Chapter 21: Prince Rubens Birthday Party

Knock, knock.

Raz heard a knocking sound, so she went to open the door.

It was Carna with her trademark princess curl. She said, Morning, Raz.

Good morning. What happen? Why are you here so early in the morning? Raz asked in surprise as she stood there in her pajama.

Folia noticed that Carna had come, so she greeted her, Good morning, Carna-sama!

I came here to pass these to you. I hope you two could come, Carna said as she gave Raz an expensive looking card.

Raz took it and asked, What is this?

Carna: Its the invitation to Ruben-samas birthday party. Its a small party organized by the students, so were unable to invite all students like the welcome party.

Oh! Is it okay for me to join too? Folia looked excited as she asked Carna.

Carna replied, Of course. Id love if you could come. We also have sweets specially ordered from Masserone. You can look forward to it.

Raz started to reconsider after hearing the name of the candy store at Fiza Shopping District. Carna was busy so she said, See you later, and left. The invitation cards that Raz and Folia had received felt like a key to a treasure chest.

Folia: Carna-sama seems so busy.

Raz: The party is tonight. She must have been working hard for Prince Ruben.

Raz looked at the invitation card on her desk as she got herself ready. As she chatted with Folia about Prince Rubens birthday party, she had made a decision to attend the party since Carna had personally invited her. It was definitely not because she wanted to eat Masserones sweets.

However, this party had created a commotion.

Hmm. They should have predicted that this would happen. Raz looked at the commotion in front of her with a sour face.

After they left the dormitory, they went to eat breakfast as usual and attended classes in the morning. But when they came to the dining hall at the school building in the afternoon, the atmosphere was so tense. When Raz took a closer look, she could see some groups of students comforting crying girls here and there. When she listened carefully, she could hear a girl saying Ive already made promise to dance with Adis-sama, but now its useless. Razs cheeks were twitching. How can she said that out loud, she thought.

Right now, at the academy, a battle over the invitation card for Prince Rubens birthday party had broken out. There was no one who would publicly questioned why they didnt receive an invitation because this was considered a political and social event even though it was held inside the academy.

Regardless whether they received the invitation or not, by right, everyone should behaved themselves and kept good manners to celebrate Prince Rubens birthday. Crying while complaining about their dance promise with Adis-sama was something that they shouldnt said out loud.

This was a birthday party for Prince Ruben. This was a chance to get close with Price Ruben as well as the other attendees. Raz looked at the tense situation and facepalmed. She felt sorry for the aristocrats.

Raz: Folia, Ive something to tell you privately.

Folia: What is it?

Raz told Folia not to tell anyone about her invitation card. It was obvious what would happen if other students found out that a commoner like them had an invitation card. The two decided to eat lunch outside and went out to the school courtyard.

Raz ate noodle soup as she thought about the upcoming birthday party tonight. The reason why the invitation cards were handed out at the last minute was to avoid such conflict. Unfortunately, there were still some greedy people who would do whatever it takes as long as they could attend the party.

According to the Book of Prophecies, Folias invitation card would be snatched by Rubens fans. She couldnt attend the party, so she went to the flower garden wearing her party dress. There, she met Adis and they became closer.

*sigh* Based on the game storyline, Lord Moldir must have lost his life during the bizarre beasts attack at the church back then. Otherwise, there is no way that Folia would fall in love with any of these young masters

Looking at the situation so far, Folia would not fall in love with the love interests even if Raz didnt do anything to disturb the events. Raz could saw Folias expression every time she wrote the letter to Lord Moldir. She wondered whether it would be okay if she just let the event not related to Ruben happen according to the plot.

Folia: Im so excited for the party.

When Raz heard those words, she was startled. Her hand holding the spoon stopped moving and she couldnt help staring at Folia.

Folia: Ive never been to a party when I was in the church, so Im so excited. The welcome party back then was like a fairy tale. It was so nice

Folia was like a pure and innocent angel. It made Raz regretted her stupid plan.

Raz: Folia. I will definitely make you a princess.

Folia: Huh?

Folia was puzzled looking at Razs serious face.

* * *

Folia: Raz-chan. Sorry, can you help me fasten the zipper on my back?

Raz: Sure.

Raz, who was reading a book on her bed, stood up after being called by Folia, who was struggling to put on her dress.

Should I do your hair and make-up? Raz asked as she fastened the zipper.

Folia: You would help me?

Raz: Sure.

Folia: Thank you!

Raz smiled as she reached out for the cosmetics and accessories which had been prepared for Folia. All of them were of high quality like those used by the aristocratic ladies.

Oh! Raz stopped her hand when she saw the accessories. She didnt notice it before when they were preparing for the welcome party, but most of the accessories were designed with motif based on the crest of the Moldir family.

Wow. Raz stared at the accessories and she could imagine that Lord Moldir cared about Folia very deeply. This made her felt curious about what was written in the letter written by Lord Moldir to Folia every week.

This can be useful. Raz took out an ear cuff and broke into a grin.

Raz: Okay, were done.

Folia: Thanks, Raz-chan!

She had applied makeup on Folias face, and pulled back her hair so that the ear cuff could be seen clearly. The preparation was complete. If anyone looked at the ear cuff carefully, they would realize who was her backer. Folia went to the chapel every Sunday, and she was like an angel. No one would doubt it.

I should have done this earlier, Raz thought. This way, the plot would be affected too. There would be less people who would dare to look down on her for being a commoner or targeted her for her healing magic. And most importantly, Lord Moldir could rest assured that this would scare off any guy who wanted to approach Folia.

Raz: This ear cuff must be an order made. Theres initial carved at the back. It looks good and match with the school uniform. Why dont you wear it from now on?

Folia: Really?

Raz: Yeah. Its also have been blessed with magic. Its better if you wear it. Folia, it seems like he must care a lot about you.

Folia: Zale-sama.

Folia touched the ear cuff. She felt bad for not treasuring his gift, so she decided to wear it in the future.

Raz: You can meet him soon right after the test.

Folia: Un.

Folias smile shot through Razs heart. If I was a man, Id chase after her, thought Raz.

Folia: Raz-chan, its almost time to leave.

Raz: Okay. Give me a minute, Ill get ready.

Raz prepared quickly and wore the same dress that she wore to the welcome party. It was not like she could ask her comrades, who were busy doing expedition in Baruda, to send her a few more dresses. Even though dresses were available at the shopping district, Raz Granoli was a commoner scholarship student. It was her character setup that she couldnt afford to buy many dresses.

Raz: Its time. Lets go.

Folia: Un.

Raz had marked the party venue, so she had planned to teleport there. If they entered the hall directly, the game event could be avoided.

Knock, knock.

Right at that moment, there was a knocking sound at the door. Raz turned around immediately and opened the door before Folia could move.

Raz: Huh? Carna-sama?

Carna was standing outside the door with a gloomy face. When Raz called out to her, she replied, Raz, can I talk to you for a moment?

Raz went out the door and asked her, What happen?

Carna: Im such a bad person![1]

Raz was speechless. She couldnt understand why Carna suddenly would be like this. She listened to Carna with a puzzled look on her face.

Carna: I already knew that Folia-sans invitation card would be snatched by other people. But I pretended like I know nothing of it. Im so afraid to lose Ruben-sama! How could I do this to a friend!

Raz remained silent as she listened to Carna talked on and on in Japanese.

Just like Folia, Carna-sama is too kind. There are people out there who do more cruel and outrageous things. These girls are too kind and pure hearted.

Raz watched Carna as she continued to talk.

Carna: I already decided to be a rival, not a villainess. But if I do this, Im worse than a villainess. Im so terrible.

Raz: Dont be like that, Carna-sama. Youre going to meet Prince Ruben after this, arent you?

Raz put on a gentle smile on her face and hold Carnas hands.

Raz: You must be anxious due to the stress preparing for the party. Didnt you give the invitation card to Folia already? Besides, most of the plot have been changed. Im sure Folia wont be harmed.

Seeing that Carna wanted to refute her words, Raz threw a slightly harsh word at her before she could speak up.

Raz: Do you really think that this world could be manipulated? You shouldnt take it all on yourself. After all, theres nothing you can do about other people. You should take good care of yourself.

Carna calmed down and relaxed her shoulders.

Raz: I will protect Folia. As for you, you should put on your lovely smile and make sure to keep Prince Ruben by your side.

Carnas cheeks turned red after listening to Razs words.

Carna: Thank you, Raz.

Raz: No problem. You can come to me anytime if there is anything. The least I could do is listen to your worries.

Carna: Okay.

Carna looked relieved and her expression had become brighter than before. Before she left, she said to Raz, Ive talked to Luca-sama. He will wait for you at the lobby.

Raz: Alright, I understood.

Raz had planned to teleport but since Carna-sama had made the arrangement, she couldnt reject it.

Folia: Did something happen to Carna-sama?

Raz: She must be stressed out with the preparation for the party. But shes okay now. Besides, shes going to meet with Prince Ruben later.

I see, Folia said as she smiled cheerfully.

Carna seemed anxious about whether Ruben and Folia would have a change of heart. But Razs honestly thought that there was nothing to be worried about.

Well, the event for the tragic ending is next year. I couldnt put my guard down.

When they went down to the lobby, they saw Luca waiting for them.

Ah, Folia Luca called out to Folia and then he was stunned silence.

I know youre fascinated by the cute angel, but dont act like there are only the two of you in this world, thought Raz as she watched Lucas stupefied look.

As Folias good friend, Raz decided to help Luca and said, Shes pretty, isnt she?

Luca: You look good in that dress.

Folia: Thank you, Luca-kun.

After spending time practicing magic together, the two have deepened their friendship. But seeing that there was no chance for Folia to have a change of heart, Raz felt sorry for Luca.

Luca: Lets hurry up. The party is going to start soon.

The two girls followed after him, and soon they could saw the hall nearby. Thanks to Luca, no one dared to approach them to snatch the invitation. Raz sighed with relief. When she was about to enter the hall, something caught her eye.

That is

She had keen powers of observation and had noticed several male students were acting suspicious. Raz used lip-reading technique to catch their conversation.

Hand over your invitation.

Just because your result was good last year, dont get carried away. Youre just a commoner!

I can easily crush your family, you know.

The boy who was being threatened endured it and glared at them.

Ah, human never change.

Raz continued to watch them. Why cant these kids understand the reason why this academy is a full boarding school?

If the aristocratic children grew up without leaving their small world, it was not hard to guess what kind of adult they would turn into. In order to avoid this, Centrior was built specially for the aristocratic children. Unfortunately, some of the students were not able to understand this reason.

Raz: Sorry, Folia. I forgot that I have a biology assignment that I need to submit tomorrow. I have to go back.

Folia: What?!

Raz: Can you inform Carna-sama later? Im so sorry!

Raz spontaneously made up a reason and acted naturally. Then, she returned back the way they had came from. After a while, she teleported back to where the group of male seniors were gathered. There, she saw a young man crouching on the ground. Raz called out to him, Excuse me.

If youre looking for an invitation, I dont have any, said the young man with his head hang down.

Raz was concerned about this event that was caused by the otome game. But more importantly, as a fellow commoner, Raz couldnt ignored him. She crouched down next to him and said, This is for you.

Huh? The young man raised his head and was stunned when he saw the invitation card.

Raz: Im in the same class with Prince Ruben. I have many chances to talk to him. Please take this.

The young man asked her, You are ?

Raz: 1st Year Class A, Raz Granoli.

She handed the invitation card to him and gave him a smile. The young man asked her, Are you a commoner too? Is it really okay for me to take this?

Raz: Yes. I was hesitant to go to the party because Im wearing the same dress that I wore to the welcome party. I hope you would accept this invitation card.

The young man took it and said, Thank you. I cant thank you enough.

When she heard that, Raz came up with an idea. She said, In that case, can you bring me some sweets from Masserone?

The young man was taken by surprised at her words. He replied, No problem. Im Hugh Mnchen from Class A, 2nd Year. I will bring you the sweets later.

Raz: Okay.

As time was running out, Hugh rushed to the venue.

Hmm? Mnchen? Raz noticed that the name sounded familiar. Oops, could it be the Mnchen Merchant Associations? Mnchen family was the most powerful merchant associations currently.

Surprised by the sudden event, Raz walked down a quiet corridor and rushed back to the dormitory. After confirming that nobody was around, she climbed up the roof of the school building to take a break. Then she let out a sigh.

This is not good She had noticed the situation and vented to herself. We can avoid triggering a flag but the event itself cannot be avoided. Thats a problem.

Raz put her hand on her forehead. Until now, various events have occurred according to the Book of Prophecies. Raz could tampered with the content, but strangely the event itself was unavoidable. This time, Hugh became the victim of the event instead.

Raz felt relieved that Carna was not aware of this yet. If Carna knew about this, then she would realize that another person would become the victim as her substitute and met with the tragic ending.

This must be avoided at all cost.

Carna was too kind. If she knew, she would definitely choose to sacrifice herself. But Carnas tragic ending was equal to Razs tragic ending. Raz was well aware about that.

Raz looked at the two moons in the sky and racked her brain about what to do.

[1] Dialogue inside of this bracket indicates that they were conversing in Japanese.