No Such Thing as a Chaste Man! Just Give It Ten Tries! - Chapter 16
The banquet continued late into the night. As the sun, which had begun its descent at the start of the banquet, finally disappeared, the veil of night spread across the sky. The last traces of Sol’s gentle, red afterglow faded from the western sky, giving way to complete darkness.
All around the garden, lampposts and the chandeliers, finally coming into their full glory, illuminated the surroundings with magic crystal lights, filling the Sun Palace and its grounds with splendor that rivaled the brightness of day.
Throughout the evening, Seo-ah moved alongside Lady Istel, being introduced to prominent figures of the capital’s high society, nobles from the former kingdom, and senators who held favorable views of her.
This was to prepare for future battles of public opinion. Even if she succeeded in persuading Ephelinus, it was important to leave a good impression on as many people as possible.
Now that she intended to remain in Genève, she would need strong roots, and this support would be even more essential if she failed to win over Ephelinus.
“I hope I’ll have more opportunities to learn about what you mentioned. I look forward to seeing you again.”
By deliberately hinting at a ‘next time’, she firmly emphasized her intention to stay in Genève.
Even under the republic, the influence of the Istel family, one of the five ducal houses of the old kingdom, was considerable. Many people were courteous to Seo-ah simply because they wanted to stay on good terms with Lady Miriam Istel.
Judging by the increasingly uncomfortable expressions of certain Senate members who occasionally glanced her way, she knew her efforts were working.
‘See? I’m adapting to Genève just fine…’
Seo-ah brought her wine glass to her lips and habitually scanned the room to check Ephelinus’s location.
He hadn’t returned to her side, as if avoiding another dance invitation. Yet he hadn’t distanced himself completely either, likely due to his ingrained role as her guardian ever since she first arrived in Genève. Before she left for the black dragon expedition, he had always accompanied her at official events.
But now, Seo-ah was no longer the immature saintess with an uncertain future. She was a true savior of Genève, and she had many who could now serve as her companions besides Ephelinus—like Lady Miriam Istel, who was with her tonight.
Thus, Ephelinus had felt comfortable enough to keep his distance, but still stayed close enough to monitor her from afar.
It was nice, as if it showed he still wished to protect her. It was all nice, except…
‘Ah, again.’
Seo-ah furrowed her brow as she spotted him. Feeling a sudden dryness, she tilted her wine glass and took a bigger sip.
The problem was that Ephelinus was also attracting plenty of attention from others.
Most were noblewomen who admired him as the most handsome man in the Holy Kingdom and regularly attended his sermons. Some desired him for a night of passion, while others, as heirs of prestigious families, coveted his remarkable lineage.
In short, these were women who sought him as a romantic or s-xual partner.
In other words, they shared the same goal as Seo-ah.
‘…If I can’t get him, do you really think any of you have a chance?’
Despite her thoughts, her heart pounded with anxiety at the idea of Ephelinus being claimed by someone else.
The smile he offered them seemed much warmer, kinder, and almost tender compared to the ones he gave her.
She knew it was the same polite smile he showed when he rejected her, but the jealousy seared her insides.
Her heart, already bruised from his repeated rejections, flared up with a dark anger over such a small thing.
Especially in this situation, where he hadn’t even looked at her once, no matter how many times she glanced over…
A wave of frustration and disappointment surged within her.
Just then, a server passed by with a tray, and Seo-ah grabbed a new glass of pale golden wine.
She couldn’t help it—her heart was burning, so she needed a drink to soothe her throat. If Miriam had been nearby, she would have said something, but she had stepped away briefly to discuss business matters with a few noble acquaintances.
So, as Seo-ah took a sip from her fresh glass and glanced discreetly in Ephelinus’s direction…
‘…Who is it this time?’
Her brow knitted sharply in irritation as she sensed a sticky gaze from behind her. This was a different kind of discomfort from earlier.
She had lost count of how many times it had happened tonight.
After arriving in Genève, Seo-ah’s sensitivity to others’ gazes had heightened. She had long since grown used to indifferent or admiring stares, letting them wash over her without a second thought.
But tonight, there were unfamiliar glances coming from various places, unlike any she had received as a minor or when dressed in her Holy Knight’s uniform.
Seo-ah knew exactly what these looks meant.
