How to survive in the Romance Fantasy Game

Chapter 310: Conversation with the Empress

Chapter 310: Conversation with the Empress



My days in the imperial palace were drawing to a close, and soon I'd return to the academy.

While part of me missed the familiarity of academy life-its routines and even its quirks-I couldn't say I was particularly excited about going back.

The weight of looming missions and tangled relationships made the thought of returning more exhausting than comforting.

Originally, I had no intention of getting too involved in the Saintess's affairs.

After all, with Lucas present at the academy, she was supposed to have all the protection she needed.

But the goddess's personal request changed everything.

Now, protecting her wasn't optional-it was a responsibility I couldn't shirk. Even so, I planned to proceed carefully, guiding events to align with the original timeline as much as possible.

Then there was Senior Alice. Her arc was nearing its climax, and the resolution hinged on how proactive the White Queen had become.

Given that my other self had taken out one of her Primarchs, there was little doubt she'd be moving swiftly.

The White Queen wasn't just a formidable foe; she was a force of chaos, the kind of opponent even Senior Alice-armed with her Red Queen form and powers-might struggle to

overcome.

In the original timeline, defeating her required a level of coordination and sacrifice that pushed Alice to her limits.

But that was then.

Now, things were different.

Thanks to the gifts and blessings I'd received, my own power had grown significantly.

If Alice and I joined forces, taking down the White Queen wasn't just possible-it was a tangible goal.

The odds weren't entirely stacked against us anymore, and the idea of facing her didn't fill me with the same sense of dread it once did.

Still, I couldn't let my confidence blind me. The White Queen was as cunning as she was powerful, and underestimating her would be a fatal mistake.

.....

Walking through what seemed like a vast and picturesque garden within the imperial palace, I found myself gradually approaching its center.

The perfectly arranged flowers and the soothing sound of water flowing from a distant fountain created an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

There, seated gracefully on an intricately carved stone bench, was the Empress herself.

Her serene yet commanding presence was undeniable, and as our eyes met, I couldn't help but feel the weight of her gentle but piercing gaze.

"I must apologize for the sudden invitation, Sir Riley," she began, her voice soft and melodic, carrying just the right amount of warmth and authority. "I wasn't informed about when you would be returning to the academy, so I feared I might miss the chance to speak with you."

"No need to apologize, Your Majesty," I replied, bowing slightly out of respect. "And please, you don't have to use such honorifics when addressing me. You may call me Riley if it suits you. While I am a student in the knight department, I don't possess any grandiose titles worthy of such formality."

"Fufu~ But are you not Count Hell's son? Surely, an appropriate honorific is only proper, is it not?" she countered with a playful smile.

"Your Majesty jests," I said, shaking my head lightly. "My father's title belongs to him alone. I have not inherited such status yet, nor do I think I am deserving of it."

"My, my, how humble you are," she said, her smile deepening as she tilted her head slightly, studying me. "Such respect and humility are rare traits these days, you know. Now I can see how Snow fell in love with you so easily. Very well, then-I shall call you Riley openly. And if you wish, you may address me as Ella, after all, we are about to become family, are we not?"

family.

Yet the Empress's serene expression showed no sign of resentment or bitterness.

"I'm sure you're curious as to why I suddenly called you here, so I won't take up any more of your time, Riley," the Empress said, her voice calm and resonant, snapping me back into focus. Her usual gentle smile remained, though there was a glint of something sharper in her eyes as she looked directly at me. "I just want to ask you one thing..."

Her tone was casual, almost disarming, but the weight behind her words kept me on edge.

"Okay..." I responded cautiously.

"Do you really love Snow?"

"Huh?" The question caught me off guard.

"Like I said," she repeated, her voice unwavering, "I'm asking if you truly love my daughter."

"Yes...?" I answered, hesitant but honest.

The moment the words left my mouth, the atmosphere changed.

Shadows in the garden seemed to shift unnaturally, and before I could process what was

happening, cold steel pressed against my neck.

Swords.

From the darkness, figures clad in black, hooded cloaks emerged, their faces obscured.

These weren't just knights-they were shadow knights, the empire's or rather the emperor's

elite covert enforcers.

Their swords gleamed menacingly in the dappled sunlight, poised to strike with unnerving

precision.

My mind raced, struggling to keep up with the surreal turn of events.

One moment we were having a casual conversation, and now I was staring down the blades of

imperial shadow knights.

Was this her way of testing my loyalty to Snow? Or was there something more at play?

"Your Majesty..." I began, trying to sound calm despite the tension in the air. "I think there's

been a misunderstanding-"

The Empress's smile hadn't wavered, but her golden eyes had darkened, an almost predatory hue taking over as she observed my reaction.

"So," she said smoothly, her voice tinged with a dangerous edge, "how far have you gone

with her?"

It was at this moment I realized, that there were no normal person when it came to both

nobility and royalty....