How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 674: Frozen North 6

"It wrapped up quicker than I thought..."

"Hehe, didn't I say I'd handle it for you~?"

A faint sigh escaped Riley's lips as he strolled next to her, moving away from the balcony.

"Sure, that's fine, but didn't we ought to hear what he thought about it? You caught his expression, didn't you? That elderly fellow might not catch any rest tonight."

Snow gave a gentle laugh, her pace relaxed and steady.

"You could be right. Yet if we'd let him share his worries fully, he'd have done all he could to keep us from heading there ourselves."

From the side of her vision, she peeked at him, a sly grin pulling at her mouth.

"Plus... weren't you hoping to wrap this up fast and smoothly?"

"...You got me there."

"Exactly?" Snow remarked casually. "At times, a firm choice shows more mercy than dragging out talks. Particularly with folks already at their wits' end."

Riley went quiet briefly until a fresh idea popped up.

"Does His Majesty know about your intentions?"

"Most of it, yeah," Snow answered steadily. "No need to fret, though. I'll update him personally after we pick our departure date."

Her voice showed plainly that this wasn't a request for approval—it was her taking charge responsibly.

Heading further into the majestic ballroom, the far-off melody swelled, mixing with chuckles and chatter.

Riley eyed Snow, examining her features with an odd expression.

She proved dependable.

Swift in action.

Steady amid tension.

One of the countless benefits of being the crown princess? he pondered.

"Hmm?" Snow caught his stare and cocked her head. "What's with that look you're giving me?"

"It's nothing," Riley said. "That chat earlier just hit me with a realization."

"Care to share what?"

She inquired, a subtle sulk appearing as she faced him.

Her face plainly conveyed: What have you thought of me before now?

"That you're truly of royal blood," he admitted straightforwardly.

Snow blinked once... then squinted her eyes a touch.

"What do you mean by that?"

Riley couldn't hold back. He let out a hushed chuckle, his mouth curving up.

"Quit giggling,"

Snow commanded, giving his arm a soft nudge with her shoulder.

"Sure, I might come across as more open and close when we're together, but I still aim to fulfill my roles—my poise and stature as a princess, got it. Did I fail to seem like one?"

"You pulled it off,"

Riley answered without effort.

"No need to overthink. I meant it because around me... you're simply Snow. Not the Princess Snow the world beholds."

The statement surprised her.

Snow's stride eased a bit, and a light flush colored her face.

"W-Well..."

She averted her gaze briefly, then murmured softer,

"That part of me belongs only to you."

No playfulness laced her words this round—pure sincerity.

Their brief, secluded exchange concluded as the grand hall's doors swung open ahead.

Elegant, lavish tunes spilled out.

Gilded glows bounced from gleaming surfaces and sparkling chandeliers, and as the pair entered, gazes shifted in their direction.

However, contrary to Riley's anticipation, nobody hurried over.

Folks observed.

They murmured.

They paused.

A handful nodded respectfully from a distance.

Some feigned engrossment in talks while sneaking peeks.

'Approaching Snow isn't a simple feat, huh...'

Riley grasped the reason swiftly.

Even in the academy—supposedly a place where ranks faded—Snow remained the Germonia Empire's crown princess.

The emperor's cherished heir.

A coming leader.

Poised.

Inapproachable.

That unseen burden sufficed to give most second thoughts.

Nevertheless... not all shied away.

A handful of daring souls, experienced traders and hardened aristocrats who'd weathered far tougher strains than uneasy quiet, mustered their nerve and started closing in on her.

With that, Snow started dealing with them.

Meanwhile, Riley stayed close by, silently observing as Snow interacted with those drawing near.

This marked the initial glimpse he'd gotten of her in this light.

Not the teasing Snow or the laid-back one in private—but the attentive listener.

She responded promptly, her steady command drawing folks in to heed her every word.

A regal demeanor... yes, that suited her.

How she steered discussions, noted issues without overcommitting, and deflected absurd demands with a soft grin—it flowed effortlessly from her.

Seemingly too effortlessly.

For an instant, Riley speculated if this explained why she'd invited him tonight.

To witness it.

This skill wasn't picked up in a day.

Snow didn't merely play the part of an upcoming sovereign—she embodied it.

Without noticing, he began noting her speech patterns and how she navigated the throng.

As her intended spouse, such moments would likely turn routine before long.

His eyes wandered across the room.

It held more than just traders and prominent academy commerce players.

Outlanders appeared too—individuals obviously from beyond the empire.

Amid them, he even made out several elven envoys.

That in itself stood out.

Elves typically scorned human trade, viewing it as base and avaricious.

Yet outliers cropped up anywhere, and where gains surged, arrogance often yielded.

Though positioned next to Snow throughout, nobody came straight to Riley.

Her aura at fault?

Or his own standing?

He didn't linger on the question.

Regardless, it suited him fine.

Navigating idle stares and hollow chats had never appealed.

Keeping his survey discreet, Riley pondered the whereabouts of this tale's central female lead.

She ought to have arrived already...

Then he saw Snow fixing her sight on him.

As their stares connected, she offered a tiny, mischievous wink—and prior to his response, she gave him a gentle shove aside.

The motion stayed so understated that those nearby missed it entirely.

Riley tipped his head a fraction.

What's this about?

Snow offered no reply.

She merely faced forward again, resuming her chat as though undisturbed.

This only deepened his bewilderment.

Initially, he'd figured she wanted him along purely to savor the evening jointly.

A serene night, easy exchanges, perhaps tackling a bit on northern affairs incidentally.

But currently.

How she was nudging him toward the group, leaving him solo—even aware of his aversion to such events—pointed to just one intent.

She aims for me to adapt to this.

The notion took root softly.

It added up. Should he join her side down the line, evenings like these would abound.

This went beyond mere festivity—it served as training.

He shot her another look.

Snow beamed warmly in discussion, utterly poised, fully commanding.

Indeed... his hunch seemed spot on.

Riley breathed a hushed sigh and moved back slightly, affording her room.

Certain topics lingered for them—northern strategies, matters solely theirs to hash out, perhaps snagging a private instant in this uncommon vibe.

Yet presently...

Those would need postponing.

..

.

Sigh...

Janica exhaled softly, resting against a pillar along the grand hall's edge.

She cradled a wine glass idly, sipping lightly as her gaze roamed the assembly.

This venue felt enormously vast.

She'd sensed it upon entry, but experiencing it firsthand differed greatly.

The space stretched on forever—gilded illumination, shiny tiles, sounds merging into an ongoing buzz.

She remained somewhat daunted by the opulence even then.

She'd already roamed solo plenty.

More than plenty, really.

It'd help if that fool stuck around...

The idea emerged unbidden, but she shook it off fast.

No. For his benefit, this proved essential.

Glancing over, Janica located Lucas far off.

True to form, he drew a crowd—traders, aristocrats, backers, all chattering at once, vying for his focus.

A faint grin touched her lips.

Hehe... at last, you'll grasp the true reach of your sway.

She'd long managed Lucas's social tangles—picking chats, skipping pests, phrasing replies to avoid slighting key figures.

But eternity wasn't an option.

If Lucas pursued true knightly ways, he'd need to master this independently.

Even if limited to clumsy chit-chat.

Particularly with genuine issues looming ahead.

Janica sipped her wine again, eyeing his floundering with blended mirth and subtle faith.

You'll pull through... even if it dents your ego a bit.

Naturally, should matters tangle badly—or some irksome lady edged too near Lucas—she'd intervene without delay. Zero pause.

But currently, this was his chance to develop.

Since I'm forgoing our time today, make sure you absorb it well...

Janica's look warmed as she observed him remotely.

Truth be told, she'd craved staying by his side this evening, on such a scarce night.

Chances like this rarely arose, and she valued their weight.

Still, future openings awaited.

Provided we catch that last dance.

That remained absolute.

The opening and closing dances held the deepest romantic weight.

All knew it. Whatever transpired midway, she wouldn't yield that.

That said, solo traversal of the hall carried some unease. Janica disliked aimless floating in packed spots like this.

Luckily, the orderly food spreads compensated—desserts especially.

Her eyes lit up upon spying a exquisitely arranged cake portion, stacked with care and adorned in glittering candy blooms.

That seems tempting...

Right as she geared to approach—

"Might you be Lady Janica Mortelina?"

"Eh?"

A soft, refined voice addressed her. Spinning about, she paused momentarily.

The gentleman facing her... captivated.

Golden-blonde locks cascaded in gentle curls to his back, gleaming with each minor shift.

His violet gaze stayed serene yet striking, and the white attire he sported—edged in elaborate gold designs—suited him perfectly, crafted to seize notice.

He offered a courteous smile.

"I think this counts as our initial encounter. Delighted to meet you. I'm Alain Etrama Zelova—the second prince of the Zelova Kingdom."

"...A prince?"

Janica's eyes widened, real astonishment coloring her tone.

Prince Alain's grin broadened a smidge at her response.

"Indeed. If it's not an imposition..." he went on fluidly, his manner polite and even, "...could I claim a bit of your time? Preferably in private."