How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 646: Rose’s new color

As Rose stepped away from the stage, the thunderous applause began to fade behind her.

A tedious event...

This thought surfaced every time she participated in such spectacles. No matter the brilliance of the techniques or the fervor of the audience, nothing ever managed to stir her heart.

"The victor is Rose Brilliance!"

The proclamation rang out, triggering yet another explosion of cheers. While the spectators seemed to be losing their minds in excitement, Rose’s face remained a mask of indifference.

Her rival—an S-rank upperclassman—was currently being evacuated by the medical team. He had been defeated by a single, precise strike; her light magic had been so swift and lethal that most observers couldn't even process what had happened.

"Good grief—did you catch that?"

"She’s truly a monster... as expected of someone destined to be an archmage."

"Wait, I heard she already surpassed the 7th circle?"

"No, that has to be a fabrication."

"Regardless... I understand now. My cousin warned me this academy houses freaks of nature you can't compare yourself to. I assumed he was being dramatic."

"Who do you think is superior, Rose or Senior Alice?"

The usual clamor.

The same monotonous awe.

The identical remarks she endured at every single tournament.

None of it held any significance to her.

It wasn't that she despised the fame; she had simply grown accustomed to it.

However, her entire surroundings felt... flavorless.

To her golden eyes, the world appeared in a single, flat hue, as if the entire stadium were drenched in a dull monotone despite the radiance of the magical lights.

There was a period in her life when she didn't mind such an existence—tranquil, boring, and entirely predictable.

But at this moment?

She found it unbearable.

Because ever since he appeared...

Ever since that annoying, warm, and recklessly courageous boy entered her world...

The gray had vanished.

He had brushed colors into her life—vibrant ones, gentle ones, frustrating ones, and soothing ones. Every shade was connected to him.

Consequently, even a trivial tournament felt hollow because he wasn't standing in some corner, observing her with that faint, irritating smirk of his.

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Rose navigated the exit tunnel, paying no mind to the lingering whispers.

Riley didn't even show up...

She let out a small, internal grumble.

She logically understood that Riley was likely occupied with other matters, and he had never explicitly promised to attend her duel, but Rose still yearned for him to be nearby.

Just knowing he was there was enough to make her day feel whole.

"He’s probably hanging around that black rat— I mean, Seo, right now."

Her mouth twitched as she corrected her insult halfway through.

Given that Seo and Riley were stationed in the same sector, it was only natural for them to be together at this time.

Even so... it felt somewhat unjust.

Rose hadn't been given a choice regarding her assigned sector, which meant she couldn't compete in the same arena as him.

I’ll concede this bit of luck to her... just this once.

With a sigh, she accepted the situation with the reluctance of someone who wasn't satisfied but understood the reality of things.

Indeed, she craved Riley’s company right this second. She had countless things she wished to discuss with him.

Yet, she recognized that they all—fiancées, sisters, whatever their current status—needed to allow the others some private time with him.

It was an unstated agreement they all followed: a first-come, first-served rule.

And so, she chose to step back for the time being.

For now.

"There is still so much I want to say..." she whispered to herself, sounding almost pouty. Her golden eyes cast downward for a beat before softening with a different realization.

"I wonder how many attempts it will take..."

Her hand moved instinctively to her lower abdomen.

She could still sense Riley’s heat lingering within her—an intimate vestige from their earlier encounter.

The second she touched herself, her mood shifted, her face lighting up with an excited, almost radiant glow.

Resuming her walk, Rose intended to visit Snow’s sector before eventually reuniting with Riley and the rest of the group.

She had her entire path mapped out. But halfway there—

"Young Miss..."

She came to a halt.

That voice was irritatingly familiar.

Turning, she spotted an elderly man in a pristine butler’s uniform offering a polite bow.

"Roberto?"

"It has been a long time, Young Miss."

"Yes... it has."

Roberto Perti, the head butler of the Brilliance house. He had been her father’s personal aide since before her birth.

His presence here could only signify one thing.

"No."

"I have not even made my request yet, Young Miss."

"There is no need. Your purpose is transparent. If my father persists, tell him I will formally sever ties with the family."

Roberto fell silent for a moment before letting out a sigh.

"...I recognize your stance on this, Young Miss. However... this time it is not merely the Lord who requests your presence."

Rose’s brow furrowed slightly.

Who else?

"I am simply acting as a herald... for His Divine Grace."

As soon as he spoke, a plume of dark mist coalesced behind him.

A towering warrior in obsidian plate armor emerged from the gloom, dropping to one knee in a respectful salute.

A shadow knight.

Rose’s eyes sharpened.

The knight spoke with a voice that was low, steady, and full of deference.

"Lady Rose Brilliance. By the grace of His Majesty, you are invited to join him for lunch."

Rose regarded him in silence.

Had the Emperor truly wished to summon her, Roberto’s presence would be unnecessary. The imperial guard could have handled it alone.

Which meant...

He is informing me that my father is with him, she realized, deciphering the Emperor’s indirect message.

She exhaled a weary breath.

Her plans for the afternoon were utterly ruined.

"Fine," she replied, regaining her composure. "Lead the way."

The shadow knight bowed once more, and Roberto moved to follow them.

.....

"It has been quite some time, Raymond..."

"Indeed it has, Your Majesty..."

Within a lavishly appointed private chamber—where golden drapes allowed only a soft afternoon light to enter, and a long table carved from ancient celestial oak stood surrounded by statues exuding wealth and power—three individuals sat across from one another.

The Emperor elegantly cut into his meal, his movements poised and steady, before shifting his focus to Duke Raymond Brilliance.

His gaze was enigmatic—chilly but not overtly aggressive, yet possessing enough gravity to make even the most hardened aristocrats feel uneasy.

Raymond tensed almost imperceptibly.

Despite being a premier noble of the empire and a man used to leading legions, the Emperor was one of the few people who could make him feel truly cornered.

"I was informed that your territories suffered through a drought recently," the Emperor remarked, placing his cutlery down with a faint clink. "Has the situation been handled?"

"Y-Yes..." Raymond adjusted his posture. "While the duchy was stable thanks to our reserves of grain and wheat, the supplemental funds Your Majesty provided ensured we avoided any real catastrophe..."

"Did you employ the church to purify the soil?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I secured their assistance immediately."

"I see."

While the two men engaged in a dialogue regarding high-stakes state affairs, Leilah—seated to the Emperor’s left with her hands folded neatly—watched them with the look of someone wondering why she had been included.

Why am I here...?

Just an hour ago, she had been focused on her responsibilities as a judge for the academy duels.

Then, the Emperor had casually inquired if she knew of any decent dining establishments nearby.

She had given a recommendation. And now, she was caught in the middle of a high-level political summit.

"I’ve heard rumors that Count Luffilus has been acting out lately."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty," Raymond answered firmly. "The matter has already been dealt with."

"Very well..."

Leilah’s eyes shifted between the two, her expression paralyzed.

A-Am I even supposed to be hearing these state secrets??

The Emperor maintained his calm dialogue with the duke until he finally pivoted to the subject he was truly interested in.

"By the way, Raymond," the Emperor noted offhandedly, "I assume you are aware of your daughter’s involvement with my son-in-law."

Raymond hesitated for a split second. It was just enough to signal his distaste without being disrespectful. He maintained a polite facade to mask his annoyance.

"Of course, Your Majesty..."

"Good. While I wasn't able to consult you first," the Emperor continued, "I believe your daughter’s affection for him is genuine. That is why I gave my blessing to their union—Riley and his fiancées, including your daughter. I trust our decision didn't cause any offense?"

"...No, it is acceptable, Your Majesty," Raymond answered, though his voice carried a sharp undertone. "A man of your insight would surely recognize the sincerity of my daughter’s heart. Your choices were... logical, given the circumstances."

A faint, amused smile touched the Emperor’s lips.

Raymond’s tone held a sharpness that only a veteran of the imperial court would detect.

He clearly detested Rose’s connection to Riley, and the Emperor—possessing the finest intelligence network in the realm—was well aware that the father and daughter were estranged.

He was acutely mindful of the friction between them... and wondered if such tension might prove useful in the future.

But before the Emperor could probe further—

"Lady Rose has arrived."

The shadow knight’s soft announcement signaled Rose’s entrance. She walked in with her trademark apathy, her movements as graceful as ever.

She took a seat next to Principal Leilah, who looked on in disbelief; she had fully expected Rose to ignore the summons entirely.

Raymond also displayed a moment of visible surprise.

"It is an honor to be here, Your Majesty," Rose stated in her usual flat, neutral voice.

The Emperor’s grin widened, clearly charmed by her composed arrival.