Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

"Don't be angry, Princess Theresa also has her own things to do... Take a rest for a while."

Her face was flushed, it was hard to tell whether it was from being drunk or intoxicated.

Chapter 155 Kal'tsit, look at yourself!

The break always ends quickly. Wayne didn't want to deal with those troublesome nobles, nor was he good at those feudal etiquettes full of red tape, so he chose to greet the guests outside. But the banquet hall always needed someone to keep order, and with Theresa absent, that person could only be Kal'tsit.

After resting with Vayne for less than ten minutes, Kal'tsit had to lift her head, reluctantly letting go of his hand, and re-enter the banquet hall. Vayne stood alone by the window in the corridor outside the banquet hall, gazing at the vast yet somewhat desolate city of Ursus outside the palace, and suddenly understood why those transmigrators always liked to light a cigarette when they were alone.

This inexplicable sense of loneliness that arises spontaneously definitely requires something to soothe the emotions.

But Wayne doesn't smoke. Smoking is bad for your health and leaves a strange taste in your mouth, which neither Theresa nor Vina would like, let alone Kal'tsit, who has the codename "Doctor".

After standing alone for a while, I heard two sets of footsteps again in the corridor. These past few days, I, Wayne, have become quite adept at recognizing footsteps. Judging from the sound, one of them was wearing thick-soled, high-top leather shoes—a style very popular among the Ursus nobility, although Wayne found the complicated way the laces were tied utterly inhuman. They seemed rather heavy, so they were probably a man. The other person was wearing high heels, but the sound was somewhat muffled, probably because of the clothing separating them…

Evening gown?

Wayne turned around in surprise, and standing before him was a man who looked somewhat travel-worn. He was dressed in standard aristocratic attire: a white shirt buttoned at the collar, over which stood a high-class black tuxedo, a neckerchief, and white gloves. His expression showed fatigue, but even more so, barely suppressed excitement. Seeing Wayne turn around, he immediately stepped forward, removed his gloves, extended his hand, and said in what he considered the most tactful tone:

"You must be the renowned Prince of Wales?"

Wayne didn't answer him, or rather, he didn't even notice his urgent greeting. His gaze passed over the middle-aged man in front of him and focused on the girl behind him.

With her snow-white, slightly wavy, waist-length hair, light yet delicate facial makeup, noble and elegant demeanor, and those incredibly attractive heterochromatic eyes, Wayne recognized this girl.

But her attire was completely different from the girl Wayne remembered. She wore a heavy evening gown, predominantly white with bright red and blue ribbons, seemingly messy yet undeniably beautiful, much like her extraordinary eyes. She placed her hands clasped on her lower abdomen, and upon seeing Wayne's gaze, a polite smile immediately appeared on her face. She slightly bent her knees and lifted her skirt, performing a standard ladylike greeting.

Seemingly noticing Wayne's gaze, a proud expression appeared on the man's face. He stepped aside so as not to block the girl's view, and introduced himself with glory and pride:

"Greetings, Your Highness the Prince of Wales. I am Lord Rostov, Earl of Chernobog, Ursus, and I extend my greetings on behalf of my mayor, Boris. This is my daughter, Natalia Andreyevina Rostov. Please greet Your Highness."

Count Rostov commanded, "Early Dew... or rather, Miss Natalia, should now be called..." She looked at Wayne, bowed slightly, and formally greeted him for the second time:

"Hello, it is my honor to meet you, Your Highness."

Wayne paused for a moment, then forced a smile and replied, "Hello. Count Rostov, and your daughter."

He almost blurted out the code name "Early Dew," but he held back.

Early Dew is not Miss Natalia, at least not now. The codename Early Dew belongs only to the girl who silently repents and is lost after experiencing the calamity of Chernobog and all the suffering that those "children of Ursus" should not have to endure. Natalia, on the other hand, is a glamorous noblewoman, a member of the prominent Chernobog family, and a rising star in Ursus.

"It's clear that His Highness the Prince admires my daughter."

The Ursus people speak differently from the Victorians, who prefer indirect hints; they are always more direct. Seeing that Wayne's gaze remained fixed on Natalia, Count Rostov smiled and spoke.

"She is truly my darling, a most beautiful masterpiece!"

A masterpiece?

Looking at the girl before him, who seemed like the goddess Minos who had stepped out of a classical oil painting, and at the smile on her face that was hard to tell if it was genuine, Wayne asked with mixed feelings:

"But this young lady... or rather, this young lady, seems to have just started middle school, right?"

"Hmm?" Seemingly not expecting Wayne to ask such a question, Count Rostov's face stiffened, and he replied somewhat awkwardly, "To be honest, she hasn't started school yet."

"Not in school?" Wayne paused, then realized, "A tutor?"

Count Rostov nodded. As daughters of noble families, during their most liberated childhood years, they were often not sent to formal schools. Instead, they received their early education at home from specially hired tutors until secondary school, when they would attend private aristocratic schools. Don't assume this home education was easy; one-on-one instruction often meant stricter requirements. The types of learning at home included, but were not limited to, compulsory subjects such as basic arithmetic, science, social etiquette, astronomy, and geography, as well as electives for a small number of high-ranking noble families—Originium Arts aptitude tests and Originium Arts introductory courses. This was to ensure that one-on-one education gave the noble bloodline a head start, while also preventing noble children from being deceived by "malicious lowly commoners" during their most innocent years.

Wayne had received similar education before, but with the King of the North frequently away from home, and Wayne being one of the most troublesome students, he typically skipped five out of seven classes a week, attending only two. During those two classes, aside from the topics that interested him, he mostly just slacked off, establishing his reputation as a spoiled, lazy prince from a young age. This demonstrates that parental education is far more important than one-on-one tutoring from experts or professors. Vina continued attending classes after her coronation to make up for the lessons she missed while living on the streets.

However, Vina and Wayne are blood relatives, both the type who can drive etiquette teachers crazy. Wayne doesn't want to expose Vina's shortcomings, so we'll leave that aside for now.

Hayako-nee... no, Miss Natalia hasn't started school yet and is still receiving homeschooling. Based on the timeline of the story, she's probably not even twelve years old yet, still a little elementary school girl?

Wayne couldn't help but give Natalia a third serious look from head to toe, and finally let out a vague sigh in his heart.

Look at that twelve-year-old, and look at yourself, aren't you ashamed, Kal'tsit?

However, despite his feelings, Wayne pursed his lips and offered a suggestion:

"At twelve years old, shouldn't you be out making friends and playing together?"

“That’s how it is for commoners, but we are proud nobles, of noble blood, so naturally we must mature earlier to shoulder greater responsibilities,” Count Rostov replied matter-of-factly, frowning slightly.

As an earl, although he sensed the underlying meaning in Wayne's words, he naturally dared not voice his opposition. He could only subtly express his own opinion.

Wayne raised an eyebrow, nodded noncommittally, and stepped aside to welcome him:

“It is a great honor for Count Rostov to travel all the way from Chernobog to attend this party. Please come in.”

She looked at Natalia and added:

"Miss Rostova, please come in."

As Rostov entered the banquet hall, Wayne watched Natalia's retreating figure and whispered:

"If you feel uncomfortable, or encounter any difficulties or troubles, find a woman with short green hair and a white dress inside, tell her it's my idea, and she will help you."

Natalia didn't stop, but quickened her pace to catch up with her father's back as they entered the banquet hall.

The heavy doors slammed shut once more, shutting out the clamor of the revelry behind them. Wayne stood alone by the window, facing the cold wind, a mocking smile on his face.

"Twelve years old? That's the deadly feudal class..."

Chapter 156 Is Lilia still alive?

Ursus Saint-Germain Castle, banquet hall.

Wayne might find the job of greeting guests in the corridor arduous, but in reality, dealing with those glib, scheming nobles inside the banquet hall was far more troublesome. At least, Kal'tsit felt a genuine sense of reluctance as she stepped into the banquet hall once more.

I really wanted to stand outside a little longer. His Highness Wayne is so clueless; he didn't even try to persuade me to stay. That way, I could use the excuse that His Highness needed me and linger in the corridor a bit longer, right?

Kal'tsit sighed almost imperceptibly. Suddenly blushing slightly, she shook her head.

"What happened? He must have drunk too much..."

Kal'tsit covered her face, feeling the heat on her skin, as if trying to fight the surging guilt in her chest and a strange, numbing joy in the lynx, and muttered to herself in a low voice:

"Kal'tsit, how could you be so depraved? Princess Theresia is still busy outside, how could you have such audacious thoughts!"

Driven by selfish desire to spend more time with Prince Wayne, she even put her arm around him. This was more than just audacious; it was downright outrageous. Kal'tsit had never known that alcohol could have such a powerful effect, making her subconsciously do such a thing.

It's a little embarrassing, but petting the lion is strangely satisfying. Only Theresa used to have this privilege; maybe I should try it next time...?

"Snapped--"

Kal'tsit silently slapped herself and headed straight for the restroom.

She needed to wash her face thoroughly to cool down her burning hot skin and, incidentally, to calm her heart, which was pounding like a rock 'n' roll.

However, as soon as she stepped into the restroom, she encountered a familiar figure at the sink.

"Lilia?!"

Kal'tsit stared at the figure in front of her, calling out the person's name in disbelief. The brown-haired woman, who was washing her hands with her back to Kal'tsit, froze for a few seconds, turned off the tap, and then turned around with some hesitation and wariness to look at Kal'tsit.

Lilia's hesitation transformed into even greater joy within seconds of seeing Kal'tsit. She opened her arms, seemingly wanting to embrace Kal'tsit, but upon closer inspection, she withdrew her hands and abruptly retreated several steps towards the sink until her waist touched the still-dampened edge, slightly wetting the waist of her white dress. With nowhere left to retreat, she had no choice but to stop and warily questioned:

"Who are you!?"

Kal'tsit's face grew increasingly flushed, as if she had received too many surprises today. Her usual calm demeanor had almost completely vanished. She opened her arms to welcome Lilia's embrace, but upon noticing Lilia step back, she seemed to realize something and revealed a look of confusion and unease:

"What are you talking about? I am Kal'tsit."

"Nonsense!" Lilia pointed at Kal'tsit's clothes. "How could Director Kal'tsit possibly wear such clothes to this kind of occasion?!"

Kal'tsit's lips twitched, and for a moment she was speechless.

Lilia was a researcher at the Imperial Research Institute during Kal'tsit's time working in the Ursus Empire. Later, due to the Chernobog sarcophagus incident, the Imperial Research Institute was massacred by treacherous nobles and a group of opponents. Only Lilia survived because she was on maternity leave and not in the research lab. After that, Kal'tsit chose to leave the two turbulent centers of St. Arthur's Castle and Chernobog, and went into seclusion in the countryside, working as an ordinary country doctor.

But trouble doesn't lessen just because people avoid it. Just like the cause and effect in the Yan Kingdom, Lilia found Kal'tsit again after several years and invited her to assassinate an Ursus Grand Duke together to avenge her husband who died innocently in that conspiracy.

Whether out of righteous indignation or sympathy, Kal'tsit ultimately agreed to the proposal and orchestrated an assassination attempt on the heavily guarded sanatorium, targeting the once high-ranking and now highly respected Grand Duke of Ursus. The assassination was successful; Kal'tsit even managed to have a crucial conversation with the deceased Grand Duke within the sanatorium. Finally, with the arrival of the Imperial Guards—or rather, their tacit approval—she successfully evacuated safely.

After that, Lilia fled to the snowy lands of Sami, while Kal'tsit transformed into a Lateran monk and traveled to the northern border of the Victorian Empire, a region then under the rule of the King of the North, where religion flourished—the Earl of Vincent. There, she met the lovely Miss Heidi, the ordinary yet truly noble Earl Vincent, and many others.

Finally, they were attacked by the hounds of the Ursus Empire, the Emperor's blade "The Hunter." From him came the news of "Lilia's" death.

“There are always criminals who have committed unforgivable crimes who try to escape death by fleeing, but death will always catch up with them, no matter where they run, whether they run to Victoria or Sami.”

Kal'tsit vividly remembered the mocking tone of the guard's voice; she had always believed Lilia was dead. She never imagined that Lilia was not only alive, but that she would even encounter her again at this very banquet.

After a brief moment of joy, an even deeper sense of embarrassment swept over them.

The nobles of Ursus might not remember the face of a Feline who once worked at the Imperial Research Institute, or even the name Kal'tsit. But Lilia was different; she could not forget Kal'tsit, and she knew exactly what kind of person "Kal'tsit" was.

Therefore, Kal'tsit, dressed in a stunning white gown, with light makeup, a rosy complexion, and an overwhelming femininity that is rarely seen in a million years, is indeed somewhat hard for those "familiar with Kal'tsit" to accept.

Kal'tsit even wondered if Theresa would never dare to be alone with Wayne again if she saw herself dressed like this next to Wayne.

"Don't overthink it, I really am Kal'tsit."

Kal'tsit tried to maintain a calm tone, trying to retain some semblance of her former detached and wise scientist persona. Before Lilia could react, she quickly changed the subject:

"But you, Lilia, how did you escape the Imperial Guards' pursuit?"

"The Imperial Guard?" Lilia seemed to have heard something unfamiliar, giving Kal'tsit a suspicious look, but still told the truth: "I was not assassinated by the Imperial Guard. On the contrary, I received a pardon from the Emperor of Ursus, and..."

"And what?" Kal'tsit asked curiously.

Lilia hesitated for a moment, thinking of her relationship with Kal'tsit and her personality, but she gritted her teeth, leaned close to Kal'tsit's ear, and whispered, "And a letter of apology. Signed Fyodor."

Kal'tsit opened her mouth in disbelief, staring at Lilia's slightly tired but resolute face.

Did she hear something wrong? An apology letter, from Fyodor, the Emperor of Ursus?

"Click!"

The sound of a wine glass shattering on the floor suddenly rang out in the banquet hall, followed by bursts of laughter and a few apologies that quickly spread into the restrooms. The commotion interrupted Kal'tsit's thoughts, and she instinctively turned her head to look in the direction of the banquet hall.

The banquet hall doors were gently closed, and a girl with heterochromatic eyes stood beside a middle-aged man. The man wore a fawning smile and enthusiastically introduced the girl to everyone who approached him for information.

He looked like an enthusiastic salesman promoting his products.

P.S.: I have to say something unusual about the Kazimierz storyline this time.

The Doctor's presence was strong, and while the plot logic had flaws, the overall viewing experience was good, so the flaws didn't overshadow the strengths. The plot twists were also well-done; although it was suspected early on that Nearl wasn't infected, the way she announced it to sow discord did give the feeling of a good thing turning into a bad one. It's a pity we didn't see Silver Spear and Pegasus in action. The much-anticipated "Overthrow the Business Federation" also didn't appear. Finally, it was Yostar's usual "Ah, although everyone tried their best, the changes were limited; this land remains stagnant" tone, which was a bit disheartening.

There were quite a few foreshadowing elements; the Candle Knight is quite lewd, and both the Blood Knight and Nightmare are pretty cool, especially the Nightmare's "King's Army (Arknights Exclusive)" CG, which was incredibly cool. Platinum's role as the comedic relief is also quite good.

Overall, this is the best SS-level story I've seen so far. Hopefully, they'll keep up the good work.