Roel didnt think that it was right for him to allow Nora to take sole responsibility for this matter. He was equally guilty. In truth, it should have been the three of themNora, Bron, and Roelforming three separate factions to lead the youths, but due to the negligence of two of the parties, as well the Elrics intentional scheming, it eventually led to the rise of the Elric Youth Faction.

Having thought through this matter, he began to counsel Nora.

I do have a part to play in this matter too. If I hadnt fallen ill the previous year, things wouldnt have turned out like this. Its not your sole mistake, so you need not blame yourself over much.

Roels words didnt receive any response at all. He waited for two whole seconds before he turned to direct a puzzled look at Nora.

Whats wrong? Why arent you responding?

No, its nothing much. Im just a little surprised. I didnt think that you would console me.

Im just speaking the truth.

Noras sapphire eyes stared deeply into Roels golden ones as she tried to peer through the inner thoughts in his mind. There was always an indescribable contradiction behind Roels actions. His actions and behaviors showed that he carried no ill-will for her. In fact, she believed that he had a high opinion of her. Yet, for some reason, there seemed to be an inexplicable distance separating the two of them.

1 reply 35 minutes ago

What is the reason behind this?

As Little Miss Angel pondered over this question, she suddenly seemed to have found yet another spark of joy in Roel.

(Affection Points +100!)

By the way, wheres Alicia? I thought that she would have accompanied you. Is she resting?

Nora casually glanced around the room as she dropped this question, only to be surprised by Roels silence. It took a while before the latter finally squeezed out a bitter response.

Alicia is currently taking home economics classes. I didnt ask her for details. Ha. Haha.

Thinking about the bridal studies that Alicia was currently going through, Roel let out a series of strained laughter. That brought a doubtful look to Noras face. Even from the perspective of an outsider, she could tell that Alicia was very fond of Roel, so it didnt seem likely that she would choose her lessons over accompanying him.

Wait a moment. Now that I think of it, while I was passing through the foyer earlier, I noticed a series of sparks of magic spells coming from the southwest room I see. Is she practicing?

Comprehension flickered across Noras eyes. She took a look at the forlorn Roel sitting before her and, after some thought, eventually shook her head.

Forget it. Itll be better for the person-in-question to explain it herself. Its bad manners to interfere in the relations of others. Besides, its not to my advantage either

Nora shot Roel with the sharp look of an eagle eyeing its prey, but she immediately concealed it.

This is bad. Its still too early to reveal my true desires to him.

1 reply 32 minutes ago

Ahhh, I really want to step on him and see him pleading for mercy. Is this the feeling that criminals feel before sinning?

2 replies 31 minutes ago

Nora looked at Roel, who seemed to be getting warrier and warrier after noticing her gaze, and she wondered if he was an incubus sent from the devils of hell to tempt her into depravity. Or could this be Sias trial for her? Whenever her eyes fell upon Roel, her desire to bully him would grip her thoughts hard.

1 reply 31 minutes ago

You really are a danger to me.

1 reply 30 minutes ago

W-what?

Noticing the nature of the gaze the blushing Nora was directing toward him was becoming weirder and weirder, Roel panicked. He was still recuperating from his injuries, and Nora was an entire level stronger than him. If she were to succumb to her sadistic tendencies, he would be completely helpless to stop her.

Your Highness Nora, please! Take a deep breath and control yourself. Havent you gotten through fine thus far? I believe that you can overcome your own desires, so you should believe in yourself too!

You dare say such words when you are the one seducing me.

1 reply 29 minutes ago

How in the world am I seducing me? Tell me, Ill change!

Roels face puffed-up red with fury, but his reaction only seemed to deepen the depravity lurking in Noras eyes. She leaned in and placed her hand softly on the boys chest; she spoke in as husky a tone as her girlish voice could manage while displaying a slightly sensual look on her face.

1 reply 28 minutes ago

Have you considered what I told you?

W-what?

Noras abrupt touch made Roel stiffen up, and his reply was equally stiff. Nora giggled softly at his reaction.

Becoming mine, of course. What do you think about becoming my subordinate and spending every day with me?

2 replies 27 minutes ago

Hahaha, you sure know how to jest. I have to take over the Ascart House too, you know.

Is there any conflict between the two? Uncle Carter is a marquess, but hes also the vice commander of the Holy Knight Order too.

My father is a strong and competent man, so hes able to juggle those two responsibilities. Im afraid that Im incapable of managing that. You are also aware that Im lacking as a transcendent. Theres a good chance that Ill never be able to reach Origin Level 5 in my lifetime.

An army doesnt just consist of soldiers who fight. Many of our advisors arent powerful transcendents too.

1 reply 26 minutes ago

Nora proposed another possible path that Roel could take in the army, but Roel had no intention of having any deeper ties with her than he already had. He would rather return to the fiefdom and become a farmer instead.

1 reply 25 minutes ago

My apologies, but I refuse. Its too dangerous for me.

What an obstinate person you are. Sometimes, I really cant understand why you keep trying to push me away. Our paths are bound to intersect with our backgrounds. Before our common enemy, the Elrics, dont you think that its best for both of our houses if we get more intimate with one another?

My deepest apologies, but I feel nothing for you. Your Highness Nora, why dont you pick someone else instead?

You console me when Im feeling down, yet you claim that you dont want to get closer to me?

1 reply 24 minutes ago

T-that is

Roel stuttered on his words as he found himself unable to justify the action he made on a whim earlier. Seeing this, a seductive smile surfaced on Noras seemingly pure face. She narrowed her eyes mischievously, enjoying this situation very much.

Your inner conflict amuses me. Dont you think that we are very similar to one another?

What do you mean?

Youre trying to hold yourself back from getting close to me, and Im trying to suppress my desires so as not to approach you. Its the same inner conflict that we both face. Its almost like a competition to see who drowns first.

Noras words made Roel widen his eyes. He tried to look into his heart to see how it was that he truly felt, and it finally dawned on him.

To him, Nora wasnt just a beautiful princess, the lofty high flower that none could approach. More than that, she represented hope.

Humans would face all sorts of trouble during their lifetime. From time to time, they would feel an inclination to seek help and be protected by others. To Roel, the death flags had been a towering mountain that he struggled to surmount, such that he dared not rest at all. In the process of plucking out his death flags, it was inevitable that he would feel exhausted and want to give up.

And Nora seemed to be a quick solution to the problems he was facing.

She had the power, money, and influence to protect him. If he was willing to give up his independence for survival, going along with Nora would have been a very feasible course of action. She was a sadistno doubt about thatbut she was someone who knew how to treat those whom she cared for very well. In the game, she was known to be an excellent leader.

But even so, Roel was someone who believed in seizing fate with his own hands. He didnt want to give up his initiative to take on a more passive role. He felt that he would stand to lose many things if he chose this option. It could be his fiefdom, his fortune, or maybe the people who he cared about; he didnt know exactly which it would be, but he didnt want to risk it.

After a long bout of contemplation, Roel finally revealed his decision.

Drown? Sorry to disappoint you, but I choose to remain afloat.