The final notes of the music gracefully faded, marking the end of our first dance at the Freshmen Ball.

I smiled at Seraphina, and she met my gaze with a calm expression. Extending my arm, I invited her to leave the dance stage, her smaller hand fitting perfectly into mine.

As we walked off the dance floor, I decided to take a break with Seraphina and explore the snacks and drinks available. The food, enhanced by mana, offered a higher quality than anything on Earth.

The physical strength achievable here, even without mana augmentation, surpassed what would be considered superhuman in my previous world. Mana infusion added a significant boost to certain foods, although not to the extent of what was served here.

Observing Cecilia, I noticed her surrounded by a swarm of suitors vying for her hand for the second dance. It was only natural given her status as the princess of the world's greatest power, a Rank 6 first-year, and her undeniable beauty. If I hadn't known her true nature, I might have been among those seeking to dance with her.

"Sorry, sorry," Cecilia laughed as she evaded the persistent boys. "But I already have a partner!"

Curiosity sparked as she made her way toward me. I glanced around, finding no one else nearby.

Could it be... she's coming for me?

My suspicions were confirmed when Cecilia stopped in front of me, seizing my arm with determination.

"Arthur is my partner for this dance!" she declared with a playful wink. Seraphina regarded her coldly, a subtle furrow in her brows.

"But I'm Seraphina's date," I whispered discreetly.

"Please, please do me this favor," Cecilia implored, leaning in closer, her breath tickling my neck. I noticed Seraphina's cold gaze, and she nodded slightly.

Cecilia's grin widened as she led me back to the dance floor, though we were fashionably late.

Cecilia and I assumed our positions for the waltz, but she added her own twist. She guided my hand a bit lower on her waist, narrowing the gap between us. My heartbeat quickened as a surge of hormones coursed through me—having such an attractive girl in such proximity had that effect.

Comparing Seraphina and Cecilia, both undeniably attractive, there was a stark difference. Seraphina was a friend, making me more at ease around her. On the other hand, Cecilia's position was just slightly more intimate than Seraphina's, hitting that sweet spot between closeness and arousal.

As our eyes locked, Cecilia's lips curled into a seductive smile.

'How on earth did you handle this, Lucifer?' I pondered, my mind harking back to the novel, as we finally began to dance, swaying to the rhythm of the music.

Cecilia didn't stop at adjusting our positions. At irregular intervals, she subtly pressed her body against mine, sending my heart into overdrive, and I struggled to regain composure.

'Being a teenager isn't easy,' I lamented internally, trying to synchronize my movements with the dance. Cecilia mirrored my steps but used the opportunity to tease by rubbing against my abdomen.

I couldn't help but widen my eyes when, in a daring moment, she tiptoed, bringing our faces dangerously close. However, she skillfully avoided our lips meeting, opting instead to aim for my left ear.

"You're quite intriguing, Arthur Nightingale," she whispered, her warm breath sending a shiver down my neck.

I fought to maintain my composure as we continued dancing. Cecilia seized every chance to intensify the allure.

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Yet, deep down, I knew her intentions weren't driven by romance or desire. She was employing one of her weapons—her captivating charm—to cloud my judgment.

"I think you are more interesting, Cecilia," I replied with a whispered chuckle.

"Mhm," she said, her eyes holding a glint of mischief, "Let's have a real talk after this dance is over, yeah?"

I nodded in response as we continued to sway to the music. Cecilia's attempts to entice me were now more subdued, and the atmosphere between us became less charged.

Soon, the music came to a gentle stop, and we gracefully parted ways. Cecilia led me to the balcony outside, where we leaned against the railing, overlooking the giant forest created next to Ophelia Hall.

"What did you want to talk about, princess?" I asked, my gaze also fixed on the night sky, adorned with a full moon and countless twinkling stars.

The absence of pollution in this world allowed the night sky to unfold in all its breathtaking glory.

"Why do you not want me, Arthur?" Cecilia's question cut through the tranquil night, her eyes fixed on the celestial display above. "You clearly have the urges; I noticed that during the dance. But there is a certain reluctance inside you, right?"

Her words sent a chill down my spine. I had anticipated this possibility when she expressed her interest in me.

Cecilia was undeniably beautiful, and by all accounts, someone like me, a commoner, should have been captivated by her instantly. Yet, I had consciously kept my distance from her since my first day at Mythos Academy.

Ren, Jin, Lucifer, and Ian each had their convenient reasons for not pursuing her. However, beyond a simple lack of interest, I had actively avoided getting entangled with Cecilia.

"You," Cecilia said, suddenly closing the distance between us, "are far more interesting to my eyes than anyone else in Mythos Academy."

I gulped, meeting her gaze.

Her face still bore the mask that concealed her true sociopathic thoughts. It was a necessary facade, maintaining her position as the princess of the Slatemark Empire demanded such discretion.

As a person of great importance, she had to show concern for the world.

But, keenly observant, I could discern a glimmer through the mask—a spark of genuine interest and curiosity that surpassed her apparent boredom with the world.

Boredom, a common symptom of sociopathy, was an affliction Cecilia shared. No one truly captured her attention.

In the novel, it was Lucifer who did, with his prowess and incredible talent. Yet, it appeared that I, someone who actively avoided her despite lacking the knowledge of her history and the allure that should naturally attract me, intrigued her more than Lucifer did.

'Too many changes,' I thought, 'I need to reevaluate the knowledge from the novel when I get back.'

But that reevaluation was for later. Right now, I needed to navigate the situation with the woman in front of me.

"I appreciate your honesty," I said, "I apologize if I gave the impression I was avoiding you. Truthfully, I found Seraphina more approachable."

Her claret eyes narrowed, a subtle indication of skepticism. It made sense; I had just spun a tale to extricate myself from a situation I had no desire to be a part of.

Cecilia, however, tiptoed closer, her face now mere inches from mine. She pressed me against the balcony railing, her body gently leaning into mine. I focused on maintaining eye contact, resisting the temptation to look down her dress. Her red eyes met my blue ones.

The music from the ballroom faded into the background as we locked eyes. Each breath she took resonated, and her seductive demeanor gave way to an innocent look, creating a captivating contrast.

We both breathed heavily, tension palpable in the air. Cecilia shifted her body slightly, her curves brushing against mine. The magnetic pull between our lips intensified, and I struggled to resist.

"I've been looking for you, Arthur," a chilly voice cut through the moment, thankfully disrupting the charged atmosphere. "What are you doing out here with Cecilia?"

"Sera!" I exclaimed, a bit too loudly, as I gently moved Cecilia away from in front of me using my arms. "Cecilia just wanted to have a chat with me, so I accompanied her out here. It took a bit longer than expected."

"A chat?" she said, tilting her head. "That didn't look like a chat. A conversation typically involves the exchange of words between the participants. I didn't see much of that."

"We were talking before," I attempted to explain.

"I see," she nodded. "Then what were you doing after the conversation?"

I didn't have a convincing reply. Instead, I turned back to meet Cecilia's gaze, who smirked devilishly before stepping forward.

"I was just trying to claim him for myself," she said, placing her hand on my shoulder. "Any objections?"

"W-what?" I stammered, utterly shocked by Cecilia's unexpected declaration.

"Claim him for yourself?" Seraphina repeated, her eyes reflecting her disbelief.

"Well, you know, I'm just a girl," Cecilia explained, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue. "I find this boy quite desirable. You should understand, being a teenage girl yourself."

What nonsense was this princess spouting?

"I see," Seraphina sighed. "If that's your desire and Arthur consents, I have no reason to intervene..."

Cecilia's smile widened as she wrapped herself around my left arm.

"But he's my date for this ball, so I hope you can understand and let me have him for now."

The smile on Cecilia's face disappeared as soon as she heard Seraphina's response.