Chapter 57: Before the Crowd

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The night before the new year, Roel Ascart sat in a carriage that was galloping straight toward the majestic Saint Faron Church.

The carriage was comfortable and spacious, but it wasn't a property of the Ascart House. The insignia of the Guardian of Radiant Wings revealed that it was a royal carriage.

On this very day, the Xeclydes, known to be the envoys of Goddess Sia due to their Angel's Bloodline, were incredibly busy making arrangements for their two upcoming major events. They had to host the prayers over at the Saint Faron Church while simultaneously preparing for the New Year Ball that would be held in the royal palace later at night.

Carter, as a marquess and a military man, was obliged to attend the ball. Alicia didn't have any obligations or prior commitments and could technically head to wherever she wanted. Out of safety considerations though, Roel requested his father to bring her together with him, so as to look after her. In view of the mishap that happened back during Nora's birthday banquet, Carter approved of Roel's suggestion too.

As a result, Roel was left all alone.

When the decision was made, the ruby eyes of Alicia, who was looking forward to enjoying the new year festivities with Roel, immediately reddened. She grabbed Roel's hand tightly for a long while before she was finally able to bring herself to let go. Before heading off with Carter, she made sure to remind Roel.

"Lord Brother, I heard that Her Highness Nora will be leading the hymns and prayers today. It would be advisable for you to avoid talking to her, so that she can save her energy for the occasion."

"Oh? Is that so?"

This was the first time Roel was hearing that Nora was leading the hymns and prayers. That would explain why she seemed to have vanished from the face of the world for the past two weeks.

Most likely, she had been putting all of her efforts into ensuring that everything went perfect. Thinking about it, it almost seemed like an idol trainee preparing for her center stage debut. With her beauty, her popularity would surely skyrocket.

"But, isn't it fine if it's just a casual chat?"

"That won't do! Ah. No, what I mean to say is that... we can always pay a visit to Her Highness together later on! You can save your words till then."

"That's true."

Alicia appeared to be looking at Roel with a smile, but her attention was actually on the short sword hanging by his waist. Her expression remained warm and cordial, but her hands had already tightened into fists.

The Roel X Alicia Ship fanclub manager, Anna, had used her connections to inform Alicia about Nora and Roel exchanging short swords. Initially, Alicia was devastated by the news, but when she headed over to confront Roel with tears glistening in her eyes, she realized that he thought nothing about the matter at all. It was all a misunderstanding.

Nevertheless, this incident made her wary of her rival's schemes.

Nora. This was an opponent that the introverted Alicia would have never dared to go against normally. Any peer who dared to challenge Nora would only be embarrassed by their own shortcomings. However, the feelings that were burning in Alicia's heart made her unwilling to yield so easily.

My greatest advantage is that I'm always by Lord Brother's side. Her Highness is a formidable opponent, but she's unable to accompany him all the time. Lord Father has also recognized me too. As long as Lord Brother reciprocates...

"Alright, I'll be making a move first. See you tomorrow, Alicia."

A warm hand gently patted the head of the contemplating silver-haired girl, causing her mind to go blank. She raised her head to look at the smiling Roel, and a faint blush appeared on her fair skin.

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