Under the dazzling crystal chandelier lights, numerous distinguished guests moved about busily.

Though the event was held in a larger venue than the previous Horizon reception, far fewer people had gathered.

Since only a select few who were personally close to Givnen or had close cooperative relationships with Horizon were invited, they must have been much more strictly screened than at the last reception.

And most of these people seemed to know each other. Perhaps it was only natural, as those who played in the upper echelons were all cut from the same cloth.

Riley had thought today’s event would be no different from the previous reception.

But today was clearly different from the reception. Something felt unfamiliar. Pondering what felt strange, the answer came quickly.

“Nervous?”

Riley’s gaze fixed on Givnen’s tightly pressed lips. Was it because of the buttons done up to his neck, unlike usual? He looked somewhat stifled and tense.

“Is it that obvious?”

At Givnen’s playful response, Riley tilted her head.

“It’s an event for you, I didn’t think you’d be nervous.”

“Is this really for me?”

“…?”

“What I want for my birthday is just to spend it alone with my elder sister.”

“…Oh.”

“It may be my birthday party, but for me it’s work.”

This might be the first time seeing this side of Givnen.

Since she had rarely seen him nervous before, his somewhat tense appearance felt unfamiliar. Even someone who seemed capable of anything could get nervous like this.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s interesting.”

“Interesting that I’m nervous?”

“It’s my first time seeing you nervous.”

“So what’s your impression?”

“Hmm, you’re human after all…?”

“What? Then what did you think I was before?”

“…A human without humanity?”

He raised an eyebrow as if dumbfounded.

“After all the effort and sincerity I’ve shown you, a human without humanity?”

“That’s not what I meant. You just seem to be good at everything and perfect in every way… I thought you wouldn’t even get nervous. Like, you’re human but a bit unrealistic…? How should I put this?”

Seeing Riley rambling, Givnen chuckled and fiddled with her ear.

“I know, I was just joking.”

“…”

“You’ve been overestimating me too much. I’m nervous every moment. This is a place where I can’t let my guard down. Especially in a place with so many people gathered, I have to keep myself in check even more.”

“But aren’t all the people gathered here close to you?”

“They’re close professionally, not personally.”

If I don’t stay sharp, I’ll get eaten alive.

He said calmly while looking straight ahead. Riley stared intently at his face.

What was his appearance like at the last reception? Perfect, flawless. What more needs to be said? There, he was a person shining brilliantly alone.

An existence like a diamond placed on the street, impossible not to notice even if he didn’t want to stand out.

Had this kind of appearance always been behind that unique atmosphere, composure, and skilled attitude?

Somewhat anxious-looking, fidgety. Eyes more sensitive than usual, tightly closed lips. This situation of exclusively possessing this side of him that others couldn’t see wasn’t unpleasant.

Rather than his perfectly composed appearance, this slightly disheveled current appearance left a much more shocking impression.

“You’re amazing.”

“…”

“I think you’re really amazing, living while working so hard and diligently. I want to learn from you.”

Givnen stared intently at Riley. Flustered by his reaction as if he had heard something he shouldn’t have, Riley worried if she had said something wrong.

“You’re the first person to say something like that to me.”

“…Huh?”

“Until now, not a single person has tried to see me as I am.”

Givnen looked straight ahead expressionlessly. At the end of his gaze, the noble guests gathered in the hall could be seen.

“Not a single one.”

Muttering softly, he extended his hand to Riley.

“Shall we go, my lady?”

Instead of answering, Riley gently placed her hand on his. As they began to slowly move forward hand in hand, Givnen transformed into a completely different person the moment they took a step.

To the point where one might wonder if this was really the same person who had been nervous just moments ago, no trace of anxiety or unease could be found on his face.

Just like when she first saw him at the reception, he was relaxed, elegant, dignified and beautiful.

As they advanced forward with dignified and majestic steps, she could feel people’s attention focusing on them.

The stirring interest of the people seemed to be directed at Givnen from the start, as if predetermined.

And soon, curiosity spread across their faces.

– Who is that woman beside him?

– I’ve never seen her face before?

– Could she be that woman mentioned in the recent marriage rumors? The one attending Horizon…?

– Ah, now that you mention it, there was such a rumor.

– Looks like that article was true after all.

– Whether that article is true or not, nobody knows. Isn’t she just another new woman? It’s not like he’s only changed lovers for a day or two.

– I don’t know about anything else, but he’s really consistent. It’s not easy to live so selfishly like that. Even so, how long has it been since his engagement with the 9th Imperial Princess was broken off…? Her Majesty the Empress even graciously offered the Imperial Palace… It’s quite a sight.

– Who knows, if the marriage rumors are true and that woman is really the one he’s going to marry, there’s no reason he couldn’t bring her here.

Everyone stirred and added their own comments.

With faces full of curiosity, they all seemed busy speculating about this situation.

The truly strange thing was that some people didn’t even bother to lower their voices and chatted excitedly. It was mostly the older ones who did so.

However, when a large number of clan members entered along with Alton, the head of the Lianster family, and his daughter Rivne, those who had been talking loudly suddenly closed their mouths as if on cue.

Alton and Rivne immediately approached Givnen and Riley.

“It’s been a while.”

Alton greeted his future daughter-in-law before his son.

“Have you been well?”

“Yes, have you been well, father?”

“Oh, I’m always doing well as usual. But if you say you’ve been well, why have you lost even more weight?”

His sharp gaze turned towards his son.

“Didn’t I tell you to make sure she eats well?”

“I’m doing my best to feed her.”

“Then why is she losing weight like this?”

“I’m concerned about that too.”

“Instead of going around eating poison-like things, pay more attention to Riley. The child is losing weight because you’re adding to the wife’s duties while unnecessarily eating all sorts of things. She shouldn’t even have to get her hands wet.”

The conversation continued, seemingly normal yet somewhat strange?

Meanwhile, Rivne looked Riley up and down and seemed satisfied.

“You look passable.”

“Thank you.”

“Now all you have to do is keep your mouth shut and stay quiet.”

Just as she was about to continue the conversation, the orchestra changed their tune. The imperial princes entered to grand music.

As the noblest bloodlines of the empire made their grand entrance, everyone bowed and placed their hands on their chests in respect.

It was no exaggeration to say that the princes were the most splendid here. They all looked like male peacocks dressed up with great effort. The colorful outfits they wore were in stark contrast to Givnen’s neat attire, who was the main character of the party.

Dressed in dazzlingly flashy outfits, they immediately approached Givnen and greeted him one by one.

Most of the princes were very lively and friendly. Givnen also greeted them one by one with his brilliant hosting skills, exchanging pleasantries.

Starting with congratulations on the first imperial princess-consort’s childbirth, to discussions about talks with the neighboring country of Kalmrai with the fourth prince.

Congratulations on the fifth prince’s newborn daughter, to talks about the sixth prince’s establishment of a charity foundation.

Information about the princes that he had memorized flowed smoothly from his mouth.

So this is how he works. His appearance was very new. I realized anew how amazing a person he is.

“But who is this beautiful lady?”

One of the princes showed interest in Riley.

Once one opened the floodgates, the other princes also asked about Riley one after another.

Givnen said that this party was both his birthday celebration and an occasion to introduce Riley, and that he would reveal this during the upcoming thank you speech. The princes said they understood and stepped back for now.

After the princes returned to their seats, Givnen continued to greet the noble guests who came to pay their respects.

And just as it was almost time for the thank you speech,

“I’m sorry, am I a bit late?”

A man with an extremely handsome appearance approached Givnen, and Givnen placed his hand on his chest and bowed respectfully.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness the 7th Prince.”

“I was delayed by some business. Is the speech over?”

“No, I was just about to begin.”

“Perfect timing then. I’ll go to my seat first.”

As the 7th Prince passed by Givnen, he glanced at Riley. When their eyes met, he gave a slight smile before leaving.

‘What was that?’

It was an extremely friendly reaction, unlike the other princes. As Riley turned to look at him in surprise, Givnen spoke in a low voice.

“Try your best not to run into the 7th Prince if you can help it.”

“…Why? Do you dislike the 7th Prince?”

“I dislike snake-like bastards.”

“…Is the 7th Prince a snake-like bastard?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s an unpleasant bastard.”

It seems Givnen doesn’t get along well with the 7th Prince. Riley nodded, taking note of Givnen’s advice.

“Well then, shall we go up?”

The time had finally come.

To give a welcome and thank you speech to the noble guests gathered here, Givnen led Riley by the hand and ascended to the prepared platform.

Everyone’s attention focused on the two of them. Soon, curiosity bloomed on their faces. They seemed perplexed as to why he had brought a woman up to the platform.

Regardless, Givnen greeted them.

“First, I would like to express my gratitude to all the distinguished guests who have taken time out of their precious schedules to attend this party to congratulate me.”

This was followed by the usual formalities.

He first expressed gratitude to the imperial family for graciously lending the imperial palace as the venue. He also didn’t forget to thank those who had cooperated in helping him reach this point of becoming the head of Horizon’s magic tower.

After that, he concluded the brief greeting by saying that a lot of time and effort had been put into preparing the party, and that he hoped everyone would enjoy this time satisfactorily before returning home.

“And I would like to make a marriage announcement at this place, with a joyful heart to receive congratulations from the distinguished guests.”

At the mention of marriage, the hall stirred.

Short gasps erupted here and there. Some people looked truly surprised, while others seemed to have anticipated this situation.

“I am engaged to be married to this lady beside me, and we have already completed the formal meetings between our families.”

The stirring hall became noisy.

They busily moved their lips, focusing their gazes on Riley standing next to Givnen.

They were desperate to share whatever information they knew about who she was and which family she came from, but the conversation didn’t go on for long as none of the people gathered here knew anything about Riley.

“We plan to hold the wedding at the end of the year.”

He was very nonchalant. He even added that he hoped to receive sincere congratulations from the people here.

At that, even those who were initially surprised began to applaud and congratulate him on his engagement without exception. They didn’t forget to ask to be sure to invite them to the wedding.

Fortunately, no one asked about Riley privately.

Being those who had close relationships with Givnen, they seemed to know well that personal questions would put him in a difficult position. So they had to suppress their curiosity, looking forward to the next meeting.

As soon as they came down from the platform, congratulations followed. Givnen skillfully conveyed his thanks, while Riley stood beside him, flustered and just trying to read the atmosphere.

The gazes of so many people were burdensome. At this rate, it wouldn’t be strange to become a beehive. The flying gazes pierced fiercely like the stingers of bees desperately trying to protect their hive.

Moreover, a familiar face was seen among the many people.

‘Josephine Lukan!’

It was that woman who had been humiliated by Rivne before, tried to bully Riley, and had somehow ended up hospitalized with a broken leg. A few of the group she usually hung around with were also visible.

As soon as their eyes met with Riley’s, they were startled and quickly turned away, whispering among themselves. Just from their jaw-dropping expressions, it was easy to guess how shocked they were by this situation.

Probably by tomorrow, rumors will have spread throughout the entire academy. That Riley Eadalyn was Givnen Lianster’s hidden fiancée.

They were at the center of the first-year magic department.

The Blestige nobles stuck together, sharing all sorts of information and acting as if they were one body. It was impossible to guess how they would react.

Hoping that they would continue to avoid her as they had been doing, like seeing a ghost or a cursed spirit, Riley quietly moved away.

Givnen was engaged in a business-related conversation that was getting longer.

Moreover, there was an endless stream of men waiting to talk to him. Among them were even princes.

Riley judged it would be best to politely excuse herself at this point.

Riley was planning to go straight to where Hila and Rivne were and join them. But an unexpected person linked arms with Riley.

“Elder sister, congratulations from the bottom of my heart!”

Damn it. It was Claire.