Chapter 89: A Fiancée Too Charming for Her Own Good

"And how did you even manage to do that? Were you sneaking on us to see through the Rift Barrier?" Ephraim didn’t even bother to hide his anger. His lion ears and tail were swishing behind him as he held Lydia protectively in his arms. "What are you planning?"

Ephraim’s suspicion made Lydia try to recall her memories.

Zachary’s SSS-Rank Resonance was really devastating indeed. Even the Rift barriers had trembled under his barrage of dark spheres at Coronet.

If he could distort space and create warp portals, then perhaps he could use his Resonance to do other things as well.

Such as breaking Rift barriers. Or even thinning Rift barriers to create a small viewing window.

Given his insane wealth, Zachary surely had his own private training program to hone his abilities.

Good grief. Just how many tricks does this man have up his sleeve? Why was Lydia surrounded by such ridiculously powerful Sentinels?

One was a Crown Prince, another was the wealthiest man in the Empire, and the last was a young king!

Karma sure paid me really well in this life, huh?

Both Ephraim and Russell seemed to share the same suspicion. They instinctively moved closer to Lydia, shielding her from Zachary as they watched him carefully.

"Wait." Lydia raised her hands. "I’m sure Zachary had his reasons, right? Right?"

Zachary let out a sigh. His usual playful expression faded as he lowered his head.

"...I apologize for my behavior. Especially to you, Lydia."

His black panther ears drooped slightly.

"Yes, I was desperate. Especially since I couldn’t find a Guide for myself. I searched throughout this entire academy. I even tried to search in neighboring countries, other continents, and interstellar planets. But I couldn’t find anyone suitable to guide me."

Everyone gasped at his confession.

"So that’s why you were interested in Lydia?" Ephraim narrowed his eyes.

"At the beginning, yes." Zachary gave a small, resigned smile. "But her personality is another matter. And I’m drawn to her like a moth to a flame—and I don’t regret it one bit."

Oh.

That was new. Lydia never thought he would be so serious about this. But Zachary’s confession made her feel strangely warm.

Russell tapped Zachary’s shoulder and smiled.

"I can relate to that. Lydia never changes, and I want to protect that smile of hers."

Ephraim narrowed his eyes at Russell, but he decided to let the remark slide.

He knew how well Lydia had always gotten along with Russell, even when he was still disguised as Rishe.

Besides, Ephraim understood that Russell’s compatibility with Lydia must be high if she could guide the SS-Rank Sentinel.

Ephraim wanted to be more respectful of her relationships and choices. He had already made enough mistakes in the past and he wanted to be a better man for her.

"What do you mean by never changes, Russell?" Lydia asked curiously.

Russell only smiled at her.

What? What kind of answer is that?!

Why did everyone always have to be so mysterious to Lydia?

It was evening when they made their way back toward the dormitories.

Ephraim held Lydia’s hand as they walked—something he didn’t usually do in front of others. Not that Lydia complained, though.

When was the last time we held hands like this? Did Russell’s presence have something to do with it?

Ephraim rarely showed affection in public. He was always careful about maintaining his image as the Crown Prince. Still, Lydia had to admit that she quite liked this.

Ephraim finally brought up something that had been bothering him.

"Lydia, may I ask you something about sharing a room with Russell?"

"What’s wrong, Ephraim?"

His expression remained calm, but his voice was gentle.

"I understand that Russell is your roommate, and I know he has never done anything inappropriate toward you. However, now that I know he is a man, I can’t help feeling that sharing a dorm room with him might be difficult for you."

Ephraim continued before she could misunderstand his concern.

"I’m not questioning either of you. I just want to make sure you’re both comfortable. If you think having separate rooms would be better, I can help arrange one for Russell in the Elite Dormitory.

He had a point. As much as Lydia enjoyed having Russell as her roommate, a man and a woman sharing a room was frowned upon—especially among nobles.

"Of course, you can remain in the Regular Class if that’s what you prefer. I know you chose to stay in the Sophomore Regular Class, even though you could be in the Junior Elite Class with me. I respect that decision. I simply want to make sure you’re comfortable."

Oh. That was actually really considerate of him!

Ephraim had been trying to change. And perhaps this was another great sign of that effort.

"I understand," Lydia replied with a smile. "Thank you for helping us about this, Ephraim. You sure are being really considerate and kind."

Ephraim nodded, appearing relieved that she hadn’t taken his concern the wrong way.

"There’s also the matter of a roommate," he added. "If Russell moves to the Elite Dormitory, would you prefer to have someone else share your room, Lydia?"

"Someone else?"

"Lady Vixielle, perhaps. I believe she would be a suitable roommate."

Out of all the people, Ephraim just suggested the most amusing person to be her roommate!

Both Lydia and Russell—who had been listening quietly—burst out laughing. The two of them laughed so hard that she had to wipe the tears from her eyes.

"What’s wrong with Lady Vixielle?"

Lydia chuckled at Ephraim’s question.

"Kathy is much more dangerous than Russell, Ephraim!" Lydia burst out laughing. "She’s gay as hell! She was so head over heels for Rishe that she’d worship the ground she walked on. One smile from Rishe, and Kathy would’ve thrown her entire life away!"

"I can’t imagine how much worse Kathy would get if you two spent even more time together, Lydia." Russell laughed.

Oh, dear. Ephraim really didn’t know.

That was a new revelation for Ephraim. But after a moment, he straightened his posture and gave Lydia a genuine smile.

"That was because you’re too charming, my fiancée. You sure attract men and women like ants to sugar."

Wait. What?

That was the very first time Ephraim had openly praised Lydia like that! His words had been simple, sincere, and delivered with that familiar polite smile.

Oh.

Perhaps things really were changing. And... for the better, at that.