Chapter 125
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 125
Chapter Title: Helena's Bold Proposition
"Hehe, how to... There are plenty of ways, aren't there?"
In response to Jeon's question about how she planned to teach him, Helena let out a chuckle full of intrigue.
Along with it, a flicker of interest sparked in her eyes, which had always been devoid of emotion.
'Interesting.'
Having navigated the empire's high society, she had only dealt with lofty royals and nobles.
To her, Jeon—who knew nothing of noble etiquette—was a fresh and novel stimulus.
And that wasn't all.
'He even earned Katrina's favor.'
In the ongoing succession struggle between the First and Second Imperial Princes, the influence of the imperial family—especially the direct bloodline of the current Emperor—was immense.
Unlike the First Imperial Princess, who had married and left the palace, Katrina, the Second Imperial Princess, remained unmarried and held a prominent position in the palace.
To Helena, Jeon was a potential connection to Katrina.
"Then, will you come with me?"
With that, Helena gently tugged Jeon's hand toward her.
But unlike the positive vibe just moments ago, Jeon firmly resisted her pull.
"Uh, that might be a bit tough."
"Pardon?"
"I'm Lena's attendant. I can't leave her side."
"What do you mean...? Didn't you just ask me to teach you?"
Helena furrowed her brow slightly at Jeon, who had veered off course after things were going smoothly.
Yet even seeing that, Jeon just wore a shameless expression.
"You said there are plenty of ways to teach me, right? So, couldn't you teach me while I'm with Lena?"
"Hah."
A shameless attitude from a shameless face.
Witnessing it, Helena couldn't help but let out a dry laugh.
'He's bold.'
Or perhaps he had no idea who she was.
Either way, it felt refreshingly new to her.
No one in the current capital's social circles treated her like this.
"Alright, then. Lady Lena?"
"Yes."
"May we join you at this party?"
So, Helena decided to accommodate Jeon's request.
She had declared she would follow Lena anyway, and sought permission in the process.
"Yes, of course."
"Thank you for allowing it."
Lena pondered for a moment but permitted Helena to accompany her.
'Jeon must have something in mind.'
Truthfully, Lena wondered if it was safe to travel with Helena, who was considered a risk in this situation. But since it was Jeon's intention, she decided to go along with it.
And as a result...
The most unusual trio was formed for this party.
Lena and Jeon, who had made a splashy debut in imperial high society, were now joined by Helena, who was always a topic of conversation due to her mysterious aura.
"Wow... what kind of combination is that?"
"First time seeing them today, from the Princess to Lady Helena... who is that guy?"
"Whatever, that guy's life just peaked."
Aside from the party's host, Katrina, they became the center of attention.
"Excellent, simply excellent."
The benefits extended to Dillingham, who stood beside them.
A notorious attention-seeker in high society, he was thrilled just to be noticed by so many, whether he was the main focus or not.
"Jeon, thank you."
"Huh? For what?"
"You know."
Dillingham even subtly thanked Jeon, who had essentially orchestrated Helena's companionship.
How long did their companionship with Helena last?
While simply walking around and accepting greetings from those around them, Helena suddenly asked Jeon,
"How does it feel? Your first time getting this much attention—doesn't it feel good?"
"Hmm. Not really."
Honestly, Jeon felt little excitement from the situation.
He wasn't one to enjoy parties in the first place.
And this level of attention wasn't just moderate—it was overwhelmingly burdensome.
"Surprising. With your looks, I figured you'd love this."
"My... looks?"
"You're handsome, aren't you? And well-dressed too... At first, I thought you were doing it on purpose to draw eyes."
What kind of nonsense is this?
Jeon shot her a sour look as she spoke with a playful smile.
"You're joking, right?"
"Oh, I was serious."
Seeing Jeon's horrified expression at her sincerity, Helena covered her mouth and laughed delightedly.
"But really, no interest in this at all?"
"Yes."
"The heart of the empire, swarmed with attention from royals and nobles?"
"Yes. No interest."
"Surprising. I thought you wanted lessons because you cared about fitting in."
"Wanting to do well doesn't always mean you're interested."
Helena nodded as if she understood.
"Fair enough. That's how it started for me too."
"Started?"
"Yes. I got into this out of necessity, and it snowballed."
Seeing Jeon's indifference to the attention reminded Helena of her younger self.
She had entered this world out of need as well.
'What is she on about?'
But to Jeon, Helena's sudden sentimentality just made her seem like someone wallowing in nostalgia alone.
Unlike her, who was imagining some connection, Jeon's sole goal was to extract information from her.
"So, how did you get into this world, Lady Helena?"
"Hehe, curious?"
"Yes, quite."
"Hmm, not something to share in public..."
Trailing off as if conflicted after Jeon's direct question, Helena leaned in close to his ear.
"After the first part ends, meet me at exit 10. Alone, of course."
Princess Katrina's birthday party was divided into two main parts.
The first part involved entry, Katrina's appearance, and guests mingling with laughter and chatter. After a short break, the second part was the ballroom dance.
A break existed between them.
As it was break time, even an attendant like Jeon could step out briefly.
'Meet alone during the break?'
In other words, Helena was signaling she wanted to see him privately in that gap.
As she pulled away after whispering, Jeon lightly grabbed her.
"...?"
Helena looked momentarily flustered, and Jeon whispered back into her ear.
"Sounds good, but let's meet at exit 7 instead—I'm more familiar with it. And come alone."
"...Alright, sure."
With that brief exchange of whispers, the two didn't converse again until the first part ended.
"Hoo, I nearly died of exhaustion."
Posture was fundamental in noble etiquette.
While Jeon had simply kept his back straight, Lena—tensing her entire body—ended up far more drained than him.
"That's why there's a break."
"Obviously. Without one, half the guests would collapse by the end."
As the break arrived, just as Lena said, the royals and nobles hastily moved to rest.
Most found seats and surrounded themselves with attendants, while those with more leeway used temporary lounges.
Lena fell into the latter category, thanks to Dillingham securing a private spot in advance.
She sprawled out without worrying about prying eyes.
"Rest up then. I've got somewhere to go."
"Huh?"
But as soon as she sat, Jeon announced he was leaving.
Startled by the sudden declaration, Lena shot back up.
"Why? Where?"
"Got some people to see."
"Who?"
"Uh... you know."
"What do you mean, 'you know'?"
"Just... stuff."
Lena pressed him on his vague response, but Jeon wouldn't specify who.
'She'd get mad if she knew.'
He didn't want to walk into that obvious future.
Shamelessly insisting he had to go, Lena pouted but relented and sat back down.
"Fine, be careful. You'll be back before break ends, right?"
"Of course."
"Okay."
"See you soon."
Having secured her permission, Jeon headed out immediately.
"Hey? Where's that guy going?"
"The one from earlier? The one the Princess approached..."
"Even during break, guy's busy."
Still the center of buzz, eyes followed Jeon as he moved alone, but no one approached.
Break time meant preparing for the dance—changing outfits amid the chaos—not to mention Jeon's hurried pace.
Fewer people lingered near the exits anyway.
By exit 7, it was nearly deserted.
As he paced there briefly,
"You really came alone?"
Helena's voice came from the direction he'd walked.
"You did too."
She approached exit 7 unaccompanied, attendants nowhere in sight.
'I'd love to take her down right now, but...'
From observing her earlier, Jeon gauged Helena's level as low.
She had mana, so some training in magic or similar, but at best 2nd Circle.
Jeon could overpower her easily if he wanted, but he couldn't act rashly.
'She's got backing or some trump card.'
Otherwise, she wouldn't venture out alone or rise this high.
"I've noticed since earlier—you're awfully bold."
"Me?"
"Yes. We barely know each other's names and faces, yet you come just because I suggested a private meet?"
Contrary to Jeon's thoughts, Helena scolded him as if he were the careless one.
Absurd from his view, Jeon replied indifferently.
"That goes for you too, doesn't it?"
"Oh? Me? Were you worried about me?"
"Not worried, but... this situation doesn't look like one where I should make a move."
"Ahaha, haha, ahahaha!"
Helena stared in disbelief at his retort, then burst into laughter.
She laughed until tears welled, then gazed at him with genuine intrigue.
"Really... it's been ages since I met someone like you."
"Is that so?"
Of course, her antics didn't impress Jeon favorably.
Calling him out just to laugh hysterically alone? It bordered on rude.
But that impression didn't last.
"Yes. So... want to be mine?"
Her follow-up words shattered it completely.