How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 663: Light 4

"Rose?"

"Yes?"

"I've noticed you’ve been heading out quite frequently lately," Riley remarked casually. "Is there something going on?"

"No, nothing at all."

Her response came a bit too fast.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I just had a few personal curiosities I wanted to look into alone for a bit..." She stole a glance at him before offering a gentle smile. "Does it trouble you? Fufu—if it does, I could simply stay by your side twenty-four hours a day instead."

"Haha, not at all."

Riley gave a light shake of his head.

"Although that isn't a bad offer," he added with a hint of a joke. "I was merely a bit concerned. But if it’s truly nothing, then it’s fine. Regardless... don’t be afraid to talk to me if something happens. I’m here. We all are."

"Fufu... I’m aware."

Rose stepped ahead, her gait light and her expression serene—almost teasing.

She remained close to his side, humming softly as if she didn't have a single care in the world.

Riley watched her in silence.

To any bystander, she appeared perfectly normal. Relaxed. Collected.

But he could sense it.

Rose was keeping a secret.

Beneath his characteristically indifferent gaze, a faint worry persisted.

He already suspected what the source of the trouble might be.

Her family—specifically, her father.

In the original game, that man served as the final boss of her specific route.

Even though Rose’s character development had always been erratic, the majority of her significant events eventually led back to him.

The fact that she was intentionally avoiding the subject suggested that something was already in motion.

Either Raymond had initiated a move...

Or Rose had.

Whatever the case, Riley made a decision for the time being.

If she didn't want his interference, he wouldn't force his way into her private affairs.

...At least, as long as the situation remained within acceptable bounds.

Riley thought back to the type of man Raymond was.

On the surface, the duke appeared quiet and reserved—a man who preferred acting as a hidden puppet master from the shadows.

But Riley knew the truth.

The obsession he harbored for his "star," Rose, was the type of madness that could never stay suppressed forever. Eventually, it would reach a breaking point.

And when that happened, Raymond wouldn't stay in the background.

He would transform into a direct antagonist to be confronted.

Should I have accepted that meeting last time...?

The thought haunted him.

Riley recalled the formal invitation Duke Raymond had previously sent his way.

At the time, he had dismissed it as trivial.

Mere political chatter.

A waste of energy.

Back then, avoiding the encounter felt like the correct path.

Now, he felt a twinge of doubt.

Had he gone, he might have gained insight into Raymond’s current state—his mental health and his true goals.

Instead, Riley was left with nothing but fading memories and theories based on the original game's plot.

Raymond wasn't exceptionally powerful. Not when compared to the obstacles Rose had already conquered.

If it came to a confrontation, she was capable of handling him herself.

It was a winnable fight—regardless of how it unfolded.

But victory didn't guarantee a lack of pain.

No matter the scale of his sins or how twisted his behavior was, one reality remained.

Raymond was still her father.

And that fact alone was enough to inflict deep, lasting scars.

Riley exhaled a soft breath.

Usually, he wouldn't be this anxious.

However, this world was no longer strictly following the narrative he remembered.

Too many variables had shifted—especially Rose. Her development, her decisions, her feelings... everything had changed because of his presence.

And then there was the matter of Dorothy.

That thought caused his expression to darken.

Riley was certain that Rose had already discovered the truth regarding Dorothy’s identity.

That revelation alone would make her next meeting with her father far more perilous—and volatile.

If Raymond acted now...

There was no telling how Rose might react.

"By the way... did something happen between those two?"

Rose’s inquiry snapped Riley out of his contemplation.

She was gesturing toward the front, where Snow and Seo were walking together.

They were conversing, but the vibe between them was strained—awkward in a manner that didn't match their usual closeness.

"Well... something did happen," Riley admitted.

After a brief pause, he decided there was no reason to hide the truth. As they walked, he detailed the incident between Snow and Seo. Roughly five minutes later—

"So, Snow is an idiot."

Rose stated it bluntly.

"Haha... I wouldn’t go that far," Riley said, scratching the back of his neck.

"No, she is," Rose insisted without a second thought. "How could she do that to the innocent Black Rat— I mean, Seo."

Riley gave an awkward grin. "Yeah... I suppose her actions were a bit extreme. But she’s full of regret and is already learning her lesson. It might take some time, but I'm sure they'll reconcile soon."

Rose knit her brows slightly. "Even I wouldn't demand Seo do something like that, or push her into such a choice. What was Snow even trying to achieve?"

"She mentioned wanting to test a new spell she developed."

Riley stopped there.

He sensed there was more to the story, but Snow hadn't provided further details.

Explaining incomplete reasons would only make things more confusing, so he left it at that.

"Hm..." Rose hummed softly. "Well, as long as they are being honest with one another, it should turn out fine."

Riley nodded in agreement.

The group moved forward, and soon the academy colosseum came into view.

It was already afternoon, but the fervor surrounding the Grand Continental Festival showed no signs of fading.

It had been this way for three consecutive days.

Shouts, cheers, and waves of excitement resonated from within the colosseum, spilling out into the surrounding grounds.

Even from a distance, the density of the crowd was apparent, with students and guests huddled together, captivated by the energy.

The festival was at its peak—and the momentum wasn't slowing down.

Today was the day of Rose’s fourth match.

Judging by the tension in the air, nearly everyone present was anticipating it.

The moment their group entered the academy colosseum, a noticeable shift occurred in the crowd.

Whispers erupted, heads turned, and eyes trailed them wherever they moved.

Even those attempting to remain stoic couldn't fully mask their thrill.

After all, it wasn't a common sight to see so many famous individuals gathered together.

Geniuses. Prodigies. Monsters in human skin.

And at the heart of it all stood Rose.

Some looks were full of respect, others with wonder, and a few with jealousy.

Quite a few male students directed annoyed glares toward Riley specifically—clearly bitter that someone like him was casually accompanied by so many remarkable girls.

"So your opponent is Stacia, huh..."

Seo’s soft voice cut through the ambient noise.

"Yes," Rose answered calmly.

"I see..."

Rose tilted her head. "Hmm? Is there an issue with that junior?"

"No." Seo shook her head. "I just thought it was a pity I didn’t get to face her myself. The tournament pairings are too erratic."

"Did you want to fight her?"

"...A little bit."

Rose paused for a fraction of a second, then spoke with a flat tone.

"Then should I try to lose?"

Seo immediately shook her head. "No need. If things progress, we’ll face each other soon anyway. I think that would be more entertaining."

Walking beside them, Riley couldn't help but smile slightly.

Even they were curious.

Curious about their current standing.

About the extent of the strength they had gained.

He looked up at one of the massive floating screens above the arena.

Compared to the others, this display had been enlarged to reflect the hype surrounding the upcoming bout.

[Rose vs Stacia]

Their portraits were displayed side by side.

Riley’s gaze lingered on Stacia’s image.

He thought back to his prior talk with Evelyn.

Whatever she had done, it was obvious she played a role in Stacia’s sudden spike in power.

He didn't know the specifics—but he could feel the pressure.

This match wouldn't be over as swiftly as Rose’s previous rounds.

And for the first time in a long while...

Riley felt a genuine interest in how the fight would play out.

"Heeey everyone—sorry I’m late, hehehe!"

A familiar, bubbly voice sounded from behind them.

Before anyone could turn, a red rectangular portal manifested in the air, and Alice stepped through as if she were simply walking through a door.

She straightened her witch hat, her long pink hair flowing over her shoulders as the portal vanished behind her.

"Alice," Riley said, turning around.

"Hello Riley~ hehe. And everyone else too."

Alice scanned the packed colosseum and gave a small sigh.

"It seems I didn’t miss the match after all. The principal was just... far too stubborn."

"Did you conclude your business with her?" Riley inquired.

"Well, we’re still negotiating," Alice answered, rubbing the back of her head. "Same as yesterday. She really wouldn't take no for an answer. But don't worry—we finally reached an agreement."

"And what would that be?" Snow asked.

"I told her I’d consider her offer after graduation," Alice said. "She didn't look pleased, but she accepted it in the end. Honestly, once I mentioned your name, Riley, things went much smoother. Maybe I should have done that from the beginning."

The girls laughed at her remark. Even Seo, who was usually silent, wore a faint smile.

"We’re glad you could make it, Sister Alice," Snow said kindly. "Though if you truly don't want the principal's offer, it might be better to remain neutral. Or perhaps suggest a better replacement. If it really comes down to it, I could speak with her myself."

"Hehe, I appreciate the thought," Alice replied, waving her hand. "But I feel like that would only make things even more complicated. I'll leave it as it is for now."

She then turned to Rose, her face lighting up.

"Do your best as always, Sister—ah... maybe don’t go too far?"

She chuckled awkwardly, clearly recalling the level of destruction a serious Rose could unleash.

The others joined in her laughter, the tension fading as the group returned to casual conversation, their focus slowly shifting back to the arena where the duel was about to commence.