Chapter 11: Your Title of Nobility

(NOTE: I will use name "Nia" as a for "Naiaa" in all further.)

Who could it be?

A hint of confusion crossed Char's mind as he set down his spoon and turned his head slightly to glance at the entrance.

Though it was just a brief glance, he paused for a moment, then quickly averted his gaze.

Two girls entered, one following behind the other.

After getting a clear view of their faces, Char finally understood why Tyrus had shown that expression.

The leading girl was tall and striking, with a captivating appearance. A confident smile graced her rosy lips, and her platinum blonde hair fell smoothly on both sides of her face and shoulders. Her well-proportioned figure perfectly accentuated the loose-fitting rose-colored mage robe she wore. She walked in a pair of mid-calf high-heeled boots, and as she moved, her mage robe swayed gently, revealing a glimpse of fair, slender legs.

Despite her conservative attire, her alluring eyes seemed to shimmer with charm, leaving a tingling sensation in the hearts of those who looked at her.

Following behind the girl in the mage robe was an exquisite and elegant young lady. Her skin was flawlessly fair, and her waist-length golden hair had a slight wave at the ends. The emerald-green long dress showcased her slender waist beautifully. The hem of the dress was paired with light-colored wedge heels that encased her delicate feet, and a circle of white lace adorned the edge of her ankle socks.

The two girls emanated nobility, and although their facial features were about 70-80% similar, each had their own distinct characteristics.

After a moment of contemplation, Char asked in a low voice, "The one walking in front, is she Senior Angelica from the fourth year?"

Upon hearing this, Tyrus nodded and added with an envious tone, "The current president of the 'Blood Rose Society,' the daughter of a duke. She was admitted as an assistant instructor to the academy in her fourth year, and she was also the academy's fastest-rising genius in becoming a mage... Oh, it seems that record has been broken now."

Even so, it was enough to make him envious. After all, he had been striving for so many years but still remained at the apprentice level of magic, just like the majority of people.

The Blood Rose Society?

Char was momentarily stunned. He vaguely remembered that the academy did indeed have such a mysterious society, which he had learned about from Dahlia. However, he wasn't quite sure about the specifics of what they did.

Angelica Algea and her younger sister, Sylvasta Algea.

This pair of twins could be considered the most esteemed students in the academy. They were not inferior even when compared to princes and princesses, simply because their father was the elder brother of the current emperor and the reigning Duke of the Northern Territories, Duke Algea!

With such noble status, these two young ladies should, in theory, be holding tea parties with young ladies in mansions. So why were they appearing here?

Not only Char, but everyone else also harbored similar doubts in their minds.

However, those thoughts quickly vanished.

Soon, Char refocused his attention and resumed his battle with the food on his plate.

But the sound of high heels did not cease; instead, it grew closer, within the perplexed gaze of Tyrus.

"Tap, tap, tap, tap..."

Finally, the sound stopped near him, accompanied by a faint scent of roses. A slender shadow cast over the table, blocking the light from his side.

"Excuse me, are you Nia's brother, Char Adelaide?"

A clear and pleasant voice came from above, causing Char to lift his head involuntarily.

Upon seeing them up close, he could truly appreciate the beauty of the twin sisters. Even without makeup, they seemed flawless.

In Char's impression, besides the witch he had encountered in the Abyss, who could overpower him with her presence, it seemed that no other girl could match their beauty.

Looking for me?

Clearly, Char was just as taken aback as Tyrus, who sat across from him, though he managed to maintain a calm demeanor.

Suppressing his inner curiosity, Char nodded slightly and replied, "That's correct, I am."

Upon seeing his response, Angelica, the older sister, smiled and gently clasped her hands together, saying, "Wonderful, we finally meet... Um, may I sit here?"

"Please."

Char gestured with his left hand and said.

Angelica nodded, crossed her legs gracefully, adjusted her mage robe with elegance, and gently sat on the wooden chair that Sylvasta had brought over. She then rested her right hand under her snow-white chin, leaning it on the edge of the wooden table, carefully observing Char.

As Angelica made that movement, her loose sleeve robe slipped slightly, revealing a glimpse of her slender, snow-white arm, exuding an inexplicable allure.

Sylvasta, feeling somewhat shy, stood quietly behind her sister, occasionally stealing glances at Char before quickly averting her gaze. It was unclear what was going through her mind.

After being scrutinized by such a beautiful young lady for a while, even Char felt somewhat uncomfortable.

So he took the initiative and said, "Did you come to find me because of Nia?"

He looks good, the type I personally find appealing. His level of knightly training seems decent, but it's just "decent" and far from being outstanding. He is as ordinary as the rumors suggest.

From the current situation, it seemed that he didn't even qualify to be on the Blood Rose Society's scrutiny list.

Angelica quickly made a cold judgment in her mind, though she maintained a gentle smile on her face. "That's right! Also, Nia and I have the same teacher. If you don't mind, you can call me Senior Angelica, just like her."

Char remained silent.

As expected.

Mr. Sitar's reminder, Sergei's insinuations, and the reactions of the senior students around him were all related to that genius sister, just like the stranger had hinted.

It seemed that Nia and Angelica had a good relationship, and both of them were students of that female court mage.

Char hesitated for a moment. Instead of directly stating that he had little interaction with Nia, he decided to listen to what the other person had to say first.

On the other hand, Angelica, having finished her observation, lost some of her interest. She let go of her right hand and adjusted her sleeve robe, leaning her delicate body gently against the chair.

"Then let's get straight to the point."

"Char, just three days ago, your sister Nia Adelaide successfully advanced to the rank of Mage in the Mage Tower and even formed her first magic circle... Are you aware of this?"

She looked directly into Char's eyes as she spoke slowly.

The rank of Mage is a level beyond that of an Apprentice, and achieving this at the age of 14 is a rarity with few similar records in history.

What does this mean in terms of significance?

Even within the academy, this surpasses the abilities of many mentors. Some mysterious professors who are not skilled in magic only reach this level.

After a brief moment of surprise, Char shook his head gently. "I was not aware of this."

Upon hearing his response, Angelica pursed her lips and smiled, her expression becoming somewhat peculiar. "Then you probably don't know about another matter."

"For certain reasons, this news has even reached the court. His Majesty, the esteemed Emperor, upon learning about the tragic events that occurred to the Adelaide family ten years ago due to invaders, expressed deep sympathy. As a result, he unprecedentedly proposed to grant a reward to Nia."

"This is both an early investment in a future Archmage and a compensation for your family."

Hearing this, Char calmly spoke, "She is my only family in this world. If that's the case, I sincerely offer my blessings."

"Ah, what a responsible and caring elder brother you are! If I were Nia, I would have been moved to tears by now." Angelica pretended to wipe her eye corner and then blinked her beautiful eyes. "So, Char, would you be willing to provide a 'little' help for your sister's future?"

Char remained silent for a moment, recalling Nia's cold demeanor and heartless words.

But in the end, he nodded gently, "If this help falls within my capabilities."

Upon hearing his response, Sylvasta, who had been quietly standing behind her sister, suddenly lifted her head and gazed at Char, revealing a slightly worried expression.

She glanced at her sister, then at Char, her pink lips slightly parted, but in the end, she didn't say anything. Her two delicate hands gently twisted together, placed demurely in front of her abdomen.

Due to the angle, Angelica didn't notice her sister's unusual behavior. After receiving Char's affirmative response, she smiled faintly, seemingly full of meaning. "Don't worry, it's not something difficult. It just requires signing a contract."

A contract?

Char sensed a hint of discordance.

Generally, contracts involve one party exploiting the other, with many unequal restrictions and even harsh magical punishments.

"What kind of contract?" he furrowed his brow slightly and asked.

"It's a contract regarding the commitment to renounce your inheritance rights and transfer the title to Nia," Angelica's lips curved into a smile, her melodious voice carrying a hint of coldness. "As compensation, I can agree to your joining the Blood Rose Society as a peripheral member."

"This is the suggestion of our teacher and also my suggestion."

The truth is revealed.

After talking for so long, she finally revealed her intentions, revealing her true nature like a beautiful mermaid showing her fierce fangs.

So, Sergei's earlier insinuation was about this matter.

Char silently pondered.

"While the laws of the Empire do not prohibit women from holding titles, it is still exponentially more difficult for women to obtain titles through enfeoffment, unless... it is inherited through bloodline."

"However, your sister, as an unprecedented prodigious talent, has the advantage of having a title, which sets her apart from those without one."

"If she can enter His Majesty's view as a female viscount, she won't have to start from scratch to accumulate achievements. Whether it's future promotions or other matters, they will become much easier. Perhaps after graduation, she could become a court mage right from the beginning, which means countless resources and a broader world."

"For Nia, who has no established foundation, it is both a test and an opportunity to change her destiny."

"As for you, the so-called title is probably just a way to solidify your status and elevate your social standing. In that case, joining the Blood Rose Society would serve a similar purpose."

"We can even provide you with a dignified lifestyle that you currently lack, such as high-class social gatherings, exceptional companions of the opposite sex, and... easily accessible wealth."

Angelica wore a smile on her face as she delicately uttered each cruel and icy word from her soft lips.

Seeing Char remain silent for a long time, she thought her words had an effect. With an arrogant smile, she continued speaking, "Perhaps you don't understand what it truly means to join the Blood Rose Society."

After saying that, she lightly clapped her hands.

As if following her command, many senior students stood up simultaneously and walked towards the two of them.

"I'm Ephie, from the Dominic branch of the Golden Gryphon Family, a three-star provisional knight of the Holy Radiance Knight Order," introduced the handsome brown-haired youth who led the group. He smiled slightly at Char and introduced himself.

After uttering those words, he took a step back and stood quietly beside Angelica.

Following them, the others joined in:

"Gaspard Croft, the assistant proposer of the Hyperfrequency Enchantment Theory, and by the way, my mother is a great sorceress."

"I'm Célie Latusos, from the Violet family. I am engaged to the Fifth Prince... but you can just call me Célie!"

"Ferguson Sylvet, the second son of the Snow Wolf Family. I control three rare veins worth tens of thousands of gold coins, a birthday gift from my father."

"Horus Zimmerman, an exchange student sent by the illustrious City of Academia. Currently a five-star mage, by the end of this year, I should be able to advance to a mage, just like your sister."

"Ivan Archel, a first-year student and a peripheral member. I was recently promoted to a one-star provisional knight. My father is the Border Count Archel."

.....

After introducing themselves and their family backgrounds one by one, the entire restaurant fell into silence.

These were just a portion of the members of the Blood Rose Society, yet they were already filled with descendants of prominent noble families.

Clearly, without exception, they were all outstanding individuals supported by vast family networks. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them the cream of the crop at the top of the academy's social pyramid. After graduation, they were destined to excel in various fields.

In comparison, Char, hailing from a remote province with a small territory, seemed somewhat insignificant.

Even with the inherited title of a viscount, he could only be seen as a destitute noble with no foundation, lacking industry, connections, and even inferior to some wealthy merchants.

This was not just a display of the Blood Rose Society's prestige and power, but also a veiled demonstration of dominance aimed at forcing Char to submit in front of so many people.

Faced with such a luxurious lineup, most people would likely display a humble and fearful expression.

"So, please give me a positive answer as soon as possible."

Angelica smiled sweetly and confidently, gently placing the final weight on the scale.

Silence.

The entire hall descended into a prolonged silence.

In the face of such overwhelming power, it seemed that everyone present had become insignificant.

At this moment, all the pressure fell entirely on one person.

It was a suffocating pressure, enough to make one feel breathless.

Agree? Or refuse?

Then, the person in question provided an answer.

"I don't agree," Char lifted his head, gripping the spoon in his hand tightly, his expression calm. "I don't agree."