Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough

“I know! No need to say it…” Ivina’s voice trembled slightly, her face already tense.

Rod could feel his fingertips trembling, even though they were wearing lace gloves.

“Nothing to be afraid of, right? Are you happy? Now you can brag to them that you have friends.” Rhodes whispered in her ear.

"Huh?" Ivina looked up at Rhodes, stammering, "N-no, we're not friends..."

Rod said calmly, "What else could they be but friends, lovers? They saw it all."

"Right now, you are a beautiful noblewoman, a normal woman."

You can be led into the hall by a man's hand as you normally walk into the crowd, and everyone sees this.

So... Ivina, from this moment on, you have successfully taken the first step.

"You can then mingle with people like everyone else and meet more people. You can also go out and buy what you want."

The words fell.

Ivina's heart was stirred.

Friends, normal people, life?

Her gaze drifted unsteadily around her, feeling the curious and scrutinizing eyes, and the fear within her remained.

But... she also knew that she was already standing here.

Yes, she is being watched by everyone and is showing her normal side.

"Am I a normal person now?" Ivina murmured softly.

"Otherwise what? Besides, there are people who care about them."

“Rhodes…”

"What? Are you grateful? Thank you? If you really want to thank me, then wait until after the coming-of-age ceremony and give me a good reward."

"Hey!" Ivina kicked his heel with her right foot, her face flushed and her teeth clenched. "You just said you'd give me a reward, and now you're asking me for one, huh? You despicable pervert!"

“I didn’t say anything in those directions, it’s just that you’re always thinking about dirty things with your little head.”

"I don't care, I don't care..."

Although the two maintained calm expressions as they walked, their conversation was anything but ordinary.

But they didn't say much.

At this moment, Rhodes stopped taking his last step.

They had arrived at their destination, and before Rhodes stood Duke Horenaard and the Duchess.

Horenaard always wore that aristocratic formal attire, which naturally exuded his majesty the moment he stood in front of me.

But the middle-aged man looked at his daughter, who was now completely different, and he couldn't express his feelings in words.

It was disbelief, joy, and even more so, guilt.

He remained silent for a long while before finally managing to speak:

"Rhodes Chivenlance, you are an excellent nobleman."

"What's so great about it?" Rhodes shook his head slightly. "I just have a little problem with my head."

"Huh?" This was the first time Horenaard had ever heard someone insult themselves like that.

"Ahem." Rod coughed slightly, not daring to be arrogant in front of the girl's parents.

"But anyway... let's begin."

Horrenard paused for a moment, then finally nodded.

"Please."

"Me?" Rhodes was taken aback, then pointed to himself. "Should I do it?"

"Now that you're the one leading this coming-of-age ceremony, it's only natural that you should be the one to do it, isn't it, Chiven Lance?"

It wasn't called by name... Rhodes' eyes narrowed.

Why emphasize this at a time like this?

Although he felt some resistance to someone calling him by his last name, Rod simply sighed.

Then, he turned around, took the wine glass beside him, and raised his arm high—

“At this moment, the host of the coming-of-age ceremony has entered.” Rhodes’ eyes swept over the nobles as he announced elegantly, “So, there’s no need to pay attention to the rumors, no need to pay attention to those annoying things… Gentlemen, enjoy yourselves.”

All the nobles stood there stunned, momentarily unable to process what they were about to do.

Rod stood there, holding Ivina's hand, and declared the coming-of-age ceremony to begin as the protagonist.

Are you kidding me? Princess Felicity, whom he just kissed a few days ago, is standing right behind him!

Any man would be shocked and envious of Rhodes's uniqueness; everyone understands how praiseworthy it is that the "problem girl" has submitted to someone.

It's not that I'm denying Rhodes' efforts, but rather admiring his courage.

He's truly unparalleled for daring to openly bring a woman in front of the princess.

Not to mention they were also shocked by the fact that the so-called "bloodthirsty monster" was so beautiful, and shocked that the "bloodthirsty monster" stood there so quietly, completely different from the rumors...

Everyone was in a daze, until—

Snapped--!

A round of applause followed.

Everyone turned their attention to the sound of applause.

Freya, also known as Merrick, was calmly and indifferently clapping.

The moment she felt everyone's gaze, her eyes flashed with cold arrogance. "Why are you looking at me? Shouldn't we be applauding?"

"Ah...? Yes, yes."

"Hahaha."

Once everyone realized what was happening, applause erupted in unison.

In an instant, the entire hall was filled with applause from all directions, directed towards Ivina—

The sound was loud and extremely enthusiastic.

The girl stood in the center.

She felt all of this, and this moment seemed to last forever, yet it stirred her heart.

She is the protagonist.

She has friends, she has a future...

The joy she felt at that moment made her purse her lips tightly, forcing back the urge to cry, stubbornly keeping the tears in her eyes.

There's nothing to be afraid of anymore.

Yes, her bloodlust can be dealt with by Rhodes, and she will no longer harm others.

And at this moment, she seamlessly integrated into the community for the first time.

She's just an ordinary girl who can be with the person she loves, sing, learn new things, and live in the countryside...

Rod's palms were very warm, very warm.

"Are you... sweaty? Your hands are sticky," Ivina said, pursing her lips.

"Where?" Rod asked, puzzled.

I hate you.

"what?"

"I really didn't sweat." Rod said with a hint of helplessness.

“But, no matter what… I like you too.” Ivina softly raised her eyes, gazing at Rhodes—

"So, it's disgusting, so what can we do? After all, I'm much worse than you."

"Hmm... I thought I would hesitate for a long time before saying 'I like you,' but strangely enough, when it came down to it, I said it so honestly."

"Forget it! Rod, I want to do so many things in the future, can you take me with you? Whether it's learning the writing you haven't taught me yet, or the makeup that Felicity wants to teach me..."

"Or... you could teach me how to take care of a child."

Upon hearing this sentence, Rod's heart stopped beating.

The emotional impact on him made him stiffen. The last time he had experienced something like this was on Lilith's altar...

However, that time it didn't end well.

Rhodes lowered his eyes and said softly:

"Really? Then I'll wash my hands more often from now on."

……

...

At this moment, Ivina is already dancing with Rhodes—

Rod held Ivina's slender waist, savoring the girl's fragrance and her slightly upturned body, and danced with her step by step.

Many of the gazes that had been focused on Ivina and Rhodes had disappeared, but they still lingered faintly.

Rhodes's footsteps shifted constantly, prompting Ivina to say, "Ivina, you absolutely must not leave my side later, understand?"

"Hmph, even if I let go of your hand now, I won't go into shock," Ivina scoffed.

"The witch is on the move." Rhode transmitted these words directly to Ivina's mind via [Soul Link]. "There will be a battle later. Lilith and I will protect your safety."

"Oh……"

It would have been better if Rhodes hadn't uttered the word "witch," but the moment he did, Ivina could no longer let go of the unsettling matter in her heart.

Yes, it's almost time, and Cecilia will be making her appearance soon.

Ultimately, wasn't this the truly dangerous place from the very beginning?

Ivina gently bit her lip, a resolute glint in her eyes.