She memorized every bit of trivial information about Josephine’s surroundings, about the Lucan family, to be exact.
Givern’s birthday party was a great opportunity for them to make a lasting impression.

Purposely acting friendly with Riley, Claire exposed their seemingly close and intimate relationship. It wouldn’t be difficult for others to approach them now.

Claire’s ultimate goal was to use Riley’s name to contact key figures in this social circle, build trust with them, and smoothly debut into the Blessitage social circle. Of course, she had no intention of letting foolish Riley enjoy any success. While using Riley and Givern’s names, she would ensure that Riley is rejected by everyone and can never set foot in society.

“In the end, it’s me who will be smiling at the last success.”

Riley, who lucked into a situation beyond her level, had to be miserable. The one who worked hard, spilled blood, and made efforts was not Riley Eadlyn but Claire Eadlyn.

Claire wanted to show Riley how terrifying it is to have undeserved luck. She wanted her to realize that life is not about meeting one good man and living well. She wanted to break her arrogant pride.

Everyone should live according to their station, and once they realize that, they should quietly bow down. There was nothing more to ask for.

No one else but Riley Eadlyn should not be happier than Claire Eadlyn.

The day she suddenly came in and destroyed the harmonious family relationship, that foolish, stumbling block of a woman…

“She must never be happier than me.”

After all the classes were over, instead of returning to the mansion, Riley headed to Matap Horizon.

She originally intended to meet Givern, but…

“Miss, would you like to stay with Arpeggio-nim for a moment? A guest has come suddenly; it won’t take long.”

Hearing Suk’s words, she immediately went to Arpeggio.

Arpeggio looked at Riley with disdain as usual. He asked why she came here again, told her not to bother people, and to leave, but Riley took her usual seat without being fazed.

Upon doing so, Arpeggio sighed and handed sandwiches and drinks to Riley.

“Have you lost more weight during this time?”

“Thank you, Master.”

“I’m not your master, ugh… Forget it. My mouth is wearing out faster. Talking is exhausting, now.”

“Why didn’t you come to the birthday party?”

“Why would I go there? I don’t want to congratulate that unlucky guy face-to-face.”

Riley sucked on the straw, looking at Arpeggio.

It felt like seeing someone after a very long time. Was it because of the recent hectic routine? Well, there were too many things to pay attention to.
The Giben’s assassination case, the welcoming party, the immediate actions of the uncle, and the purchase of Claire’s maid, Liz, all the way to the preparations for the birthday party, academic studies at the academy, class visits… It seems like I’ve been really busy. Considering how a few weeks’ time felt like months.

“Why are you staring at me like that? Do you have something to say?”

“Just because it feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. It’s been a while since we faced each other and talked like this.”

“I don’t know. Even last time, Giben came with you. Of course, I helped with emergency treatment since you were covered in injuries.”

“I’ve been extremely busy since Giben was poisoned. Really… looking back now, it feels like I endured each day in a chaotic routine.”

“So, it looks like you’ve lost more weight. Tsk, already looking plain and unattractive, and thinking of becoming a magician with that body.”

Arpeggio’s tic-like way of speaking seems quite similar to Ban’s.

Come to think of it, I haven’t properly treated Ban Senpai with gratitude. He helped with the carriage accident, but…

Riley, who was thinking about Ban, paused.

At the time, things were so hectic that she just lightly brushed it off.

Body protection magic is the most basic of basic magics. Honestly, protection magic that absorbs external impact is something any magician can use, so dying from a carriage accident? Either she was in a state where she couldn’t use magic, or there were some other circumstances. Anyway, it’s not a common case.

Listening to Ban’s words, it did seem unusual.

“Master.”

“Why.”

“Do you know about our parents?”

“… I’m not completely unaware. But why.”

“I heard that our father was an outstanding elite even in Horizon.”

“Yes. He was a commoner, but there was no one to match his skills.”

“Our father passed away in a carriage accident.”

“… So?”

“It seemed a bit strange to me. A senior I know said… When a magician is threatened, they instinctively use protective magic against the threat. It happens involuntarily. Our father, who wasn’t just a magician but an exceptional elite, couldn’t prevent a carriage accident with magic, and it doesn’t make sense to me.”

Arpeggio didn’t say anything in response to Riley’s words. It wasn’t clear what he was thinking, and his facial expression was hidden behind the messy hair.