The party continued, and Aurora followed Cithrel as she mingled with the other guests.
Right now, Cithrel was the Princess of the Falion Empire and acted as such.
With a charismatic smile and a cordial expression, she interacted with the presidents of South America and the ministers of other countries.
The Falion Empire was in another world.
However, it had an extensive influence in this world, and that was not because of the portal.
Like General Yukimura on earth were many people whose interests were related to the empire.
Greece was a prime example.
They, with the forces of the Falion Empire, were considered a power that limited the demons of the middle east.
That meant they had a huge military force.
If the earthlings had powerful modern weapons, then the Falion Empire had powerful magical weapons... In that sense, both were ranked far above in their respective fields of technology and magic.
Adding that on Terra nova, there were resources that could not be got on Earth, then both politicians and merchants wished to interact with Cithrel.
And at this party, those politicians and merchants were at the top of the hierarchy.
Aurora followed her and was grateful that Cithrel was tuning her out.
That gallant knight couldn’t show her claws if other people were around her, so it was nice to seem like a normal escort.
The only one Aurora could say she knew was the Prime Minister of Zerzura Jibrin Turay, who came to say hello.
Not just Cithrel, but Aurora herself.
It was inevitable when the two had known each other since Zerzura was formed and the minister was not one to deny his connections.
Prime Minister Turay was a dark-skinned man with the appearance of someone who had been through many difficult situations.
He was a straightforward man and for that reason; he went over to talk to Aurora about Zerzura and while he also interacted with Cithrel, one could tell that the focus was on her.
The Minister was not in charge of Zerzura City’s trade negotiations and his duty was to be Zerzura’s representative while he had power and authority, trade was left to the Apicius Company whose expertise was greater.
That was a strength of Minister Turay’s because, unlike other politicians, he started from the bottom.
Without experience in politics, without the wisdom of the great politicians, but with a high charisma that united the surrounding people.
Then, the ball arrived, and the invitations arrived.
At this party, not only important individuals were present, but many of them brought their families.
It was common to see sons of some guild leaders or executive Directors and these young men approached Cithrel to invite her.
She maintained a cordial image and turned those individuals away regardless of whether some of them were successful young people, high-ranking individuals, recognized heroes, or people admired in their respective countries.
Meeting the princess was important, but if things progressed a little further, perhaps they would end up as emperors... To such an idea, some were aiming.
Aurora may not have been an expert in human interactions, however, she could see through some simple interests.
So when they came for her, Aurora declined the invitations and tried to imitate Cithrel with a friendly rejection.
Cithrel introduced her as her ‘friend’, so connecting to her was a good way to connect to the princess.
Perhaps not everyone approached with such intentions and in the end, it didn’t matter, as she had no desire to dance with them.
In the end, when she realized that Cithrel seemed to want to come looking for her, Aurora began to feel tense.
That gallant knight could not be restrained for long and now she seemed to want to reveal her weapons!
Seeing the princess’s playful eyes, Aurora checked her surroundings discreetly, trying to find a way out.
Cithrel was near the exit, so if she headed for the student lounge, she would be intercepted.
Asking an attendant where the ladies’ room was, Aurora escaped down a few corridors of the palace.
Walking slowly to her destination, trying to make time, she inevitably stopped when she came across a balcony whose entrance was open.
“...”
Unable to help herself, Aurora stepped out onto the balcony and looked at the beautiful garden that was in that gigantic courtyard.
A moon was high in the sky, illuminating the beautiful garden in a wonderful way.
In the distance, this place seemed to be limitless, as if this palace was in a unique and splendorous fantasy world.
The palace was huge and so was the garden.
Aurora realized the reason why they called it ‘Treasure’.
A white palace in a small dimension with spells that made this space seem limitless and real.
The skill and dexterity of space magic coupled with the resources needed to build this place were certainly something she could not have imagined.
A true feat of architecture and magic.
The boundless white space where her master stood was certainly intriguing, but this place was more special because of the details, the architecture, and the magic.
The bright and beautiful moon overhead, along with the surrounding clouds, was so real that no one would notice that it was all an illusion.
And it was because this moon was not the one Aurora remembered on Earth.
“Miss, may I ask you to dance?”
At that moment, a voice sounded behind her back and Aurora sighed inwardly, a little overwhelmed by the invitations and when she turned around to politely decline, her expression trembled.
In the moonlight and wearing a charming smile, stood a young man with delicate features.
The sapphire-colored eyes that glowed, watching her with total concentration, were the most attractive thing to Aurora.
She had been so tired of the invitations that she had momentarily forgotten his voice.
“Excellent work,” Aurora murmured, and watching Kairos blush subtly, she added. “I’m very flattered to be stalked by someone so handsome.”
That slight blush at her first words spread faster, even though the young man seemed to want to show a more serious appearance.
The job was to be a ‘stalker’ and being present now, it was evident that he did a good job.
Aurora knew this encounter was no fluke and despite knowing this, she didn’t mind and enjoyed watching him blush.
If she was honest, she had been tiring of the constant invitations from before.
So seeing him show up at this moment, acting this way... It was a total mood enhancer!
As for acting proactive, she didn’t mind when, as a reward, she saw him nervous and shy.
“I had to try pretty hard,” Kairos replied, trying to give off a gallant atmosphere, but it was impossible with the subject he was dealing with.
Working as a stalker was difficult?
Without getting the phone number and having only her name, he had arrived at Emperor Victor’s party and now followed her here.
It certainly seemed like a monumental task, and made Aurora feel slightly uncomfortable.
After all, she was the one who gave him that ‘job’, still...
“Why do I feel like that’s not the truth?” Aurora asked curiously as her lips tilted upward.
The way Kairos was dressed in that gala suit was proof that he was a guest and not a worker.
Even though she hadn’t seen him at the party, it was impossible that he was a worker or had infiltrated.
Just the fact that he was at this party made it obvious that he was someone who had the means to gain entry to the party.
“Actually, I’m not good at public events,” Kairos replied, and seeing Aurora smile, he added. “I also didn’t dare to show up before.”
He didn’t seem to be lying about the idea that he wasn’t ‘good’ at public events, and Aurora watched him curiously and more so because of the last words.
Was it bothering him to be seen together or...
“When my target is someone who got me called a ‘pervert’, it’s certainly hard enough,” Kairos explained, giving a half-smile.
Aurora’s expression quivered.
She could tell he wasn’t upset and used that fact against her, and while Aurora understood it, it was tricky not to take it seriously.
Aurora had let herself get too carried away that day and now she scared him enough for him not to try something direct.
At those thoughts, Aurora’s expression quivered, pondering whether to apologize and...
“Though now that I think about it, I think it would be worth it,” Kairos announced and, with an amused smile, commented. “This way, I could be closer to you.”
Aurora could feel her cheeks immediately heat up and she looked at him, stunned at how blatant and sincere he was.
Even though the attack was accurate, Kairos looked slightly embarrassed.
Being so blunt was not his strong point, and yet he still went out of his way to try to be flirtatious while trying to show the best image.
Aurora enjoyed seeing that part of him, not his straightforward acting, but that part of him that was trying to put forth effort.
However, what made her grin from ear to ear wasn’t that attitude, but...
“Oh, I didn’t think someone so handsome would be so bold!” Aurora exclaimed and, seeing Kairos’ expression quiver, she gave the final blow and muttered. “That certainly is attractive.”
She didn’t mean the part that was direct, but the part that he went out of his way to try to please her.
It showed that he sincerely wished to woo her and for him to act as someone direct and gallant with great confidence revealed that he was inexperienced in these matters.
“...” Kairos turned shy at that murmur, realizing that she was referring to the effort.
Aurora’s lips bowed slightly, and she enjoyed that embarrassment.
For some people, someone straightforward and with great confidence was charming, but Aurora had her own tastes.
And this was truly addictive!
She certainly understood the reason why Cithrel acted so flirtatious at times, trying to embarrass her, and it was why being on the side of the ‘predator’ was more interesting.
Deliberating her next attacks, her holographic watch vibrated, and Aurora sighed to read the message.
“I guess I’ll owe you for the dance. Apparently, my friend is going to be in trouble.” Aurora muttered as she read Nicole’s message.
Her mood sank and not because of Alice, who would be lost in her own world as long as she had food, but because of the person who was going to bother her.
“It’s okay, don’t worry,” Kairos replied with a carefree smile, and looking at Aurora, he commented. “You have your own things to do. I’ll try to approach at the right time.”
The ‘right time’ was not when he thought he had the opportunity, but when she was unoccupied.
Aurora realized another reason she hadn’t shown up sooner, and that was because she was busy with Cithrel.
She couldn’t deny that her expression quivered for a moment, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Was it right for him to do all that?
The answer wasn’t given by her; it was given by the young man who touched her ring with a smile and disappeared.
It was noticeable that this equipment had a ‘blink’ ability similar to their combat suit.
Seeing that she was alone, Aurora sighed.
She’d like to think it was okay to be selfish, but this was too excessive... Basically, she was leaving all the work to him.
Just as she was about to sigh, she realized something.
“I forgot to give you my number...” Aurora muttered under her breath as her mood took a nosedive.
Even at that point, it was hard to support him.
******
In the student lounge, all was silent as two heavyweights clashed.
Xu Long looked at Alice in a serious manner.
Right now, she was only very different from Alice, whose classmates came up to support her.
“You won’t reveal that you are an S-Rank?” Xu Long asked and looking at the young woman, he pointed. “You are just like me. You hide your strength among the A Ranks, and for that reason, you won.”
It was a comment in a raised tone for the others to hear.
He was trying to reveal the Hero Academy’s cards, and at the same time seeking to clean up his image.
However, he also came for something else.
“Stop hiding and face me. I challenge you to a personal duel,” Xu Long announced with a serious expression.
Murmurs about the challenge echoed among some students and others in the room.
He was challenging her in public!
Alice’s lips tilted mockingly.
“I don’t want to,” Alice replied, and an amused grunt came from near her.
A thundering gorilla was laughing in amusement at that response.
“That Hero Academy has only cowards among its students?” Xu Long asked in a mocking tone and a contemptuous smile.
Some heroes who were present frowned, but did not approach, being a matter among the students.
Nicole, Rachael, and the others also frowned.
Alice, however, looked away in boredom and returned to the food with increased concentration.
Xu Long frowned at being ignored so directly.
“That’s enough. If you want to fight, challenge the Academy,” Rachael said in a serious tone.
The gazes of the other students showed similar seriousness, and the murmurs grew louder.
Other students watching laughed that he was rejected.
All while Xu Long stood in the middle receiving those stinging looks and he frowned as they walked away.
“Then you leave me no choice, but you’ll regret it,” Xu Long muttered without caring whether they heard him or not.
Turning around, he headed for the main hall and noticed Alice’s friend coming down the stairs with an annoyed frown on her face.
Xu Long gave an enigmatic smile and, without speaking, approached the man who was watching from upstairs.
A middle-aged man whose expression was cold and solemn.
“Follow me,” ordered the man with a serious tone.
“Yes, Father,” Xu Long replied as he followed him to a secluded area.
Xu Bai, head of the Xu family of China and who controlled the Xu Guild, a renowned S-Rank medium guild.
It was part one of the current ruling families of China and he was the heir to such a family.
“You are the future star of our guild, but because of your defeat now, the criticism is frequent. We are the laughingstock of China, and it’s all because of your recklessness,” Xu Bai said, and looking at his son with a frown, he remarked. “A girl just beat you and is making fun of you.”
“Father, I will take revenge and get our image back.” Xu Long replied immediately.
Emperor Victor used the international tournament to improve his image, but other people also had their own goals and interests.
The academies improved their reputation, and the students completed their own goals, making themselves known, becoming stronger, or getting new opportunities.
In this case, the Xu Family took advantage of Xu Long’s image to enhance the prestige of the family and the guild, trying to put him as the face of China, all for profit.
Other students from the same or another country also moved the same way and the only difference was that Xu Long failed to lose against a so-called A rank.
“However, to do so I must... Overdo it,” Xu Long said in a serious tone.
Provocations were useless against this woman, and if he wished to make Alice accept his challenges, it was necessary to overdo it.
“Do as you wish, but don’t lose.” Xu Bai ordered, leaving him alone.
Xu Long’s expression turned cold.
The party continued, and Aurora followed Cithrel as she mingled with the other guests.
Right now, Cithrel was the Princess of the Falion Empire and acted as such.
With a charismatic smile and a cordial expression, she interacted with the presidents of South America and the ministers of other countries.
The Falion Empire was in another world.
However, it had an extensive influence in this world, and that was not because of the portal.
Like General Yukimura on earth were many people whose interests were related to the empire.
Greece was a prime example.
They, with the forces of the Falion Empire, were considered a power that limited the demons of the middle east.
That meant they had a huge military force.
If the earthlings had powerful modern weapons, then the Falion Empire had powerful magical weapons... In that sense, both were ranked far above in their respective fields of technology and magic.
Adding that on Terra nova, there were resources that could not be got on Earth, then both politicians and merchants wished to interact with Cithrel.
And at this party, those politicians and merchants were at the top of the hierarchy.
Aurora followed her and was grateful that Cithrel was tuning her out.
That gallant knight couldn’t show her claws if other people were around her, so it was nice to seem like a normal escort.
The only one Aurora could say she knew was the Prime Minister of Zerzura Jibrin Turay, who came to say hello.
Not just Cithrel, but Aurora herself.
It was inevitable when the two had known each other since Zerzura was formed and the minister was not one to deny his connections.
Prime Minister Turay was a dark-skinned man with the appearance of someone who had been through many difficult situations.
He was a straightforward man and for that reason; he went over to talk to Aurora about Zerzura and while he also interacted with Cithrel, one could tell that the focus was on her.
The Minister was not in charge of Zerzura City’s trade negotiations and his duty was to be Zerzura’s representative while he had power and authority, trade was left to the Apicius Company whose expertise was greater.
That was a strength of Minister Turay’s because, unlike other politicians, he started from the bottom.
Without experience in politics, without the wisdom of the great politicians, but with a high charisma that united the surrounding people.
Then, the ball arrived, and the invitations arrived.
At this party, not only important individuals were present, but many of them brought their families.
It was common to see sons of some guild leaders or executive Directors and these young men approached Cithrel to invite her.
She maintained a cordial image and turned those individuals away regardless of whether some of them were successful young people, high-ranking individuals, recognized heroes, or people admired in their respective countries.
Meeting the princess was important, but if things progressed a little further, perhaps they would end up as emperors... To such an idea, some were aiming.
Aurora may not have been an expert in human interactions, however, she could see through some simple interests.
So when they came for her, Aurora declined the invitations and tried to imitate Cithrel with a friendly rejection.
Cithrel introduced her as her ‘friend’, so connecting to her was a good way to connect to the princess.
Perhaps not everyone approached with such intentions and in the end, it didn’t matter, as she had no desire to dance with them.
In the end, when she realized that Cithrel seemed to want to come looking for her, Aurora began to feel tense.
That gallant knight could not be restrained for long and now she seemed to want to reveal her weapons!
Seeing the princess’s playful eyes, Aurora checked her surroundings discreetly, trying to find a way out.
Cithrel was near the exit, so if she headed for the student lounge, she would be intercepted.
Asking an attendant where the ladies’ room was, Aurora escaped down a few corridors of the palace.
Walking slowly to her destination, trying to make time, she inevitably stopped when she came across a balcony whose entrance was open.
“...”
Unable to help herself, Aurora stepped out onto the balcony and looked at the beautiful garden that was in that gigantic courtyard.
A moon was high in the sky, illuminating the beautiful garden in a wonderful way.
In the distance, this place seemed to be limitless, as if this palace was in a unique and splendorous fantasy world.
The palace was huge and so was the garden.
Aurora realized the reason why they called it ‘Treasure’.
A white palace in a small dimension with spells that made this space seem limitless and real.
The skill and dexterity of space magic coupled with the resources needed to build this place were certainly something she could not have imagined.
A true feat of architecture and magic.
The boundless white space where her master stood was certainly intriguing, but this place was more special because of the details, the architecture, and the magic.
The bright and beautiful moon overhead, along with the surrounding clouds, was so real that no one would notice that it was all an illusion.
And it was because this moon was not the one Aurora remembered on Earth.
“Miss, may I ask you to dance?”
At that moment, a voice sounded behind her back and Aurora sighed inwardly, a little overwhelmed by the invitations and when she turned around to politely decline, her expression trembled.
In the moonlight and wearing a charming smile, stood a young man with delicate features.
The sapphire-colored eyes that glowed, watching her with total concentration, were the most attractive thing to Aurora.
She had been so tired of the invitations that she had momentarily forgotten his voice.
“Excellent work,” Aurora murmured, and watching Kairos blush subtly, she added. “I’m very flattered to be stalked by someone so handsome.”
That slight blush at her first words spread faster, even though the young man seemed to want to show a more serious appearance.
The job was to be a ‘stalker’ and being present now, it was evident that he did a good job.
Aurora knew this encounter was no fluke and despite knowing this, she didn’t mind and enjoyed watching him blush.
If she was honest, she had been tiring of the constant invitations from before.
So seeing him show up at this moment, acting this way... It was a total mood enhancer!
As for acting proactive, she didn’t mind when, as a reward, she saw him nervous and shy.
“I had to try pretty hard,” Kairos replied, trying to give off a gallant atmosphere, but it was impossible with the subject he was dealing with.
Working as a stalker was difficult?
Without getting the phone number and having only her name, he had arrived at Emperor Victor’s party and now followed her here.
It certainly seemed like a monumental task, and made Aurora feel slightly uncomfortable.
After all, she was the one who gave him that ‘job’, still...
“Why do I feel like that’s not the truth?” Aurora asked curiously as her lips tilted upward.
The way Kairos was dressed in that gala suit was proof that he was a guest and not a worker.
Even though she hadn’t seen him at the party, it was impossible that he was a worker or had infiltrated.
Just the fact that he was at this party made it obvious that he was someone who had the means to gain entry to the party.
“Actually, I’m not good at public events,” Kairos replied, and seeing Aurora smile, he added. “I also didn’t dare to show up before.”
He didn’t seem to be lying about the idea that he wasn’t ‘good’ at public events, and Aurora watched him curiously and more so because of the last words.
Was it bothering him to be seen together or...
“When my target is someone who got me called a ‘pervert’, it’s certainly hard enough,” Kairos explained, giving a half-smile.
Aurora’s expression quivered.
She could tell he wasn’t upset and used that fact against her, and while Aurora understood it, it was tricky not to take it seriously.
Aurora had let herself get too carried away that day and now she scared him enough for him not to try something direct.
At those thoughts, Aurora’s expression quivered, pondering whether to apologize and...
“Though now that I think about it, I think it would be worth it,” Kairos announced and, with an amused smile, commented. “This way, I could be closer to you.”
Aurora could feel her cheeks immediately heat up and she looked at him, stunned at how blatant and sincere he was.
Even though the attack was accurate, Kairos looked slightly embarrassed.
Being so blunt was not his strong point, and yet he still went out of his way to try to be flirtatious while trying to show the best image.
Aurora enjoyed seeing that part of him, not his straightforward acting, but that part of him that was trying to put forth effort.
However, what made her grin from ear to ear wasn’t that attitude, but...
“Oh, I didn’t think someone so handsome would be so bold!” Aurora exclaimed and, seeing Kairos’ expression quiver, she gave the final blow and muttered. “That certainly is attractive.”
She didn’t mean the part that was direct, but the part that he went out of his way to try to please her.
It showed that he sincerely wished to woo her and for him to act as someone direct and gallant with great confidence revealed that he was inexperienced in these matters.
“...” Kairos turned shy at that murmur, realizing that she was referring to the effort.
Aurora’s lips bowed slightly, and she enjoyed that embarrassment.
For some people, someone straightforward and with great confidence was charming, but Aurora had her own tastes.
And this was truly addictive!
She certainly understood the reason why Cithrel acted so flirtatious at times, trying to embarrass her, and it was why being on the side of the ‘predator’ was more interesting.
Deliberating her next attacks, her holographic watch vibrated, and Aurora sighed to read the message.
“I guess I’ll owe you for the dance. Apparently, my friend is going to be in trouble.” Aurora muttered as she read Nicole’s message.
Her mood sank and not because of Alice, who would be lost in her own world as long as she had food, but because of the person who was going to bother her.
“It’s okay, don’t worry,” Kairos replied with a carefree smile, and looking at Aurora, he commented. “You have your own things to do. I’ll try to approach at the right time.”
The ‘right time’ was not when he thought he had the opportunity, but when she was unoccupied.
Aurora realized another reason she hadn’t shown up sooner, and that was because she was busy with Cithrel.
She couldn’t deny that her expression quivered for a moment, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Was it right for him to do all that?
The answer wasn’t given by her; it was given by the young man who touched her ring with a smile and disappeared.
It was noticeable that this equipment had a ‘blink’ ability similar to their combat suit.
Seeing that she was alone, Aurora sighed.
She’d like to think it was okay to be selfish, but this was too excessive... Basically, she was leaving all the work to him.
Just as she was about to sigh, she realized something.
“I forgot to give you my number...” Aurora muttered under her breath as her mood took a nosedive.
Even at that point, it was hard to support him.
******
In the student lounge, all was silent as two heavyweights clashed.
Xu Long looked at Alice in a serious manner.
Right now, she was only very different from Alice, whose classmates came up to support her.
“You won’t reveal that you are an S-Rank?” Xu Long asked and looking at the young woman, he pointed. “You are just like me. You hide your strength among the A Ranks, and for that reason, you won.”
It was a comment in a raised tone for the others to hear.
He was trying to reveal the Hero Academy’s cards, and at the same time seeking to clean up his image.
However, he also came for something else.
“Stop hiding and face me. I challenge you to a personal duel,” Xu Long announced with a serious expression.
Murmurs about the challenge echoed among some students and others in the room.
He was challenging her in public!
Alice’s lips tilted mockingly.
“I don’t want to,” Alice replied, and an amused grunt came from near her.
A thundering gorilla was laughing in amusement at that response.
“That Hero Academy has only cowards among its students?” Xu Long asked in a mocking tone and a contemptuous smile.
Some heroes who were present frowned, but did not approach, being a matter among the students.
Nicole, Rachael, and the others also frowned.
Alice, however, looked away in boredom and returned to the food with increased concentration.
Xu Long frowned at being ignored so directly.
“That’s enough. If you want to fight, challenge the Academy,” Rachael said in a serious tone.
The gazes of the other students showed similar seriousness, and the murmurs grew louder.
Other students watching laughed that he was rejected.
All while Xu Long stood in the middle receiving those stinging looks and he frowned as they walked away.
“Then you leave me no choice, but you’ll regret it,” Xu Long muttered without caring whether they heard him or not.
Turning around, he headed for the main hall and noticed Alice’s friend coming down the stairs with an annoyed frown on her face.
Xu Long gave an enigmatic smile and, without speaking, approached the man who was watching from upstairs.
A middle-aged man whose expression was cold and solemn.
“Follow me,” ordered the man with a serious tone.
“Yes, Father,” Xu Long replied as he followed him to a secluded area.
Xu Bai, head of the Xu family of China and who controlled the Xu Guild, a renowned S-Rank medium guild.
It was part one of the current ruling families of China and he was the heir to such a family.
“You are the future star of our guild, but because of your defeat now, the criticism is frequent. We are the laughingstock of China, and it’s all because of your recklessness,” Xu Bai said, and looking at his son with a frown, he remarked. “A girl just beat you and is making fun of you.”
“Father, I will take revenge and get our image back.” Xu Long replied immediately.
Emperor Victor used the international tournament to improve his image, but other people also had their own goals and interests.
The academies improved their reputation, and the students completed their own goals, making themselves known, becoming stronger, or getting new opportunities.
In this case, the Xu Family took advantage of Xu Long’s image to enhance the prestige of the family and the guild, trying to put him as the face of China, all for profit.
Other students from the same or another country also moved the same way and the only difference was that Xu Long failed to lose against a so-called A rank.
“However, to do so I must... Overdo it,” Xu Long said in a serious tone.
Provocations were useless against this woman, and if he wished to make Alice accept his challenges, it was necessary to overdo it.
“Do as you wish, but don’t lose.” Xu Bai ordered, leaving him alone.
Xu Long’s expression turned cold.
