NOVPUBBy cutting off such a connection from forming, Arthur would never get the chance to speak with the Second Princess—a key heroine—and build a relationship with her.
In the game, she would eventually sponsor him, drawn to his potential and ideals, all because of the usual bullshit plot reasons.
'It really never made sense…' Luka mused, shaking his head slightly.
The lead noble opened his mouth, likely to deny everything, but before he could even draw another breath…
Charlotte's voice rang out. "I see…"
Her piercing gaze locked onto the lead noble, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable weight.
"If this is true, then this is grounds for expulsion. And I must say, it is unbecoming of a noble—especially the son of a duke—to act in such a way."
Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "Wouldn't you agree, Vincent Ironclad?"
A visible shudder ran through Vincent's body. 'Shit… I'm so fucked…'
He gulped hard, his earlier arrogance vanishing in an instant.
He knew all too well—lying to royalty was dangerous.
If it was discovered that he had deceived royalty, the consequences would be dire.
His father might be able to protect him from other nobles, but from the Second Princess?
From royalty?
Not a chance.
With gritted teeth, Vincent lowered his head even lower.
"I… apologize, Your Highness. It was unbecoming of me," he forced out, his voice tight with shame.
Then, still avoiding her gaze, he turned slightly, glancing over his shoulder at the noble beside him.
Vincent's expression was dark, but he managed to mutter through clenched teeth, "Hey… give the commoner back his silver coins."
The other noble hesitated for a brief second before hastily fumbling into his pouch and tossing the silver back toward Arthur, as if it burned his fingers.
The clinking of the coins hitting the ground echoed slightly.
Arthur dared didn't move.
However, as he stole a quick glance, he caught sight of the Second Princess.
He couldn't deny it—his cheeks warmed with a faint blush.
'She's so beautiful… Is it fate that we've met today?' Arthur thought to himself.
Although Charlotte wasn't particularly pleased with how the coins were returned, she chose not to escalate the matter further.
Instead, she let out a small sigh before addressing the nobles once more.
"I expect all three of you to report to the Discipline Hall and receive a proper punishment."
Then, turning her gaze toward the gathered crowd, Charlotte clapped her hands together.
"Now then, let's all make our way to the testing room. It's about that time."
The crowd quickly began to disperse, people rising to their feet and moving on as if nothing had happened.
The three nobles wasted no time, bolting away in embarrassment, eager to escape the public eye.
Arthur, meanwhile, slowly stood up as his gaze lingered on the Second Princess.
His mouth hung slightly open, his brain struggling to form a single coherent thought.
He looked like a caveman who had just discovered fire—except instead of warmth and light, all he found was sheer, dumbfounded awe.
'I should say something… I feel like I need to thank her…'
However, before Arthur could…
Charlotte's attention shifted.
Her blue eyes locked onto the man who had stepped in when no one else had.
With a graceful movement, she slightly lifted her dress and performed a small bow. "I must thank you for your actions," she said, her voice carrying both warmth and admiration.
"While others stood idly by, you confronted the strong and protected the weak."
Arthur nearly choked on his own breath.
'Weak…?' His eye twitched.
'But I'm Level 5! If I wanted to, I could've beaten them up!'
He wanted to defend himself!
He wanted to correct her, to insist that he had simply chosen not to fight!
But before Arthur could get a word out…
Luka spoke.
"Your Highness, please, your words are wasted on a mere baron's son such as myself. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get to the testing room on time. I wouldn't dare be late for such an event."
Without waiting for a response, Luka turned on his heel and strode away.
'The line has been cast, and now all she has to do is take the bait.'
Serene, ever silent, immediately followed after him.
"What an interesting man…" Charlotte murmured under her breath, unable to hold back her thoughts.
'…' Arthur clenched his fists, biting the inside of his cheek.
'Dammit… Why is the Second Princess paying attention to that guy!?'
For some reason, his heart thudded in his chest, and a wave of intense jealousy washed over him.
'She should be talking to me!? I'm the victim!'
"Your Highness, we shouldn't be late…" one of the maids, who was standing in place spoke up.
Charlotte nodded, her eyes briefly flicking toward the maid. "You're right. It would be foolish of me to be late. Let's get moving."
She began walking forward, the rest of the maids and knights falling in line behind her.
"I must say, that baby dragon was so adorable!" Charlotte remarked with a small smile. "I want to pet it so badly."
One of the maids responded immediately, her tone respectful yet neutral. "Your Highness, would you like me to summon that man?"
A small spark of realization flashed in Charlotte's eyes. "Ah, I don't even know his name!"
She clicked her tongue lightly, a playful but frustrated gesture. "I must figure that out."
By "I," of course, she meant for the maids to handle it for her.
All the maids immediately nodded in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized. "It will be done, Your Highness."
Charlotte smiled with satisfaction as she placed a hand on her cheek. "Good. It would be a shame to not know the name of such a righteous man. His actions today were... commendable."
Meanwhile, Arthur stood alone, his face tense as he bent down to gather the silver coins.
He couldn't shake the strange feeling welling up inside him.
'Why am I feeling so angry right now?' he thought, as he clutched the coins in his hand.
