Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World

Chapter 681: Banquet [4]

Seria had not been against it.

This was the fate of noble ladies.

Marriage was their path to power. It had always been like that. They were bridges between houses, living contracts wrapped in silk and etiquette. Very few had the luxury of marrying purely for love.

If they had the chance to aim higher, if the family had a chance to secure a stronger ally, most noble girls would accept it.

Seria was not naive.

So she had only raised one problem.

"But is he not already the princess’s fiancé? He was the one who won Duke Evermoon’s competition and one of the prizes was the duke’s daughter. If he is already bound to her, then it would be improper for me to even try, would it not? Besides, we have only had a single conversation and that was months ago."

Her father had scoffed.

"For someone as strong as Mic Nor, a contest prize is not enough to tie him forever," he had said. "If he were a minor knight or a poor baron, that would be different. But men like him choose their own path. Even dukes and kings need to bargain carefully. As for one conversation, it was at least something, so you can still use it to your advantage."

Her brother had leaned on the desk, thoughtful.

"Besides," he added, "according to our sources, the princess and him do not seem like they share a romantic relationship. Close, yes. But not in that way. They act more like political allies for now."

Her father had nodded.

"Which means that until a decree is announced, everything is still in the air. As long as you do not act shameless or disrespectful, there is no harm in strengthening your bond with him. You met him early. Use that timing. That alone is an advantage other noble ladies do not have."

At the time, it made sense.

So she came tonight thinking:

I will just talk to him like before. If something grows from it, it grows. If not, then I will at least know I tried.

Now, standing here, feeling the princess’s quiet gaze occasionally brush against her, she finally realized something.

Her father’s information had missed a very important detail.

It was not that there was no romantic feeling.

It was that whatever existed between Mic Nor and Princess Arianne was simply not obvious enough for outsiders to read.

From up close, it was different.

Seria could see it now.

The way the princess relaxed too quickly when he spoke.

The way Mic Nor’s tone shifted without him noticing when he addressed her.

The way they seemed to understand each other’s rhythm, even in silence.

Seria lowered her eyes slightly, her lashes trembling.

So much for "no romantic relationship."

Her father’s confident words echoed uselessly in her mind.

"Everything is still in the air."

Is it really, she thought bitterly.

She took another small sip of wine to cover the way her throat felt tight.

She was not angry at her family. This was how nobles thought. This was how they survived.

She was only annoyed at herself.

Annoyed that she had agreed too easily.

Annoyed that she had walked straight into a situation that made her look like she was trying to steal another woman’s man, even if nothing had happened yet.

Most of all, she was annoyed at the timing.

Of all the moments for her to return.

She risked a glance at Arianne.

The princess still wore that polite, composed expression. There was no open hostility. No obvious displeasure.

But Seria was a noble lady too.

She could read the tiny stiffness in Arianne’s shoulder.

The subtle guardedness in her eyes whenever Seria looked Michael’s way.

Seria inhaled slowly, forcing herself to calm down.

Fine. It is not like I came here to rip them apart. If things are already leaning this way, then I will not embarrass myself by clinging too hard.

She straightened a little and let her gaze settle on the hall again.

If she could not retreat without looking strange, she could at least behave properly.

At the very least, she decided one thing firmly.

I will not act like those ridiculous noble girls who throw themselves at any rising star. Whatever bond I had with him before, I will treat it as a simple friendship now. If fate allows more, it will happen naturally. If not, then so be it.

Her grip on the glass loosened.

Somewhere beside her, Michael took another unbothered sip of wine, still enjoying his peaceful corner that had somehow turned into a battlefield only in the minds of the two girls beside him.

Seria exhaled slowly, lips pressing together in determination.

Yes. Friendship. Calm. Dignified. I will not be like those desperate girls who throw themselves at any handsome face just because he shines a little brighter than most.

A beat passed.

Her eyes drifted sideways, just a little.

And immediately, her resolve wavered.

Because, heavens above...

Why is he even more handsome than before?

Her mind went blank for a full second.

Did he always look like this?

Did she forget?

The suit fit him far too perfectly.

His hair was tied back neatly, making his sharp features stand out even more.

The calm, unbothered expression on his face did not help either.

She swallowed.

This is unfair. Completely unfair. How is a man allowed to look like this?

Seria’s vanity stirred shamelessly.

Michael was easily the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

Heavens.

Heavens, heavens, he really is the most handsome man I have ever seen in my life.

Is the princess charmed by him too?

A thought popped up in her head.

If he was not standing beside the princess, would I dare try harder?

Her cheeks warmed in embarrassment.

Stop. Absolutely not. Shameful thought. Ridiculous thought. Delete immediately.

But the thought did not delete itself.

It sat there.

Unfortunately for Seria, even though she was actually the same age as Michael, her demeanor, her appearance and her petite stature made Michael see her completely as his cousin’s age mate.