How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 647: Rose’s Revelations

The atmosphere was tranquil and mellow—steady and soft, reminiscent of water gliding leisurely over polished stones.

Despite the significant difference in their social status, Rose and the Emperor conversed with the comfort of long-time friends, their dialogue transitioning seamlessly from one subject to the next.

"I have been receiving many updates from Snow lately," the Emperor remarked, his tone disciplined yet kind. "And notably... your name was brought up quite frequently."

"I am deeply honored, Your Majesty," Rose responded, offering a respectful tilt of her head.

"And how has Snow been faring recently?"

"She is doing very well, Your Majesty," Rose replied instantly.

"It is a relief to hear that. Truly." A faint sigh escaped the Emperor, as if he were letting go of a weight he had been carrying in secret. "I must extend my gratitude to Riley, yourself, and the other young ladies by her side. If it does not cause you any inconvenience, please accept some tokens of my appreciation. They shall be sent to your personal dormitory by tomorrow morning."

Rose gave a polite nod before adding in her characteristically composed voice,

"If that is the case... I would ask that you have them sent to a different dormitory address."

The Emperor blinked in surprise. "Hm? Have you moved to a new room?"

"Yes. I am currently residing within Riley’s room..."

The statement was uttered so naturally and with such casual indifference that no one reacted at first—until the weight of the words finally settled.

The entire chamber went still.

Even the Emperor, renowned for his legendary neutrality and unshakable self-control, was visibly shaken.

His eyebrows twitched, and his disciplined mask nearly shattered at the startling confession.

A young man and a young woman, living together openly.

Everyone present was aware of the nature of Riley’s connections—the intricate web of romance between him and the girls—but even so... wasn't such an arrangement strictly against Academy regulations?

Even Leilah, who had only been partially aware of the circumstances until this moment, found herself speechless. She glanced back and forth between Rose and the Emperor, not daring to break the heavy silence.

The air turned rigid, thick with a mixture of shock, skepticism, and quiet realization.

Rose, however, merely took a sip of her tea, acting as though she had mentioned something as mundane as the weather.

"I see... it appears you and Riley have become exceptionally close of late..." the Emperor noted softly, though a trace of prying curiosity lingered beneath his professional exterior.

"Yes," Rose confirmed without a second thought, "and that applies to my sisters as well."

"Sisters?" The Emperor’s brows arched slightly as he turned his attention toward Duke Raymond.

Raymond, who had been paralyzed since Rose first mentioned living in Riley’s room, looked like a man who had been struck by lightning twice in a single minute.

He blinked slowly, attempting to pull his scattered thoughts back together.

Sensing the Emperor’s gaze, he straightened up, cleared his throat, and tried to make sense of Rose’s claim.

"Sisters... Rose, what exactly are you implying?" Raymond questioned, his voice tightly controlled as if he feared the slightest tremor might shatter the fragile peace.

Rose replied with calm conviction, "By sisters, I am referring to those of us who are officially betrothed to Riley. Because we are all destined to become family soon, we have collectively decided to recognize one another as sisters."

"A bond of family, I see..." The Emperor leaned back slightly, his features softening. "It seems Snow has been truly fortunate."

Rose shook her head lightly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I believe... it is all of us who are fortunate to have Riley.

Without him, I cannot even fathom what my world would look like today."

For the first time during the encounter, a visible shift occurred on Rose’s typically stoic face.

A light blush colored her cheeks—subtle but clear—an expression that could only belong to a maiden deeply in love.

She cast her eyes downward for a moment, as though she were revisiting memories so precious they warmed her heart even in the presence of the sovereign.

Observing this, the Emperor allowed a small, almost wistful smile to appear.

Youth was indeed a marvelous thing—so vivid, so turbulent, so tender, and yet so convoluted.

However, it was these brief moments—the soft glow on Rose’s face and the honesty in her tone—that made the burdens of kingship feel worth the effort.

He felt an odd sense of relief knowing that Riley, despite his status as a low-born noble, had received his blessing to maintain such an unusual harem arrangement.

At the time, he had questioned if it was a reckless move... but looking at Rose now, it felt right.

Perhaps I should promote him to a marquis... or even a duke...

The thought crossed his mind briefly, tempting him for a split second before he dismissed it with a quiet sigh.

The political upheaval such a sudden promotion would trigger would be catastrophic.

Furthermore, given Snow’s rank and personality, Riley’s ascent within the empire’s social hierarchy was already virtually assured.

Once Snow wed him, he would become the Emperor’s consort.

And knowing Snow... she would not hesitate to elevate him even higher if she felt he earned it.

If anything, Riley might find himself at the very peak of the empire before he even realized it.

"T-This is..." Raymond’s voice broke, his self-control reaching a dangerous breaking point.

"Raymond?" The Emperor’s steady voice sliced through the tension with clinical accuracy.

"I-It is nothing, Your Majesty..."

Raymond replied hastily, attempting to suppress the emotional storm raging in his heart.

His posture stayed stiff, and although he maintained a neutral face, the Emperor noticed the slight twitch at the corner of his jaw.

The Emperor’s eyes shone with sharp understanding.

It was obvious—Raymond was unhappy.

Deeply so.

Perhaps he was even livid beneath his skin.

The Emperor knew the Duke well enough to recognize him as a man driven entirely by ambition. He was a man who climbed, who seized power, and who was always plotting for the future.

Yet here he was, watching the crown jewel of his ambitions—his gifted daughter—drift further from his grasp, pulled toward Riley and the new "family" she had embraced.

The Emperor could only let out a silent sigh of pity.

How tragic...

Raymond was truly a magnificent Duke—capable, influential, and dependable. A true pillar of the state. But as a father... the Emperor finally realized with a heavy heart...

He never suspected that his old friend could fail so miserably at understanding his own daughter's heart.

To lighten the mood, the Emperor changed the subject with a warm grin, his voice carrying a soft authority that commanded the room.

"I imagine everyone here is curious about how life at the Academy has been for the students. So, if you don't mind, Rose, could you give us your assessment so far?"

"My assessment?" Rose blinked, caught off guard.

"Yes," the Emperor nodded. "A simple summary will suffice. Tell me your thoughts on the Academy. As the foundation and central hub of knowledge for the continent, this institution serves as the stage where the greatest youths—the sharpest minds and most powerful talents—are cultivated. Its significance is unrivaled. I am sure other world leaders would agree."

Principal Leilah, standing nearby, felt a quiet but undeniable surge of pride at the Emperor's praise.

She stood a bit taller, her expression reflecting her satisfaction—after all, this was her life's work being honored.

The Emperor then looked at Rose with a gaze more meaningful than his lighthearted tone suggested.

"That is why I wished to hear from you," he added. "As a genius, what is your opinion of the Academy?"

Rose hesitated, her lips pursing as she tried to decipher the motive behind his query.

Why her?

If he wanted a genuine evaluation, wouldn't Snow's view be more appropriate?

Not only was she his daughter, but she also served as the Student Council President.

Yet the Emperor wasn't questioning Snow—he was asking her. She chose not to mention it, but the thought lingered.

After a short pause, she answered truthfully.

"In my experience... I viewed the Academy as nothing more than a stepping stone," she admitted quietly. "Because I was already aware of my own greatness—I was destined for it. There was little the Academy could provide that I didn't already possess. For that reason, it never seemed particularly... grand to me."

Her bluntness caused even Leilah to wince slightly.

"However," Rose went on, her gaze softening, "if there is one thing that stands out... it is fun."

The Emperor arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Fun?"

"Yes," she nodded, a small, sincere smile appearing. "All the moments I've experienced so far—the trials, the madness, the surprises, and the people I've encountered—can all be defined by that single word."

"So, instead of wisdom, strength, or status..." the Emperor reflected, his voice laced with amusement, "the Academy has provided you with experiences—and fun."

"Yes," she confirmed with quiet, dignified certainty.

Rose continued, her voice low but firm, "All of these moments... they are things I likely never would have found if I had remained stubborn and stuck in my old ways. And if I had never encountered Riley... none of this light would have entered my life. That is why I am truly thankful to him—for bringing color and warmth to a life that used to be defined only by duty and purpose. I believe all of us—his fiancées, his sisters—feel the same way toward him."

The Emperor’s expression grew gentle.

A kind smile touched his lips as he exhaled, "Snow does seem much more vibrant and happy in her recent reports. I suppose it all truly originates from him."

"Yes," Rose replied without a hint of doubt. "Riley is a magnificent man."

There was nothing but pure admiration radiating from her since his name was first mentioned. Every word she spoke about him sounded like genuine, unfiltered worship.

"Snow understands this even better than I do," Rose added casually, perhaps a bit too casually. "After all... they are even more in sync with one another than I am with him in bed. He has allowed us to feel a blissful joy that no one else in this world could ever provide."

"......"

"......"

"......"

An oppressive silence consumed the entire room.

Three adults—an Emperor, a Duke, and a Principal—slowly turned their heads toward her like rusty gears grinding into motion.

"I beg your pardon?"

It was Raymond who finally snapped, his voice cracking with suppressed panic.

Rose looked at him, completely unruffled. Then, she smiled softly as she placed a hand over her abdomen.

"I believe the fruits of our love will manifest soon—for myself, and for my sisters as well..."

Raymond nearly collapsed on the spot, his knees buckling visibly.

The Emperor’s eyes widened, frozen in total shock for the very first time.

And Leilah—poor Leilah—looked as if she wanted to bolt from the room, desperately trying to shield her ears as if ignoring what she heard could somehow change reality.