CH 47

As much as she hoped, Lucas didn’t show up at school the next day. Nor the day after that, or the day after that.

‘Did he really disappear like that…?’

In truth, Riett couldn’t gather her thoughts for several days.

Although she had grasped a glimpse of Lucas in a critical situation, it was her first experience of such a profound betrayal.

She had heard his explanation, but since the trust had already crumbled, she couldn’t believe anything anymore.

That fact made it even harder for Riett. She couldn’t even trust his final defense.

“He didn’t show up today either, it seems.”

Samuel, now closer, patted the seat next to him.

“What’s really going on?”

Samuel asked in a concerned voice.

Samuel used to dislike Lucas, but because Lucas got along well with everyone, he quickly became friends with Samuel too.

‘But still…’

To what extent was the image Lucas had shown them the truth?

Lost in her thoughts, Riett suddenly remembered the incident when Samuel confronted Lucas.

‘Uh, well… he told me to be careful around Lucas.’

‘Yeah… It might sound strange that I’m suddenly saying this, but I saw Lucas in the back alley of Hemsworth.’

Back then, Lucas and Samuel didn’t have a good relationship, so Riett naturally thought it was an unfounded statement. Lucas strongly denied it.

Perhaps Samuel knows about Lucas.

“Riett might not have heard of it, but I’m the successor of the ‘Broken Knife’ guild.”

Riett recalled what Lucas had said.

“Samuel.”

“Why, Riett?”

“Do you happen to know the Broken Knife guild?”

Samuel’s face immediately stiffened, and he anxiously asked.

“Why?! Did you get involved with them or something?”

What kind of organization was that for Samuel to react so strongly?

“Well, not that… Anyway, do you know about it or not?”

Samuel pondered while stroking his chin.

“The Broken Knife… It’s the most powerful force in the underworld.”

The most powerful force in the underworld…? Lucas as the successor of such a group?

Lucas’s warm smile and the energy that brightened his surroundings didn’t match the word “underworld” at all.

“I’m not qualified to say this, but the people from the Broken Knife are truly ruthless and cruel.”

Samuel shivered as if he disliked even thinking about it, exaggerating his trembling. Samuel himself came from a noble family involved in the illegal arms trade. Because of his connections to the back alleys, he was familiar with Hemsworth and also knew about the Broken Knife guild. But for him to tremble like that…

“Anyway, Riett. I don’t know the intention behind your question, but if they’re involved, you must stay away at all costs.”

Even if Riett is in danger, he will save her no matter what! Samuel’s words echoed shortly after, but Riett was already lost in her thoughts.

‘It was a guild that actually exists.’

In that case, there was a high probability that Lucas’ claim as the successor of that guild was true. He wouldn’t dare to lie about such a formidable guild. It was a relief to know that he hadn’t lied until the end.

Just as she was starting to relax,

“Oh, by the way, Riett. Isn’t this the last week for the election of the student council president?”

“What?”

The time had already come… She had missed an important fact because of that damn Lucas.

“It seems like no one has found the answer yet, so it will probably go to a majority vote.”

No, this can’t happen!

She already knew the answer, so it was like having a prepared feast. All she had to do was pick up the spoon, but a majority vote?

“If it goes to a majority vote… Evan might become the student council president.”

…What?

Riett’s expression twisted. It was a more dreadful outcome. Riett immediately got up from the seat.

“I’ll go first, Samuel!”

And quickly rushed out of the classroom.

If she had a partner who could help her retrieve the Sunstone, everything would be over. And there was someone who had presented himself as a candidate.

‘…Even though it’s Evan.’

She hopes he doesn’t change his mind… If Evan no longer wanted to be her partner, it would truly be too late.

So, before Evan had a chance to change his mind, she had to propose the partnership.

‘He probably hasn’t left yet…!’

Evan usually didn’t go anywhere else after class and went straight home.

Just then, Riett saw a glimpse of black hair in the distance. There weren’t many people with such dark hair, and his physical presence made him stand out among others.

She hastened her steps and approached him, but suddenly Evan turned around and faced her. Then he quickly came toward Riett.

“It’s you, Riett.”

It’s her?

“For some reason, I could smell Riett nearby.”

“…Smell?”

Riett stood there in shock.

‘What smell am I giving off…?’

Even though she didn’t have any particular scent…

Riett sniffed her arm, and Evan explained.

“You have a unique fragrance, Riett.”

Oh, it’s a fragrance.

Then he should have said that earlier, this bastard!

“Have you been looking for me?”

He smirked with narrowed eyes. No matter how much he despised Evan, he couldn’t hate that smile. His sharp features softened, creating a completely different atmosphere.

‘Oh, that’s not important now.’

“Right. So, what urgent matter brought you running like this?”

Evan tilted his head slightly. His gaze was fixed intently.

Riett couldn’t speak immediately; only her lips trembled. Even though she had come urgently because the election period was almost over…

Upon thinking about it, she had already firmly rejected Evan’s partnership proposal once before. 

‘Back then, I thought there was an option called Lucas.’

Anyway, that bastard Lucas, if she ever meets him later, she won’t let him off easily. 

“If you have nothing to say, can I go?” 

“Ah, wait!” 

When Evan tried to move his feet, Riett quickly blocked his path. 

“…I was about to say it now.” 

“Okay.” 

Evan nodded lightly. His smirk somehow seemed pleased. 

“Come on, be it.”

“What?” 

“Be my partner.” 

Her heart is pounding. This line sounds like a dialogue from a male lead confessing to the female lead… 

“Ah, a fling?” 

“No, a partner.” 

The unpleasant feeling while hearing it. Riett looked at her prospective fling. 

“You said you didn’t want it back then. You said Lucas was there.” 

“Lucas… he was there, but he’s gone now.” 

Riett said, watching Evan’s reaction. She didn’t like the current situation where she had to be subservient to Evan, but she had no choice. Becoming the student council president this time was the only way to restore her rank. 

“So, you want to be partners now?” 

“Yes.” 

Riett blinked her eyes and looked at Evan. Evan didn’t answer right away, buying himself some time. Soon, Evan looked up at the sky and spoke. 

“I have a condition.” 

This guy… He knows how to seize an opportunity. Riett tried hard to hide her displeased expression and asked,

“What is it?” 

“When I want to, fulfill one request for me.” 

Although she was worried about what kind of request it would be, she didn’t have a choice in the current situation. 

“Alright.” 

Riett nodded reluctantly with an uneasy expression. Only then did Evan smile and ask, 

“What can I do to help you?” 

* * * 

As the sun set and darkness enveloped the night, two individuals stood facing each other in front of the clock tower. In the silent stillness, the sight of the two noble-looking individuals under the streetlight resembled an illustration from a romance novel. 

The scene of the two beautiful individuals silently gazing at each other seemed incredibly romantic, but there was one strange aspect. The woman’s expression was excessively sinister. 

“Evan.” 

“Yes?” 

“If you betray me, I will chase you to the ends of hell.” 

While waiting until evening, Riett briefly fell asleep. She had a dream where Evan reached the end and obtained Sunstone. 

Riett was robbed of the sunstone right under her nose, and Evan eventually became the student council president. 

As a result, she fell out of the top three rankings and didn’t inherit the title.

It was truly a terrible dream. 

“Riett.” 

Evan’s gentle voice reached her ears. 

“Do you remember what I said before we entered school?” 

“…?” 

“I promised I would never betray you.” 

Did he say such words? Riett quietly recollected her memory. 

“I hate saying this, but don’t trust others too much in school.”

Suddenly, the words spoken by Duke Kreutz in the past echoed in her ears. Did he foresee Lucas’ betrayal? It was a remarkable foresight that made her admire it now. And at the same time, she remembered. 

“You can trust me. I will never betray you.”

Evan’s serious expression and words left a strong impression. 

‘Yes, at least with Evan…’

He was someone who would never stab her in the back, no matter what happened. Their families had maintained a long-standing relationship, and they had spent a considerable amount of time together. 

Despite growling at each other whenever they met, it was an undeniable fact that they had a long-standing bond. She didn’t want to accept his offer in the first place, but there was no way he would betray her.

“Let’s go.” 

Riett gestured, and Evan followed behind. Having been there before, they easily found the entrance without getting lost this time. 

Riett opened the door and stepped onto the dimly lit staircase. As they continued to climb the spiral staircase, they soon reached another door. 

“This is it.” 

Riett opened the door, and just like last time, a faint light poured out. Glancing at Evan, he seemed slightly surprised by the strange scenery. She had never seen him show such a surprised expression before. 

Riett praised herself for figuring all this out on her own. Evan scanned the space in front of him, then his gaze fixed on the Sunstone. 

“…Is that an ancient sun?” 

“Yes.” 

Riett approached the center and looked at the Sunstone that was still firmly fixed in place. 

“Evan, look over there.”

When Riett pointed to the floor made of marble-like material, Evan climbed up without saying a word. 

Zzzing—soon, the clamp detached from the Sunstone. 

‘It worked.’ 

Riett calmed her anxious heart and reached out her hand to the Sunstone. As she picked it up and held it, she felt a solid sensation in her fingertips. It felt as if warm power was emanating from it as if it was truly releasing the power of the sun as its name suggested. 

“Congratulations, Riett.” 

When Riett turned around, Evan was looking at her with eyes as warm as the Sunstone. 

“For becoming the student council president.”