.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s definitely good.”

No, there really wasn’t anything else that could compare to it.

Earlier, the white T-shirt and jeans suited her well, but nothing beat this dress.

However, unlike Noa’s glowing praise, Ivella looked somewhat dissatisfied.

“But doesn’t it not suit me?”

“What? Why do you think that?”

“Well, I don’t have much muscle…”

“That’s why it suits you.”

Being able to pull off an off-shoulder dress so perfectly was proof enough. Despite Noa’s negation, Ivella continued to list out her shortcomings.

“Also, my shoulders are kind of broad.”

“It’s fine. If you’re with Ulan, there won’t be anyone thinking your shoulders are broad.”

“Ah…”

That’s true.

Just by walking alongside Ulan, she would seem relatively petite. When she nodded in understanding to Noa’s words, she continued.

“Well, this is perfect already, but do you have any accessories? Like bracelets or earrings?”

“Oh, I think there were some sent from my family.”

“Hurry and get them.”

Under repeated urging, Ivella brought the jewelry box whole.

Noa found bracelets and earrings that matched her outfit and even let her hair down, which she usually tied up.

And as a result, a satisfactory gasp broke out.

“Perfect.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Ulan will be spellbound, I guarantee it.”

No, she could swear to it.

Ivella right in front of her wouldn’t fall short even when compared to the renowned bard in the hero party.

“The outfit’s fine for now, so what’s next is the schedule?”

“Here’s the schedule I wrote down.”

After receiving the notebook from Ivella, Noa rapidly scanned through the plans.

First at 8 AM.

They would take a carriage booked at the academy’s main gate to the southern district of the Rubens Empire’s capital.

‘It takes about 2 hours to the capital.’

So the estimated arrival time is 10 AM.

After a quick meal, the schedule stated they would be going to see a play.

“A play?”

“Yep. I bought the tickets in advance.”

“What’s it about?”

“It’s a forbidden love story between a noble’s daughter and a barbarian warrior from the frontier.”

“…”

That’s a bit too bold.

Noa squinted her eyes.

But it wasn’t bad. Ulan was oblivious in all respects, so this would be an effective way for Ivella to express her intentions.

‘Next is…’

When it came to a date, most of the schedule that came to mind was basic stuff.

It was a jam-packed schedule.

However, there was one puzzling part.

“But why is there an hour gap here?”

Looking through Ivella’s schedule, there was a floating one-hour gap between 3 PM and 4 PM.

Had she perhaps not planned anything for that time?

While pondering that, a response came.

“Ah, that’s…”

In a lowered voice, she whispered.

Only for Noa to hear.

“Ah, if that’s the case, it can’t be helped.”

A moment later, when her explanation was done, Noa nodded as if to say she understood. The reason was convincing enough.

“Is there anything that needs to be revised?”

“Hmm, well, my opinion is…”

There were some tweaks needed in the schedule. So Noa immediately began making edits, and Ivella attentively focused on the discussion.

And thus, the night deepened.

3.

The next morning.

Ulan woke up early as usual.

It was Saturday, a day without classes. Normally, he would have trained his stamina running through the woods, but today was an exception.

It was the day he had a promise with Ivella.

So, after briefly finishing his bodyweight exercises,

he completed his shower and turned around.

Heading to the meeting place, the main gate.

But at that moment, a white wolf that had been curled up by the window followed him closely. It seemed as if it was planning to tag along with Ulan.

“You want to come along too?”

[Grrr!]

The white wolf nodded in agreement.

Out of nowhere, Ulan wondered what brought this on, but he didn’t mind.

“Sure, do as you like.”

After all, it would be in the shadows anyway.

Sure enough, as soon as he stepped out of the room, the white wolf blended seamlessly into the shadows. Departing the dormitory, Ulan walked into the fresh breeze.

A little while later.

The main gate came into view.

It was fairly early, but a few students were hanging around near the entrance. They must have also been heading out like Ulan.

After passing by them, Ulan stood firmly in front of the gate.

“Looks like Ivella hasn’t arrived yet.”

The current time was 7:50 AM.

With ten minutes left, he planned to wait patiently. Just then, suddenly, someone approached him.

“Hey, why are you just passing by?”

A girl with a pouty face poked at his waist.

It was a familiar voice. Ivella’s voice.

She hadn’t been visible until now; where on earth did she spring from? As he turned, confused,

“…Ivella?”

In an instant, Ulan’s eyes widened.

The girl before him was one of the students he had seen near the gate earlier. But he hadn’t recognized her due to her different attire.

Her hair, let down naturally.

Her skin unusually pale.

And a dress that showcased her shoulders.

This was the first time in her entire life that Ulan witnessed Ivella wearing such clothes.

“W-what are you looking at?”

Perhaps because he stared too hard?

Ivella shyly lowered her head.

With a bashful expression, she began twirling her hair around her finger.

Ulan’s reply came.

“I didn’t recognize you since you look different than usual.”

“R-really?”

Ivella’s complexion brightened a little.

The purpose of wearing that dress in consultation with Noa was to create a feeling of ‘looking different than usual.’

Having achieved her intended objective,

Ivella cleared her throat.

“Ahem! So, how do I look? Does it suit me?”

She spun around to display her outfit and glanced at Ulan.

She seemed eager to hear an honest opinion.

Meanwhile, Ulan was not the type to hide the truth he could see. So, without hesitation, he answered.

“You look very beautiful.”

“…! Beautiful?!”

“Yep. I can’t stop looking.”

His answer was genuinely spoken, without any facade.

As Ulan finished speaking, he found it hard to tear his gaze from Ivella.

Her eyes sparkled like flames.

The first to look away was Ivella.

“W-why are you staring for so long?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Because it’s embarrassing.”

“I’m fine with it.”

“…I’m the one who’s embarrassed.”

With her face flushed, Ivella stretched out her hands and pushed Ulan away. As if to say stop looking already.

Just then, the reserved carriage they had booked arrived.

Squeak!

A moment later, the carriage door swung open wide.

Meanwhile, Ivella hesitated, unable to get in. It was because the height of the booked carriage was taller than the others.

“Do you need help?”

Did he notice her awkwardness?

Ulan suddenly asked.

Since it was the words she had been hoping for, Ivella beamed with a smile. She carefully extended her hand.

“Um, then thank you…”

However, she couldn’t finish her gratitude.

She thought he would hold her hand, but Ulan’s action was to scoop her up in his arms.

“…!?”

Ivella was taken aback by the sudden move.

On the other hand, Ulan carried her calmly and boarded the carriage. The coachman sitting at the front burst out laughing.

“Haha, your boyfriend sure is bold!”

“N-no, that’s…”

She stumbled over her words, struggling to speak.

As her face turned beet red, the coachman’s voice reached her ears.

“Now, let’s get going!”

And with rattling sounds, the carriage moved.

The carriage carrying the two sped down the beautifully paved road.

4.

Meanwhile, at that moment.

In the Imperial Castle of the Rubens Empire.

As the warm sunlight painted the streets, a group emerged outside.

Six men and women robed in pure white, covering their faces and bodies. Interestingly, they were arranged in formation centering around a specific individual.

It was as if they were guarding an important person.

Then, the two individuals at the back cautiously spoke up.

“You can leave these kinds of tasks to us.”

“There’s really no need for Her Highness to come out…”

Their tone was oddly flustered.

The two were addressing the slender girl at the center of their group.

Suddenly, the girl called ‘Your Highness’ turned her gaze towards them. With her white hair peeking out from under her hood, her red eyes sparkled.

“It’s alright.”

The girl was none other than the seventh princess of the empire.

Fertisha Eve Al Rubens.

She, of noble blood, had come out of the castle today to purchase supplies needed for her transfer.

“I want to pick out the things I’ll be using myself.”

In a little over two months, she was scheduled to transfer to Arsen Academy. So, she was preparing to buy the various necessities she would need for that time.

“But still…”

“Besides, my brother gave his approval.”

The princess’s response ended the moment he spoke. The aides could only fall silent. They couldn’t say anything more. Her brother was none other than the First Crown Prince, Chartang.

Chartang Monique Al Rubens.

He was currently the eye of the storm in the royal family, being touted as the next emperor. And Fertisha was Chartang’s most cherished sister.

“Now, let’s hurry along.”

Fertisha smiled brightly and turned around.

But she couldn’t take more than a few steps before halting in her tracks; someone had grabbed her wrist.

“…Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

“I must remind you to stay no farther than five steps from me.”

“Huh? Is there a particular reason for five steps?”

“That’s my domain.”

The brown-haired guard completed her statement.

Her name was Rimer Yen Lapis.

She was one of the empire’s five masters and was known as the Wild Sword. Additionally, she was the only female master on the continent.

Once Rimer had finished her response, Fertisha’s eyes suddenly opened wide as if recalling an old memory.

“Ah, come to think of it, Lord Orden said something similar. But I believe Lord Orden said forty steps…”

“That’s because Saxen is the strongest in the empire.”

The Sword of the Imperial Family, Saxen Yul Orden.

He served the First Crown Prince and was indisputably the strongest knight in the empire. The width of the territory he could extend was proof of that.

‘…Forty steps.’

That was unbelievably wide.

The territory represented the outcome of blending a master’s experience, skill, and spirit.

Hence, simply extending a step would take years of effort. And forty steps? It was unfathomable how strong he must be.

In any case, unless the law banning duels between masters changed, there was unlikely to be a chance to fight him.

‘Oh, come to think of it…’

When she thought of dueling among masters, a certain name popped into her mind. A special target managed by the military known as ‘Level 0.’

‘I believe it was Ulan?’

He was the heir of the northern prairie tribe.

A barbarian warrior, Ulan Bator.

A master who suddenly sprang up and bested two of the empire’s five strongest knights.

‘I would love to have a chance to test my skills against him.’