Seraphina's Invitation
"...Will Rofel like this outfit? No... No, he won't like it if it's too revealing..."
Sigh. This is difficult. If I had known it would be like this, I would have tried on more clothes in my spare time...
Or should I write a letter to Rofel and ask him now...?
Seraphina was currently standing in front of a mirror, trying on various outfits and agonizing over what to wear.
The servants in the mansion whispered among themselves at her behavior, as she usually insisted on wearing nothing but stiff school uniforms or formal military attire.
It was not just that she was comparing different clothes. To see her—someone who was always cold and analytical—agonizing so emotionally was beyond fascinating; it was downright bizarre.
There was only one reason for this uncharacteristic behavior: she had invited Rofel Teufel to dinner.
As she had mentioned during her sudden visit to his dormitory last time, it was to have a deep conversation about their marriage.
Truthfully, she had thought about waiting another week before speaking with him, but she simply could not bear the wait. In the end, she had summoned him after only two days.
And for good reason. Just two days ago, Rofel had confessed right then and there.
He said he had already decided... which woman he would marry.
Recalling that proposal still sent a shiver down Seraphina's spine, bordering on pure ecstasy.
"Fufu... To think things would resolve so easily. I worry far too much for my own good."
In truth, she had been deeply anxious about her relationship with Rofel.
Ever since he fought the mock battle against Marc Visus at the academy in her stead, they had spent countless hours together. Yet, she had always felt that Rofel did not perceive her as a romantic interest.
She had worried that he might not see her as a woman at all. She had even gone so far as to resent her own body—which was quite large for a woman, though she had once considered it a point of pride.
"But I suppose I was worrying over nothing. Rofel... you are not the kind of man to choose a partner based on mere appearances."
But now, she could cast those anxieties aside. All she had to think about now was Rofel—the one man she would devote her entire life and love to—and their upcoming marriage.
Marriage with Rofel!
She would be able to hold his hand whenever she pleased.
She could look into his face, press her lips against his, and share his warmth.
She could start every day with his morning greeting.
She could share meals and talk with him every single day.
And when night fell... she could throw herself into his broad chest, breathe in his scent, and ravish his body to her heart's content...!
Just imagining it made her breath hitch with sweet desire, her heart pounding wildly against her ribs.
"...Rofel, surely you wouldn't insist on premarital chastity... Fufu... ♡"
She had intentionally invited him to dinner late at night.
She had prepared plenty of strong alcohol and chocolates. Even the dishes selected for the feast were carefully chosen for their stamina-boosting properties.
Her plan was to keep him here overnight if possible.
And while she was at it, they could get their first night out of the way a little early.
She made this wicked resolve with a quiet smirk.
"How is it? I haven't worn this since the social party back in our second year. It still looks okay, right?"
I asked, gesturing to my neatly tailored outfit.
It was made of a deep, bluish-black fabric with subtle, elegant patterns. It was also a suit I had been lucky enough to receive as a gift back in our second year when I had nothing to wear to the social party.
In a way, it was the most expensive piece of clothing I owned.
"Of course! You look absolutely wonderful right now!"
Lilit, one of the main heroines from the original game who used to be the childhood friend character but was now my girlfriend, answered brightly.
"That's a relief. I don't usually wear clothes like this, so I was worried I'd look strange."
"It's the hanger that matters, no matter the clothes. If it's you, Rofel, you'd probably look handsome even in rags."
She linked her arm through mine, offering a sweet, beaming smile.
Currently, Lilit and I were heading to Seraphina Serion's villa—or more accurately, a villa owned by the Serion Ducal family.
Was it because they held ducal titles, like Lilit and Isabella? I had thought about this before, but it was always surprising to see how these ducal families naturally owned separate villas or mansions on the expensive land surrounding the academy.
Come to think of it, Elisio had his own separate laboratory building too.
It really drove home the fact that they lived in a completely different world from me, a minor noble from the borderlands who had barely managed to secure a spot in the dormitories.
Anyway, following her sudden visit to my dorm room last time, Seraphina had sent another letter inviting me over.
She had said we would meet soon, but I was a bit surprised she had contacted me again in less than a week.
This time, she had invited me to a dinner banquet to discuss my marriage.
Although the letter repeatedly emphasized that we should meet alone, I decided to bring Lilit along, keeping our previous conversation in mind.
Even if Seraphina's intentions were to help us and facilitate my marriage, she was still a woman. If I were to meet her alone, it would undoubtedly make my girlfriend, Lilit, uncomfortable.
As her boyfriend, it also wouldn't be right for me to meet another woman in private.
Besides, the marriage was ultimately between Lilit and me. Since Seraphina had always been benevolent toward me, she would surely understand.
"By the way, we're going to Seraphina's villa. Is it really okay for you to dress like that?"
"Why? Since we're going together, isn't it better to dress up?"
"Well... I suppose so, but..."
It wasn't that dressing up was a problem. What she wore was her own choice, and I had no right to interfere. It was always good to look one's best to make a good impression on others.
But her current outfit was... how should I put it?
It was a dress that was uncharacteristically luxurious and quite revealing.
Lilit usually avoided looking overly flashy, preferring modest clothes and dressing as formally as possible for public events. Yet here she was, wearing this.
Of course, it wasn't that it didn't suit her. In fact, it fit her so well that it made me realize a whole new side of her charm.
But how could I describe this... It felt like a silent provocation.
On top of that, I felt a subtle sense of pressure and intimidation radiating from her.
At any rate, as Lilit and I exchanged light banter and jokes, we soon arrived at the gates of the Serion family's villa.
The Serion family crest—a fierce lion's face carved deeply into the gate—was highly impressive.
Soon, the gates were opened with the help of the servants and guards. Waiting inside was Seraphina Serion, dressed in an incredibly elegant gown.
The dress radiated a pure white light. While it had no revealing cuts and looked modest, it clung tightly to her body, perfectly tracing the contours of her well-toned, healthy physique.
It was very similar to a "Dongtan dress"—as they called it in my past life.
"Ah...! My dear, I have been waiting for you...!"
"Yeah, thanks. By the way, I'm sorry. We might be a little late because we were getting ready—whoa?"
"Ah... I truly... truly missed you...!"
Squeeze!
Before I could even finish my sentence, Seraphina suddenly pulled me into her broad embrace. It was only possible because she was exceptionally tall for a woman, standing nearly at my height.
I felt a bit embarrassed by the soft, heavy pressure of her large chest pressing against me.
Well, this was probably just one of her usual expressions of friendship. Ever since we became close, it had become relatively common for her to hug me like this.
So, although I was a bit flustered, I calmly patted her back and accepted the embrace.
However, Lilit Tistina, who was standing right next to me, did not look pleased at all.
Lilit narrowed her eyes, glaring intensely at Seraphina as she held me.
"Ahem! Don't you think it's about time you let go?" Lilit interjected, her voice dripping with irritation.
"...Ah? What is this? I do not recall inviting you. Your name was... Lilit Tistina, correct?"
Seraphina spoke coldly, acting as if she had only just noticed her, her voice laced with clear displeasure at Lilit's presence.
"I apologize, but if you do not have any urgent business, could you please leave? Today, Rofel and I have deep matters to discuss regarding our future."
Wow, this was unexpected. I never thought she would react like this.
"Sorry, Seraphina. I was the one who invited her," I said. "I know you wanted to talk one-on-one... but I felt Lilit absolutely needed to be here."
"What...? You... why...?" Seraphina asked, her eyes widening in sheer bewilderment.
"Let's talk details inside, shall we? Surely the prestigious Serion family doesn't intend to keep their guests waiting outside," Lilit said, her voice still carrying an unmistakable edge.
Seraphina looked rather displeased, but she quickly led Lilit and me to the dining hall.
When I saw the table, my jaw dropped.
I had been treated to meals by noble ladies a few times before, but very few banquets were this lavish.
Even though Seraphina had expected to meet me alone, the sheer quantity and luxury of the dishes were staggering. I had no idea she would go to such lengths just to discuss my marriage.
"Here, Rofel. Say ah~"
"Ah... ah..."
Lilit began feeding me the luxurious dishes piece by piece. At first, I tried to refuse, but she insisted with an intensity that brooked no argument.
Under normal circumstances, it might be fine, but doing this right in front of the person who had invited us felt a bit rude, didn't it?
As expected, Seraphina looked extremely uncomfortable watching the two of us. I could even hear the faint grinding of her teeth from across the table.
"Doesn't it taste better when I feed you? Hmm? Rofel? Isn't that right?"
Lilit rested her head on my shoulder, gently stroking my chest with her hand.
To make matters worse, I flinched as I felt the warm, damp sensation of her tongue brushing against my neck a few times.
Was it just my imagination? She seemed exceptionally clingy today.
Well, she was always like a leech around me when we were alone. It was common for her hand to start by caressing my thigh and then slide suggestively toward my crotch.
But she only ever did that when we were completely alone. She had never behaved this way in public, especially not in front of a third party.
Why was she doing this? It was almost as if she was trying to show off...
Slam!
"...Will you explain now? Why must someone like Lilit Tistina be present at this table?" Seraphina demanded, slamming her teacup onto the table.
"Ah...! T-That's...!"
Intimidated by the intense aura she was radiating, I stammered. But before I could finish, Lilit cut in to answer for me.
"Isn't it obvious?"
Lilit took a leisurely sip of her black tea, pausing for dramatic effect before she spoke.
"Because I am Rofel Teufel's lover, and the woman who will become his wife."