How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game Chapter 675: Frozen North 7

A prince...?

Doubts bubbled up endlessly while Janica examined the handsome youth positioned right in front of her.

He had declared his identity without hesitation—boldly, in fact—as a member of the royal family.

No doubt about it lingered.

Yet this fact only heightened the oddity of the encounter.

Why a prince, of all people?

Or to put it better—why would a prince come straight to me like this?

Janica knew her position all too well. Though her reputation fell short of the wild popularity enjoyed by figures like Lucas or Kagami, she still held notable recognition across various groups.

Folks frequently sought her out—for funding opportunities, partnerships in trade, or potential alliances down the line.

But a royal?

That marked uncharted territory.

Having someone of that rank approach her directly had never crossed her mind in any real way.

"You want to talk to me, Your Highness?" she inquired with caution.

Prince Alain cocked his head a bit before flashing an easygoing grin.

"No need for all that ceremony," he replied softly. "Just call me Alain... or Al, if that suits you better."

"...Fine," Janica answered following a short delay.

In truth, she felt at a loss for how to respond.

From what she recalled, the Zelova Kingdom didn't rank among the mainland's top forces, such as the Germonia Empire, the Eastern Empire, or the Holy Kingdom.

Nevertheless, it held considerable weight—its booming economy alone matched that of the Del Luna Kingdom.

This only deepened the mystery of his attention.

"What do you want to discuss with me?" she questioned directly.

To her knowledge, no motive existed for a figure of his stature to target her specifically.

Meeting her wary look, Prince Alain released a gentle laugh.

"Relax, Lady Janica," he assured her warmly. "I just need to pass along a message to you privately. That's all there is to it."

"Why not speak right here?" she shot back promptly.

Her hold on the wine glass clenched a touch firmer.

In settings such as this, secluded talks seldom pointed to anything straightforward.

And though she might consider chatting with a prince, at the moment, a far weightier task demanded her focus.

Keeping a close watch on Lucas.

Her glance shifted briefly to the far side, verifying he remained encircled—still wearing that uneasy smile, fighting to stay composed.

Once she confirmed all stayed in order, she directed her focus back to the fellow before her.

And above all else...

She disliked this intensely.

For reasons she struggled to pinpoint, the second her eyes locked with the prince's—actually, those striking violet orbs more precisely—a restless feeling stirred deep within.

It wasn't outright terror, nor outright aggression.

Rather, it resembled an alert.

An inner sense urging her to proceed with caution.

Observing Janica's defensive posture, Prince Alain emitted another quiet chuckle.

Even after proposing she use his given name, he hadn't anticipated her adopting it with such effortless detachment, like formal ranks held zero sway over her.

She’s a solid pick~

This idea flitted through his thoughts as a subtle, concealed grin tugged at his mouth.

"Talking right here works, of course," he stated evenly, "but the topic I have in mind could draw... unwanted listeners."

He inched forward a fraction before continuing, "It's not a big deal, but it does touch on personal matters."

"Personal?" Janica repeated.

"Indeed."

The prince raised a hand to rub his cheek lightly, looking away beneath her doubting eyes.

A soft flush appeared as he cleared his throat, obviously steadying his nerves.

"A-anyway, that's how it stands," he went on. "So... could you do me this kindness, my lady?"

Janica's doubts grew stronger.

From her understanding, scant advantages existed for a prince—particularly from a foreign realm—to pursue a hidden link with her.

The elements failed to connect.

Still...

Intrigue pulled at her.

Just what is he after from me?

Her gaze sharpened a little as she balanced the dangers, the surrounding throng, and Lucas hovering at the periphery of her sight.

A subtle discomfort settled in her heart, causing Janica to waver.

I'm wondering why this fellow popped up out of nowhere... yet...

A reminder echoed through her head.

"Oh, and a tip— in society, it's wiser to follow your instincts over pure reason, if you're aiming to dodge problems at minimum~"

Clara's advice sounded remarkably vivid.

That settled it.

She reached her choice.

"My apologies, Prince Alain," Janica stated steadily, her voice courteous but resolute, "but I've got pressing business at the moment. Unless you can share it here, I can't join you."

She offered a slight bow in respect.

For a mere instant, Alain's eyebrows flickered.

So faint that no one else would catch it.

As Janica pivoted to depart—

"Huhu... you must be kidding."

His arm extended.

Fingers wrapped around her wrist.

"Come along," he urged casually, firming his hold sufficient to halt her, "I simply seek a short, enjoyable chat."

The very moment his touch met her skin, that eerie alert surged fiercely.

A peculiar heat flowed along her limb—foreign, encroaching.

"Release me—"

Her statement broke off.

Her sight hazed faintly, her mind dulling as her stare started to dull.

The prince's grin widened, his violet eyes arching in delight.

"Very well," he whispered tenderly, "shall we head off—"

Thud.

His form froze abruptly.

A piercing ache raced up his limb, causing his clasp to slacken right away.

"Ugh—!?"

He wheezed, staggering back a step while a different hand seized his wrist in turn.

"Who might you be?"

The tone rang out steady—icy.

Prince Alain twisted around.

And trembled.

Golden eyes met his, piercing and relentless, as though drilling right into his core.

"Y-You're...?"

The weight of that stare alone pressed down oppressively—like facing an ultimate verdict.

Janica blinked, her foggy thoughts laboring to sharpen as the mist lifted.

"Lucas...?"

She raised her head in astonishment.

Hadn't he been trapped by that group only seconds prior?

Janica scanned the area in bewilderment.

The distant gathering appeared disturbed too—murmurs rising, expressions puzzled—as they noticed Lucas had slipped away from their midst.

"I'll repeat myself," Lucas declared evenly, his tone hushed.

"Who are you?"

This round, his fingers pressed harder.

Not excessively.

Precisely as needed.

Alain sensed it at once.

Agony surged through his arm like vise grips had snapped shut on his wrist.

He reflexively attempted to summon mana, bolstering his sinews—

Nothing happened.

He remained utterly immobile.

How terrifying...

A sheen of perspiration beaded on his forehead, yet he managed a faint smile.

"Perhaps... release my wrist first, friend?" Alain suggested through a forced laugh. "Your hold hurts quite a bit."

Lucas fixed him with a prolonged stare, golden eyes inscrutable.

Then he let go.

"Thanks—whew," Alain flexed his arm gently, chuckling to dismiss it. "Haha, I've caught wind of plenty of tales about you. I even viewed one of your duels up close. You're undeniably a top talent at the academy. Your power appears limitless."

Lucas offered no reply.

Not even a tilt of the head.

Not a single syllable.

Alain's grin faltered briefly before smoothing out once more.

Seems like today's effort fell short... such a letdown.

He breathed out softly, then faced Janica, positioned behind Lucas, her gaze now keen as the daze completely faded.

"To begin with, Lady Janica," Alain noted, bowing his head a touch, "I offer my regrets. I got... overly insistent, it appears."

Janica stayed silent.

She merely eyed him with narrowed suspicion.

Alain stood tall and shifted back to Lucas.

"I'm Alain Etrama Zelova," he announced fluidly. "Second prince of the Zelova Kingdom. A pleasure to meet you at last, Lucas."

Lucas ignored the greeting entirely.

Rather, his expression grew sterner.

Beneath Lucas's golden scrutiny, Alain endured that crushing force anew—

as though a superior entity loomed, quietly rendering its decree.

This round, his easy demeanor cracked.

"Haha... I had no ill intentions,"

Alain remarked breezily, even as his words lost their earlier polish.

"I only aimed for a discreet talk with Lady Janica. My feelings overrode me upon her denial, leading me to act... too aggressively."

He dipped his chin a fraction.

"I truly regret that."

With his scheme thwarted and the paid diversions unable to hold back the beast before him, Alain grasped one truth plainly—

He'd lost command of the scene.

"I've stirred up sufficient unease for tonight," he pressed on. "I'll depart now. My apologies once more for the disturbance, Lady Janica."

He spun to exit.

"Hold on."

Alain halted.

"...What?"

Lucas's stare flicked downward momentarily.

"Your wrist," he observed. "I snapped it, right?"

Alain's eyes widened, followed by a mild laugh.

"Oh? This little thing? Haha, no need to fret over it. I earned at least this penalty for my impropriety."

"I'll mend it."

"...Pardon?"

"I possess divine power,"

Lucas explained straightforwardly.

"I'm not adept at applying it to others, but fixing an injury like that proves simple. So please, let me at least—"

For the initial time, real alarm flashed over Alain's features.

This guy... does he suspect anything?

But gazing at Lucas's face—sincere, nearly naive—it struck him as genuine.

"...Haha,"

Alain uttered, gesturing away with his uninjured hand.

"No real cause for concern about a small wound like this."

Before Lucas could answer, Alain pivoted sharply, evidently eager to end the exchange.

He raised a hand in a light farewell, eyes forward.

"Have a good rest of your night."

Lucas observed Alain's shape fade into the masses.

His eyes remained fixed.