Chapter 8: The Protagonists Take the Stage!
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 8: The Protagonists Take the Stage!
This wasn't the first time Celicia had met Muen. In fact, before this coming-of-age ceremony, the story had already been unfolding at St. Mary's Academy for an entire academic year.
During that year, although they were in different grades and departments, Celicia still frequently heard of the exploits of Muen Campbell.
Naturally, those "exploits" were all misdeeds.
She had also had several personal encounters with Muen Campbell himself. Her conclusions were no different from the rumors: he was a man of wretched character, arrogant and overbearing, utterly unlearned, and even when facing her—the Princess—he remained haughty, looking down his nose at everyone. He was a profligate dandy through and through.
But today, he seemed a bit different?
"Is it just because he’s become more polite?"
After a brief thought, Celicia quickly composed herself.
The only reason Muen garnered even a fraction of her attention was due to his unpleasant status as her fiancé.
Otherwise, there was nothing about him worth wasting her time on.
"Princess Celicia, you seem a bit fatigued from your journey. Why don't you head inside to rest for a while? The banquet won't officially begin until a bit later."
Just as Celicia was looking for an excuse to excuse herself, Muen made the suggestion with elegant poise.
Celicia was momentarily stunned. Her cold gaze couldn't help but sweep over Muen’s face, which looked no different than usual.
Since when did this fellow become so considerate?
She remembered that back at the Academy, Muen had pestered her multiple times, annoying her to no end.
She had expected to be stuck dealing with his harassment for a long time today as well.
"Very well. Thank you for your trouble."
Celicia nodded slightly, then followed the maid Muen had summoned to a specially prepared VIP room to take a short break.
"Phew. Finally gone. That was actually a bit terrifying."
Watching Celicia’s back disappear from sight, Muen finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Without realizing it, his back had become slightly damp with sweat.
"As expected of the original novel's primary heroine; that aura is truly intimidating."
Just standing in front of her felt like being on an ice floe, with an endless chill creeping up from the soles of his feet.
If she was this cold on the outside, he wondered if having a "deep exchange" with her would actually freeze his junk off.
—Muen let his thoughts wander into the gutter for a moment.
But that’s not something I need to worry about anymore. I can look, but I can't actually marry her. I just hope my hand doesn't shake when I'm spiking the drinks tonight.
As Muen’s mind wandered, he suddenly felt the surrounding crowd fall into a state of commotion.
It seemed something else surprising had happened, as many people were whispering among themselves.
"That illegitimate daughter actually showed up..."
"The woman who dueled her former fiancé not long ago?"
"I heard Count Bugard just handed the position of heir over to her."
"Hmph! An illegitimate child and a woman to boot—what right does she have to inherit a Countship?"
"Sigh, who knows what Count Bugard was thinking."
"Shh, the Count is right there. Don't let him hear you."
Hearing these intentionally lowered whispers, Muen’s internal alarms instantly hit maximum.
His palms even began to sweat; he was more nervous now than he had been facing Celicia just moments ago.
There was no other reason than this: only one person could make the surrounding nobles talk like this.
Muen turned his gaze toward the new eye of the storm.
Despite this being an occasion where everyone was dressed in their finest, she wore a simple, plain dress. Her black hair was draped casually over her shoulders. Surrounded by the idle gossip of others, her brow radiated confidence, and the corners of her mouth were curled in a look of disdain.
Her features weren't as flawlessly stunning as Celicia’s, but she was still very easy on the eyes. Aside from the ultimate "flat-chest" that made her front indistinguishable from her back, she was quite the beauty in the making.
But one could not be fooled by her plain appearance among the glamorous noble girls.
Because she was...
"Ariel Bugard."
The true protagonist of the original novel, the ultimate "Soaring Phoenix" who only liked women.
Not long ago, she had defeated the fiancé who had broken off their engagement three years prior in a fair and open duel. She had completed a triple-jump from illegitimate daughter to the Count's primary heir, slapping the faces of her family elders and the gossiping public alike, leaving jaws on the floor everywhere.
One could say that from her birth to her experiences, from her personality to her appearance, she was the perfect template of a "Child of Destiny."
"Yo, Young Master Muen. We meet again. How have you been lately?"
Ariel wore her signature rakish smirk as she walked up to Muen. Although she had to look up at him due to the height difference, there wasn't a hint of the humility others showed in her eyes.
She didn't curtsy or bow; it was as if she were greeting a close friend.
But Muen knew that his relationship with Ariel Bugard was far from "good."
Ariel only spoke this way because she truly didn't care about his status as a Duke's son.
"You insolent brat! How dare you speak to Young Master Muen—"
At a time like this, there was inevitably a lackey of the "evil young master" who would jump out and shout, providing the protagonist with a smooth opportunity to show off.
Sure enough, a noble boy standing near Muen, seemingly trying to curry favor, was already prepared to jump out and teach this "ignorant illegitimate child" a lesson before Muen could even speak.
But Muen pressed him right back down. Are you kidding? How could he let someone keep drawing aggro for him at a time like this?
"I have been doing quite well lately, Miss Ariel Bugard."
Muen maintained a perfect smile and performed an impeccable noble salute toward Ariel.
"I am touched by your concern."
"Ah... you."
Seeing Muen’s polite demeanor, Ariel’s expression shifted as if she had seen a ghost.
What the hell? Since when did this bully of a young master—who mocked her every time he saw her—become so polite?
And he didn't call her a "lowly illegitimate brat"; he called her by her full name!
Her full name!
His brain, which was roughly the size of a walnut, actually remembered her full name!
"Has he seen the light... or is there some kind of scheme?"
Ariel rubbed her fair chin, her gaze circling Muen warily, as if afraid he would drop a cup as a signal for two hundred axemen to rush out and chop her into mincemeat.
Muen, however, ignored Ariel’s suspicious look. Instead, his gaze quickly shifted to the girl behind Ariel, who had arrived with her and looked rather unremarkable.
Big.
Very big.
Like rolling mountain peaks.
That was the first thought that entered Muen’s mind when he looked at the girl.
The girl was the polar opposite of Ariel. Her tight-fitting dress made one worry if the contents might just burst out from the pressure, to the point that one almost overlooked her pure, lovely, and pitiable face.
"Hello, Miss Liya," Muen greeted with a smile.
"Eh? How does Young Master Muen know my name?"
The girl named Liya blinked her eyes cutely, asking in surprise.
"Haha, how could I not know the name of an important guest tonight?"
Muen’s etiquette remained flawless, leaving the girl somewhat flustered.
Of course, Muen wasn't doing this just to be polite. More importantly, it was because of this girl's identity.
Liya Angel, the protagonist's childhood sweetheart.
On the surface, she was just the daughter of an ordinary Baron, her status nothing special.
But in reality, Liya was already one of the candidate Saintesses for the Life Church. She was currently undergoing her "Mortal World Trial," which was why she was hiding her identity and following Ariel.
And since she stood by the protagonist's side, it was no surprise that she would eventually become the true Saintess of the Life Church. The status of a Saintess was far higher than that of an ordinary Duke's son like Muen.
"Muen Campbell, what are you trying to do?"
Ariel stepped in front of Liya, her sharp, oppressive eyes staring intently at Muen.
"I’m warning you, don't you dare have any crooked ideas about Liya!"
"How could I? I was just saying hello."
"Who would believe a word out of your mouth!"
"Well, if you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do."
Muen shrugged helplessly and once again acted as a considerate guide for the two of them.
"The two of you should head inside. It’s cold out here; it wouldn't be good if two beauties like yourselves caught a chill."
"You—"
Ariel’s eyes widened as she stared at Muen for a long while.
Finally, she couldn't help but shiver. She grabbed Liya’s hand and marched inside, not forgetting to spit out a final remark:
"Putting on such airs... how revolting."