Chapter 674: Frozen North 6

“That ended rather quickly…”

“Fufu, I told you I’d take care of it~”

Riley let out a small sigh as they walked side by side away from the balcony.

“That’s good and all, but shouldn’t we have listened to his opinion on the matter? You saw his face, right? The poor old man probably won’t get a wink of sleep tonight.”

Snow chuckled softly, her steps unhurried.

“That might be true. But if we had allowed him to voice his concerns properly, he would’ve tried everything in his power to stop us from going there personally.”

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.

“And besides… didn’t you want this settled quickly and efficiently?”

“…Fair point.”

“See?” Snow said lightly. “Sometimes decisiveness is kinder than prolonged discussion. Especially when people are already desperate.”

Riley fell silent for a moment before another thought surfaced.

“Is His Majesty aware of your plans?”

“Well, most of them,” Snow replied calmly. “But don’t worry. I intend to inform him myself once we decide when to depart.”

Her tone made it clear this wasn’t something she was asking permission for—it was something she was responsibly managing.

As they continued toward the grand ballroom, the distant sound of music grew louder, blending with laughter and conversation.

Riley glanced at Snow, studying her profile with a slightly peculiar look.

She was reliable.

Efficient.

Calm under pressure.

Is this one of the many perks of being a crown princess? he wondered.

“Hm?” Snow noticed his gaze and tilted her head. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Nothing,” Riley replied. “That conversation just now made me realize something.”

“And what would that be?”

She asked, a faint pout forming as she turned to him.

Her expression clearly said: What did you think of me all this time?

“That you really are royalty,” he said honestly.

Snow blinked once… then narrowed her eyes slightly.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Riley couldn’t help himself. He chuckled quietly, the corner of his lips lifting.

“Stop laughing,”

Snow said, lightly bumping his side with her shoulder.

“Even if I act a bit more honest and intimate when I’m with you, I still try to uphold my duties—my grace and dignity as a princess, you know. Did I not look the part?”

“You did,”

Riley replied easily.

“Don’t think too much about it. I only said that because with me… you’re just Snow. Not Princess Snow that everyone else sees.”

The words caught her off guard.

Snow’s steps slowed just a little, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.

“W-Well…”

She looked away for a moment, then spoke more quietly,

“that side of me is exclusive to you.”

There was no teasing in her tone this time—just honesty.

Their short, private moment ended as the doors to the grand hall opened before them.

Music flowed outward, rich and elegant.

Golden lights reflected off polished floors and crystal chandeliers, and the moment the two stepped inside, eyes turned their way.

Yet, unlike what Riley had expected, no one rushed toward them.

People noticed.

They whispered.

They hesitated.

Some bowed slightly from afar.

Others pretended to be deep in conversation while clearly stealing glances.

’I guess approaching Snow isn’t exactly an easy task…’

Riley quickly understood why.

Even within the academy—where status was supposedly set aside—Snow was still the crown princess of the Germonia Empire.

The emperor’s favored daughter.

A future ruler.

Graceful.

Untouchable.

That invisible weight alone was enough to make most people think twice.

Still… not everyone backed down.

A few bold figures, veterans of the business world and seasoned nobles who had faced pressure far greater than awkward silence, gathered their courage and began making their way toward her.

As Snow began to entertain them.

On the other hand, Riley simply stood by her side, quietly watching as Snow engaged with the people who approached her.

This was the first time he’d really seen this side of her.

Not the Snow who teased him, or spoke casually when they were alone—but the Snow who listened carefully.

Answered without hesitation, and spoke with a calm authority that made people lean in and take her words seriously.

A royal kind of manner… yeah, that fits.

The way she guided conversations, acknowledged concerns without promising too much, and shut down unreasonable requests with a gentle smile—it all came naturally to her.

Almost too naturally.

For a brief moment, Riley wondered if this was part of the reason she’d brought him here tonight.

So, he could see it.

This wasn’t something learned overnight.

Snow wasn’t just acting like a future ruler—she already was one.

Before he realized it, he found himself memorizing the way she spoke and moved through the crowd.

As her future husband, scenes like this would probably become normal sooner rather than later.

His gaze drifted around the hall.

It wasn’t just merchants and well-known figures from the academy’s business world.

There were foreigners too—people clearly not from the empire.

Among them, he even spotted a few elven dignitaries.

That alone was unusual.

Elves usually looked down on human commerce, treating it as something crude and greedy.

Still, exceptions existed everywhere, and where profit flowed, pride tended to bend.

Despite standing beside Snow the entire time, no one approached Riley directly.

Was it because of her presence?

Or was it because of his reputation?

He didn’t dwell on it for long.

Either way, he didn’t mind.

Dealing with pointless attention and empty conversations had never been his thing.

Continuing to look around without drawing attention to himself, Riley wondered where the main heroine of this whole scenario was supposed to be.

She should be here by now…

Then he noticed Snow looking straight at him.

The moment their eyes met, she gave him a small, playful wink—and before he could react, she lightly nudged him to the side.

The push was so subtle that no one around them even noticed.

Riley tilted his head slightly.

What are you doing?

Snow didn’t answer.

She simply turned back to the people in front of her, continuing the conversation as if nothing had happened.

That only made him more confused.

At first, he’d honestly thought she brought him here just to enjoy the night together.

A calm evening, some light conversation, maybe handling a few things about the north on the side.

But now.

The way she was easing him into the crowd, letting him stand on his own—even though she knew he disliked these kinds of gatherings—it could only mean one thing.

She wants me to get used to this.

The thought settled in quietly.

It made sense. If he was going to stand beside her in the future, nights like this wouldn’t be rare.

This wasn’t just a party—it was practice.

He glanced at her once more.

Snow was smiling gently as she spoke, completely composed, completely in control.

Yeah… he was probably on the right track.

Riley let out a quiet sigh and stepped away, just enough to give her space.

There were still things he wanted to talk to her about—plans for the north, things only the two of them could discuss, maybe even stealing a moment alone in this rare setting.

But for now…

It looked like those would have to wait.

…

Sigh…

Janica let out a quiet breath as she leaned against one of the pillars lining the grand hall.

A glass of wine rested loosely in her hand, and she took a small sip while her eyes drifted over the crowd.

This place was way too big.

She knew it the moment they walked in, but actually being inside was something else entirely.

The hall seemed endless—golden lights, polished floors, voices blending together into a constant hum.

Even now, she still felt a little overwhelmed by how lavish everything was.

She’d already done her share of wandering around on her own.

More than enough, honestly.

It would’ve been better if that idiot was here…

The thought slipped out naturally, but she quickly shook her head.

No. For his sake, this was necessary.

Turning her head, Janica spotted Lucas in the distance.

As expected, he was completely surrounded—merchants, nobles, sponsors, all talking over one another, eager to grab his attention.

A small smirk formed on her lips.

Hehe… now you’ll finally understand just how much influence you actually have.

She’d always been the one handling most of Lucas’s social messes—deciding who to talk to, who to ignore, how to word things so he wouldn’t accidentally offend someone important.

But she couldn’t do that forever.

If Lucas was truly walking the path of knighthood, this was something he had to learn on his own.

Even if it was just awkward small talk.

Especially before some real trouble came knocking later.

Janica took another sip of her wine, watching him struggle with a mix of amusement and quiet trust.

You’ll manage… even if it takes a few bruises to your pride.

Of course, if things got too complicated—or if any annoying woman tried to get too close to Lucas—she would step in immediately. No hesitation.

But for now, this was his time to grow.

Since I’m sacrificing my time with you today, you’d better learn properly…

Janica’s gaze softened as she watched him from afar.

She had actually wanted to spend the evening by his side, especially on a rare occasion like this.

Moments like these didn’t come often, and she knew just how much they meant.

Still, there would be other chances.

As long as we don’t miss the final dance.

That, at least, was non-negotiable.

The first and final dances of the night carried the strongest romantic meaning.

Everyone knew that. No matter what happened in between, that was something she absolutely refused to give up.

Even so, walking through the hall alone felt a little awkward. Janica wasn’t exactly fond of drifting without purpose in crowded places like this.

Thankfully, the neatly arranged tables of food made up for it—especially the desserts.

Her eyes sparkled as they landed on a beautifully plated slice of cake, layered delicately and decorated with shimmering sugar petals.

That looks dangerous…

Just as she was about to move—

“Are you perhaps Lady Janica Mortelina?”

“Hm?”

A quiet, gentle voice called out to her. Turning around, she froze for a brief moment.

The man before her was… striking.

Long golden-blond hair fell in soft waves down his back, catching the light with every subtle movement.

His purple eyes were calm yet vivid, and the white suit he wore—lined with intricate golden patterns—fit him flawlessly, as though it had been tailored specifically to command attention.

He smiled politely.

“I believe this is our first meeting. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Alain Etrama Zelova—second prince of the Zelova Kingdom.”

“…Prince?”

Janica blinked, genuine surprise slipping into her voice.

Prince Alain’s smile widened slightly at her reaction.

“Yes. If it’s not too much to ask…” he continued smoothly, his tone courteous and composed, “…may I have a moment of your time? Alone, if possible.”

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