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"Alright… I know you don’t want to talk to us about your problems. But don’t keep it all bottled up. If it becomes too much to bear, try talking to someone close to you."

"Someone close?"

"Yes. Like me or Siena. You can try sharing your burden with us."

I see...

Unfortunately, Ian has no idea about the problems I’m facing.

If he did, there’s no way he would even try to save me from this situation.

But so what? The fact that I have no intention of revealing my secret is something undeniable.

If I told them I was their prince, would they even believe me?

On the contrary, it’s impossible for Ian and Siena to ever think I’m the adopted son of the Emperor.

Suddenly, I heard an announcement echoing through the banquet hall.

Just as my eyes drifted toward the staircase, I saw a figure.

Even more, I recognized a girl’s silhouette—someone I knew all too well.

"The Hero and the Saintess have arrived! Please welcome them!"

Aisha…

I knew it. Forget it…

Looking back, I remember the Emperor wanted to get close to Aisha and Ash.

Maybe it’s true—deep down, a part of me felt an unfamiliar pain in my heart.

But I didn’t care. I kept trying to ignore Aisha’s presence.

If it wasn’t for Princess Celine, there’s no way I could’ve calmed my thoughts.

Thankfully, I was relieved to see that Princess Celine was willing to help ease my pain.

That night when I slept beside her, I knew she and I were meant to be together.

"That’s right… Celine, she’s my woman. I’ve slept with her, and now I have to take responsibility," I thought, recalling the moment we shared the same bed.

Just remembering it made my blood boil, knowing how intimately I’d connected with her.

Unexpectedly, I noticed Aisha glancing toward me.

Without saying a word, a soft smile formed on Aisha’s face.

Of course, without thinking, I returned her smile.

Waved–

As I raised my hand to wave, I slowly lowered it again.

I realized that people’s eyes were starting to focus on me.

With just that, I knew there was no way they wouldn’t notice Aisha’s gesture.

When I turned my gaze away, I felt Eve’s hand grabbing mine.

Judging from her expression, she was clearly irritated that people dared to look at me.

From her point of view, she knew most people hated me.

Still, Eve knew she couldn’t do whatever she wanted.

Instead, she was forced to hold back her anger.

"Calm down. You’re a good girl. Don’t ruin your image in front of them."

"Okay..."

"Mhm. Don’t worry. You can relax now."

Honestly, I couldn’t help but let out a heavy sigh.

If it weren’t for Aisha’s smile, there’s no way I would’ve drawn anyone’s attention.

"That guy… Noah? I get it now. He and the Saintess must be close. No wonder they’re so friendly," thought Ash, not thinking too deeply about Aisha’s smile.

If it weren’t for the Emperor’s orders, Ash wouldn’t have stayed by Aisha’s side.

No matter what, the fact that Ash had promised to dance with Alicia and Eris was undeniable.

Unfortunately for him, he knew he couldn’t leave Aisha’s side.

From the very beginning, Ash was destined to accompany the Saintess.

Looking back, the title of Hero came with the duty to save the world.

As for the title of Saintess, they were chosen by the gods.

Maybe that’s why it’s no surprise that in every era, the Hero and the Saintess are destined to be together.

If they bore a child, it’s very likely that the child would inherit divine powers.

And now, Ash knew that was the reason the Emperor told him to stay close to the Saintess.

As Ash and Aisha descended the stairs, they were greeted by the people.

Unexpectedly, several congratulatory remarks came from the mouths of the students.

"Congratulations, Hero and Saintess. May happiness be with you. Amen."

"Amen."

"Thank you, but we’d like to go now. See you later."

For a moment, the students in front of them stepped aside, giving way.

Eventually, they watched as Ash and the Saintess walked past them.

Of course, they didn’t forget to show their respect.

After all, Ash and the Saintess were the two central figures of the Empire.

If they didn’t take their side, who knew what would become of the Actrid Continent’s future?

"Ash! Over here!" shouted Eric, now holding a huge plate of food in one hand.

Honestly, Eric looked ridiculously greedy as he piled food onto his plate.

Though, in reality, Eric could probably finish it all.

"You guys are here too? I’m glad to see you made it."

"Of course. We’re friends, right? It’s only natural we’d come to this celebration."

"You’re right. Ah—let me introduce you. This is Aisha L. Lionheart, the third daughter of the Emperor and our current Saintess."

Unexpectedly, Aisha noticed the hero’s companions staring at her.

But what? The fact that Aisha didn’t seem nervous at all was undeniable.

Suddenly, Aisha’s gaze shifted toward a brown-haired girl.

Of course—it was Alicia.

Without hesitation, Aisha gave a respectful nod to Alicia.

She remembered—they were in the same class.

However, their relationship couldn’t be considered close.

On the contrary, they were rivals.

Even more so, both she and Alicia were popular among the top and middle-class students.

"The Saintess... she’s the one who brought Noah into the Empire. She’s also the one Noah saved," thought Alicia, recalling the news of the Saintess being rescued by me.

If it weren’t for me, would the Saintess have survived?

Still, deep down, Alicia was bitter about the fact that Aisha was the one who brought me into the Empire.

If Aisha hadn’t met me, there’s no way I would’ve received a letter of recommendation from the Emperor.

Nod–

No matter what, Alicia couldn’t ignore Aisha’s polite greeting.

So, without thinking too much, she nodded in return.

"Hello, Saintess. I’m glad to see you’re doing well."

Following her lead, Eric and the others also couldn’t ignore Aisha’s presence.

"It’s an honor to meet you, Saintess. I’m Eric. I hope we can work well together."

Eric? Is he Noah’s enemy?

Unexpectedly, Aisha’s expression changed slightly.

She didn’t know why, but she knew Eric was hostile toward me.

"It’s nice to meet you, Saintess. I’m sure you’ve seen me before. I’m one of Noah’s fellow disciples. You can call me Eris."

Eris...

Ah, so she’s the girl always around Noah? I had a feeling she had feelings for him.

No...

She’s not sincere. She’s not worthy to stand by Mr. Noah’s side.

"Hmph. The hero’s companions... I can tell some of them don’t like Mr. Noah. They’re disgraceful."

Maybe deep inside, Aisha wanted to insult the hero’s companions.

But she held back. She knew she couldn’t ruin the Empire’s celebration.

Just as Aisha calmed herself, her eyes caught sight of a white-haired girl.

That woman… Daphne, right?

She was a loner.

But ever since she got close to the hero, she seemed to change—bit by bit.

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