<p>Chapter 12: Oppression from the Blood Rose Association</p>
<p>Hearing the unexpected response, Angelica’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, her expression sharpening for a moment before fading away.</p>
<p>She crossed her arms and slowly stood up, looking down at Shaya with a hint of condescension. Her red lips parted slightly, “It seems you’ve misunderstood something.”</p>
<p>“What I meant was ‘give me a definitive answer as soon as possible,’ which means this is not a request for your opinion. If possible, please treat this as a notification of a set fact.”</p>
<p>After saying this, she cast a gentle glance and noticed that Shaya’s spoon seemed slightly deformed, and she smiled faintly.</p>
<p>“It must be difficult for you to endure, right? If it has hurt your pride, I apologize.” Angelica leaned closer to Shaya’s ear, her dazzling platinum short hair slightly falling. “But please continue to endure, as I do not wish for a conflict that could lead to unnecessary injury… even if your sister does not think well of you.”</p>
<p>At this point, even Tilius, who had been acting like a timid quail nearby, felt a bit overwhelmed… No, if it were him, perhaps he could still endure.</p>
<p>Tilius took a deep breath, “You shouldn’t—”</p>
<p>“Your Highness Vist, interrupting a lady while she speaks is not something a noble should do.”</p>
<p>Just as he was about to speak, Efi Dominic, standing nearby, stepped in first, wearing a formulaic smile on his handsome face.</p>
<p>But didn’t you also interrupt me… Tilius shrugged his shoulders and fell silent.</p>
<p>The Golden Griffin family, one of the Twelve Nobles at the Round Table, could make his family drink a pot with just a snap of his fingers.</p>
<p>Even if he didn’t consider himself, he should still think about his hometown while in a foreign land.</p>
<p>Throughout the encounter, Angelica did not glance at Tilius even once.</p>
<p>“The eldest son inheriting the title is in accordance with Imperial law, and the decree was personally signed by His Majesty. You have no ability to change this.”</p>
<p>Shaya looked at Angelica’s face, which was so close to him, and said quietly.</p>
<p>Seeing his calm appearance, Angelica felt a bit bored.</p>
<p>In her imagination, whether it was the anger and discomfort of a boy whose pride had been hurt by a beautiful woman or the humility and anxiety in front of the Blood Rose Association, it would be much more interesting than his current demeanor.</p>
<p>Especially in terms of appearance, Shaya was still of the type she found more agreeable.</p>
<p>“Still don’t understand? It’s been two days, and your decree has yet to arrive… Moreover, my father and His Majesty are blood brothers, so what do you think my relationship with His Majesty is?” Angelica suppressed the emotions that rose after being rejected, glanced at Xivista, and then raised her voice, “It seems this is not a harmonious ‘discussion,’ of which I am very regretful.”</p>
<p>“Then let’s end it here for today. I hope you’ll think it over.”</p>
<p>Once again showing a sweet smile, Angelica gently tucked away the stray hair behind her ear and elegantly turned to leave, like the leading lady of a drama taking her final bow.</p>
<p>The members of the Blood Rose Association, who had been lingering nearby, followed suit and left the area, no one daring to stop them.</p>
<p>On the contrary, Xivista, who had been quietly standing beside her sister, lagged behind a step.</p>
<p>She hesitated and glanced at Shaya, just as he looked up, their eyes meeting.</p>
<p>“!!”</p>
<p>Xivista was momentarily stunned, then shyly lifted her wrist, which had been clasped in front of her, and waved at Shaya with a subtle gesture that only the two of them could see.</p>
<p>After doing all this, she nervously glanced around, finding that all eyes were focused on the retreating figures of the Blood Rose Association, and she let out a sigh of relief.</p>
<p>Just like a rich girl preparing to sneak a rendezvous with a wild boy.</p>
<p>Only Tilius witnessed all of this, his expression one of shock: “You…”</p>
<p>“Shh!”</p>
<p>Xivista blinked, placing her delicate finger to her lips, then quickly turned, lifting her glamorous long skirt as she chased after her sister, her lively silhouette reminiscent of a young deer, clearly reflecting her current mood.</p>
<p>Finally, the turmoil in the dining room began to settle.</p>
<p>Feeling the curious, jealous, and gloating stares around him, Tilius sighed.</p>
<p>He looked at Shaya and asked, “You okay?”</p>
<p>“Of course.” Shaya relaxed his grip and slowly reshaped the already slightly deformed silver spoon. “Hurry up and eat; if the stew cools down, the meat will become tough, just like you said.”</p>
<p>“You’re… not angry?”</p>
<p>“Angry? Of course, I am. But after thinking about one thing, I calmed down.”</p>
<p>“What did you figure out?”</p>
<p>“Her realm is that of a Mage, and it’s very likely at the Third Circle. I can’t beat her.”</p>
<p>Shaya shrugged and smiled helplessly.</p>
<p>Originally, under equal circumstances, a knight facing a prepared mage would not have an advantage, not to mention that the opponent was an entire rank higher than him.</p>
<p>Tilius looked him over again, and only then was he convinced that his friend didn’t seem to have been seriously affected.</p>
<p>Seeing Shaya’s calm demeanor as he continued to eat, he hesitated: “Well…”</p>
<p>“If—I’m saying if—you need any help, please don’t forget that we are best friends.”</p>
<p>Shaya looked up, revealing a slight smile: “I will, thank you, Tilius.”</p>
<p>However, in such a situation, merely having the identity of a student couldn’t provide any useful help.</p>
<p>As it stands, the decree issue indeed indicated that Angelica had used underhanded means, but she temporarily did not have the ability to change the heir to the title. At least, the Judgment Tower and the Round Table Council would not allow her to act recklessly. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have specifically come to say all this today.</p>
<p>However, as time goes on, it becomes uncertain, especially considering that Naya is his biological sister and holds second-tier inheritance rights, while His Majesty happens to be Angelica’s uncle.</p>
<p>If he wanted to break the deadlock, the most urgent need was a huge sum of money—no less than eight thousand gold coins.</p>
<p>With money, he could buy Void Stone powder, go to the Witch, and upgrade.</p>
<p>At the very least, he needed to possess strength not weaker than that of Angelica.</p>
<p>So where could he get such money?</p>
<p>Shaya quickly ruminated on this in his mind.</p>
<p>Hearing his friend’s assurance, Tilius felt relieved and somewhat pleased.</p>
<p>This feeling was like… being the good brother who silently supports a lone hero, willing to share life and death with him.</p>
<p>Knightly spirit, how cool!</p>
<p>“By the way, what is your relationship with Angelica’s sister?”</p>
<p>After taking a couple of bites, Tilius suddenly thought of this and curiously asked.</p>
<p>“Um, we’re friends.”</p>
<p>Shaya recalled the scene of their first meeting, smiling as he replied.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>After leaving the dining room, Angelica retracted the sweet smile displayed before others, her expression growing somewhat cold.</p>
<p>Her pace quickened considerably, the heel of her black boots striking the ground firmly.</p>
<p>He actually chose to refuse?</p>
<p>This was a task given to her by the teacher.</p>
<p>Angelica thought darkly.</p>
<p>“President, how should we handle the issue with Shaya?”</p>
<p>Efi hurriedly followed behind, asking in a low voice.</p>
<p>Unexpectedly, Angelica’s expression turned icy: “Who told you to get so close to me?”</p>
<p>Efi froze, glancing between the two of them and instinctively slowing his pace.</p>
<p>In her impression, the president seemed particularly averse to close contact with the opposite sex.</p>
<p>But what was up with her in the dining room? Why was she so close when talking with that person, even whispering a few words?</p>
<p>As one of Angelica’s admirers, Efi felt somewhat imbalanced and couldn’t help but ask, “Then why was the president just now…”</p>
<p>“Shaya? Hmph, are you more handsome than him?” Angelica shot him a glare and sneered, “Confused, right? Let me remind you, the relationship between him and me is merely one of conflicting interests, with no fundamental hatred. If his talent and family background were better, considering he is Naya’s brother, I might even be willing to actively interact with him. Understand?”</p>
<p>Of course, there was more of a mocking tone in this statement.</p>
<p>How could someone of Angelica’s noble status genuinely favor someone of lower standing?</p>
<p>In her view, everyone was simply a pawn for her amusement.</p>
<p>Upon hearing this, Efi’s face flushed: “I-I’m very sorry, President.”</p>
<p>“You seem like a dog now, wanting to lick your master, but she doesn’t seem to want to pay you any mind.”</p>
<p>Suddenly, another discordant voice came from behind.</p>
<p>It was a bewitching girl in a purple gown, with long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, skin as white as snow, and a well-placed beauty mark at the corner of her eye.</p>
<p>She covered her small mouth, giggling at Efi’s awkwardness, seemingly unbothered by what he or Angelica thought.</p>
<p>“Please exercise restraint, Selly. I don’t want to argue with you right now.”</p>
<p>Angelica shot her a cold glance.</p>
<p>Behind her, the members of the Blood Rose Association curled their lips, appearing somewhat accustomed to the scene before them.</p>
<p>Hearing the unexpected response, Angelica’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, her expression sharpening for a moment before fading away.</p>
<p>She crossed her arms and slowly stood up, looking down at Shaya with a hint of condescension. Her red lips parted slightly, “It seems you’ve misunderstood something.”</p>
<p>“What I meant was ‘give me a definitive answer as soon as possible,’ which means this is not a request for your opinion. If possible, please treat this as a notification of a set fact.”</p>
<p>After saying this, she cast a gentle glance and noticed that Shaya’s spoon seemed slightly deformed, and she smiled faintly.</p>
<p>“It must be difficult for you to endure, right? If it has hurt your pride, I apologize.” Angelica leaned closer to Shaya’s ear, her dazzling platinum short hair slightly falling. “But please continue to endure, as I do not wish for a conflict that could lead to unnecessary injury… even if your sister does not think well of you.”</p>
<p>At this point, even Tilius, who had been acting like a timid quail nearby, felt a bit overwhelmed… No, if it were him, perhaps he could still endure.</p>
<p>Tilius took a deep breath, “You shouldn’t—”</p>
<p>“Your Highness Vist, interrupting a lady while she speaks is not something a noble should do.”</p>
<p>Just as he was about to speak, Efi Dominic, standing nearby, stepped in first, wearing a formulaic smile on his handsome face.</p>
<p>But didn’t you also interrupt me… Tilius shrugged his shoulders and fell silent.</p>
<p>The Golden Griffin family, one of the Twelve Nobles at the Round Table, could make his family drink a pot with just a snap of his fingers.</p>
<p>Even if he didn’t consider himself, he should still think about his hometown while in a foreign land.</p>
<p>Throughout the encounter, Angelica did not glance at Tilius even once.</p>
<p>“The eldest son inheriting the title is in accordance with Imperial law, and the decree was personally signed by His Majesty. You have no ability to change this.”</p>
<p>Shaya looked at Angelica’s face, which was so close to him, and said quietly.</p>
<p>Seeing his calm appearance, Angelica felt a bit bored.</p>
<p>In her imagination, whether it was the anger and discomfort of a boy whose pride had been hurt by a beautiful woman or the humility and anxiety in front of the Blood Rose Association, it would be much more interesting than his current demeanor.</p>
<p>Especially in terms of appearance, Shaya was still of the type she found more agreeable.</p>
<p>“Still don’t understand? It’s been two days, and your decree has yet to arrive… Moreover, my father and His Majesty are blood brothers, so what do you think my relationship with His Majesty is?” Angelica suppressed the emotions that rose after being rejected, glanced at Xivista, and then raised her voice, “It seems this is not a harmonious ‘discussion,’ of which I am very regretful.”</p>
<p>“Then let’s end it here for today. I hope you’ll think it over.”</p>
<p>Once again showing a sweet smile, Angelica gently tucked away the stray hair behind her ear and elegantly turned to leave, like the leading lady of a drama taking her final bow.</p>
<p>The members of the Blood Rose Association, who had been lingering nearby, followed suit and left the area, no one daring to stop them.</p>
<p>On the contrary, Xivista, who had been quietly standing beside her sister, lagged behind a step.</p>
<p>She hesitated and glanced at Shaya, just as he looked up, their eyes meeting.</p>
<p>“!!”</p>
<p>Xivista was momentarily stunned, then shyly lifted her wrist, which had been clasped in front of her, and waved at Shaya with a subtle gesture that only the two of them could see.</p>
<p>After doing all this, she nervously glanced around, finding that all eyes were focused on the retreating figures of the Blood Rose Association, and she let out a sigh of relief.</p>
<p>Just like a rich girl preparing to sneak a rendezvous with a wild boy.</p>
<p>Only Tilius witnessed all of this, his expression one of shock: “You…”</p>
<p>“Shh!”</p>
<p>Xivista blinked, placing her delicate finger to her lips, then quickly turned, lifting her glamorous long skirt as she chased after her sister, her lively silhouette reminiscent of a young deer, clearly reflecting her current mood.</p>
<p>Finally, the turmoil in the dining room began to settle.</p>
<p>Feeling the curious, jealous, and gloating stares around him, Tilius sighed.</p>
<p>He looked at Shaya and asked, “You okay?”</p>
<p>“Of course.” Shaya relaxed his grip and slowly reshaped the already slightly deformed silver spoon. “Hurry up and eat; if the stew cools down, the meat will become tough, just like you said.”</p>
<p>“You’re… not angry?”</p>
<p>“Angry? Of course, I am. But after thinking about one thing, I calmed down.”</p>
<p>“What did you figure out?”</p>
<p>“Her realm is that of a Mage, and it’s very likely at the Third Circle. I can’t beat her.”</p>
<p>Shaya shrugged and smiled helplessly.</p>
<p>Originally, under equal circumstances, a knight facing a prepared mage would not have an advantage, not to mention that the opponent was an entire rank higher than him.</p>
<p>Tilius looked him over again, and only then was he convinced that his friend didn’t seem to have been seriously affected.</p>
<p>Seeing Shaya’s calm demeanor as he continued to eat, he hesitated: “Well…”</p>
<p>“If—I’m saying if—you need any help, please don’t forget that we are best friends.”</p>
<p>Shaya looked up, revealing a slight smile: “I will, thank you, Tilius.”</p>
<p>However, in such a situation, merely having the identity of a student couldn’t provide any useful help.</p>
<p>As it stands, the decree issue indeed indicated that Angelica had used underhanded means, but she temporarily did not have the ability to change the heir to the title. At least, the Judgment Tower and the Round Table Council would not allow her to act recklessly. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have specifically come to say all this today.</p>
<p>However, as time goes on, it becomes uncertain, especially considering that Naya is his biological sister and holds second-tier inheritance rights, while His Majesty happens to be Angelica’s uncle.</p>
<p>If he wanted to break the deadlock, the most urgent need was a huge sum of money—no less than eight thousand gold coins.</p>
<p>With money, he could buy Void Stone powder, go to the Witch, and upgrade.</p>
<p>At the very least, he needed to possess strength not weaker than that of Angelica.</p>
<p>So where could he get such money?</p>
<p>Shaya quickly ruminated on this in his mind.</p>
<p>Hearing his friend’s assurance, Tilius felt relieved and somewhat pleased.</p>
<p>This feeling was like… being the good brother who silently supports a lone hero, willing to share life and death with him.</p>
<p>Knightly spirit, how cool!</p>
<p>“By the way, what is your relationship with Angelica’s sister?”</p>
<p>After taking a couple of bites, Tilius suddenly thought of this and curiously asked.</p>
<p>“Um, we’re friends.”</p>
<p>Shaya recalled the scene of their first meeting, smiling as he replied.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>After leaving the dining room, Angelica retracted the sweet smile displayed before others, her expression growing somewhat cold.</p>
<p>Her pace quickened considerably, the heel of her black boots striking the ground firmly.</p>
<p>He actually chose to refuse?</p>
<p>This was a task given to her by the teacher.</p>
<p>Angelica thought darkly.</p>
<p>“President, how should we handle the issue with Shaya?”</p>
<p>Efi hurriedly followed behind, asking in a low voice.</p>
<p>Unexpectedly, Angelica’s expression turned icy: “Who told you to get so close to me?”</p>
<p>Efi froze, glancing between the two of them and instinctively slowing his pace.</p>
<p>In her impression, the president seemed particularly averse to close contact with the opposite sex.</p>
<p>But what was up with her in the dining room? Why was she so close when talking with that person, even whispering a few words?</p>
<p>As one of Angelica’s admirers, Efi felt somewhat imbalanced and couldn’t help but ask, “Then why was the president just now…”</p>
<p>“Shaya? Hmph, are you more handsome than him?” Angelica shot him a glare and sneered, “Confused, right? Let me remind you, the relationship between him and me is merely one of conflicting interests, with no fundamental hatred. If his talent and family background were better, considering he is Naya’s brother, I might even be willing to actively interact with him. Understand?”</p>
<p>Of course, there was more of a mocking tone in this statement.</p>
<p>How could someone of Angelica’s noble status genuinely favor someone of lower standing?</p>
<p>In her view, everyone was simply a pawn for her amusement.</p>
<p>Upon hearing this, Efi’s face flushed: “I-I’m very sorry, President.”</p>
<p>“You seem like a dog now, wanting to lick your master, but she doesn’t seem to want to pay you any mind.”</p>
<p>Suddenly, another discordant voice came from behind.</p>
<p>It was a bewitching girl in a purple gown, with long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, skin as white as snow, and a well-placed beauty mark at the corner of her eye.</p>
<p>She covered her small mouth, giggling at Efi’s awkwardness, seemingly unbothered by what he or Angelica thought.</p>
<p>“Please exercise restraint, Selly. I don’t want to argue with you right now.”</p>
<p>Angelica shot her a cold glance.</p>
<p>Behind her, the members of the Blood Rose Association curled their lips, appearing somewhat accustomed to the scene before them.</p>
