How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 670: Frozen North 2

Riley paid no mind to Snow’s blatant teasing, instead picking up a document from the neat pile on his desk to skim its contents.

"Is the principal planning to extend the event again?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of exhaustion.

"That is the intention," Snow replied. "The Continental Grand Festival has already exceeded its usual duration, but it appears the principal wants to extract a few more gold coins while the foreign investors are still caught up in the fervor. There are even discussions regarding live broadcasts of the matches via long-range communication orbs in the future... though the logistics for that would be immense."

Riley hummed thoughtfully. "It’s not exactly a bad idea."

The potential value was obvious, even to him.

It wasn't every day that one could witness geniuses of this caliber clashing.

To the people across the continent, it would become a premier sport—academies representing their nations, students bearing the weight of national pride, and rivalries sparking naturally.

In his former world, such events commanded staggering amounts of capital and attention.

This situation was no different.

If anything, the festival had evolved into a massive opportunity for investment.

Anyone with a keen sense for profit could already catch the scent of gold lingering in the air.

"I suppose Principal Leilah is more business-minded than people give her credit for," Riley remarked.

"Fufu~ I believe she’s simply doing everything in her power to ensure the academy’s future," Snow said softly. "However, considering how much work she has been taking on lately, some of the staff are concerned she might be preparing for retirement."

Riley looked up. "Retire?"

Snow shook her head. "I doubt she could, even if she wished to. That woman has no idea how to stop working."

Riley let out a small laugh. "Even if she did step down, I don’t think there is anyone truly capable of replacing her."

"Surprisingly, there are a few individuals who could take the principal’s seat," Snow answered with composure.

"Is that so..."

"Yes. And truthfully, even if this extension seems unnecessary on the surface, it has been quite beneficial for the competing students." She paused, casting a knowing look his way. "You were hoping for some rest as well, weren’t you?"

"Well... not exactly."

"Fufu~ Are you saying you didn’t want to spend some alone time with us girls?"

"I didn’t mean it like that," Riley replied hastily. "Let’s just say I wanted this event wrapped up sooner."

Snow tilted her head slightly. "Does that have anything to do with what you asked me last time?"

"...Yes."

"The northern peaks of the continent aren’t exactly a place just anyone can enter," she noted, her voice growing grave. "And the fact that you want me to accompany you suggests something significant is occurring there, doesn't it?"

"Did the Emperor not inform you of the situation in the north?"

"He did," Snow nodded. "His Majesty mentioned the appearance of a dungeon and relentless monster waves striking the nearby villages. But I suspect that isn’t the only reason you are bringing me along." Her eyes narrowed. "Did you have another weaver’s dream?"

"You could say that."

Snow did not hesitate. A gentle smile touched her lips.

"Then I’ll gladly come with you."

Riley was grateful for the unwavering trust Snow placed in him.

Yet, a faint sense of guilt stirred in his chest.

The task he was about to ask of her would be far from easy.

Regardless of her strength, sending a loved one into danger—willingly—never felt right to him.

Even if he intended to be there the moment things went south.

"But now that we’re on the topic," Snow said, tilting her head, "what exactly are we going to do in the north?"

"We’re going to clear the dungeon there," Riley replied.

She blinked. "We?"

He corrected himself instantly. "To be precise... you’re going to clear it."

"...Me?"

"Yes."

Snow watched him for a beat. "Why?"

Riley met her gaze directly. "I saw it in my dream. There is something there intended for you, Snow." His voice grew gentle. "It will be dangerous. That is why, if anything happens, do not hesitate to call for me. I will be at your side immediately."

Snow was visibly taken aback.

An S-rank dungeon—perhaps even an SSS-rank—was not something to be trifled with.

Usually, Riley handled such matters personally and quietly, without involving others.

But this time was different.

This was the first time Riley had openly requested her to step into a situation he would normally face alone.

Strangely, the trust he showed her only deepened her own trust in him.

And furthermore...

She could feel it—something stirring deep within her frozen heart.

A pull.

A call was reaching out to her from the north.

She couldn't explain it or fully grasp it, but the sensation was undeniable, as if her soul itself was being pulled toward that land of blizzards and ice.

Her mind flashed back to the moment she defeated the demon-possessed elf.

That fleeting, odd sensation she felt then—like something inside her had awakened.

The north held the answers.

She didn't know what they were yet, but she knew one thing with certainty.

That was where she had to go.

"By the way Riley your free tonight right?"

"Yes, why?"

"Then you wouldn’t mind accompanying me to this party right?"

"Party?"

Riley tilted his head, eyeing the elegant golden paper held in Snow’s hand.

.....

"Wow... this place is incredible."

Janica’s voice was a soft whisper of awe that echoed through the hall.

Her eyes shone as she spun slowly, taking in the surroundings.

Lucas and Kagami were in a similar state—both stood rooted to the spot, clearly intimidated.

Above them, a massive chandelier hung, its crystal droplets catching the light and showering the hall like falling stars.

The floor was polished to such a high sheen that it reflected their faces, and the grand staircase ahead rose elegantly with rails carved from rare marble.

Everywhere they looked, wealth and status were on loud display.

A grand banquet hall stretched out before them.

Figures of influence in the business world were gathered in small clusters, conversing with practiced smiles.

Round tables were laden with gourmet dishes and artistic desserts, while wine and rare spirits stood ready for important guests.

"...Uhm," Kagami muttered, scratching his head. "Clara, are you certain it was a good idea to invite us?"

No matter how he looked at it, he felt entirely out of place. Beside him, Lucas nodded, sharing the sentiment.

Even Janica, for all her excitement, stood out among the sophisticated crowd.

Clara, standing composed beside them, tilted her head. Her neutral expression softened as she hid a smile behind her fan.

"My, why wouldn’t it be?" she answered smoothly. "You are all perfectly worthy of this invitation~ Trust me."

"But you mentioned this party brings together the most influential people, right?" Lucas asked in a low voice. "Then... why exactly are we here?"

His worry mirrored Kagami’s. While Janica was eager to socialize, Lucas could feel the eyes—subtle glances filled with curiosity and quiet judgment—drifting their way. They didn't exactly blend in.

Clara’s fan closed with a soft click as she gazed ahead, her eyes calm and certain.

"Because," Clara said, snapping her fan shut, "this world will be whispering your names sooner or later. Believe me—it is better to get used to it now than to learn the hard way."

She looked at the three of them with a steady gaze.

"And besides," she added lightly, "didn’t you ask me to do something fun while the academy was on break? Just yesterday, in fact. Don’t worry, it only feels overwhelming at first. You three possess far more prestige and reputation than you realize. Once you step forward, people will swarm you like flies, eager for your attention."

Lucas frowned. "But... we don’t really need that much attention."

"Fufu~ you might say that now, dear Lucas," Clara replied, turning her eyes toward him, "but connections like these are vital. Especially if you intend to become a knight one day. Some very powerful houses are present tonight—houses you might serve in the future."

She paused, then teased, "Unless you’ve already been secretly scouted~?"

Lucas stiffened.

"N-No, I haven’t."

Though he secretly wished to serve a very specific person, the idea of serving a household hadn't crossed his mind much lately, as he assumed his future was already tied to THAT family...

Yet, he also had to balance his ambitions with reality, knowing there was a chance that person might not accept him.

"Then everything is perfect, isn’t it? And trust me, you’ll enjoy this more than you think~" Clara smiled.

She shifted her focus to Kagami.

"And for you as well. If you wish to elevate your household’s honor and ensure your dojo back home is known beyond its region, then building connections is unavoidable."

She gestured discreetly toward a group in the far right corner.

"See that man—Lueve Salien. He is famous for spreading reliable information and stories that endure. If you leave a positive impression, he could be a significant asset to you later."

Kagami followed her gaze, swallowing hard.

Clara opened her fan again, concealing a knowing grin.

"Tonight isn’t merely a party," she whispered. "It is your first step into a much larger world."

"Even if you say that..." Kagami scratched his head, unconvinced. He seriously doubted someone that influential would care about a small dojo from his clan.

"Don’t worry," Clara said smoothly, stepping closer to him. "I’ll stay with you and help. My words still carry weight in this world—you can consider that a guarantee."

She then looked at Lucas and Janica.

"As for you two..." she smiled faintly, "...you’ll stand out no matter what you do. So just be yourselves and greet everyone."

The two traded uneasy glances.

Seeing their reactions, Clara laughed. "Or," she added, "you can ignore everyone and just have fun. The dance floor is open, the music is wonderful, and the food is superb. Eat, relax, and enjoy. Trust me—you won’t regret it. Now then, go on~"

As soon as she finished, an invisible force gently but firmly nudged Janica and Lucas forward.

"W-Wait—!" Lucas tried to resist, but his feet moved on their own, leading him straight into the center of the grand hall.

"Sigh... looks like we’re going to have to—"

"My, aren’t you Lucas? That Lucas?"

"Oh? If it isn’t the most promising knight prospect in decades."

"Kid, have you thought about joining a knight order recently?"

"No, no, the Adventurer’s Guild would suit your talents far better. I heard you’ve cleared S-rank dungeons already, is that true?"

"Has anyone sponsored you yet? If not, how about joining the Silva Company—"

Before Lucas could even process the situation, he was swarmed from all sides.

He glanced sideways—Janica was already gone, completely lost in the crowd.

"J-Janica...?"

Surrounded by eager faces and a barrage of questions, Lucas could only manage a stiff, nervous grin as the voices closed in.

’I should’ve just stuck to training......’