The Next Morning

When the two close friends met again, both were clearly a bit uneasy.

Aph, doing her best to appear composed, put on a concerned expression.

“Your Highness, I fell asleep last night and didn’t see your message.”

Violet, forcing herself to remain calm, nodded slightly.

“I went to look at the moon for a bit before going to bed.”

Aph inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

After returning to her room last night, she had changed back into proper clothing and wrestled with the idea of replying to Violet’s message. She must have fallen asleep while debating it.

'Thank goodness,' she thought. 'Her Highness didn’t realize I snuck off for a little… indulgence.'

Although Violet had emerged victorious in the end, she still felt a pang of guilt when facing Aph. To cover her tracks, she came up with a lie about her brief disappearance the night before.

Since both of them were feeling guilty, neither pressed the other for details. They allowed the matter to pass with minimal questioning.

As they left, the two happened to run into Lilith, who was on her way to discuss something with Shia.

Walking side by side, the two women presented a striking contrast: one noble and elegant like the serene moonlight, the other warm and loyal with a heroic charm.

Lilith couldn’t help but stop and admire them.

'One day, all these beautiful girls will be mine.'

“Enjoying the view?”

A teasing voice from behind interrupted her thoughts.

Lilith turned around to find Shia smiling at her, his refined and gentle demeanor radiating a comforting warmth.

But to Lilith, his charm was secondary to her ambitions.

Without replying to him, she strode toward the tea room.

“I need to discuss something important with you.”

Shia raised an eyebrow and followed her inside.

Once they were seated, Lilith got straight to the point.

“Tonight is the campus ball. She’ll be attending—it’s a perfect opportunity for us.”

She opened her notebook, which was filled with meticulous notes, and looked at Shia with a serious expression.

“This time, you’ll be facing a true ice queen.”

Unlike the proud yet shy Silver Moon Princess or the dignified aloofness of the Sword Saintess, this woman was a genuine ice beauty.

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Distant, untouchable, and seemingly above all earthly desires.

As Lilith reviewed her notes, she couldn’t help but feel a spark of fascination. The memory of the ice queen’s flawless demeanor filled her with a kind of longing.

A woman so unattainable, so coldly perfect—Lilith could only dream of worshiping at her feet.

She swallowed hard, her eyes sparkling.

“What’s your plan?”

Shia’s voice snapped her out of her reverie.

Looking at her notes, Lilith spoke with a fervent passion.

Over the past few months, while the true ancestor remained unaware of her, Lilith had been observing her closely, learning her habits, her likes, and even her secrets.

Her voice was tinged with both admiration and obsession as she recounted her findings to Shia.

Shia listened, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.

'This isn’t observation; it’s stalking.'

“…I’ve found that she gravitates toward popular events and individuals,” Lilith concluded.

She fixed Shia with an expectant gaze.

“Tonight’s ball is the perfect chance. As one of the most talked-about figures in the academy, you already meet the criteria to pique her interest. Invite her to dance, engage her in conversation.”

“I’ll provide assistance from the sidelines to ensure she warms up to you.”

Lilith’s eyes sparkled with confidence.

After months of observation, she felt certain she understood the true ancestor’s nature inside and out.

It was only a matter of time before Shia won her over—with Lilith’s help, of course.

Shia nodded lightly, offering no comment.

The campus ball was the highlight of the year at Seven Shields Academy. Originally conceived as a tribute to the primordial gods, it had evolved into the most celebrated student event of the year.

The campus was adorned with festive decorations, colorful lights, and lavish displays like champagne towers and grand stages.

As elegant music filled the air, countless girls donned their finest dresses, their makeup flawless, their faces radiant with joy.

The ball was hosted by none other than the Morning Star Saintess, Eileen.

Standing on the stage in a pastel pink gown with delicate lace stockings, her serene and gentle smile seemed to light up the room.

Every glance she cast made those in the crowd feel as though they were the sole recipient of her affection.

As the beloved "white moonlight" of the academy, Eileen was the centerpiece of the event, surrounded by admiration and adoration.

Yet, despite the countless gazes fixed upon her, she remained approachable and humble, untainted by pride.

Her mere presence radiated warmth and brilliance, rendering everyone around her pale in comparison.

Amidst the murmurs of admiration and exclamations of awe, Shia remained by Sistine’s side. With his refined demeanor and gentle smile, he occasionally whispered to her, drawing her into lighthearted conversation.

Eileen noticed this interaction, and a strange feeling began to stir within her.

'Why doesn’t he look at me? Am I not dazzling enough? Why is his attention focused solely on her?'

A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed her heart.

'I want him. I’ll make him mine—and I’ll make sure she knows it.'

Her lips curved into a soft, sweet smile as she announced, “Let the ball begin!”

As per tradition, the event commenced with the host’s opening dance.

Lifting the hem of her dress gracefully, Eileen descended from the stage, her every step exuding elegance.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, their gazes filled with anticipation.

Walking through the sea of people, Eileen’s eyes remained fixed on Shia.

'Out of everyone here, I only have eyes for you.'

Her unwavering gaze carried a depth of emotion few could resist.

Many tried to approach her for a dance, only to be met with polite refusals. Even the rejected felt honored to have spoken to her.

Sistine noticed Eileen’s approach and instinctively turned to Shia, concern flickering in her eyes.

But Shia, his voice gentle, simply asked, “Is the crowd bothering you?”

Sistine shook her head, her heart brimming with warmth.

By then, Eileen had reached them.

“Shia, may I have the honor of this dance?”

She extended her hand with a graceful bow, her invitation carrying both elegance and intent.

Around them, murmurs of envy rippled through the crowd.

'The Morning Star Saintess herself is asking him to dance?! How lucky can one guy be?!'

Eileen then leaned closer to Sistine, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

“Mind if I borrow your boyfriend for a bit? Just to help me fend off some attention.”

Her smile was radiant, soothing even—but only Eileen herself knew the calculated malice behind it.

She wanted this dance with Shia, in full view of everyone.

'Your boyfriend is going to dance with me now.'

Sistine hesitated, her heart heavy with reluctance. But she eventually nodded.

“Go ahead.”

Her kind and accommodating nature made her unable to refuse, especially when it came to a friend she cherished.

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