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

Lumen Commerce Association Ball.

A magnificent event where prominent business leaders and elite nobles gathered under sparkling chandeliers and opulent decorations.

This occasion wasn't just about luxury; it served as a hub for discreet contract signings amid friendly grins, where power exchanged owners with the ting of fine glassware, and groups economically linked to Lumen Academy strengthened their bonds.

Basically, it formed a sophisticated network of information exchanges, deals, and partnerships.

Riley was familiar with this venue.

Within the game, the ball appeared as a trivial side event connected to Clara's path.

Players could skip it entirely if they ignored her arc.

Moreover, it shouldn't occur at this point.

From what he recalled, the event happened after Liyana joined the academy, as the commercial and governmental worlds around Lumen started to waver and clash.

Nevertheless—

He found himself attending.

"This spot is massive..."

Riley whispered softly while surveying the expansive room.

"Fufu, it's pretty astonishing, isn't it?" Snow responded next to him, her tone laced with lightheartedness.

"Particularly for a location hidden so thoroughly in the academy's trade zone."

"Yes," Riley agreed with a nod.

The journey to reach it had already amazed him.

The secretive estate bordered on ridiculous in size, matching aristocratic manors, concealed amid multiple barriers of magic and guards.

Yet the inside surpassed expectations.

Vast domes rose above, magical crystal lamps cast a cozy, flickering glow across the area, and all elements—from sleek stone tiles to gilded columns—exuded prosperity and elegance.

Murmurs of talk buzzed lowly, interrupted by mild chuckles, delicate strains from musicians, and the chime of drinkware.

Traders, aristocrats, association delegates, and money handlers glided smoothly, faces courteous, gazes keen.

Naturally, it fell short of the Imperial Palace—or the Grand Duke's home—in grandeur.

Such sites existed to awe and dominate, making visitors feel the weight of supreme command.

However... Riley had to concede.

The venue's extravagance held its own appeal.

Even the atmosphere held traces of costly perfumes and vintage spirits.

A single look revealed the owners weren't simply rich—they possessed immense fortunes.

"This must've cost a massive amount..." Riley breathed quietly.

Clara ought to attend this ball too.

He anticipated her arrival.

Such functions suited her ideally—assemblies prioritizing sway over might, where precise remarks could sway vast economies.

Yet, the link to Lucas in this plot stirred a subtle unease within him.

Usually, pinpointing her would be effortless.

A quick mana scan sufficed.

But in this setting, employing mana was banned outright—no detection, no exploration, no accidental power slips.

Divine senses were equally prohibited.

Truthfully... he favored the restriction.

Depending less on godly abilities in reality benefited him.

"Hmmm~"

Snow's prolonged, gentle sound drew him back.

"What?" Riley queried, turning to her.

"Nothing," she answered breezily, yet a trace of mild frustration colored her voice. "I’m just somewhat let down by your response. I figured you'd appear more awed—given the numerous advanced spell formations covering this whole zone."

Riley cocked his head a bit.

Actually, he'd viewed this location countless times before—albeit as a stunning digital backdrop.

Despite the game's intricacy, nothing matched the immersion of being present.

Explaining that to Snow was impossible.

"Well..." he began cautiously after pausing, "next to the Imperial Palace, this seems somewhat... underwhelming."

Snow's eyes widened briefly, followed by a soft, airy giggle.

"Is that true?" she countered. "I get it, though. The palace stands as the empire's premier edifice, so it's bound to outshine everything."

She clasped her hands behind as they walked on, face serene—though a quiet confidence lingered, born from her upbringing.

Even so, as Snow scanned the hall again, she acknowledged—

For a setup focused on trade and relations, this was far from commonplace.

Snow recognized the academy's commerce surging at record speeds.

Frankly, it astonished her.

After the recent wave of scandals, gossip, and partial claims against the academy, she'd assumed backers might pull away.

Facts showed differently.

Profit-seekers ignored scandals; they chased prospects.

And Lumen Academy brimmed with them currently.

Snow dismissed the idea, eyeing Riley at her side.

His prior remark still irked her faintly, but she let it slide.

Rather, she strode steadily, syncing her steps with his.

Right then, only they navigated a lateral passage in the mansion.

The bulk of attendees clustered in the main chamber up front, with distant tunes resonating through the halls, intensifying as they advanced.

They neared it.

"So," Snow remarked offhandedly, ending the quiet, "you want me to stay close and go with the flow, correct?"

Riley affirmed promptly. "Yes. Act as my sweet and devoted companion. Relax—I’ll handle everything else."

Snow arched a brow, entertained.

Invitations to such affairs were routine for her.

As Lumen Academy's student council head, she wielded considerable sway inside the school.

Additionally, as Germonia Empire's crown princess—the academy's primary funder and key supporter—she carried weight.

Her movements drew eyes.

Her position altered choices.

Though the academy sat at the continent's heart—touching various mighty realms—it mostly adhered to Germonia's customs, rites, and protocols.

Thus, Snow's mere attendance commanded notice anywhere.

Tonight proved no different.

Typically, Snow managed events like this solo with ease.

Dealing with elite meets, trade discussions, and hidden diplomacy came naturally.

But the schedule aligned too ideally to overlook—and crucially, a key figure awaited for upcoming schemes.

Riley.

For their upcoming strategies, his company wasn't merely handy—it was ideal.

Snow eased her pace and faced him.

Despite seeing him often, his appearance tonight struck her anew.

The dark attire with faint gold accents suited him perfectly, projecting understated command without fanfare.

"Just a heads-up," she stated evenly, "Count Roverick Astadil attends this gathering."

Riley looked her way, focused.

"With our northern trip approaching, meeting him seems wise. He governs that area."

"Governs?" Riley echoed, somewhat taken aback. "I believed the northern lands belonged to no nation."

"Formally, that's accurate," Snow explained. "In reality, the north adjoins much of our empire's lands, placing it under our sway. Count Roverick serves as the overseer along its edges."

She halted momentarily before adding.

"Reports indicate the Grand Duke is fortifying the zone too, amid ongoing beast surges from the north. Regardless, the count and his forces form the frontline—the initial shield."

"I see..." Riley mused, comprehension dawning.

Snow's stare intensified a touch.

"If we're operating there, alerting the north's sentinel at minimum helps."

Snow proceeded steadily,

"I encountered him once as a kid. So I know his... direct nature. Don't startle if he speaks to me less formally than anticipated."

Riley dipped his head. "Got it. I've heard northern folk avoid central empire ties. That demeanor fits the region."

A subtle grin touched Snow's mouth.

She extended her arm, linking it softly with Riley's and drawing nearer.

Her shoulder grazed his as she pressed close effortlessly, like second nature.

They advanced together, the warm light from the main hall leaking out as the entrance parted gradually.

"This brings back memories," Snow murmured. "Similar to the previous ball. I hope tonight avoids major shocks..."

Riley gave a light laugh. "I suspect calm won't last."

"Fufu~ I bet I could astonish you further," Snow teased, her pitch lowering subtly. One hand slipped from his arm to her midsection, eyes sparkling with mischief. "But that'll wait. You might need to show me more dedication—and forbearance—for the moment."

Riley chuckled uneasily, looking aside briefly as her intent hit home.

That gaze felt all too known now.

He didn't mind her suggestion—in fact, he welcomed it.

Still, certain boundaries remained uncrossable in public.

Not now. Not amid pending dangers and unknown future twists.

"By the way... are you certain the others okayed just us attending?" Riley inquired softly. "I lacked time to discuss with them before—"

Ordinarily, he'd notify Alice, Rose, and Seo directly.

Not out of obligation, but to avoid complications.

Fewer mix-ups.

Less needless strain.

Snow replied without pause.

"It’s fine," she assured fluidly. "I notified them in advance. They agreed it's my special treat today."

Her smile bloomed, tender and inviting.

"Though..." she noted casually, "you'll need to compensate them soon. Offer their own special moments ahead."

Riley sensed a subtle tug in his heart.

Not peril.

Not aggression.

Merely... a slight discord.

His divine intuition hinted at partial truths in her statement.

Yet he brushed it aside.

Snow had earned his faith repeatedly.

At present, he favored her assurance over the faint alert.

"Well... if you insist," he answered.

They claim a lovestruck girl loses sight of reality.

But a smitten youth?

He opts to look away.

Upon entering the main hall completely, the change hit instantly.

Gazes swiveled. Talks halted.

Grins honed.

To commerce's cunning predators, wealth and chances had arrived—arm in arm.

.....

Meanwhile, in Riley’s dormitory...

"That greedy white feline...!"

Rose's sharp cry rang out as she balled up the note in her grip, the sheet crumpling pitifully.

"Rose," Alice stated evenly, without lifting her eyes. "Watch your language."

Rose tsked in annoyance and glared at Alice—but it fell flat.

Alice lounged on Riley’s mattress, limbs folded, idly running a silver comb through her flowing pink locks.

Her look stayed easygoing, nearly indolent, as if the circumstance didn't faze her at all.

Seo mirrored her calm.

She perched at the nearby desk, silently munching a hefty cut of beef that Yui, Riley’s dedicated attendant, had cooked previously.

Her stance was loose, actions deliberate, as if catastrophe could strike and she'd prioritize her food.

Neither displayed upset.

Still—they'd both perused the message.

Its message was straightforward. Maddeningly so.

Rose quivered a bit, compressing the damaged sheet in her palm.

"She’s obviously exploiting our generosity," Rose grumbled lowly.

Alice at last met her eyes, gaze mild and entertained.

"Fufu... you truly believe that?"

Rose faltered.

"...Well," she conceded grudgingly, "not entirely."

Alice beamed, content.

"Then no issue exists, does it?" she remarked airily. "She vowed Riley would repay us afterward. So we'll grant her this evening solo with him."

She resumed her grooming, utterly unperturbed.

"Though," Alice appended soon, her voice gaining faint intrigue, "I’m somewhat curious about their current activities..."

Rose tensed.

Seo finished her mouthful and inclined her head pensively.

"Mm. Likewise."

Alice had faith in Riley.

She trusted Snow as well.

No question there.

Yet faith didn't quell interest.

Nor did it banish envy.

"I don’t mind her occasional private moments with Riley..." Rose mumbled, limbs folded. "I sneak those too..."

"Secretly?" Alice's eyebrows rose a fraction, her stroke halting.

"O-Only now and then!" Rose hastened, face flushing. "But it still irks me."

"Why?" Alice inquired, sincerely puzzled.

Rose inflated her cheeks and averted her gaze, evidently shy yet spilling it.

"It's clear what she'd aim for alone with him all night, isn't it?"

Alice wavered, then her cheeks pinked at the notion.

"T-There’s a possibility it heads there," she confessed softly. "But we can't confirm their actions..."

"But the odds aren't nil," Rose retorted. "And Riley's like that. Offer a chance, and he'll dive in. That's what bothers me..."

She gripped her fingers lightly.

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

Her declaration emerged direct, blending irritation with a timid flush revealing her heart.

"Oh..."

Alice could only utter that.

She pondered if Rose's outburst was endearing, daring, or risky—but its rawness shone through.

Meanwhile, Seo, who'd eavesdropped silently, canted her head.

"...Impregnated?"

The term rang both recognizable and remote.

She grasped its tie to romance, to forging new life jointly—but specifics blurred, like a tale in pieces.

Her eyes shifted to Alice’s abdomen.

It curved softly under the sheer nightgown, Alice’s palm cradling it instinctively, tender and secure.

Her gestures always held gentleness, a wordless care.

Seo's heart squeezed faintly.

Her elder—the clan leader—had stressed such matters followed true commitments, after promises sealed.

Yet...

Observing Alice, amid the room's serene coziness, a fragment of Seo pondered sharing that serenity one day.