Chapter 178: Chapter 178: The Wine Pact

The sun had begun its descent behind the white-stoned rooftops of Valon, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and lilac. A warm summer breeze drifted lazily through the streets, carrying with it the aroma of baked herbs and fresh river air.

Nestled between the merchant quarter and the northern canal was a restaurant simply known as Mirae’s, one of the most exclusive dining spots in the capital. That evening, not a single table was occupied—because all of them had been reserved.

By Elyra von Estermont.

The place was elegant, but understated. Large crystalline windows surrounded the main floor, giving a view of the cobbled streets and glowing canals outside. Every table was made of finely polished oak, carved with floral patterns and lined with velvet chairs. Small enchanted orbs floated above the tables, casting a gentle golden hue that warmed the entire room. From the open kitchen came the soft clinks of silverware and the hushed voices of highly trained chefs.

Elyra sat near the center, dressed in a flowing red summer dress. It hugged her silhouette without being tight, designed for elegance and comfort in the growing heat. Her black hair was loosely tied to the side, lips painted just a touch darker than usual. She tapped the rim of her wine glass as she waited.

Moments later, Elena von Lestaria arrived. Her dress was green, soft and sleeveless, light enough to match the summer but with just enough formal cut to make it fitting for the venue. Her platinum hair fell freely past her shoulders, and a gentle smile formed as she spotted Elyra.

“Rented out the whole place?” Elena asked as she took her seat.

Elyra raised a brow. “Of course. This conversation requires privacy.”

A waiter appeared shortly after, polite and silent.

Elyra ordered a medium-rare steak with a side of herb potatoes and wine.

Elena went with a grilled meat salad, light and crisp, with a matching glass of wine.

The waiter bowed and disappeared without a sound.

For a moment, they sat in silence, letting the hum of the kitchen and the evening calm settle around them.

Then Elyra tilted her head slightly, gaze firm.

“We need to talk about Noel.”

Elena stirred her wine gently, then looked up with a slightly raised brow. “You don’t waste time, huh.”

Elyra leaned back, one leg crossed over the other, fingers resting on the base of her glass. “No point. I’m Noel’s girlfriend. And I was first.”

Elena pouted, setting her glass down. “Not fair. You beat me to it.”

“No,” Elyra said with a small smirk, “you were just too slow. If you’d confessed earlier, he would’ve accepted you in a heartbeat.”

“You think so?” Elena asked, unsure.

“I’m sure of it,” Elyra nodded. “I think he hesitated with me because of a promise he made. He wanted to make sure he fulfilled it first. And after he did… he became even more important to me.”

Elena tilted her head. “What promise?”

Elyra took a sip of her wine, eyes flicking to the table. “He saved my mother’s life.”

A pause.

“Oh… right,” Elena murmured, eyes widening. “I forgot about that. You sent a letter that day, didn’t you?”

She chuckled softly. “That was the day he ended up bedridden in the infirmary. Clair was fuming—said she was going to ban him if he kept collapsing every time something serious happened.”

Elyra allowed herself a small laugh. “That’s just how he is. At first, he seemed cold… but he’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.”

Elena nodded, smiling as she swirled her wine. “It’s true. I still remember what he did for me during the Festival Hunt… no hesitation at all.”

Elyra leaned forward again with a teasing smile. “Still, I’m the first. But I’ll accept you as the second wife.”

Elena raised an eyebrow. “First doesn’t necessarily mean best, you know.”

Elyra narrowed her eyes playfully. “Don’t push it.”

Both raised their glasses and clinked them together.

They laughed, quietly, like two old friends who knew exactly how ridiculous things were getting—but didn’t mind.

The laughter faded slowly, replaced by a brief silence as both women took a slow sip of their wine.

Then Elyra’s tone shifted—calmer, sharper.

“You should hurry, you know.”

Elena blinked. “Hurry?”

Elyra rested her chin on her hand, swirling her glass. “My instinct tells me others are going to make their move soon.”

Elena frowned slightly. “Why do you think that?”

Elyra’s expression turned thoughtful. “Remember when he went north a while ago?”

“To get that flower?” Elena asked, then paused. “Wait… you mean—”

Elyra’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Frostpetals. But shh—top secret. Don’t say the name out loud.”

Elena gave a mock salute. “Understood, Captain.”

That earned a soft laugh from Elyra. She took another sip, then continued. “He was gone for over two weeks. And I know for a fact that Selene was with him part of that time.”

Elena’s brows lifted. “You think something happened?”

“Maybe,” Elyra said. “I doubt he spent all that time wandering around aimlessly. Noel’s reckless, but not stupid. And Selene… she’s not the type to waste time unless she had a reason.”

Elena shifted in her seat, biting her lower lip. “You really think I should be worried?”

Elyra gave her a knowing look. “Selene isn’t the biggest threat.”

“…She’s not?”

Elyra leaned forward, voice low, almost conspiratorial.

“No. The real problem is her.”

Elena leaned closer, almost whispering. “Who?”

“The Saint,” Elyra said, eyes narrowing slightly. “Charlotte.”

Elena blinked. “Charlotte? You really think she’s…?”

Elyra nodded slowly, placing her glass down. “With me, she has no issue. I’ve already made it clear—I don’t mind if others join in, as long as I’m always treated properly. That, and he knows exactly what would happen if I’m not.”

Elena arched a brow. “Your father?”

Elyra smiled without warmth. “Let’s just say the Estermont name isn’t only for show.”

A beat of silence passed before Elena spoke again, this time more softly. “So you’re saying… my spot as second is in danger.”

Elyra didn’t answer. She simply gave her a look—and that was enough.

Elena sighed and leaned back in her chair, staring at the wine in her glass. “Still… she barely knows him. I’ve known Noel almost a year. I’ve seen him at his worst, and he’s told me more than most.”

“True,” Elyra said. “But sometimes, that’s not enough.”

“What do you mean?”

Elyra raised a finger. “Noel acts like he’s hard to read, but if you pay attention—really pay attention—you can catch him slipping. He’s not as guarded as he thinks. You, me, Marcus, even Roberto could tell how he feels if we really watch him.”

Elena’s lips pressed together in thought.

Elyra continued, voice calm but firm. “Charlotte may be new, but she already knows too much. You know what that means.”

Elena kept her gaze fixed on the glass for a long moment, the reflection of the chandelier flickering across the wine’s surface. Her voice was barely a murmur.

“What do you think I should do, then?”

Elyra didn’t hesitate. “Go to his room. Tonight. Tell him how you feel.”

Elena’s heart skipped, her posture stiffening just slightly. “Just like that?”

Elyra nodded, confidence unwavering. “Just like that. No more hesitation. If you wait… you might not get another chance.”

Elena glanced again at the nearly empty wine bottle on the table. Her cheeks were already a little flushed, her thoughts swimming from the alcohol, from the words, from the growing weight in her chest.

She reached for the bottle without a word and—ignoring her glass—drank the last of it straight from the neck.

Elyra stared, lips parted in mild shock.

Then, without warning, Elena stood up and slammed both hands on the table.

“TO HIS ROOM! RIGHT NOW!”

The shout echoed through the restaurant—but no one came running.

They were alone, after all.

Elyra blinked, then laughed as she stood as well, smoothing out her dress. “Well then. Lead the charge, Lady Lestaria.”

Elena didn’t wait. She turned, fire in her steps and wine in her veins.

Elyra followed, shaking her head with a smile.

The streets of Valon were quiet beneath the pale glow of enchanted lanterns. The canals reflected the night sky, stars dancing in the water with every ripple. Shops had closed, the city shifting into its nighttime calm—except for two determined figures walking side by side.

Elyra and Elena.

Their heels tapped against the smooth stone roads, dresses swaying gently with each step. Elena’s cheeks were still red, whether from wine, nerves, or both. Elyra looked entirely composed—aside from the amused smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

“Still sure about this?” she asked lightly.

“No turning back now,” Elena said, focused forward.

“Mm. For the record, I’m impressed. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Neither did I,” Elena muttered. “But if I don’t do it now… I’ll keep putting it off. I’m tired of waiting.”

Elyra gave a small nod of approval. “Good.”

The gates of the academy came into view ahead. The guards let them through with barely a glance—both girls were well-known, after all.

They passed through the dormitory gardens, then into the main building that housed the Class S students. The night air grew cooler, the wind brushing softly against their skin, whispering like it, too, was aware of what was coming.

They reached the entrance.

Both paused.

Elyra looked at Elena, one brow raised.

Elena exhaled deeply, steadying herself.

Together, they stepped inside—two young women, chasing a single heart.

And somewhere above them, in one of those quiet, moonlit rooms…

Noel was completely unaware of the storm headed his way.

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