Chapter 339: Alice’s Love….



“I see… so that’s what happened, hmm…” Alice murmured, resting her chin on her hand as she listened.

“Yes, well… although the situation got a bit more complicated than expected, I’m just glad everything turned out safely in the end,” Riley replied, his tone casual but laced with an underlying weight.

After their tight embrace, the two had finally settled into a more relaxed atmosphere. Now, they sat across from one another at the dining table, a simple yet comforting setting.

In front of them, a light meal—a simple pasta dish Riley had whipped up on the spot. Alice twirled a forkful of noodles, taking a small bite as she stole glances at him.

He cooked this so naturally… as if he had done it a hundred times before.

“…I didn’t know you could cook, Junior,” she mused, eyeing him curiously.

Riley merely shrugged, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “I just know how to make something quick when necessary.”

Alice tilted her head, still finding it somewhat impressive. He really was good at things on the fly, wasn’t he?

But she decided not to press the matter further.

Instead, she enjoyed the meal in quiet appreciation as Riley continued recounting his experiences—the events that led up to his sudden departure.

Of course, he left out certain details.

Some things were simply too classified to share, even with Alice.

And even if he did tell her everything, Riley had no doubt she’d bombard him with even more questions.

Especially regarding the Trails of Light.

The trial’s he experienced there were too complicated to even properly explain…

Riley didn’t really have to tell her anything, nor did Alice asked her of anything… but Riley just felt like at least indulging a sense of her curiosity a bit, would help ease her mind better.

“Hmm… so you really had your fair share of trouble, huh, Junior?” Alice mused, gently swirling the pasta on her fork.

Riley gave a small chuckle. “You looked like you had yours as well, Senior.”

“Fufu- I appreciate the concern,” Alice said with a playful lilt in her voice, flipping her hair dramatically. “But don’t worry-nothing can trouble this great Senior of yours~”

Riley smirked. “That’s true.”

Their playful banter flowed naturally, the tension from earlier completely dissolved.

For the first time in a long while, Alice felt like things were finally back to normal.

In all honesty, Alice had already known bits and pieces about what Riley had been up to in the imperial capital.

All thanks to her ever-informative yet frustratingly vague—familiar, Cheshire.

From the moment Riley had left, Cheshire had occasionally fed her small bits of information. Not enough to fully understand the situation, but just enough to keep her from losing control.

At times, Alice had been tempted-desperately so-to break her own self-imposed restraint and go after him.

But Cheshire’s words, cryptic as they were, had kept her in check.

She knew Riley had gone to the imperial capital.

She knew he had been forced into something dangerous.

And she knew that whatever he was doing there, he had to face it alone.

Now, as she listened to Riley’s recounting of events, she couldn’t help but compare them to what Cheshire had told her before.

Most of it lined up.

That, at least, was a relief. It meant Cheshire hadn’t been lying to her at least, not outright.

But even so… something still felt off.

There were gaps. Small inconsistencies. Details that didn’t quite add up.

Alice wasn’t stupid. She could tell Riley wasn’t telling her everything.

It wasn’t that she thought he was lying-no, Riley wasn’t the type to lie to her outright.

Rather, it was clear he was choosing his words carefully. Holding back just enough to keep her from worrying.

And honestly… she understood why.

If telling her the whole truth would put him in a difficult spot, then she wouldn’t press him

for more.

Not now, at least.

Right now, this moment-this rare, quiet, peaceful moment-was more than enough.

She leaned back slightly, letting out a soft sigh.

Perhaps one day, she would learn everything.

“I know it’s a bit late to ask this, but… why exactly are you living in my room, Senior?” Riley’s question came casually, but the weight of it made Alice freeze.

“T-That’s…”

Right.

She had been so caught up in their conversation-so distracted by everything that had happened between them tonight-that she had completely forgotten to explain why she was here in the first place.

Her mind scrambled for a reasonable excuse.

But the more she thought about it, the more she realized any excuse she came up with would only lead to more questions.

Even if she managed to come up with a perfectly believable lie, there would still be cracks.

And knowing Riley… he would see through them sooner or later.

So, she sighed inwardly and decided to just tell the truth.

“Uh… well, you see, my room got compromised… and, uh… your room ended up being the

safest place I could go to.”

Alice almost added that part of the reason was because she had missed him, but-

-no.

That was way too embarrassing to admit out loud.

She wanted to be honest. Really, she did.

But there were limits to how much she could handle in one night.

“Is that so?” Riley responded, his expression remaining calm.

Alice blinked.

“…Wait. You’re just believing me? Just like that?”

“Well, I don’t think you’d lie to me, Senior,” Riley said, shrugging. “Although I do find your reasoning… suspicious and strange, I don’t think you have any ill intentions behind staying

here, right?”

Alice held her breath, waiting for him to press her for more details.

But instead, Riley simply smiled and added,

“Besides, it’s not like I didn’t benefit from having you around.”

Alice tilted her head. “…Benefit?”

Riley chuckled lightly.

“Let’s just say Yui’s enthusiasm as a maid has been at an all-time high when she found out

you were staying here right?”

Alice’s cheeks flushed slightly.

“And, well… with you and Cheshire here, my room has practically become the most secure

place in the entire academy. The protective wards in place are way beyond standard.”

Alice looked away, awkwardly playing with a strand of her hair.

“…That’s… well… I suppose that’s true…”

Riley grinned.

“See? So, in the end, it’s a win-win situation, isn’t it?”

Alice pouted slightly, crossing her arms.

“You make it sound like I did you a favor by taking over your room…”

Riley just laughed, and Alice found herself unable to argue against it.

Smiling to herself, Alice watched as Riley quietly finished the last remnants of his portion of

their late-night snack.

As always, he looked just like he used to calm, composed, and effortlessly charming.

But for some reason…

Tonight, he felt different.

Not just in the way he carried himself, but in his very presence.

There was something about him that seemed… almost divine.

Radiant.

It was strange-an unexplainable feeling that tugged at the edges of her mind. But Alice

decided not to dwell on it.

Not now.

Just as she was lost in thought, Riley-having clearly noticed her lingering gaze-turned to

her with a knowing smile.

“Senior, you’re not sleepy yet, are you?”

Alice blinked, slightly caught off guard.

“Not at the moment… why?”

“Why don’t we get some fresh air for a bit?” Riley suggested, gesturing towards the slightly

broken balcony doors. “I actually have something really important to tell you.”

Alice raised an eyebrow.

Something important?

She wasn’t sure what he meant, but at the same time, she found herself curious.

So, she nodded, pushing her chair back and standing up, following after him.

The moment she stepped onto the balcony, a cold breeze swept past, gently swaying her pink

hair.

Alice instinctively wrapped her arms around herself for warmth, but soon found her attention

stolen by the breathtaking view above.

Her eyes widened slightly.

The night sky stretched endlessly, an ocean of stars glittering against the darkness.

The moon hung high, glowing with an ethereal light, casting its soft radiance over everything

below.

It was such a simple sight-one she had seen countless times before.

And yet…

She had never truly taken the time to appreciate it.

Not when her days had been consumed with endless responsibilities-balancing her academic

duties, managing her personal struggles, and secretly fending off the forces of the White

Queen.

She exhaled softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“The moon is beautiful tonight…”

The silvery glow bathed her face in soft light, illuminating her delicate features.

Riley, standing beside her, turned his gaze from the sky to her.

And then, with a quiet smile, he spoke.

“Yes… it’s very beautiful.”

Alice felt her breath hitch.

The way he said it-the way his voice carried warmth, the way his eyes held nothing but

sincerity-

He wasn’t just talking about the moon.

Heat crept up her cheeks, and before she even realized it, she was glancing at him, flustered.

Riley, on the other hand, simply continued looking at her, his expression unreadable yet

gentle.

As Alice looked at Riley, a memory suddenly surfaced—a lingering regret that had been tucked away in the back of her mind ever since the day he left.

She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before finally speaking.

“By the way, Junior… I wanted to say…”

Riley turned to her, slightly tilting his head in curiosity.

“Hm? What is it?”

Alice took a deep breath.

“I’m… sorry about what happened back then.”

Riley blinked. “What’s this all of a sudden?”

“You know… when I slapped you,” she admitted, looking down in embarrassment. “I didn’t

really mean to hurt you…”

“Ah…” Riley let out a soft chuckle. “It’s fine. It was my fault anyway, and honestly, the slap

didn’t even hurt.”

“But-“

Alice wanted to argue, to tell him it wasn’t just about the pain but about how she regretted

acting on impulse.

However, before she could continue, she suddenly felt something gently press against her

lips.

Riley’s finger.

“Enough about that, Senior,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle. “Like I told you, it’s fine. And also… you have a weird obsession with always blaming yourself. Stop that.” “Mmph-” Alice tried to protest, but her words were muffled against his finger.

“Sshh,” Riley hushed her with a teasing smirk.

Alice blinked, feeling both flustered and slightly annoyed. She pouted, but when she met his

gaze, she found herself freezing in place.

He was looking at her so intently, so seriously…

She instinctively nodded, and only then did he pull his finger away from her lips.

A strange sense of disappointment lingered in her chest.

Riley let out a small sigh, ruffling his hair.

“Actually… what I was going to bring up was about what happened that day,” he muttered,

his voice quieter now. “But I guess this just makes things a little more awkward.”

Alice frowned slightly, tilting her head.

That day as well, why?

Riley exhaled before looking straight at her again-this time, with an intensity that made

Alice unconsciously take a small step back.

His gaze was unwavering, piercing, filled with something she couldn’t quite place.

Her heart skipped a beat.

‘T-This atmosphere… C-Could this be…?’

Before she could process it further, Riley took a step forward.

And then another.

Closing the distance between them.

Alice’s breath hitched.

“Senior Alice…” Riley’s voice was steady, unwavering. “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but all

this time… I’ve always had feelings for you.”

Alice’s mind short-circuited.

“H-Huh???”

She felt her face heat up so fast she swore she could explode.

“W-What are you saying all of a sudden, Junior?!” she stammered. “I-I told you remember y-

you can’t just tease your senior like that just because-“

“I wasn’t playing around when I kissed you that day, Senior.”

Alice’s body froze.

Her eyes widened.

That day.

The memory of his lips on hers flashed in her mind like lightning, sending a jolt through her

entire being.

“E-Eh?! B-But you-“

Riley took another step closer.

No hesitation. No playfulness.

His expression was serious.

Resolute.

“Alice Holloway…” Riley’s voice was clear. Steady. Genuine.

“I love you.”

“????????????

??????????

????????”

Alice’s mind shattered.

Riley’s voice remained steady, his eyes never wavering as he continued,

“What I said to you that day was also genuine, Senior…”

He took a small step closer, his expression serious-unshakable.

“Would you marry me, Senior-no… Alice?”

-Boom!

Alice’s already broken mind shattered into even tinier, irreparable pieces.

Marriage?

‘Did he just say marriage?!’

Her brain, which had already been struggling to process his confession, completely short-

circuited.

The gears inside her head tried desperately to realign, to piece together some logical

explanation for what she had just heard-but they only clanked and jammed, sending metaphorical sparks flying as if her entire thought process was overheating.

Her face turned a deep, burning red.

“W-WHAT’S UP WITH ALL THIS ALL OF A SUDDEN, JUNIOR?!” Riley merely watched in amusement as Alice flailed, clearly panicking. “Y-You can’t just say something like that j-just because you like me!” she stammered, her

voice an octave higher than usual. “A-And besides, w-what do you even mean by marriage?!

S-Shouldn’t we at least date first?! And also-!”

Her eyes darted around as if searching for a loophole, a way to escape this absurd

conversation.

“Aren’t you going out with Princess Snow?! Don’t you know that cheating on imperial blood

means death?! A-Are you crazy right now, Junior?! Do you have any idea what you’re saying?!”

Riley chuckled.

That same casual, infuriatingly composed chuckle that made Alice’s panic skyrocket even

further.

“T-This is no laughing matter, Junior!” Alice nearly shrieked, stomping her foot. “I know, I know,” Riley reassured, though the glint of amusement in his eyes remained. “But

you don’t have to worry about my relationship with Snow.”

Alice narrowed her eyes. “And why is that?”

Riley shrugged, his next words slipping out as if this entire conversation was completely

normal.

“I actually already got her father’s technical approval, as long as I win a certain bet we made…”

Alice blinked.

Her mind went blank.

“…Her father?” she repeated.

“The Emperor,” Riley confirmed, nodding as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “So

yeah, dating or marrying me won’t be a problem.”

Alice just stood there. Mouth slightly open. Eyes wide. Completely and utterly stunned.

‘The Emperor.’

‘He went to the Emperor?’

‘THE… EMPEROR… FOR AN APPROVAL?’

“H-Huh…?”

She barely managed to squeeze out that one syllable before her brain crashed again, her

thoughts spiraling out of control.

But before she could even begin to formulate a proper response, Riley casually added—

“Oh, actually, Rose is part of the harem as well.”

BOOM.

Alice felt the final, fragile remains of her sanity slip from her grasp.

“W-WHAT?! ROSE?! ROSE?!”

“Yeah.”

“JUNIOR, WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU EVEN SAYING?!”

“What do you mean? It’s exactly as it sounds.”

Alice’s breath hitched. She clutched her head as she tried-tried-to process what was

happening.

No, wait-Forget Rose for a second!

She gasped, eyes darting back to him.

“Wait-the Princess! No-What did you just say about the emperor again?! And-Wait, no-

you just asked for my hand in marriage, right?! T-then why are we talking about Rose” Her

voice cracked as she went through each insane revelation. “Then what do you mean by

harem?! H-HUH?!”

She was truly, completely losing her mind.

Riley chuckled inwardly as he observed Alice’s reaction.

‘Yeah… I expected this much.’

Her entire thought process was practically crumbling before his eyes, her face shifting

through so many expressions-shock, denial, confusion, frustration—that it was almost

amusing.

If he had approached this more carefully, easing her into it, things might have gone

smoother…

But for some reason, he felt like now was the only chance to establish something important.

He had already made up his mind.

He wasn’t just throwing around empty words-he was ready to fully commit to this, to her, to

them.

And with how things were unfolding, he needed to ensure that everyone he cared about,

everyone he wanted to bring happiness to, could enjoy that happiness without unnecessary

complications.

Snow and Rose would be returning tomorrow.

And since he planned to spend most of his time with Alice, unraveling her hidden scenario and

ensuring her story unfolded the way it should, he couldn’t afford to let misunderstandings

fester.

The relationships he had chosen to build his lovers-deserved clarity.

A tone needed to be set.

And above all, honesty needed to be upheld.

That was the resolve he was committing to now.

His plans for the future had changed.

So, without hesitation, he stepped closer to Alice.

Alice instinctively took a step back, her body tensing as she raised her hands in protest. “J-

Junior, wait-“

She pushed against him, but their difference in strength was undeniable. She could barely

budge him. Her resistance, while firm, was ultimately meaningless against his unwavering

determination.

“Senior,” Riley spoke softly, his tone steady yet unwavering. “I know you’re confused right

now. So take your time. You don’t have to give me an answer immediately. You’ll probably even deny me at first, but-“

His words trailed off as he reached out, fingers brushing against the side of her head.

Alice flinched slightly at the sudden contact, her pink locks swaying as his fingertips grazed

through them.

Slowly, deliberately, he grasped a few strands of her hair, letting them slip through his fingers before finally bringing them to his lips.

And then, he kissed them.

Alice’s breath hitched.

Her entire body froze.

The warmth of his lips against her hair sent an unfamiliar, almost foreign sensation rippling

through her chest-a strange mix of embarrassment, confusion, and something else she

refused to acknowledge.

Riley exhaled softly, his blue eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart

pound against her ribs.

“I have no intention of giving up on you, Senior.”

Alice felt her throat go dry.

“I don’t know what you feel for me now,” he continued, his voice low, almost hypnotic. “But

if it isn’t love…”

His lips curled into the faintest smile-calm, confident, and full of quiet certainty.

“Then I’ll try my hardest.”

A step closer.

“I’ll make sure you fall for me properly.”

His gaze, unwavering.

“That’s a promise.”

Alice’s heart slammed against her chest. ‘Ah… He’s truly in love with me…’

Her mind spiraled into a chaotic mess, twisting and turning in ways she had never

experienced before.

Was this real? Was he serious?

But deep down, she already knew the answer.

Everything Riley had just said-every word, every lingering gaze, every quiet promise-was

the truth.

The young man standing before her…

He was her destined one.

Her fingers twitched slightly as she tried to grasp the overwhelming emotions flooding her.

Was she feeling this way simply because of that?

Because fate had intertwined their paths?

Or… was it because she truly loved him? Was Riley interesting to her? Or was he just amusing?

Countless questions flooded her mind, crashing against one another like waves in a storm.

But in the end…

None of them truly needed answering.

Because deep down, Alice already knew the answer.

Her heart, which had been desperately trying to rationalize and resist, finally quieted.

She let go of logic. Let go of hesitation.

And let her body move on its own.

Closing the distance between them, Alice took a step forward, her hands tightening into fists

before slowly releasing.

Then, without a word, she leaned in.

Her face inched closer to Riley’s, her breaths shaky yet steadying.

She shut her eyes.

And kissed him.

It was a simple kiss, a fleeting moment that barely lasted more than a heartbeat.

Yet, in that instant, it was enough.

Riley’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, not expecting her to take the lead.

But he didn’t pull away. Instead, his hands instinctively rested on her waist, responding to her

actions as he kissed her back.

The warmth between them deepened before Alice finally parted her lips from his, exhaling

softly.

As their gazes met, her golden eyes burned with conviction.

“…Junior,” she whispered, her voice firm despite the faint tremble in it, “if you break my

heart… I will kill myself.”

Riley blinked. Then, he chuckled.

“Don’t worry,” he said, smiling as he cupped her cheek gently.

His thumb brushed against her flushed skin, his voice carrying a quiet certainty that left no

room for doubt.

“That won’t happen.”

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