The evening sky was crystal clear, like a canvas begging to be painted.
Silver Moon Valley was buzzing with excitement tonight, as nearly all the nobles of Seiva had gathered.
Crystal chandeliers lit up the grand hall, and musicians were tuning their instruments, preparing for the evening’s banquet.
The air was filled with the scent of champagne, pastries, and the faint perfume wafting from the noble ladies.
This banquet was undoubtedly the grandest social event of the year in Seiva.
But for some, it might turn out to be an unforgettable night.
“Adeline, long time no see!”
Adeline was dressed in a deep blue velvet gown with silver patterns embroidered on the hem.
The lace design at the chest perfectly highlighted her feminine charm, striking a flawless balance between sensuality and elegance.
Her rose-tinted hair was meticulously styled, with a few soft strands falling by her ears, accentuating her exquisite face.
After bidding her family a brief farewell, Adeline had just arrived at a corner, about to pull out her Spell Seal, when she heard someone greet her from behind.
“Linda, you’re here tonight too?”
Adeline took Linda’s hand and smiled gently.
Saint Andros Academy and Lanche Academy often held joint events.
The two student council presidents frequently met and had gradually become good friends.
“You helped me out so much last time; I owe you for sorting out the list for the Underground City joint hunt.”
“Well, if anything, I should be thanking you. You handled such a troublesome task for me.”
Linda covered her mouth, glancing around with a gossipy look.
“Adeline, is there someone you like on that list?”
“Don’t be silly, Linda. You’re really joking now.”
“Aw, I thought there might be some juicy gossip about a noble lady falling for a commoner.”
“Have you been reading too many knightly novels?”
Adeline gently tapped Linda’s head, her expression calm and composed.
Linda didn’t notice Adeline’s fingers digging into her own arm, forcing herself to maintain a gentle smile.
As if!
It’s just that Filin has done so much for me, and I care about him, that’s all. Love? No way!
If anything, he likes me!
He even dumped Viloti for me. I just feel sorry for him, that’s all.
“Adeline, you look stunning tonight. Are you sure you’re not dressed up for some guy?”
Linda hugged Adeline tightly, nuzzling her face against hers.
“Linda?! Not at all,” Adeline tried to push her away, but it was no use.
“If you don’t mind, Adeline, I’d love to hang out with you tonight. Maybe I’ll catch some boys’ attention too, basking in your glow.”
“Ah, but…”
No!
Adeline screamed internally.
Why did Linda have to stick with her tonight?
She had a whole plan mapped out!
Like having Viloti “accidentally” see Filin feeding her cake.
Having Viloti “accidentally” see Filin wiping her shoes.
Having Viloti “accidentally” see Filin styling her hair.
Having Viloti “accidentally” see Filin kissing her…
“Adeline, what’s wrong? Why is your face so red?” Linda leaned in, her nose almost touching Adeline’s cheek.
“Huh? Is it?”
Oh no!
Why was she blushing just thinking about this?
Adeline took a sip of her fruit tea to calm herself.
From an outsider’s perspective, being fawned over by Viloti’s discarded lapdog wasn’t something to be proud of.
But for Adeline, she had to beat Viloti to it.
Making Filin, who had voted for Viloti back in their childhood, regret his choice was Adeline’s long-standing obsession.
If this was a game, Viloti was just a pawn in it.
Her thoughts and feelings didn’t matter.
Of course, if she could also see Viloti’s face filled with regret and despair…
The perfect expression would be ideal.
After all, I was the one who got randomly attacked by that pink-haired girl and had my dad ground me for three days.
“Adeline is so popular… Not like me. No boy even glances my way. And tonight, even you don’t wanna hang out with me, Adeline… Am I really that unwanted…?”
Linda flung herself onto Adeline, nuzzling her face into those soft, pillowy breasts while putting on a full-on wailing act.
“Alright, alright, I’ll go with you, okay?”
Adeline sighed. She was utterly defenseless against clingy pests like this.
Hopefully, after a couple spins around the room, some guy would take notice of her and whisk her away ASAP.
“Hehe, Lady Adeline is the best!”
!
The second those familiar words hit Adeline’s ears, Filin popped into her mind.
He often said the same thing.
Tonight was supposed to be her idea—inviting him to the banquet—yet because of family politics, she couldn’t even stand by his side openly.
She had to discreetly sneak him in whenever the opportunity arose, making it seem like she was ashamed of him or something.
Adeline pried Linda’s head out of her cleavage and scanned the crowd.
Would Filin feel insecure and miserable at an event like this?
Worse—what if those nobles who’d clashed with him before took this chance to humiliate him in his current “downfall”?
What if they pinned him to the ground, yelling, “What’s trash like you doing here? Get the hell out!”
Ugh, I’m the worst. For my own selfish desires, I dragged him into this viper’s den.
Fine. I’ll… just grant him one request.
Having a crush really is such a pathetic, exhausting ordeal. Lucky for him, he’s crushing on me, though.
But knowing him, he’d probably ask for hugs, kisses, or—if he dared—something even lewd…
Adeline’s face instantly went nuclear. Linda could practically see the steam billowing from her head.
“Adeline??? Are you okay???” Linda blurted.
Meanwhile, watching Adeline’s reaction from the third floor was none other than—
Filin. Mission accomplished.
In high spirits, Filin chomped down on his twelfth chicken leg of the night.
Facing the biggest crisis of his (borrowed) career, he had pulled an all-nighter drafting a thesis:
《Predicting and Countering Social Disasters in Silver Moon Valley》
—Behavioral Analysis of Viloti & Adeline.
From the very first second he stepped into Silver Moon Valley today, his operation was already in motion.
“Linda and Adeline’s meeting was a coincidence?”
As if.
His intel confirmed it: student council prez Linda had just been dumped, crippling her self-esteem. If she saw other couples being lovey-dovey at the party? Guaranteed emotional collapse.
In the entire first-floor ballroom, Linda had exactly three acquaintances—Adeline included.
All Filin had to do was beat her to the punch, chatting up the other three girls first. That way, when Linda witnessed it, she’d spiral straight into Adeline’s arms.
And since the original owner of this body—some reclusive noble heir—had barely shown his face in public, there was zero risk of exposure.
Everything. Went. According. To. Filin’s. Plan.
He retreated to his shadowy corner by the window, raising a glass.
Still… what a world we live in.
The gardens. The maids. The castle. Even the sunset seemed custom-crafted by Silver Moon Valley’s scenic designers.
The Sirafel family had outright rented the whole castle tonight?!
And honestly? Pre-transmigration, his allowance probably could’ve covered a full month without breaking a sweat.
Why couldn’t I have transmigrated just a day sooner?! One day of luxury—was that too much to ask?!
[Filin, where are you?]
His heart lurched. Adeline’s message.
Leaning over the railing, he peeked down—Linda was already giggling with some noble brat.
Wait… wasn’t that Adeline’s cousin?!
Damn it! To execute her plans, she’s even siccing family on me now?!
[To Be Continued]
