Chapter 18: Beneath the Smile
Pretending to casually reveal her true feelings, Nia was actually a bundle of nerves.
Noticing the young boy’s momentary shock and subsequent silence, Nia felt her heart sink.
Well, it’s understandable.
He’s a knight to a princess and a guard to a saint, fully justified in spending holidays with them, while she had no proper reason to keep him by her side.
Now, Nia regretted not inheriting the Green Council sooner; if only she had the power, she could have invited Roy along without a hitch.
Saying something so selfish would only put him in an awkward position, right?
Her fingers curled up, yet her lips pulled into a forced cheerful smile: “Just kidding, I was just saying…”
“Sure, why not?”
“Huh?”
“I said sure. I haven’t been to the Green Council yet, so it wouldn’t be bad to tag along with you,” Roy replied naturally.
Joy surged in her heart, but with it came worry—if Roy actually agreed, Nia found herself anxious for him.
“Is it really okay? The kingdom is still rebuilding, and the Holy Light’s guidelines demand you stay by the saint’s side, right? Is it really fine to come back with me like this?”
“Then I should just leave?” Roy chuckled, pretending to turn away.
Nia hurriedly grabbed him: “Wait, wait, wait!”
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. They won’t mind. The kingdom’s stable now; we don’t need to fight anymore. With Charlotte in charge, we’re more than covered. As for the Holy Light’s guidelines, come on, do you really see Alice as that devoted?”
Recalling the joyful moments they had in the church, Nia found herself unable to argue.
Seeing the uncontainable happiness in her eyes, Roy playfully pinched her soft cheek: “Besides, Nia is important to me too.”
“…You smooth talker.”
While laughing and scolding, Nia reached out to gently tug at Roy’s face in return.
Their playful movements, once not forceful, grew softer with each exchanged glance, gradually transforming into an intimate caress.
Nia’s ears perked up before softening, her tender, curvy body instinctively leaning closer.
Under the dim moonlight, the pair leaned in closer, unable to resist feeling each other’s presence.
But just when Roy was about to savor that sweetness once more, an impatient shout came from behind.
“Hurry up! We’re at the door already, still dawdling around flirting? Do you want to eat or not?!”
Both were startled and had no choice but to awkwardly return indoors.
During dinner, Roy briefed the two girls on their summer plans.
“Oh…”
Alice first appeared slightly downcast, but quickly perked up, glancing at Nia: “That’s great, Master can finally spend time with you this time.”
“Nia must be feeling pretty lonely lately, right? Make sure to relax with Master during the summer break.”
Alice would later realize that Nia had been silently working hard to bring her and Roy together.
Even though Charlotte and the others saw this as a disgraceful alliance, an incompetent teammate, and a pathetic sisterhood, Alice felt nothing but gratitude for her dear friend.
When she was caught cheating, Nia was the only one who didn’t jump in to snatch Roy away, also getting kicked out of the bedroom by Charlotte and the others.
Given this friendship and gratitude for her support, it was only natural for Alice to feel happy for Nia.
However, saying this in front of Roy’s teasing gaze made Nia blush, mumbling silently.
“I-I’m not lonely…”
Meanwhile, Charlotte had a long face, definitely not in a good mood.
“Just proposed and already off to spend the holidays with another girl? Should I say, ‘as expected of you’?” The girl rested her cheek on her hand, twirling her ruby magic ring’s finger, clearly displeased.
“Charlotte…” Roy looked a bit troubled.
Of course, he knew Charlotte wasn’t really mad; she just needed a bit of pampering.
But before he could respond, Charlotte softened her stance: “Fine, I’m broad-minded; I’ll allow you to go have fun with the green tea elf.”
Not willing to lose face against Roy, she was even less forgiving towards her rivals.
Glaring at the elven girl beside her, Charlotte raised her brow with a smug grin: “Since you’re so far behind, I’ll let you have him for a bit.”
“But don’t get too happy, there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world.”
“How about this, if you call me ‘sister,’ I’ll lend you Roy,” Charlotte revealed her scheme.
“What the…” Nia instinctively wanted to butter up this flat-chested shortie, but remembering their power gap, she had to swallow her words.
Class 5 against Class 4, if it came down to a fight, she’d really end up getting her backside handed to her, and that’d be embarrassing in front of Roy.
Taking a step back was better than getting crushed!
For the sake of two precious vacation weeks together, what did this momentary humiliation matter?
Endure!
“Si…sister.” Nia forced a stiff smile.
Charlotte was already grinning so wide she could hardly contain herself, savoring her ruby tea like it was a gourmet feast: “Can’t hear you. If you’re so quiet, your feelings for Roy can’t be that strong.”
“Sister! Sister sister sister sister! Is that good enough for you?!”
The elven girl shouted, her face flushed, and her voice cracking, making Charlotte feel greatly satisfied, finally experiencing the pleasure of being the main wife.
Humiliation aside, just thinking about spending summer vacation with Roy kept Nia smiling through most of dinner.
It’s no wonder Alice could sense her feelings.
Her flickering ears and sparkling eyes had already revealed her anticipation. Although Nia always wore a cheerful smile, today her grin was sweeter than ever.
However, beneath that smile, Roy couldn’t feel as carefree.
This summer might not be as simple as Nia hoped it would be.
【Alert! Interconnected fate with the nightingale detected. Triggered reverse fate task. Every choice you make will alter destiny; choose wisely!】
【Nightingale · Reverse Fate Progress】: 60%
【Current Reverse Fate Node: Nightingale】
From the moment Nia asked her question, the panel had already issued a warning, which was why Roy had fallen silent.
This time, Nia was returning home, and he had no choice but to go.
Roy had even considered whether to keep Nia safe in Academy City, under the protection of the Sage.
Since the Trial of Blue, the All Things Wither stronghold that had been in Academy City for years had been utterly destroyed; it wouldn’t be easy for them to infiltrate again. For now, Nia’s safety shouldn’t be a concern.
However, Charlotte’s case served as a warning.
The reverse fate node didn’t just concern him or Nia; it likely affected the entire Green Council’s fate.
If he hadn’t rushed back with Charlotte last time, the dragon clan would have annihilated the whole kingdom, polluting all living beings there, and Nidhogg could become even more terrifying in its madness…
Until one day in the future, it might even rival the Sage, threatening Charlotte once more.
While it might allow them to survive for a moment, if they remained stagnant, they could miss chances to change their fate.
Sitting and waiting for death was always the worst choice; if that’s the case, they might as well take the initiative!