“It’s finally over.”
Roman looked at the hall, which was gradually becoming quieter, and finally let out a sigh of relief.
After thinking things through that night, he decided to quietly step out of the comfort zone Sylvia had given him.
It wasn’t because he was self-deprecating, but because he didn’t want to be a caged bird.
This separation from Luo Xiya made him see many things more clearly.
First, the greatest truth—depending on others is less reliable than relying on oneself.
Otherwise, when real trouble came, he would only be left at the mercy of others, unable to resist.
So this time, he was determined to extract three promises from Maria, not just some so-called friendly relationship.
Although it was still relying on others, it was clearly much more reliable than the latter.
He wasn’t afraid of being schemed against, because what she needed was himself, not something that could be manipulated—could she even have any tricks left?
The previous words weren’t complaints against Sylvia, either.
He was deeply moved by her kindness toward him.
But he also realized one thing: while enjoying the advantages brought by favor, he also had to learn to bear the price that came with it.
However, what he meant referred only to the ‘Mark of Life,’ not his appearance.
He still preferred his black hair and black eyes as Lin Xuan.
And as the Pope, would Sylvia really just let him wander outside after discovering him?
Since he enjoyed the privileges brought by Fara’s Holy Child, it was only right to fulfill the responsibilities as well.
Not to mention, Sylvia cherished him deeply.
Even after finding him, she still gave him the freedom he needed.
Tonight, Sylvia’s generosity moved him greatly.
While he quietly did his own things behind the scenes, she was also trying to help him gather and unite strength.
But in the end, he would still stand by Luo Xiya’s side.
The promise between Luo Xiya and Sylvia was not just between the two of them.
He would continue to grow stronger over these three years, gaining more influence.
He hoped that, when the time came, he would have the power to create an ending without conflict on either side.
The band on the second floor packed up after the final song, and the dance floor slowly emptied.
The female dance partners left in pairs, arms around each other’s waists, clearly intending to find a new battleground after tonight’s Banquet.
The church dignitaries also bid him farewell and left.
Soon, only the cleaning maids and Milis beside him remained in the hall.
Of course, there was also the Silver Knight Rosetta, still standing loyally by his side.
“Your Highness, it’s late. Should I arrange a room for you?”
Rosetta bowed slightly, inquiring.
At the same time, she was a bit curious.
Why had the Saintess suddenly disappeared without arranging a place for His Highness to stay tonight?
But on second thought, perhaps it was better for her to handle such small matters.
However, as soon as she finished speaking, Milis stepped forward with a graceful movement, blocking Rosetta.
“Captain, the meaning of the Holy Throne is that Roman will sleep in my room tonight and from now on.”
“Is that so?”
Rosetta frowned slightly, ignoring Milis and looking at Roman behind her.
Roman listened to Milis’s nonsense, just about to ask Rosetta to help find him a room…
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
“Roman! Agree with Milis. Be careful, and don’t say anything~”
Hearing this familiar voice in this still unfamiliar Holy City, Roman’s eyes suddenly felt moist.
Sister.
“Ah—don’t be sad! We’ll see each other soon.”
Luo Xiya couldn’t stand seeing Roman sad and on the verge of tears, so she quickly responded, trying to soothe his stirred heart.
Yes, I know.
He quickly wiped the wetness from the corner of his eye with his sleeve, complaining softly, “Feels like sand got in my eye.”
“Sand? Want me to blow it out for you?”
Milis turned, frowning as she asked.
“No, it’s already better.”
Hiding the real reason for his reddened eyes, Roman smiled.
“That’s good then.”
After speaking, Milis sized up Roman, her eyes clearly saying, Don’t worry about Rosetta.
Just obediently follow me back.
Often, rules are set by how things happen the first time.
As long as Roman stayed in her room tonight, every night after would be the same.
“Captain, you’ve worked hard. Go rest early.”
Stepping around Milis, Roman spoke gently to Rosetta.
“So…you’ll stay in the Saintess’s room tonight, Your Highness?”
Rosetta asked again.
Meeting her sincere gaze, Roman hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“Then, I’ll take my leave. Rest well, Your Highness.”
In the end, Rosetta could only bow to Roman in farewell, then turned and left under his gaze.
Once Rosetta was gone, Milis couldn’t help but step forward, snorting coldly at her retreating back.
“Busybody woman.”
Suddenly, her eyes turned, and she looked at Roman with a sly smile.
“Say, do you think that old woman has taken a liking to you? Maybe she can’t bear to let you go tonight?”
As she spoke, she took Roman’s hand and smiled.
“Too bad, no matter how strong she is, she’s still just a servant to us. How could she have the right to stop me from taking you to my room~”
Roman heard this and was just about to reach out and smack Milis’s butt, but then he thought of Luo Xiya watching him and put his hand down.
“Hehe, if you want to spank her, just do it. I haven’t seen enough yet…”
“…………”
After hesitating a moment, Roman still didn’t act on that thought.
He silently pulled his hand from Milis’s grasp and walked quietly toward their room.
Is he…eager?
Milis hesitated for a moment, then smiled and followed Roman.
Despite her earlier fierce act like a little tiger, now that she was alone with Roman again, she felt a strange itchiness.
But she couldn’t say it out loud, so she silently followed him.
The walk wasn’t long. Soon, Roman and Milis returned to her room.
Familiar with her own room, Milis didn’t find anything odd, walking lightly to the bed.
“Whoo…”
Sitting down at the edge of the bed, she suddenly leaned over and gently touched her thighs.
“Roman, don’t forget, I still haven’t…”
Before she finished, Milis’s consciousness was suddenly overwhelmed, her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed.
As Roman blinked silently, a pair of arms suddenly wrapped tightly around him from behind.
Then, with a swift motion, a foot hooked the door shut behind them.
The familiar scent, the warmth pressed against him—Roman instinctively closed his eyes, turning his head slightly to offer his soft lips.
“Roman.”
Silver hair and the night intertwined, just like their lips at this moment.
Ophelia, hidden in the shadows, quietly cut the connection, unwilling to watch this pair of foolish lovers any longer.