Chapter 101- Lucky Guy

Chapter 101: Chapter 101- Lucky Guy

Chapter 101- Lucky Guy

As Rize turned around to walk after Venera, he suddenly heard Fate speak. "Is that your new escort, Venera?" He asked.

"..." Rize stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Indeed I am."

"Oh my~ I can see why they chose you. You look very capable." Fate said. "You’re keeping Venera safe and sound?"

"I try to," Rize replied. ’Why is this bastard talking to me now? Is he trying something?’ Rize thought to himself as he watched the boy’s expression carefully. Fate was one of the hardest people to read. He had a perfect ability to hide his true intentions behind a facade of innocence and kindness.

It was so good that it almost seemed impossible that someone his age was that good at it. He had a complete grasp of how emotions work and how to manipulate them to his advantage. Something many take decades to even learn, let alone master.

Then, Fate stood up and walked to Rize. He stared at him with clear eyes, as perfect as a still lake, before he smiled and tapped his shoulder.

"What’s your name?"

"Rize," Rize replied, remaining calm and collected. As intimidating as this boy was, Rize didn’t feel scared or worried. He could stand his ground before him with ease. Their position was completely equal.

"Rize? Oooo, you have a nice name. Pleasure to meet you, Rize." He said. "He seems to be quite the talent, Venera."

The princess watched the situation for a second before she reached for Rize and grabbed his arm. "He is none of your concern. Now, if you may excuse us, I have some things to do."

Venera then turned around and dragged Rize away. Meanwhile, Rize himself kept staring at Fate. The two shared an incomprehensible look. Rize didn’t know why, but he saw a weird light flash in the boy’s eyes for a split second that nobody noticed except for him.

Rize was certain that this was not going to be the last time he saw that person.

Eventually, the two left the area and walked back to Venera’s quarters. The moment they made it there, Venera closed the door shut and locked it before she looked at Rize.

"You should’ve not let him touch you, Rize," Venera said as she walked to him. "Let me inspect your body."

"Huh? I mean, I’m sure he didn’t put an- Woah!" Rize was shocked as Venera started running her hands across his body, feeling his body and muscles thoroughly. The boy was too stunned to speak for a bit as he let her do whatever she wanted.

After a while, she nodded. "Hm, he didn’t put anything on you. You seem good for now."

"What is happening? I mean, I would’ve noticed if he tried to put some sort of listening device on me." Rize said. ’He ain’t slick enough to trick me like that.’

"You never know. I told you, do not trust a single word he tells you. Even if he tells you the sky is blue, do not believe that."

"Sounds like he’s quite the horrible person."

"He is," Venera replied as she sat down. "Fate Thorinn is a monster, so much so that when he was 7 years old, his family discovered that he used to torture the butlers and maids in secret. There are reports that he used to skin small animals alive to see how they react to pain. He is a psychopath."

’If I didn’t know all of that already, I would be beyond shocked.’ Rize’s eyes widened. "What the hell is that kind of guy coming here for? He should be locked up in some kind of cell."

"He is too smart and too good an asset for his family to do such a thing. They make use of his talent to push their political interests. If Fate could get a good position in the academy, it would be a huge benefit to them."

"I see... And when he said he’s your fiancee?"

"He’s not. My father keeps pushing for it, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his sudden visit was planned by my father."

"Why would your father decide to push for it now all of a sud-"

Before Rize could even finish that sentence, it hit him.

"The war..."

"Indeed." Venera nodded her head. "My dad is seeking support from the Red Fang clan for this war, and there is no better way of seeking that support than to marry me to their son."

"..." Rize’s expression darkened. "Is that also why you refused his proposal?"

"Fate? I would never work with him. He is simply far too untrustworthy for me to even consider it. Besides, me working with him would seem like me acknowledging him, and I do not want that. I have my own plans, and he is simply irrelevant in them." Venera explained. "He is aiming for complete control over the academy’s student base, and that is simply not something I’m going to let him do."

"That... makes sense," Rize said. "So, what do you plan to do now?"

"The test this year is going to be quite brutal and way more dangerous. A lot of people with conflicting interests will be participating, and the test will be harder in general." Venera said. "We need to get stronger and fast Rize."

"I am aware. I’m working on that." Rize said. "But just for the sake of accelerating the process. How about we start going out hunting together?"

"You’re... fine with that?"

"Of course, I’ve actually been planning to go deeper into the forest, and you being with me makes that easier." He said. "I also want us to work on our coordination and teamwork. We might need that in the future."

’I don’t really know how many times we’re gonna fight together, but I’m sure it will be needed.’ He mused.

Venera looked at him with wide eyes before she smiled. "Yeah... you’re right."

"Mhm."

"Well, I wasn’t planning to say this now, but do you want to know the main reason as to why I refused his offer so quickly?" Venera asked.

"Hm? Why is that?"

Venera then stood up from her seat and walked to Rize until she was very close to him. Staring deeply into his eyes, she smiled widely.

"I already have the best companion anyone could ask for. I don’t need anyone else’s help." She said in a soft tone.

Rize was completely taken aback by her sweet voice and mesmerizing eyes, and for a second, he didn’t know what to say. Then, he exhaled.

"You’re unfair sometimes, you know?"

"How so?"

"You know well why you’re unfair." He said as he put his index finger against her forehead. "Well, the best companion anyone could ask for is telling you that you shouldn’t trust him completely. He makes mistakes, like anyone else."

"And yet, he does miracles more than anyone else," Venera said as she closed one eye in reaction to his touch. "And... I trust him with my life."

"Do you now?"

"I do."

"I could’ve never imagined the princess of Sagardia and the cold star Venera would actually utter such words. Lucky me."

All Venera could do was chuckle at his words, making Rize smile at her.