Arrival to the Venue!

"See you after the Dimensional Fall."

Such words seemed to incessantly echo in Ryder's head while being alone in the midst of the Erindem Forest.

Sitting on a log of wood in front of a calming bonfire under the starry night sky, he couldn't help but ponder, "Dimensional Fall… What could it be?"

Ryder already had a hunch, but not the specifics. If what he thought turned out to be true, it would just add a layer to the pile of mysteries behind his transmigration.

"If it's a game update, won't it mean it's about the Cosmic Nomenclatures? Or perhaps the Goddess of Identity will do something outrageous in this world?"

Layers upon layers, what Ryder could only do was to let it pass. After all, someone like him would not be able to do anything but wait anyway.

"Sigh, let's focus on the Lunar Circle Competition." He muttered. "Also, the bastards from the Venerable Sky Clan are something I should avoid at all costs."

'But first… I guess I can't conceal my presence anymore, huh?' Ryder mumbled in his mind, recalling the possibility of Luna Valentine's personal maid stalking him.

"Come out."

***

Some distance away from the makeshift lone camp, Crimson Maid Helene, Princess Luna's confidant, heard Ryder's voice. Knowing that only the two of them were in this area, a hint of surprise was momentarily painted on her pale, pretty countenance.

'He detected my presence? Moreover, he seems different; still has a long way to go, but even I could tell that he improved a lot. Where was he this past month?'

Because of Gyuri who could easily detect someone like her, Ryder was led to avoid being seen throughout all this time.

Blinking in front of him, Helene in a maid outfit asked, "How did you know?"

Her crimson eyes squinted, trying to gauge this man closer.

"That doesn't matter, does it? You're acting suspicious observing the lowly me from afar." With his improved senses, Ryder could sense her unless she decided to truly hide herself.

'Right. This man didn't see me when he passed out after Her Highness sucked a bit of his blood.'

"Forgive my rudeness, but I do not harbor any ill intentions. I am the Crimson Maid Helene under the direct command of Her Highness, Luna Valentine." Helene slightly lowered her head.

Ryder acted surprised though he was aware of her identity.

"Wh-what? Did Her Highness send you?" He asked, formally addressing Luna Valentine before his gaze gestured for Helene to take a seat.

Sitting on the other log of wood that Gyuri previously used, Helene answered, "Her Highness asked me to look for you.

"However, you suddenly disappeared. But now that I've confirmed your presence, I shall report to Her Highness. Would you like to say anything?"

Ryder tilted his head, unaware of the intention behind Princess Luna's action of asking this maid to observe him.

However, he complied, saying, "Tell Her Highness that I will make sure to win the Lunar Circle Competition."

***

Moon Palace, Queendom of Eclipse.

In the lavish and intricately designed room of one of the heirs of the Valentine Royal Family, the Crimson Maid genuflected in front of Princess Luna, who was currently putting on a nightgown, accentuating her chest and showing off her flawless skin.

"Ascertaining to win the Lunar Circle Competition? I am not sure if it's his mere arrogance, but I am not falling for it by expecting something from him. Anyway, did you say he's stronger compared to the last time I saw him?" Princess Luna asked.

"Yes, Your Highness. He might have gone to a seclusion training, but something doesn't add up." Helene proceeded to explain her thoughts.

"Even though he had improved a lot, and the rate of improvement based on his current demeanor and physique alone is both absurd and commendable, it's his undetected presence for the past month that's a mystery."

Hearing this, Princess Luna Valentine, who finished dressing before going to bed, felt Helene's concern, "Do you think I should be careful around him? Is what you're saying."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I will take note of that. You are dismissed."

Being far from the source of the absurd Divine Title: [Come to Daddy, Chupapi!], Princess Luna's impression of Ryder seemed to suffer from imbalance.

When she's near him, her heart can't help but inexplicably flutter. However, being from a distance that seemed immeasurable, her fragile heart was beating ordinarily without questioning it.

'I am confused, Ryder. So, prove your worth to me. Maybe our encounter in the Town of Beginnings isn't a mere coincidence.'

She sauntered toward her room's window before gazing above the serene moon. Her crimson eyes were glimmering, her thoughts flooding with incomprehensible uncertainty.

"See you soon."

***

Fifteenth of the 5th Month of the Neo-Identity Calendar, Year 2,342 of the Quadrakin Era.

Capital City of Crescent, Queendom of Eclipse.

The day of the Lunar Circle Competition arrived.

Thanks to being an officially registered Awakener, Ryder easily had access to the portal to travel from one nation to another in the blink of an eye.

Arriving in the vast, lively capital ruled by the Vampire Race, and knowing his way around this area as a gamer of the Cosmic Nomenclatures, Ryder proceeded to rent a horse carriage to go to the stated venue of the competition.

"Moonsoil Mountain Range, please," Ryder said to the horse carriage driver, a man in his early fifties belonging to the Human Race, evident of tolerated diversity without a tinge of racism between the races.

"Hoho. I believe there's going to be a competition there held by the Vampire Queen for her beloved daughter." The man spoke.

Ryder simply nodded with a smile before handing the right amount of Kum Coins.

After some time, at the entrance of the Moonsoil Mountain Range regulated by the Royal Family, a noisy crowd was already waiting in the entrance.

"I just lost my invitation! I'm a participant, so let me in!"

Some were delusional enough to lie on their teeth.

"Princess Luna, please invite me in! I'll prove myself!"

Some were desperate enough to cry out the name of the royalty.

However, despite their efforts, the ominous and cold-looking vampire wardens of the venue threw them out without an ounce of hesitation.

"Stay back or else you'll be killed! On the other hand, those with invitation, go to the lane and wait patiently!"

Ryder, who was donning a simple brown adventurer's coat and pants, heard those words and proceeded to go on the line on the right side of the massive gate.

There, with his ears, something caught his attention.

"I heard that the crazy woman will participate to become Princess Luna's butler!"

"Do you mean…"

Ryder's expression darkened, subconsciously denying the possible identity behind the participant's words. However, whether or not his luck was truly trash, the timing was just criminal for him.

"The one who openly expresses her [Title], Behold! I Shall Conquer my Ex's Heart?!"