Chapter 10: CH 9

“Once I seduce Ethan, I’ll have the world in the palm of my hand.”

—was what she pledged four years ago.

“Palm of your hand? You’re the one being crushed under the thumb here.”

Sitting at a table that’s been all set up for the banquet, Reina rested her chin on the tablecloth.

For the past four years, Reina hadn’t been able to see the ‘ca’ of the capital, let alone Ethan himself. Since she needed to abide by imperial custom, she couldn’t go to the capital without her parents as she was still too young.

Of course, that didn’t mean that she stayed put for all those four years. Amongst the members of the nine major families, there was Paul Bohr, who wasn’t one of the main character’s sub male leads, and she had him on her side. She laid the groundwork for the lines she’d be using to seduce Ethan.

“There’s no man who wouldn’t fall for this after ten times, Milady. If they don’t fall for it? Then they’re no man.”

“Oho…? Really? I got it. I’ll give this five… red stars…”

With all her heart, she pored over her research. Then, she finally came to the capital and entered the academy, where Ethan would also be.

But it didn’t work out as planned, and the world wasn’t cooperating.

“Haa… Early graduation? I knew Ethan’s the genius of the century, but… I never thought he’d have graduated already.”

Since the chancellor was a strict, by-the-book type of person, there had never once been a case of ‘early graduation’ since the founding of the country. But who would have imagined that it happened this time?

Feeling as if the ground had caved in from under her, she let out a deep sigh through her reddish-pink lips.

Still though, I’m glad that Ethan’s coming to the banquet today.”

Otherwise, she might have just grabbed anyone at all and asked them to get engaged with her. Either that, or she might have blackmailed the council.

“Of course, I don’t know if that’ll work though…”

As she had been grumbling for a while now, Reina got up from her seat. It was time to go change for the banquet.

“Even though he’s called the Cerulean Freak, he’s still going to be my savior, so I should show him a good appearance at least.”

She was a bit apprehensive if his craziness would also affect how his face would look, but she decided to shout out her mantra again.

“There’s nothing worse than going to the afterlife! I got this!”

* * *

“Hoho, your youngest child, Lady Reina, has now started her academy life. You have nothing to worry now, Viscountess.”

The banquet being held today was to celebrate the birthday of a member of the Chantra Marquisate, Scarlet Chantra. She’s Reina’s first older sister.

Chantra banquets were typically lowkey, but this time, the banquet was on a larger scale thanks to the celebration. This was also a great opportunity for nobles from minor houses who were seeking to increase their influence.

“Everyone’s excited…”

Reina muttered to herself, going up to her mother after witnessing all kinds of ways of flattery and buttering up so that she could try and sneak away. She still couldn’t get used to how people of the empire use so much perfume to the point that she could feel her nerves getting numb.

‘Time for me to sneak away.’

It was customary for her to stay by her mother’s side since this was the first event she was attending after coming to the capital, though it didn’t look like the atmosphere would be disturbed if she were to disappear for a bit.

And most of all, she was running out of time.

‘I have to find Ethan and talk to him before it’s too late.’

Otherwise, she didn’t know when or when she’d ever have a chance to meet him again.

“Where are you going, Reina?”

Surprised to see her leave, the viscountess asked Reina about it.

“Ummm… I have something to tell Father.”

The viscountess and the people around her wondered what Reina could possibly say to Viscount Ruzest, but they didn’t particularly point it out.

With an angelic smile, Reina’s mother leaned slightly towards her and whispered.

“Don’t be too wild now.”

Reina nodded and soon turned gracefully, but her eyes roamed urgently.

‘Ethan. Where’s Ethan?’

It’s said that he had alabaster skin, lips as red as blood, and black hair that contrasted his complexion.

‘And I heard even if a circus troupe comes, he’d greet it with indifference, right?’

She turned her head and looked around calmly.

But even in the center of the banquet hall, where the chandelier shone down brilliantly, even at the tables lined with food and drinks, even in the corner where people danced, there was no sign of Ethan anywhere she looked.

“I heard he’s coming to the banquet today though.”

But why was it that everyone who had dark, midnight hair looked as if they were excited and completely willing to enjoy the banquet?

Reina bit her lips for a moment, then she looked towards the terraces. That’s the only place she hasn’t checked yet, but she was reluctant to go there since that’s a place where sleazy things happened.

“Uhh… I really don’t wanna go there.”

There shouldn’t be some crazy people who’d dare to do something at a banquet hosted by the viscounty that was part of the nine major families—but alcohol was the enemy here. Even at banquets in the imperial palace, there were often intoxicated people who did crazy things.

“…But still, it’s better to dirty my eyes than to die.”

It couldn’t be helped. Eventually, she took hesitant footsteps towards the terraces.

However, when she opened them one by one, the only people she saw there were lovers who were enjoying their time together.

How long will it take for her to find Ethan?

“This is the last terrace.”

It’s obvious, but the person being looked for always appeared at the end.

“So please. Please be here.”

Earnestly praying to finally see the person she was looking for, she slightly pushed the arched glass door. Then, a familiar voice could be heard from inside.

“Reina?”

“Why are you here?”

“This is our house. What kind of question is that?”

The person she found was, unfortunately, her older brother Noah.

‘This kid used to be one of the sub male leads, too.’