Chapter 12: Oppression from the Blood Rose Society

Upon hearing the unexpected response, Angelica's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, her expression gaining a touch of fierceness, albeit fleeting.

She crossed her arms and slowly stood up, looking down at Char in a somewhat condescending manner. Her red lips parted gently, "It seems you have misunderstood something."

"When I said 'give me a positive answer as soon as possible,' it means that I am not seeking your opinion. Please consider it as a notification of an established fact, if you will."

After uttering those words, she glanced briefly, noticing that the spoon in Char's hand seemed slightly deformed, and she smiled faintly.

"It must be quite challenging for you to endure. If it hurts your pride, I apologize." Angelica leaned down, getting closer to Char's ear, her platinum-colored short hair cascading slightly. "But please continue to endure, as I don't wish for any conflict that may result in unnecessary harm... even if your sister doesn't hold you in high regard."

Upon hearing this, even Tyrus, who had been pretending to be meek on the side, felt a certain level of intolerance... No, if it were him, perhaps he could endure it.

Taking a deep breath, Tyrus began, "You shouldn't—"

"Your Highness Tyrus, it is not appropriate for a nobleman to interrupt a lady while she is speaking."

Just as he was about to speak, Ephy Dominic, standing beside them, spoke up with a premeditated smile on his handsome face.

But you also interrupted me... Tyrus shrugged his shoulders and fell silent.

The Golden Gryphon family, one of the Twelve Noble Families of the Round Table, had the power to make their family prosper with just a flick of their fingers.

Even if he didn't consider himself, being in a foreign land, he should still think of his homeland.

Yet, from beginning to end, Angelica didn't even glance towards Tyrus.

"The hereditary title of the eldest son is in accordance with the laws of the Empire, and the decree was personally signed by His Majesty. You have no ability to change any of this," Char said softly, looking at Angelica's beautiful face so close to him.

Seeing his calm demeanor, Angelica felt somewhat bored.

In her imagination, whether it was the anger and dissatisfaction of a man whose pride had been hurt by a beautiful woman, or the meek and fearful attitude in front of the Blood Rose Society, both would be much more entertaining than his current state.

Especially in terms of appearance, Char was the type that she found pleasing to the eye.

"Don't you understand yet? It has been two days already, and your letter of appointment has still not been delivered... Moreover, my father and His Majesty are close brothers. So, what do you think is the relationship between His Majesty and me?" Angelica suppressed her emotions after being rejected, glanced at Sylvasta, and raised her voice, "It seems that this is not a harmonious 'negotiation' at all, and I feel deeply regretful about it."

"Then let's leave it here for today. I hope you'll take some time to consider it."

Once again, Angelica revealed a sweet smile. She gently brushed aside the strands of hair falling by her ear, tucking them behind it, and gracefully turned around, akin to the grand exit of a theatrical performance, capturing the attention of the audience.

The members of the Blood Rose Society, who had been gathered nearby, followed her one by one, leaving without anyone daring to impede their way.

On the contrary, Sylvasta, who had been standing quietly by her sister's side, fell behind.

She hesitated and glanced at Char, coincidentally meeting his gaze as he looked up.

"!!"

Sylvasta paused for a moment, then shyly lifted her wrist, which was placed in front of her, and made a gentle wave towards Char with a subtle arc that only the two of them could see.

After doing all this, she nervously glanced around and noticed that everyone's attention was focused on the retreating figures of the Blood Rose Society members, which relieved her.

It felt like a rich young lady preparing for a secret rendezvous with a rebel.

Only Tyrus witnessed all of this, looking astonished. "You..."

"Shh!"

Sylvasta blinked and placed her slender index finger against her lips, then quickly turned around, lifting her splendid gown, and hurriedly followed her sister's path. Her agile and graceful figure resembled that of a playful deer, revealing her current mood.

Finally, the turmoil in the restaurant settled down.

Feeling the curious, envious, and gloating gazes around him, Tyrus let out a sigh.

He looked at Char and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Of course," Char released his grip, slowly reshaping the deformed silver spoon back to its original form. "Let's eat. If the stewed meat cools down, it will become tough. That's what you said."

"Aren't you... angry?"

"Angry? Of course, I was angry, but after realizing something, I've calmed down."

"What did you realize?"

"She's a mage at the Magus level, and there's a high probability she has reached the third rank. I can't defeat her."

Char shrugged and smiled helplessly.

Normally, knights don't have an advantage against prepared magicians at the same level, let alone when the opponent is an entire rank higher.

After scrutinizing his friend with doubt for a while, Tyrus finally became certain that his good friend hadn't suffered any severe distress.

Observing how Char continued to dine calmly, he hesitated to speak, then said, "Um..."

"If, and I mean if, you need any help, please don't forget that we are the best friends."

Char looked up, a faint smile appearing on his face. "I know, thank you, Tyrus."

However, in a situation like this, being a student alone couldn't provide any useful assistance.

As of now, it appears that Anjelica has indeed used some means in obtaining the sealed document. However, she hasn't temporarily altered the inheritance rights of the title heir. At least the Tower of Judgment and the Round Table Council won't allow her to act recklessly. Otherwise, she wouldn't have come all this way today to speak about it.

However, over time, things may change. After all, Nia is my own younger sister and holds the second position in the line of succession. Coincidentally, the Emperor happens to be Anjelica's uncle.

If I want to break this deadlock, the most urgent matter at hand is the need for a substantial amount of money, no less than 8,000 gold coins.

With money, I can buy powdered Voidstone, visit the witch, and upgrade my abilities.

At the very least, I need to have strength that is not inferior to that woman, Anjelica.

So, where can I get this money?

Char quickly contemplated in his mind.

Receiving his friend's affirmative response, Tyrus breathed a sigh of relief, feeling somewhat joyful.

This feeling was like... being a good brother who silently supported a lone hero and was willing to live and die together with him.

The spirit of a knight, truly cool!

"By the way, what is your relationship with Anjelica's sister?"

Just as he took a few bites, Tyrus suddenly thought of this matter and asked with considerable curiosity.

"Well, we're friends," Char recalled the scene of their first meeting and smiled as he replied.

....

After leaving the restaurant, Anjelica, who was walking ahead, retracted the sweet smile she had shown in front of others, and her expression became somewhat cold.

Her pace quickened, and her black boots struck the ground heavily.

He actually chose to refuse?

This was the task entrusted to her by the teacher.

Anjelica thought gloomily.

"President, how should we handle the matter concerning Char?" Efi asked in a low voice, walking quickly behind her.

But Anjelica's face turned cold. "Who allowed you to get so close to me?"

Efi froze, glanced at the distance between them, and instinctively slowed down her pace.

From what I remember, the president does seem to have a strong aversion to close contact with the opposite sex.

But what was happening at the restaurant?

Why did she get so close to that person while talking to him, even whispering a few words in a hushed tone?

As one of Anjelica's admirers, Efi felt a bit uneasy and couldn't help but ask, "Why did the president act that way just now...?"

"Char? Hmph, do you think he's good-looking like him?" Anjelica glanced at Efi and let out a cold laugh. "You're quite puzzled, aren't you? Let me remind you, between him and me, there is only a conflict of interests, no inherent hatred. If he had better talent and background, considering he is Nia's brother, I wouldn't mind taking the initiative to get closer to him. Understand?"

Of course, this statement carried more elements of mockery.

As the noble Anjelica, how could she show favoritism towards those of lower status?

In her eyes, everyone was nothing more than objects for her to manipulate.

Upon hearing this, Efi's face turned red. "I-I apologize, President."

"You seem like a little dog right now, wanting to lick your owner, but it seems like she doesn't want to acknowledge you," came an untimely voice from behind.

It was a seductive young girl dressed in a purple gown, with long, jet-black hair cascading down her shoulders. Her fair skin resembled snow, and she had a perfectly placed beauty mark at the corner of her eye.

Covering her mouth, she giggled at Efi's embarrassed state, seemingly unconcerned about what he and Anjelica thought.

"Enough, Celia. I don't want to argue with you right now," Anjelica glanced at her coldly and said.

Behind them, the members of the Blood Rose Society rolled their eyes, seemingly accustomed to such scenes playing out before them.