[Vol. 7] Chapter 157: New Friends and Old Acquaintances
Hearing this explanation, Rene finally understood the whole situation, thanks to her sister’s clarification. Immediately, she stomped her foot in frustration.
“What?! It was just a fake, and he made such a big deal out of it! That guy was obviously just looking for trouble!”
“Haha… well…”
Although her words were likely the truth, as a noble angel, she could say them without hesitation. However, the others present, mindful of their status, couldn’t comment too much in public. Instead, they just exchanged awkward smiles and let the matter slide.
The gathered crowd, who had been watching the commotion, gradually dispersed as the event organizers and security finally arrived to restore order. However, the princess known as the [Empire’s Two-Colored Lotus] did not leave immediately.
Instead, she glanced at the black-haired girl at the center of the incident, who, despite being accused by a certain prince, had barely spoken and seemed completely indifferent to the accusations.
After hesitating for a moment, the princess reached into her pocket and pulled out an elegant silver card with gold embossing, handing it over.
“You must be the legendary Miss Violet, correct? I sincerely apologize… My royal brother has a rather difficult personality, and it seems he caused some misunderstandings. I hope you won’t hold a grudge against him or seek revenge…”
“This is my card. If you need anything during the event, you can use this to visit the address listed. The Empire will do its best to offer compensation on my brother’s behalf.”
“...?”
To be honest, this unexpected gesture caught Violet off guard.
Just like in the Human United Kingdom, the imperial princes and princesses should be constantly scheming against each other, vying for the throne. After all, the very existence of the [Lion’s Ring] rule encouraged such behavior. Her previous encounters with Xiluo and Carinvega had certainly reinforced that impression.
So why was Carinvega now stepping in to speak on Xiluo’s behalf? Wouldn’t it benefit her more if the priestess continued to put that arrogant prince in his place?
Was this so-called "compensation" really just an excuse? Was she actually trying to use this opportunity to form connections with a potential future ally?
This explanation did make some sense. However, just moments ago, the two angels from the Holy Empire and Felina, the representative from the Human United Kingdom, had openly expressed their full support for the priestess. This clearly showed they had a close relationship. Given the current structure of power in the Origin Realm, both of these factions were already considered strong opponents standing against the Austre Empire.
Even if Princess Carinvega had a personal intention to befriend Violet, as one of the main representatives of the Austre Empire at this World Academy Joint Exchange Conference, she shouldn’t have made such a public gesture. Especially right after a direct confrontation with Prince Xiluo.
Although the theft incident had been suppressed with the cooperation of various factions, there was still no concrete evidence proving that someone else was responsible.
Extending goodwill under uncertain circumstances would only damage the Austre Empire’s reputation, making it seem as though Austre Empire was showing weakness to Violet and the forces she represented. Given Carinvega’s reputation for intelligence and competence, there was no way she wouldn’t understand this.
Unless...
Unless Princess Carinvega believed that calming Violet's anger was more important than the Empire’s reputation or any superficial gains and losses. That stopping the priestess from turning against them was her absolute top priority. That she was certain Violet held such an incredible level of influence that it outweighed all these concerns.
But… how could that be possible?
This was their first time meeting. Even if she had done prior research, she couldn’t possibly know Violet’s true capabilities, right?
What seemed like a simple act of goodwill actually carried far deeper implications.
“?”
The imperial academy instructor, Shutak, who was still kneeling on the ground, had not left with Xiluo and the others. He had clearly realized this as well. His head lifted slightly, his gaze filled with confusion as he looked in their direction.
But before he could dwell on it, Carinvega, who noticed his stare, simply tilted her head ever so slightly. Her expression remained almost unchanged, yet that alone was enough to make Shutak lower his head immediately, not daring to entertain another thought.
Interesting…
To be honest, Violet was quite intrigued.
Just what was so terrifying about this delicate-looking princess?
How could she, without even exerting any pressure, without raising her voice, command such absolute obedience from those under her?
And… how exactly did she determine the true extent of Violet’s influence?
After all, aside from that invisible and formless ‘fluctuation’ surrounding her, Carinvega seemed to be nothing more than an ordinary person with no combat ability, at least based on her aura.
Seeing the black-haired girl hesitate for a moment before finally accepting the undeniably expensive card, the imperial princess let out a quiet sigh of relief. She smiled and nodded once more.
“The banquet is about to begin, and I have a few matters to attend to, so I won’t keep you any longer. I hope you and your companions have a pleasant evening.”
With that, the enigmatic heterochromatic-eyed princess gave a small bow, then turned and walked away with Shutak, who kept his head lowered, and the female guard at her side.
“……”
Watching Carinvega’s noble and elegant figure disappear into the crowd, Violet lowered her gaze, looking once again at the name card, which still carried the faint warmth and unique scent of its former owner. She remained silent, deep in thought.
The [Empire’s Two-Colored Lotus]… She really was something. Compared to her overconfident, incompetent, and downright embarrassing brother, the difference between them was painfully obvious.
“It's been a while, Lady Violet~ That is… if we’re talking about meeting like this in person. I’m just glad to see you’re doing well.”
Now that the imperial princess was finally gone, Leila and Rene, along with Miss Felina from the Human United Kingdom and Theresa, who had been watching from the sidelines, all stepped forward.
These were, of course, the familiar faces Yulia had mentioned, old acquaintances who had come specifically for the banquet. They had likely heard that a certain priestess was now living at Sainz Academy, which was why they took this chance to come and see her. Some might have come willingly, while others were probably sent by higher-ups with instructions. After all, there was no way they’d all just coincidentally show up at the same time, right?
Glancing at the long-lost friends surrounding her, the black-haired girl felt a wave of nostalgia but simply smiled and nodded.
“It really has been a while. And thanks for stepping in earlier. If it weren’t for you, handling that situation would have been quite a headache.”
The ever-serious Felina shook her head slightly.
"You're overestimating the situation, Lady Violet. Even without us, that Prince Xiluo wouldn’t have been able to do anything to you. Sainz Academy wouldn’t just let him act recklessly."
At those words, Yulia, who had just finished her conversation with the banquet guards, turned back around, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.
"I’ve heard plenty about how Lady Violet made many friends from all over the world during her travels, but I didn’t expect your charm to be this powerful. Even angels and the Queen’s representative from the Human United Kingdom are willing to go head-to-head with an imperial prince for your sake. Meanwhile, I barely got a chance to be of any use~"
"Oh, come on… what ‘charm’ are you even talking about?"
Since new acquaintances were meeting old friends, Violet took the initiative to introduce them to each other. However, she deliberately avoided mentioning the true relationship between Xiao Guang and Light, sticking with the usual cover story of them being "sisters."
Having followed Violet the longest, Leila was naturally the most familiar with the dragon girl who never left her side. It was clear that this explanation left her feeling somewhat puzzled.
However, being sharp as ever, she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she even helped steer the conversation away by casually bringing up what everyone had been up to since they last parted ways.
With drinks flowing and conversations weaving through laughter and reminiscing, the atmosphere became quite lively.
However, as leaders of their respective factions, they couldn’t stay by Violet’s side indefinitely. After exchanging contact information, they eventually had to excuse themselves and return to their respective groups.
After seeing Felina, Leila, Rene, and the others off, Violet fell silent for a moment, then suddenly turned to Yulia.
"Miss Yulia, could I ask you to look after Light and the others for a bit?"
"Huh? Oh… of course, no problem. But Lady Violet, what exactly are you planning...?"
"Just meeting a friend. I won’t be long."