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It was the end of the training time, and I was about to pack up when he unexpectedly entered.

"...What\'s this?"

"An invitation," Allen replied flatly.

I considered asking him for more details but decided to open the letter myself.

I was going to find out sooner or later.

===

To : Michael of the Frostburne family

We extend our warmest greetings to your esteemed self and cordially invite you to join our exchange.

Your presence is certain to elevate the grandeur of the occasion, and we eagerly anticipate the pleasure of your company alongside fellow dignitaries and distinguished guests. The event promises an evening of refined conversation, exquisite cuisine, and cultural enrichment.

===

"Is this the invitation card for the Cannes event?" I asked Allen, looking closely at the intricate design on the card.

Although I already knew, I still asked just to confirm.

The gold trim and elegant lettering made it clear this wasn\'t just any ordinary event.

Wow...

They definitely went all out to make the card\'s design scream "wealth."

If any thief saw this, I\'m pretty sure they\'d either faint on the spot or try to steal it from me.

"Yes, young master," Allen responded in his usual calm manner.

I frowned slightly.

The invitation had arrived later than I anticipated.

I had expected it to come at least five days before the event, but I didn\'t dwell on the delay.

I checked my watch.

It was June 16th, meaning there was only one day left before the event.

"Oh, rightalmost forgot," I said, turning back to Allen. "Where is it being held this time?"

"It\'s at Rothingham Villa, Florence Academy," Allen replied.

Florence Academy?

That was a surprise.

Florence Academy was one of the top three most prestigious institutions in the world, known for cultivating the brightest minds and future leaders.

It was surprising that they were hosting an event, especially considering their strict policy against allowing external functions on campus.

For the past 25 years, not even high ranking government officials had been able to hold an event there.

The reasons for this were unclear, which made it all the more intriguing that the Cannes event would take place at the academy.

Rothingham mansion?

That didn\'t sound familiar.

I searched through Michael\'s memories.

During his time as a student at Florence Academy, there were only four major Villas: Alectra Villa, Reglera Villa, Trilera Villa, and Staglera Villa.

But "Rothingham"?

It was completely new to me.

It must have been added after Michael\'s time, though the academy was known for rarely making such changes.

Anyway, let\'s see what the Cannes event has to offer.

Last time, it only brought me a lot of problems.

I hope things will be better this time.

***

"Young master, try not to be nervous," Allen said, trying to reassure me as we made our way to the destination.

I nodded...

It was June 18th, and earlier today, Allen informed me that the event would be happening tonight around 10 p.m.

When he offered to help me get to the villa, I eagerly accepted.

I needed someone to guide me, and Allen\'s assistance was incredibly valuable.

Even though I was a bit less nervous this time because no news reporters would be outside the mansion like last timethanks to the Academy\'s strict no-paparazzi policy but, there was still a chance they might appear.

Florence Academy just broke one of its own rules by hosting the CANNES event.

What were they thinking when they decided to host this event?

I still don\'t understand why they chose to hold the CANNES event on their campus.

Perhaps they didn\'t want to host it but were pressured by the government?

That seems unlikely, though.

According to one of the 100 constitutional laws, the government cannot interfere with the decisions of any academy, no matter the circumstances.

I believe it\'s Law No. 27.

***

It was late into the night when I reached the destination.

Since it wasn\'t far, we walked along the campus road to get to the place.

The venue sat at the Academy\'s outskirts amidst a cluster of villas.

The chosen gathering spot distinguished itself effortlessly.

Towering over its neighbors, this particular villa not only boasted impressive size but also flaunted intricate decorations.

Bright lights strategically placed accentuated this further, setting it apart from the others.

"We\'re here."

Having rehearsed the situation beforehand, Allen went ahead of me and handed over my letters to the butler in charge.

He was a young man with black hair, perhaps about my age.

"It\'s an honor to make your acquaintance, Sir Michael."

The butler greeted me after a quick look at the invitation.

His welcoming smile felt rather burdensome as he extended his hand toward the door of the villa, where he proceeded to open it.

[Here comes Michael Frostburne, the son of the fifth wealthiest man in humanity and the future heir to the Frostburne family throne.]

Having already been briefed beforehand by Allen, I wasn\'t startled by the sudden announcement.

I anticipated this outcome since it happened the same way during my first experience.

I was, however, still struggling to keep my face composed.

\'I know this is something rich do... But does it really need to be this exaggerated?\'

There was also the issue regarding all the attendees who were now directing their attention toward me.

"Please have a pleasant night."

The butler added.

As if he was trying to add salt to my wounds.

"Young master, may I leave now?" Allen asked, bowing his head and seeking my permission.

He seemed unusually too informal, but I didn\'t mind.

I simply nodded, and he began to walk away.

Outside, there wasn\'t much of a crowdjust a lot of attendants.

"Huuuu..."

Taking a deep breath, I proceeded forward toward the hall.

I once again reminded myself of my identity.

\'Heir to the Frostburne family fortune and currently the son of the fifth richest man on Earth.\'

\'When people look at me, it\'s they who should feel nervous, not me.\'

And with such thoughts, I headed deeper into the venue.

There were a lot of familiar faces as I moved forward.

From members of my team to friends, foes, and seniors I\'ve encountered over the past month.

There were also many unfamiliar facesboth old and young.

But there was one person that stood out the most out of all of them.

She seemed to be the center of attention.

The one where the focus gravitated toward.

Lia Parkour.

The second daughter of the federal association\'s leader, and, also one of the most beautiful women on Earth.

In a one-piece red dress that accentuated her striking pink hair, she stood out, her beauty eclipsing many of those present.

Graceful movements and an elegant demeanor added to her image as she eloquently conversed with those engaging her in conversation.

I looked away from her and moved to a corner of the room to stay out of sight. There were too many people here for my comfort.

Mira lapele to Solos kamstur...

All were present at the meeting.

Mira was chatting with Anna, Lia\'s older sister, who had striking red hair.

When did they become such good friends?

In the illusion realm, I hadn\'t seen them interact like this.

Maybe I missed their earlier interactions, as they seemed to be enjoying each other\'s company.

Or perhaps they had known each other for a while but only recently started being more friendly outside of parties and events.

Anyway, I pushed it out of my mind.

A waiter walked by with a tray of drinks.

As he passed by, I quickly took one without him noticing and began scanning the room for something else to focus on.

"Joo~"

After taking a sip, I quickly checked what was in the glass.

Ugh, it\'s grape juice.

I\'m not a fan of fruits, and despite my mother\'s persistent efforts in my previous life, I still don\'t like them. This really spoiled my mood.

I set the drink down on a nearby table and took a seat.

Solos was busy with his lackeys but kept glancing over at me, as if he was planning to confront me again.

It seems like I need to brace myself for something once more.

Why?

To recap, last year at the Cannes meeting, Solos had publicly embarrassed Michael after he lost a monster hunting contest...

I tried to clear my mind and focus elsewhere, but a sudden loud thud beside me made me jump.

"Hey, Michael, when did you get here?" a familiar voice called out.

I turned to see Jack sitting down in a nearby chair.

He was dressed in a sharp black blazer, looking impeccably neat.

That surprised me.

He doesn\'t usually dress so neatly for events, even the Cannes meeting.

I replied, "A few minutes ago."

Jack looked confused. "Ehh? I didn\'t see you come in."

I didn\'t answer, just kept staring at him.

Something seemed off.

Is that alcohol?

Then I noticed a faint smell of alcohol on himhe had clearly been drinking and might not be thinking straight.

I quickly changed the topic and asked, "Where are your brothers?"

Jack chuckled and said, "Sam is with Zeras, and Allen is out trying to impress girls, as usual."

I raised an eyebrow at the mention of Zeras and Sam. Both were introverts, so it was an interesting pairing.

I tried to shake off my discomfort and continued the conversation with Jack.

"So, Jack, what\'s bringing you here tonight?" I asked, trying to keep it short.

Jack settled into his chair and took a sip from his drink. "Just here to enjoy the evening with my friend. It\'s not often I get to spend time with you."

I nodded. "Yeah, that\'s true since I don\'t come to many parties."

Jack scanned the room. "Exactly. People see you as an introvert. They even call you \'Silent Star.\'"

"Silent Star?" I repeated, puzzled.

"Yeah," Jack said. "It\'s because you don\'t talk much and come off as aloof. Plus, you\'ve got this star-like aura, which is why they gave you that nickname."

I raised an eyebrow. "Am I really that striking?"

Jack chuckled. "Not really. You look more like my dinner."

I stared at him, taken aback. Jack laughed and said, "See? You\'re quiet now, just like the nickname says."

I sighed, not sure how to respond.

Jack grinned. "Alright, I promise I won\'t tease your looks anymore. Did you know you come across as a bit narcissistic?"

"I\'m not," I said, feeling a bit defensive.

Just then, a younger boy with green hair called out to Jack.

"Jack!"

He turned to the boy, then back to me. "Anyway, Michael, I need to go meet someone. Hope you don\'t mind."

With one last grin, Jack stood up, heading toward another part of the room, he paused and glanced toward Lia. "By the way, don\'t you think Lia looks stunning in that dress?"

I followed his gaze and saw Lia, still the center of attention in her elegant red dress.

Before I could respond, Jack gave a casual wave and walked away, blending into the crowd.

I watched him go, feeling a mix of relief and unease.

With Jack gone, I took a deep breath and tried to refocus on the event. An announcement was made about the couple\'s dance, a typical feature at such parties, but I barely paid it any attention.

Damn, that guy

Shaking off the distraction, I reminded myself to stay focused.

Jack\'s words echoed in my mind, making me glance towards Lia once more.

She really is stunning.

Almost everyone in the room seemed captivated by her presence.

"..."

Just as I noticed her, she noticed me.

I thought nothing of it and prepared to look away when, all of a sudden, she smiled.

Smiled...?

I was momentarily taken aback.

So did the many that were looking at her.

By the time I regained my senses, she was standing in front of me. I felt the attention of all those present in the room.

...And just as I looked down to wonder what was happening, her glossy lips parted open, and her crisp voice gently reached my ears.

"I\'ve been waiting for you."

She extended her hand.

".....Would you give me the honor?"

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