The tale of a handsome, powerful prince falling in love with a common girl, or bestowing his favor upon a noble lady—people had long grown tired of hearing such stories.
But Su Nian was different.
Radiant and dazzling, she was a magical idol shining on stage, and a brilliant instructor revered at the Magic Academy.
Moreover, Su Nian herself was already a legendary figure in Academy City, and now, by coincidence, the Third Prince had come here as well.
With two legendary figures coming together, now the story had enough intrigue, enough weight, to become the most talked-about gossip at every meal.
Thus, a single rumor, drifting from who knows which corner, was quickly embellished and fermented into a piece of gossip that spread throughout the city.
Yet, such a widespread rumor…
Also caused the name “Su Nian” to swiftly circulate through the Noble Social Circle of Academy City, and, invisibly, pierced right into the hearts of the noble ladies who had come all this way for the Third Prince.
“Su Nian? Which family is she from?” A Countess’s Daughter in a pale lavender gown, adorned with a pearl crown, gracefully held her teacup.
But the faint pressure in her fingertips betrayed her unease.
Her personal maid hurried to answer in a low voice, “Miss, I heard… she’s that Magic Feather Fantasy idol, born a commoner.”
“Heh, just a commoner singer.” The Countess’s Daughter curled her lips in contempt, but her eyes did not relax.
“Send someone to look into her. What’s so special about her, that such ridiculous rumors are swirling everywhere?”
***
Elsewhere.
Inside a marquis’s carriage, a delicate, lovely young girl gazed at her reflection in distress, her anxious mother by her side.
“Mother, have you heard? They’re all saying the Third Prince came here for Su Nian! Do I still have a chance?” The girl’s voice was tinged with tears.
The Marchioness gently patted her daughter’s hand, though her eyes were sharp.
“Silly child, royal marriage isn’t child’s play. Family background and influence are both essential.”
“She’s only recently become famous as a dancer—what can she bring to a prince? All you need to do is focus on the Floating Fortress banquet three days from now. Make sure you outshine everyone, so the prince will see your excellence.”
***
Meanwhile, some self-proclaimed well-informed noble ladies had already started to secretly investigate Su Nian’s performance schedule and daily preferences.
Dressed in the most splendid attire and bedecked with the brightest jewels, their every gesture polished to perfection, yet at this moment, their hearts surged and rippled because of one name.
These noble ladies each had their own thoughts, but they shared one thing in common—
Their goal was far more than just the favor of the Third Prince.
The glory of their families and the power to come were the true, deeper driving forces behind this contest.
Of the three princes of the Red Maple Kingdom, the eldest prince had married into Rhein, taking the princess of Rhein to solidify the greatest human kingdom.
The second prince had wed the daughter of the all-powerful Morsen Family, balancing the Red Maple Kingdom’s internal factions.
Only the Third Prince Erwin’s marriage remained undecided—less urgency for a political union, more freedom in his choice.
That “freedom” was, in the eyes of all the great families, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Whoever’s daughter could become the Third Prince’s consort, her family would instantly rise to become the third most influential force in the kingdom—after only the Royal Family and the Morsen Family.
Such temptation was enough to make even the most reserved young ladies unable to suppress their ambitions, and to sow subtle rivalry even among the friendliest families.
Therefore when the name Su Nian became linked with the Third Prince, beneath those elegant smiles and polite greetings, undercurrents had already begun to surge.
Countless scrutinizing, envious, and even hostile gazes quietly turned toward this magical idol girl who had no idea she’d become the center of the storm.
Magic Feather Fantasy.
Amy found Su Nian in Magic Feather Fantasy’s lounge, her face flushed with excitement.
“Sister Nian! Sister Nian! Big news! Have you heard of it? Everyone’s saying the Third Prince came to Academy City for you! The prince and the idol—a love story for the ages! So romantic!” She clasped her hands over her heart, little stars shining in her eyes.
Su Nian heard Amy’s torrent of chatter…
The mouthful of iced fruit juice she’d just sipped “pfft”—sprayed out entirely, nearly splashing onto Amy’s face, which was twisted in excitement.
“Cough, cough… cough!” She coughed violently, her cheeks burning red, too flustered to even wipe her mouth.
“Me? The Third Prince?” Su Nian’s beautiful blue eyes widened, her mind buzzing blankly, for a moment unable to process what she’d just heard.
What… did any of this have to do with her?
Though she had planned, at the Winter Festival’s Floating Fortress banquet, to “observe” this Third Prince a bit more and see if she could suppress her “favorability” for the Horned Demon…
She’d never actually done anything with this so-called Third Prince…
She didn’t even want any gossip about it.
If Lord Horned Demon found out, she’d probably be “punished”…
Amy, however, completely missed Su Nian’s distress.
Instead, she grew even more excited, lowering her voice in a conspiratorial but jubilant tone.
“The bards have already started composing new songs—like ‘The Icy Prince’s Fiery Gaze, Melting the Stage’s Brightest Star.'”
“And then, ‘A Forbidden Love Across Classes, One Glance for a Lifetime’… tsk, tsk, tsk, cheesy as it sounds, sister Nian, this is the Third Prince we’re talking about!”
The so-called “Icy Prince” naturally referred to Erwin, famed for his mastery of ice magic and his cool, handsome looks, which earned him such a nickname.
Su Nian’s lips twitched uncontrollably.
These rumors were getting out of hand—detailed and vivid, as if they were actually true.
She and that legendary Third Prince—not only had they never met, she’d only ever heard Amy’s exaggerated descriptions of his looks.
The Icy Prince’s fiery gaze?
What flashed uncontrollably through Su Nian’s mind was another pair of eyes—deep, dark, always glinting with mockery and possessiveness, eyes that always made her flustered just thinking about them…
If those bards, singing their lungs out in the plaza about the so-called “romantic legend” between the prince and her, knew that at this very moment she was completely in the Horned Demon’s grasp…
Suffering such humiliation every night—what would they think?
Forget it.
She’d better keep this secret to herself.
No matter what, she couldn’t let anyone else know!
***
Another morning.
In the main house of Shadowmoon Manor.
The air still carried a faint trace of the Horned Demon’s unique, aggressive scent from last night.
Maybe that wretched Horned Demon had heard the city’s rumors…
Last night had been terrible for her!
That damned Horned Demon always found new ways to torment her.
Just as Su Nian tidied up her slightly disheveled clothes, preparing—like always—to pull herself together and head to Magic Feather Fantasy for the final rehearsal before the highly anticipated Winter Festival performance two days later…
***
Within Academy City.
Several lavishly decorated carriages, emblazoned with the crests of illustrious families, rolled slowly toward the city center.
Inside the carriages—
Sat those noble young ladies who had traveled so far.
Their destination: Magic Feather Fantasy.