“The way of inviting people? That’s a bit of a head-scratcher for me.”
As a fast-crashing villain who only appeared in twenty chapters, Mu’en had no idea how he used to invite people in the past.
The original host’s memories were too mixed up to recall.
“I remember it was during the last academy ball,” Celicia reminisced, not minding Mu’en’s forgetfulness.
“You also wanted to invite someone to dance, the daughter of a Viscount, I believe. This is what you said at the time.”
Celicia tilted her head slightly, her beautiful willow-like eyebrows furrowing.
Though her face remained expressionless, it was clear she was trying to mimic an arrogant demeanor.
“Woman, rejoice and cheer, for this young master is graciously bestowing upon you the privilege to dance with me!”
“…”
“How was that? Did I mimic it well?”
“…”
Not just well, my toes are about to dig out a three-bedroom apartment!
Mu’en Campbell, oh Campbell, you’re not just an idiot, but also so middle-school edgy?
And the worst part is, you pulled this off in front of so many people, then just fled the scene.
But what about me? Total social death!
“Those are just past experiences best forgotten, Your Highness,” Mu’en chuckled awkwardly, then sped up his dance steps to ease the tension.
But Celicia remained elegant and composed. Even as Mu’en deliberately quickened his steps, ignoring the rhythm of the music, she never lost her lead. Instead, Mu’en found himself being led by her.
Celicia Leopold truly was forever noble, forever the proud white swan.
No wonder she was the hardest woman to woo in the original book.
Mu’en sighed inwardly.
…
As the music ended, so did the dance.
Applause erupted around them.
Ignoring the murderous jealousy in the Protagonist’s eyes, Mu’en smiled and bowed to the crowd.
Mu’en’s forehead was dotted with sweat, but Celicia’s expression remained unchanged.
“Your Highness seems tired too. Shall we find a quiet place for a drink?”
Seizing the good atmosphere, Mu’en extended another invitation.
“Alright.”
This time, Celicia agreed without hesitation.
Yes!
Though his expression remained calm, Mu’en’s inner self was jumping for joy.
The hardest part is getting started. Once you successfully invite her for a private moment, the rest of the plan is halfway there!
…
“Sorry, I don’t drink alcohol.”
“Huh? It’s just wine. A little…”
“Even wine is a no.”
Celicia tucked a strand of silvery-white hair behind her ear. “My constitution can’t handle alcohol, not even a drop.”
“…”
In the specially prepared room, Mu’en, holding a bottle of pre-poisoned wine, widened his eyes in shock.
She doesn’t drink alcohol?
Not even wine?
How am I supposed to drug her?
But upon reflection, the original book never mentioned Celicia drinking. Her inability to handle alcohol wasn’t too out of place.
And in the original book, Mu’en Campbell had successfully drugged her with tea.
Mu’en could have just followed suit.
But the only problem was, the drug he bought was red!
Blood red!
Wouldn’t it be noticeable in tea?
“Is there a problem?”
“No… nothing. But if Your Highness doesn’t drink alcohol, what will you have?”
“Cof…”
“Only black tea.”
“?”
“I said, only black tea.”
Staring into Celicia’s eyes, Mu’en said seriously:
“Due to certain unavoidable circumstances, tonight, besides wine and black tea, no other beverages are available.”
“Only… black tea?”
Celicia, whose expression was usually as unchanging as an iceberg, couldn’t help but show a hint of confusion. However, she didn’t think of anything nefarious, simply assuming Mu’en hadn’t prepared properly.
“Then black tea it is.”
“Thank you.”
Mu’en wiped his sweat and hurried off to prepare.
“Wait.”
Celicia suddenly called him, a trace of suspicion in her cool eyes:
“Are you preparing it yourself?”
“Yes, is there a problem?”
“…No.”
Celicia shook her head. “I’m just surprised that Young Master Mu’en would do what servants usually do.”
Oh no, she’s suspicious!
Mu’en’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept a calm face and smiled:
“Well, the maids at the Duke’s Mansion are all very busy tonight, even my personal maid can’t get away. So, such trivial matters can only be handled by me personally.”
“I suppose.”
Celicia nodded slightly, seemingly convinced.
“Then I look forward to the tea brewed by Young Master Mu’en himself.”
…
“I knew I shouldn’t underestimate Celicia.”
Outside the room, Mu’en, facing his haphazardly brewed black tea, wiped his cold sweat in relief.
Had his composure been slightly weaker earlier, he might have really given himself away.
“Who said this step was easy? The parts not described in the book are the hardest, damn it!”
Mu’en couldn’t help but grit his teeth. He had no idea that world-line adjustments were utterly useless for side characters like him, and Celicia’s sudden new trait nearly ruined everything!
“But now, there’s no turning back!”
Mu’en pulled out the two vials from his pocket.
“Black tea is red too, it shouldn’t be noticed. As for this so-called small gift…”
He opened the bottle of “bonus” from the unscrupulous shopkeeper, containing a white powder that seemed water-soluble.
“Though I’m not sure what it’s for, the shopkeeper said using it together would have a special effect, probably to enhance potency, I guess.”
“Can’t worry about that now, just mix it all in!”
“Let’s just hope Celicia drinks it before she notices something’s off.”
“Heh heh, can’t blame me for going all out when you’re so sharp, Your Highness!”
Picking up the drugged tea, Mu’en couldn’t help but show a sinister smile, one that even he wasn’t aware of.
…
“Your Highness, your tea.”
Mu’en, like a professional attendant, elegantly presented his meticulously brewed black tea to Celicia.
“Thank you.”
Celicia politely took the tea but didn’t drink immediately, instead carefully examining it.
“Young Master Mu’en, this black tea… it’s so red.”
“Black tea is supposed to be red, isn’t it?” Mu’en smiled.
“Is it? But the black tea I usually drink is a light red.”
“That might be because the tea leaves come from different regions. Just like the oranges from the North Tonel area are smaller but sweeter compared to those from the South Shee region. Teas from different areas might have slight color differences.”
“That makes sense.”
Celicia still didn’t drink but raised her icy blue eyes to stare directly at Mu’en.
“Then— why doesn’t Young Master Mu’en drink first?”
