Chapter 31:The Secret Under the Moonlight

Five days—then battlefield?!

News hit—Melin’s eyes reddened instantly.

Understood: Isabelle’s harshness, impossible dungeon—shield from death.

Rose Knights rushed to frontlines…

Dialogue revealed: Isabelle fought for time. Without—sent earlier.

Pre-dungeon them—battlefield death certain.

Chill in limbs.

Voices faded. Melin neared lounge, cracked door. Moonlit peek.

Desk: Isabelle cheek-propped. Exquisite face—rare fatigue.

Soon sensed. Fatigue masked.

“Door lurker—enter.”

Cool voice. Melin lips pursed. Entered.

Past Isabelle—fear. Now… heartache.

Unseen corners—cold saintess bore unknown weight.

Recognized Melin—villain smile.

“Yo, Melin. Late at Oracle? Rest—tomorrow’s training tough.”

“Lady Ver… tired?”

Isabelle paused. Rose to window. Capital night. Scoff.

“Tired? Nonsense. Not your place.”

“Heard all. Push training—don’t want battlefield deaths.”

“…Hmph. Care for your lives? Die—my concern?”

Arms crossed. Brows knit. Persona held.

Arguing earlier: neighboring pig-emperor.

Ten days ago—low demons slipped seal. He boasted month hold—routed. Fortress lost.

Forced early Knight deployment. Moral hostage: civilians.

Unacceptable.

Untrained vs. abyss demons—heavy losses. Civilians unsaved. Knights annihilated.

World ends.

Didn’t expect Melin overheard.

Temples rubbed.

“Melin—rest. Late.”

Words fell—Melin hugged from behind.

Warmth through dress.

“If uncaring—why train escape first? Uncaring—why save me Blossom Festival?!”

“Death threats—spare real battlefield death. I know!”

“Lady Ver—stop pretending. Heart full of us!”

Girl’s heat flooded Isabelle. Hands on hers. Moon gaze. Silent.

Caught…

Thought mask lasted six-year training.

First month—spotted.

Good: Celis secret safe.

Soft laugh.

“Monologuing? Go.”

Melin ignored. Waved—white lily appeared. Before Isabelle.

“Here—your flower.”

“…Didn’t give Celis to pass?”

“Yes. But want personal.”

Pushed forward. Isabelle took. Sniffed petals. Smiled, ruffled hair.

“Flower’s sake—go now. Tonight unseen. Else—extra training.”

Accepted—Melin beamed.

“Yes. But… tonight our secret?”

“Yes.”

Doorway—winked, playful.

“I’ll keep it—Lady Celis!”

Lady Celis?

Breath caught.

Before reaction—girl butterfly-fled. Soon back.

“Hey—more!”

Head poked. Eyes firm.

“Five days—wait. Rose Knights—big surprise. Your efforts—rewarded!”

Downstairs dash.

Gone. Isabelle realized: Celis known long ago.

Our secret?

Desk return. Lily hugged. Helpless smile.

“Renia—my mask… easily seen?”

Renia from shadow. Gaze complex to Melin’s exit.

“Flawless. But Melin… watched too often, too closely.”

“So?”

Head propped. Isabelle pondered flaws. Fatigue resurfaced.

Eyes closed. Breath even.

Moon pale on face.

Blanket gentle. Renia’s eyes ached.

Lied earlier.

Mask—not flawless.

True gentleness, loneliness—unhideable.