[Ch. 12] Meeting Again... Fate or by Choice? (Past)

It was the day of the banquet dedicated to welcoming a new student to the Academy.

I had returned back to the Academy, where I was forced into a tight dress and was then dragged to where the banquet was being held. I only allowed Amanda to drag me because I was promised a limited-edition wine.

Amanda looked at me in defeat, "Can we please be on time today?"

"Mmn..."

...

Raylon entered the banquet dedicated to his welcoming.

He was introduced to most of the other individuals of royal status at the school, but none of them were the ones he wanted to meet. He stood in a group making idle conversation barely paying attention to them. He looked around the room impatiently as he waited for the one with white hair. Resigning himself, he joined back in the conversation.

The woman next to him spoke in a flirtatious voice, "So, Prince Raylon. What do you think of the school so far?"

He looked down at the small woman feeling distaste in his mouth. However, he didn't show it. He spoke cordially, "From what I've seen so far, it seems nice."

He heard the door open and looked up in anticipation. Standing at the top of the stairs was a man bellowing, announcing the arrival of lady Moao. His eyes widened as he saw the familiar woman who resembled an ethereal goddess. She entered the room without any expression as her dress glided behind her as if they were her wings. She quickly walked around the announcer and down the stairs as if wherever she was going was more important than being respectful and waiting until he finished.

He heard the other woman next to him whisper as he kept his eyes on the white-haired woman. She spoke, "That's lady Moao. She almost never comes to these things. When she does, she always has the same uninterested face. Sir Raylon, it would be best if you keep your distance from her."

He looked back at the woman standing next to him, "Why is that?"

"Well." She hesitated, pushing her eyebrows together as if she were afraid, "Lady Moao isn't the friendliest person. Not to mention she's a bit scary...."

Another woman in the group added in a cheeky tone, "Scary? Try rude. She never follows any customs like the rest of us. Not to mention she either shows up late or not at all."

The small girl shook her head, "Oh yeah? It's funny how you'll only say that when she can't hear you."

As the two girls bickered, Raylon watched as Moao stood in the corner drinking her wine expressionlessly. He noticed how everyone quickly shuffled away from her as if she were on fire and they didn't want to feel the heat.

He pardoned himself from the conversation and moved towards another group. An elegant girl in green turned to him, "Brother Raylon! How are you?"

He smiled peacefully at her, "I am doing well, Sister Mona."

Mona was a fragile girl who was the daughter of the current Phoenix king. She didn't possess any notable strength or magic ability, but she was still referred to as a princess because of her birthright. She had long black hair and ivory skin with olive eyes. Even though she wasn't related to Raylon, they still referred to each other as siblings.

He looked over to the corner where Moao was standing by herself, "What can you tell me about lady Moao?"

Mona followed his gaze and felt her smile drop, "Brother, don't tell me... You are smitten by lady Moao?"

He shook his head, "No, nothing like that. I am just curious."

She puffed her lips, "Well if I were you, I wouldn't be curious. She absolutely abhors suitors. Her father had tried to marry her off several times, but she didn't approve."

He raised an eyebrow, "She didn't approve? Since when do women of the Kingdom Sadon have a choice in who they marry?"

She shook her head, "I heard that her father wouldn't push her into marriages, but not because he values her free will as we do. However, it is because he is scared of her."

"Scared of her? The Baron is? I can't believe it. Why would the Tyrant Baron be scared of his own daughter?"

She shrugged, "No one knows really. No one has seen her do magic or fight. In fact, she is so standoffish and uninterested in everyone that no one even dares to find the reason."

"If she hasn't done anything, why is everyone so afraid?"

She thought hard, "It's just her aura, I guess. She hardly ever responds when someone tries to speak with her. It's just very off-putting."

He surveyed Moao carefully before looking back at Mona. He smiled sweetly at her, "Would you like to do me a huge favor?"

Mona felt her heart sink, "What?"

"Could you please introduce me to her?"

Mona stared at his charming smile and felt her heart get tugged. She groaned, "You know I could never say no to you. Alright. Follow me."

She walked over to Moao with a grim expression. When she stood by her, she forced herself to smile and curtsy, "Good evening lady Moao, how do you do?"

….

I continued to look out the window without expression. I was so distracted, I didn't even hear anyone speak to me.

Mona waited for a response and realized she wouldn't get one. She took a deep breath, "I am Princess Mona from the Phoenix nation. I am in the same ancient magic class as you."

I paid no attention and drank from my cup.

This wine really was one of the better ones.

She waited and continued, "...Anyway, this is my brother. Prince Raylon."

I snapped my eyes towards Raylon and looked him up and down expressionlessly. Amanda took a defensive position when she heard that they were from the Phoenix nation. Raylon looked at her and gave a charming smile, "It is so nice to see you again lady Moao."

Mona, noticing that the attention was taken off of herself, ignored her manners and quickly shuffled off with her heart racing.

I looked at Raylon before turning back to the window, "Mmn."

Amanda pointed rudely, "Oh! I recognize you! You were lady Moao's suitor from the banquet!"

Raylon looked at her and smiled, "I am terribly sorry for meeting under those circumstances. I hope we can get along."

Amanda smiled at the charming man. I spoke abruptly, "Why are you here?"

Hearing my rude tone, Amanda felt her face redden from embarrassment. She cursed herself for not growing used to it yet.

He chuckled to the relief of Amanda, "The King was always on my case about attending so I finally took him up on his offer."

I looked at him apathetically before walking over to the table and grabbing another wine glass. I walked back and held it out to him. As I stared into his eyes, he looked down at it. "What's this for?"

I replied tonelessly, "You served me wine. Now I return the favor."

He shook his head, "No, no. That's quite alright. I don't really care for alcohol."

"..."

What kind of madman wouldn't drink this glorious cup of wine?

He noticed I wasn't withdrawing and hesitantly took the glass. Under my watchful dull eyes, he took a sip. His face scrunched together as soon as the flavor hit his tongue.

"Uh, Lady Moao?" Amanda said hesitantly looking over at me, "Prince Raylon wouldn't like this type of drink. It is far too bitter. Those in the Phoenix nation only drink and eat sweet-flavored things."

I looked at her silently in response and took another drink, "Not bitter."

Amanda sighed in defeat. She looked between us two before speaking tentatively, "Lady Moao, would you like me to grab you a bottle?"

"Mmn."

Amanda excused herself and went over to the other table. I looked back at Raylon, "What did you want?"

"Nothing. I was merely curious about you."

"Mmn."

Raylon looked back at me realizing just how right the others had been when they said I was hard to talk to. His head tilted, "Are you sure you aren't from the north?"

"I'm not."

He laughed, "Well, you are just so untalkative and expressionless. If I didn't know better, I'd say you are from there."

"I hate the cold."

My abrupt words startled Raylon. He brushed his hair back with a guilty expression, "I didn't mean to offend."

"I wasn't offended."

"I see…"

Amanda came back with the wine and began to fill my glass. After she finished pouring it, she looked at Raylon in pity. He was truly handsome, and it was obvious he was used to capturing ladies' attention easily. Yet, he was being ignored for the first time.

It was a shame that I wasn't interested in anyone, especially in a romantic way.

Raylon tried to start another conversation, "I heard they have very interesting alcohol in the North. Have you tried it?"

My interest was piqued, "I have. When you drink it, it keeps you warm."

Amanda felt her jaw drop as she thought to herself: Did the lady just say more than three words? There is no way she is drunk. My lady's tolerance is frighteningly high!

Unbeknownst to the three of us, we had quickly become the center of attention.

Everyone watched our conversation with their mouths wide open. Never had they seen me entertain someone before; especially someone who claimed to be a suitor. They wondered if it was because he was so handsome. However, there had been other handsome men who had approached me before.

Then again, Prince Raylon has been known to get anyone to like him. After all, he was the one who excelled at infiltrating enemy camps and gaining knowledge.

I looked at his charming smile and took a swig from my wine glass. They did have a point. He was quite charming. His looks were nice and he had a silver tongue.

However, there was just one problem.

I wasn't really interested.

I stared at my reflection reflected back in the wine. I abruptly changed the conversation, "I am a woman."

Raylon was confused by my meaning, "I-I'm sorry?"

I stared unwaveringly at his eyes making him shiver in response. I spoke in a cold voice, "You won't gain anything from me. The Baron shares nothing with me."

He felt his face twitch, "I am not looking to gain anything from you."

"Mmn."

A good liar, but a liar nontheless.

I turned to Amanda, "Grab me a few bottles of wine and let's go back."

Amanda sighed, "Yes, my lady."

She had really hoped that I was interested in Raylon. However, I only talked to him because I knew he had ill intentions and I wanted to steer him away. As she grabbed handfuls of wine bottles and followed me out, Amanda looked back at Raylon expecting to see a pitiable face. However, all she saw was a genuine smile.

She began to worry about the upcoming days.