How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 671: Frozen North 3

The Lumen Commerce Association Ball.

A lavish social festival where the titans of industry and the upper crust of the nobility gathered amidst shimmering lights and opulent decorations.

This gala was designed for more than just pleasure; it served as a theater for business. It was a place where contracts were finalized over quiet smiles, where power shifted with the toast of crystal flutes, and where various factions tied to the Lumen Academy’s finances ensured their interests remained tightly knit.

Broadly speaking, it was a sophisticated tapestry of networking, bargaining, and pact-making.

Riley recognized this setting.

In the game, this celebration was merely a minor occurrence—a side quest tied to a specific route for Clara.

It was a detail easily missed if a player didn’t focus on her narrative.

Furthermore, it wasn't even supposed to happen at this point in time.

According to his knowledge of the plot, the ball was scheduled for after Liyana joined the academy, a time when the political and commercial worlds surrounding Lumen began to clash and destabilize.

And yet—

He was standing right here.

"The scale of this place is incredible..."

Riley’s soft whisper escaped as he scanned the massive hall.

"Fufu, it's quite a shock, isn't it?" Snow remarked from his side, her tone laced with a playful edge.

"Particularly for a location hidden so deep within the academy's business sector."

"It is," Riley said, nodding.

Simply reaching the venue had been an ordeal.

The concealed manor was nearly nonsensical in its grandeur—a property that rivaled the estates of high nobles, obscured by layers of security and illusion magic.

But the interior was even more extravagant.

High, arched ceilings loomed above, while chandeliers made of enchanted crystal flooded the hall with a warm, dancing glow. Every detail—from the gold-etched pillars to the shimmering marble floors—screamed of wealth and status.

The air was thick with the low drone of chatter, punctuated by light laughter, the melodic strains of a live orchestra, and the rhythmic clink of glassware.

Guild leaders, merchants, financiers, and nobles glided through the room with practiced grace, their expressions polite but their gazes sharp.

Of course, it didn't quite reach the level of the Imperial Palace or the Grand Duke’s manor.

Those locations were constructed not just for beauty, but to intimidate and remind visitors of the absolute authority reigning over them.

Still... Riley had to admit it.

The pure luxury on display was impressive.

Even the atmosphere was scented with aged wine and costly incense.

One look was enough to realize that the owner of this establishment wasn't just rich—they were obscenely so.

"The cost of this must have been astronomical..." Riley muttered under his breath.

Clara was likely present at this ball as well.

He fully anticipated seeing her.

Gatherings like this were her natural habitat—arenas where social standing outweighed raw power and where a few strategic words could manipulate entire markets.

However, the memory that this scenario was also linked to Lucas caused a slight feeling of dread to stir in his gut.

Usually, he could have located her instantly.

A quick pulse of mana sense would have done the trick.

But in this venue, the use of mana was strictly prohibited—no scanning, no probing, and no accidental leaks of energy.

Even using divine perception was out of the question.

To be honest... he preferred it that way.

The less he used his divinity in the mundane world, the better.

"Hmmm~"

Snow’s soft, lingering voice snapped him out of his internal monologue.

"What is it?" Riley asked, turning toward her.

"Nothing," she replied airily, though her voice held a trace of pouting. "I'm just slightly let down by your reaction. I expected you to be more dazzled—especially given the high-tier magical arrays layered throughout this entire facility."

Riley tilted his head.

The truth was, he had seen this location countless times—albeit as a high-resolution background on a monitor.

No matter how realistic the game had been, it couldn't compete with the physical experience.

But he couldn't exactly tell that to Snow.

"Well..." he began, picking his words with care, "compared to the Imperial Palace, this place feels a little... modest."

Snow blinked in surprise before letting out a soft laugh.

"Is that so?" she said. "That's fair, I suppose. The palace is the heart of the empire, after all. It’s only natural for it to be more grand."

She clasped her hands behind her back as they strolled, her face calm—yet there was a flicker of subtle pride, the kind only someone born into royalty could possess.

Still, as Snow surveyed the hall once more, even she had to acknowledge the truth—

For a place built purely for trade and networking, this was far from ordinary.

Snow was aware that the economy surrounding the academy was growing at a record pace.

Frankly, it was startling.

Given the rumors and scandals the academy had recently endured, one would assume investors would be wary.

But the opposite was true.

Those who could smell money didn't care about drama—they cared about profit.

And currently, Lumen Academy was a gold mine.

Snow dismissed the thought as she looked at Riley.

She was still a bit annoyed by his previous comment, but she didn't nag him about it.

Instead, she kept walking at a steady pace, staying in step with him.

At the moment, they were the only ones moving through one of the mansion's side corridors.

Most of the attendees were already gathered in the main hall, and the music grew louder with every step they took.

They were almost there.

"So," Snow said, breaking the quiet, "you just want me to stay by your side and follow your lead, right?"

Riley nodded instantly. "Yes. Just act as my gracious and affectionate escort. Don't worry—I'll handle everything else."

Snow arched an eyebrow, looking amused.

Being invited to such events was nothing new for her.

As the Student Council President of Lumen Academy, she already wielded immense political power within the school.

Furthermore, she was the Crown Princess of the Germonia Empire—the academy's primary benefactor and most potent supporter.

Attention followed her wherever she went.

Her presence alone could sway decisions.

Even though the academy sat at the center of the continent—bordering several great powers—it still largely adhered to the etiquette and traditions of the Germonia Empire.

Because of that, Snow was the center of gravity in any room.

And tonight would follow that pattern.

Under normal circumstances, Snow could navigate a party like this effortlessly.

Dealing with noble politics and business negotiations was part of her nature.

But the timing was too perfect to pass up—and more importantly, she had someone with her who was perfect for the upcoming task.

Riley.

For their future objectives, having him at her side wasn't just helpful—it was the best possible strategy.

Snow slowed her pace and looked at him.

Even though she saw him every day, she couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked tonight.

The black suit with subtle gold accents fit him perfectly, radiating a quiet sense of command that required no words.

"Just so you know," she said softly, "Count Roverick Astadil is attending this ball."

Riley looked at her, listening closely.

"Since we plan to travel north soon, it would be wise to meet him. He is the practical ruler of that territory."

"Ruler?" Riley asked, surprised. "I thought the northern lands were unclaimed by any nation."

"On paper, yes," Snow explained. "But in reality, the north borders so much of the empire that it's effectively under our control. Count Roverick is the lord stationed at the frontier."

She paused for a second.

"I've heard the Grand Duke has also started moving to fortify the area, especially with the monster waves coming from the north. Still, the Count and his troops are the actual frontline—the first defense."

"I understand..." Riley whispered.

Snow’s eyes grew intense.

"If we are going to operate there, we need the gatekeeper of the north to at least know who we are."

Snow continued,

"I met him once when I was a child. I know how... blunt he can be. Don't be shocked if he speaks to me more casually than you'd expect."

Riley nodded. "That makes sense. I've heard northerners don't care much for the central empire's social games. That personality fits the environment."

A small smile touched Snow’s lips.

She reached out, linking her arm with Riley’s and pulling him close.

Her shoulder brushed his as she leaned in naturally, as if they always stood this way.

Together, they moved forward as the doors to the grand hall slowly swung open, revealing a brilliant light.

"This feels like déjà vu," Snow whispered. "Just like the last ball. I hope tonight isn't full of too many shocks..."

Riley chuckled. "Somehow, I doubt things will stay peaceful for long."

"Fufu~ I wish I could surprise you even more," Snow replied, her voice dropping to a low tone. One hand left his arm to rest gently against her stomach, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But that will have to wait. You'll need to show me a bit more effort—and patience—for now."

Riley laughed nervously, looking away as he understood her implication.

The look in her eyes was becoming very familiar.

He didn't dislike what she was suggesting—quite the opposite.

But there were boundaries he couldn't cross in public.

Not yet. Not with dangers lurking and too many variables in play.

"By the way... are you sure the others were okay with just the two of us coming?" Riley asked quietly. "I didn't get a chance to speak with them earlier—"

Usually, he would have informed Alice, Rose, and Seo personally.

Not because he was required to, but because it prevented drama.

Less confusion.

Less tension.

Snow didn't miss a beat.

"It's fine," she said smoothly. "I already told them. They agreed today would be a special privilege for me."

She smiled warmly.

"Though..." she added with a smirk, "you'll have to compensate them later. Give them their own special privileges in the future."

Riley felt a strange sensation in his chest.

It wasn't a warning of danger.

It wasn't malice.

Just... a feeling that something was slightly off.

His divinity hinted that there were half-truths hidden in her words.

But he pushed the feeling aside.

Snow had never given him a reason to doubt her.

And right now, he chose to believe her over his own intuition.

"Well... if you say so," he replied.

They say a girl in love is blind to the world.

But a man in love?

He simply chooses to look the other way.

The moment they stepped into the hall, the atmosphere shifted instantly.

Heads turned. Conversations died down.

Smiles became sharper.

To the predators of the business world, wealth and opportunity had just walked through the door—hand in hand.

.....

Meanwhile, at Riley's dormitory...

"That greedy white cat...!"

Rose’s voice rang out as she crumpled the letter, the paper groaning under her grip.

"Rose," Alice said calmly, not looking up. "Watch your mouth."

Rose clicked her tongue and glared at Alice—but the look was ignored.

Alice was lounging on Riley’s bed, her legs crossed as she brushed her long pink hair with a silver comb.

She looked relaxed, almost indifferent, as if the situation didn't bother her at all.

Seo was the same.

She sat at a small table, quietly eating a thick steak that Riley's maid, Yui, had cooked earlier.

Her posture was easy, her movements slow, as if she would finish her meal even if the world ended.

Neither of them seemed angry.

And yet—they had both read the note.

The message was simple. Annoyingly simple.

[Riley and I will be out for the night. Don't wait up. - Snow]

Rose shook with irritation, squeezing the ruined paper tighter.

"She's obviously taking advantage of us," Rose growled.

Alice finally looked at her, her eyes full of amusement.

"Fufu... do you really believe that?"

Rose hesitated.

"...Well," she muttered, "not really."

Alice smiled, satisfied.

"Then there's no issue, right?" she said. "She even promised that Riley would make it up to us. Let's just give her this one night alone with him."

She went back to her hair, seemingly unbothered.

"However," Alice added after a moment, her voice tinged with curiosity, "I am a little curious about what they're doing right now..."

Rose went stiff.

Seo finished her bite of steak and nodded.

"Mm. Me too."

Alice trusted Riley.

She trusted Snow as well.

There was no question about that.

But trust didn't stop curiosity.

And it certainly didn't stop jealousy.

"I don't mind her having time with Riley once in a while..." Rose muttered, crossing her arms. "I do that in secret too..."

"In secret?" Alice’s eyebrows shot up, her hand stopping.

"O-Only sometimes!" Rose squeaked, her face turning red. "But still... it's frustrating."

"Why?" Alice asked, genuinely interested.

Rose puffed out her cheeks and looked away, embarrassed but unable to stay quiet.

"It's obvious what she wants if she has him all to herself for a whole night, right?"

Alice paused, her own face heating up as the thought took hold.

"T-There is a chance it could lead to that," she admitted softly. "But we don't know for sure..."

"But the chance isn't zero," Rose argued. "And you know Riley. If he's given an opening, he'll happily take it. That's why it's so annoying..."

She clenched her fists.

"I wanted the two of us to at least... get impregnated together. At the same time."

Her words were blunt, fueled by frustration and a shy blush.

"Oh..."

That was all Alice could say.

She wasn't sure if Rose was being cute, bold, or dangerous—but she was definitely being honest.

Meanwhile, Seo, who had been listening in silence, tilted her head.

"...Impregnated?"

The word felt both familiar and strange to her.

She knew it involved love and creating life—but the specifics were blurry, like a story she had only heard in pieces.

Her eyes drifted to Alice’s stomach.

It was slightly rounded beneath her sheer nightgown, and Alice’s hand rested there naturally, full of warmth.

There was a softness to her, a quiet love that didn't need words.

Seo’s chest felt a little tight.

Her grandfather—the clan head—had always said such things should only happen after a real bond and sacred vows.

And yet...

Watching Alice and feeling the calm in the room, a small part of Seo wondered what it would be like to feel that gentleness for herself one day.