Chapter 410: Calyra, You’re Supposed to Help Me, Not Join Them!

[Ruvian’s POV]

Only after Lord Evrard picked up his spoon did Ruvian reach for his own.

Before him sat a bowl of creamy mushroom soup, garnished with herbs and thin slices of roasted mushrooms.

Taking a small spoonful, Ruvian blew on it lightly before bringing it to his lips.

His eyebrows rose slightly the moment he tasted it.

A rich, buttery flavor spread across his tongue, followed by a pleasant aroma. The texture was velvety, with just enough seasoning to complement the mushrooms.

’Mhm, this is good.’

For something so simple, the quality was very impressive.

Setting his spoon down, Ruvian briefly observed the others seated around the table. This was his first formal dinner with a noble family, and proper etiquette was expected.

Previously, he was a bit anxious to be in this position, but after calming himself down, he found his confidence back.

Having read countless webnovels, he had accumulated a surprising amount of knowledge about noble etiquette.

So he was familiar with most of the basics.

Furthermore, this wasn’t his first experience attending such gatherings.

Back in his previous world, his work as an Enforcer had occasionally required him to attend lavish receptions while investigating influential Awakeners.

’Yeah... what is there to worry about?’

As Ruvian savored his soup, he noticed Lord Evrard preparing to address him and took it as his cue to set down his spoon.

"Ruvian, I know I’ve said this before, but allow me to thank you once again for accepting our invitation," Lord Evrard said, his deep voice carrying a rare sincerity.

Ruvian inclined his head politely.

"The pleasure is mine as well, Lord Evrard. It’s an honor to dine with the Arcanis family," he replied casually.

Lord Evrard studied him for a moment before smiling. "You must be wondering why I’ve invited you to dine with us, aren’t you?"

Truthfully, Ruvian had many questions, along with several conjectures of his own. Still, he chose to remain silent, allowing the man to elaborate.

"There are certain matters I’d like to discuss with you in greater detail. Matters that I believe would be better addressed in person rather than through correspondence."

He paused briefly, seemingly contemplating how best to broach the subject. However, just as he was about to continue—

"Ahem."

A discreet cough interrupted their conversation.

Ruvian instinctively turned toward the source, only to find Lady Clarissa regarding her husband with a composed expression.

"My dear, surely such matters can wait until after dinner?" she interjected gracefully, setting down her spoon. "Our special guest has barely begun his meal. It would be rather discourteous to burden him with serious discussions so soon."

Her words were gentle, yet there was an unmistakable firmness beneath her courteous tone.

Lord Evrard glanced at his wife before returning his attention to Ruvian, seemingly realizing that he had gotten ahead of himself.

"Ah, quite right," he conceded with a faint smile. "Forgive my eagerness, Ruvian. We shall discuss those matters later."

He then gestured toward the soup before them.

"For now, please enjoy your meal."

Ruvian smiled courteously and obliged, picking up his spoon once more.

However, as several minutes passed without further conversation, an awkward silence gradually settled over the table. Aside from the occasional clinking of silverware against porcelain, there was hardly a sound.

Ruvian glanced at Calyra from the corner of his eye, hoping she might take the initiative to say something.

’Hey... Calyra, this is where you’re supposed to lighten the mood. Don’t act like a ghost now.’

Unfortunately, Calyra seemed even more reserved and self-conscious than usual. At times, she merely fiddled with her spoon instead of eating, as if preoccupied with her own thoughts.

Even worse, ever since his arrival, she had barely made eye contact with him, much less attempted to initiate a conversation.

’Haa...’ Ruvian sighed inwardly. ’Don’t tell me she’s suddenly feeling bashful?’

He couldn’t quite understand what had gotten into her. After all, this was hardly the first time they had shared a meal together, although he supposed having her parents present made the circumstances rather different.

Regardless, at this rate, it seemed he would have to take the initiative himself; he couldn’t simply leave everything to the Arcanis family, especially when he had his own reasons for wanting to establish a favorable impression.

After all, earning their trust would undoubtedly make the discussions that followed considerably easier.

With that in mind, Ruvian set down his spoon and prepared to broach a suitable topic. However, just as he was about to speak, someone else beat him to it.

"By the way, Ruvian," Lady Clarissa began, drawing his attention toward her. "Calyra mentioned that you secured first place in the Vazrun Island Test recently. Is that correct?"

Ruvian nodded.

"Ah, yes, my lady."

"How remarkable," she remarked with a cordial smile. "Although I must confess that, having never pursued the path of a Magus myself, I’m hardly qualified to appreciate the full extent of its difficulty."

She paused briefly, her expression conveying genuine admiration.

"Even so, to have distinguished yourself among so many talented candidates at such a young age is certainly worthy of congratulations."

"Thank you, my lady."

"Of course." Lady Clarissa inclined her head slightly before continuing. "So if you don’t mind my asking, how exactly did you manage such an accomplishment?

Seeing the knowing smile on Lady Clarissa’s face, Ruvian immediately discerned her intentions.

’Huh? Calyra’s mother is more perceptive than I thought.’

As expected of a noblewoman accustomed to high society, Lady Clarissa clearly knew how to conduct a conversation and put her guests at ease.

It was evident from the way she had intervened earlier, gently steering her husband away from serious matters without making him appear discourteous.

And now, she had effortlessly taken the initiative to dispel the awkward silence that had settled over the table.

Even her choice of question was rather deliberate.

Instead of directly inquiring about his background, which might have seemed intrusive, she had chosen a subject he was already familiar with.

An open-ended question that would allow Ruvian to speak freely about his experiences and, in doing so, reveal a little about himself without the formality of an introduction.

It was a subtle yet effective way of allowing him to become better acquainted with the family while keeping the conversation pleasant.

’Now, why didn’t Calyra inherit this particular talent from her mother?’

He couldn’t help but wonder, briefly glancing at the silver-haired girl beside him, who finally turned her head at him.

After contemplating his response for a moment, Ruvian spoke with a modest smile.

"I suppose fortune played a part, my lady. Although, attributing everything to luck would be rather unfair to my teammates."

He paused briefly before elaborating.

"After all, the Vazrun Island Test was largely a cooperative endeavor, and I was fortunate enough to have exceptionally capable comrades. Without their contributions, I doubt we would have achieved such favorable results."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. The test itself was surely not easy, but as they say, even the most formidable challenges become manageable with the right people beside you," Ruvian added with a light chuckle.

"Of course, I should also mention that the test ended earlier than expected. If it had continued as planned, our results might have been different."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Well, the elimination phase had only just begun when the test ended," Ruvian explained calmly. "Unlike the earlier stages, where teamwork was important, that phase involved direct fights between participants. Naturally, it was much harder to predict what would happen, especially since we weren’t that strong back then."

He smiled faintly.

"So, in that regard, I suppose fortune was indeed on our side." (+500PP)

Lady Clarissa regarded him with a look of quiet approval, pleased by his modest yet thoughtful account. Lord Evrard, who had been listening in silence, likewise gave a slight nod.

Neither had expected the young man to speak so composedly of his achievement, much less acknowledge his comrades’ contributions without diminishing his own.

However, just as the conversation seemed to be progressing pleasantly, Calyra, who had remained silent throughout their exchange, suddenly made an unexpected declaration.

"He was lying."

Ruvian’s eyebrows twitched.

"..."

For a moment, an uncomfortable silence descended upon the table as both her parents turned toward her.

’...Oi? What are you doing!!? Oii!!?’

Ruvian hadn’t expected her to speak up so abruptly, much less contradict him in front of her parents.

Despite his internal bewilderment, he maintained his courteous smile, patiently awaiting her explanation, though a part of him wished he could somehow stop her from continuing.

Lord Evrard, meanwhile, appeared more intrigued than offended by his daughter’s sudden remark.

"Hoho? That’s quite a surprise," Lord Evrard raised an eyebrow. "What actually makes you say that, Calyra? Tell us."

Calyra glanced briefly at Ruvian before returning her attention to her father.

"It’s true that Ruvian had exceptionally capable teammates," she began calmly. "However, their first-place finish was hardly attributable to that alone."

She paused, considering how best to explain herself.

"In fact, I believe he could have easily secured first place even without their assistance."

’First place without... their assistance?’ (+500PP)

Both her parents exchanged a brief, surprised glance.

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[Chapter 410: Calyra, You’re Supposed to Help Me, Not Join Them!]

Plot Points = 282,000