Silphiel blurted out instinctively, "I acce—"

But after just two words, something felt off. Why did the Hero's voice sound so distant?

She swallowed the rest of her sentence. Opening her eyes, the sight froze her outstretched hand mid-air in awkward stiffness.

Gao Ying had walked up to her, then spun around and headed straight for that Lindberg bitch!

In that instant, indescribable humiliation surged from Silphiel's heart to her head. Her face flushed crimson. Though onlookers stayed silent, her cheeks burned as if slapped hard.

Just then, that Lindberg bitch's voice rang out, making it unbearable.

"It’s an honor."

Like hell it is! That was my line!

For a fleeting moment, Silphiel wanted to attack and reduce that big-chested bimbo to dust.

But she held back.

—

As Gao Ying led Lelia by the waist into the dance floor, the losers scattered like frightened birds.

Silphiel felt utterly humiliated. Under everyone's gaze, she couldn't lash out. Gloomily, she sat at a nearby table, stuffing fruits and snacks into her mouth to vent.

A blonde girl pulled out a chair and sat beside her, chuckling lightly. "What's wrong, my Silphiel? You actually got rejected?"

Silphiel shot her best friend a glare. "You're laughing? This is so embarrassing! What's with this Hero? Why invite that Lindberg family airhead? Could he actually like her?"

Grace opened a bottle of red wine, poured glasses for them both, swirled the liquid, and watched Gao Ying. She laughed. "I doubt it. Look—he has no clue how to dance. Poor Lelia."

Thanks to Grace's reminder, Silphiel calmed slightly. Sure enough, the Hero was a complete novice! His steps were chaotic, uncoordinated, making Lelia suffer terribly.

Silphiel understood instantly. As an ordinary student from the Blue Star's Celestial Empire, how could he dance?

Grace continued, "Maybe he feared hurting your feet and picked a random partner."

"Ah, that makes sense."

Silphiel loved this. Her mood lifted. Perhaps Gao Ying was insecure, too timid to invite a high-and-mighty Holy Maiden like her.

Yes, that must be it.

Otherwise, she couldn't think of another reason.

What a clumsy, shy boy.

Silphiel turned to her friend. "Grace, aren't you head of security? How'd you get inside?"

Grace set down her empty glass, smiling brightly. "No worries. As boss, I get perks."

Silphiel drooped her eyelids. "A miracle your interrogators haven't rebelled. How's the prep going?"

She lowered her voice, her gaze 'kindly' fixed on Lelia in the dance floor.

Grace whispered, "Don't worry. She won't see tomorrow's sun."

"After the Heretic who tried to assassinate the Hero was exposed by the Chief Justice, they resisted arrest violently and were shot on the spot. Isn't that the perfect end for a Heretic?"

Silphiel snapped her fingers, nodding satisfied. "This script suits my taste."

Lindberg family's bimbo, I'll make you regret this!

She thought, staring at Lelia's back.

Lelia was already regretting it. Vanity had made her accept the Hero's invitation. But he was clueless! His messy steps stomped her feet raw in high heels and black stockings.

He kept apologizing while stomping harder. She suspected he did it on purpose! Who was this unteachable?

Worse, rejected noble ladies glared at her back. She couldn't stay in the Holy Capital. After killing this Hero, she'd escape.

"Hero-sama, after the banquet, could you visit my residence? Your dance steps need guidance."

As she spoke, Lelia's cheeks flushed. Her suggestive tone was unmistakable.

If the Hero let lust take over, she wouldn't mind sending him to the Goddess.

"If I have time, I'll certainly trouble you," Gao Ying replied.

He knew her thoughts. His clumsy steps were faked. Past-life memories made him skilled. It was childish venting.

Lelia's face lit up. Shyly, she said, "...No one will be home, Hero-sama. Don't stand me up."

When the dance slowed, they chatted on various topics.

Lelia's crimson eyes gazed at him as she whispered, "Hero-sama, what do you think of the Holy See?"

As a Shadow Sect Heretic, she wanted his view on their enemy.

Gao Ying paused, recalling slum scenes. Leaning close to her ear, he said softly, "I've heard the Holy See says, 'The Church's voice is the Goddess's will.' They're too arrogant, too focused on earthly glory, neglecting important things."

"The Goddess's radiance should illuminate more places."

His intimacy made Lelia flush. But his words shocked her, vanishing any romantic feeling. She murmured, "Then, Hero-sama, what should the Holy See be..."

A chill ran down her spine. She turned to look back—and paled instantly.

Silphiel sat at a dessert table, smiling 'kindly' at her.

This shock snapped Lelia awake. The topic ended.

All part of Gao Ying's plan. One glance confirmed Silphiel hated Lelia. Letting them fight like dogs was his strategy.

Rodrika should be wrapping up by now.

Let's see, Miss Lelia, what choice will you make when your father-like mentor and brother-like comrades are caught red-handed?

Silphiel would handle it. Lelia's hatred would fall on her.

Just then, Rodrika walked in from outside. Blood stained her pristine armor, making nobles gasp.

Her expression seemed off, lost in thought.

But under Gao Ying's gaze, she walked straight to Silphiel and whispered. Silphiel's eyes sparkled instantly.

To Silphiel, Rodrika was loyal. Why suspect her?

But Rodrika's face was strange. Why so much blood? Capturing Heretics alive shouldn't be this messy.

—

After Rodrika's report, Silphiel's eyes sparkled. "Dear Rodrika, you're truly my angel!"

She almost kissed Rodrika's cheek.

Her best friend asked curiously, "What happened? Why so happy?"

"Heh heh, Grace, you won't need to step in." Silphiel gazed at Lelia, her slender finger pressed to her lips, smiling. "We stumbled upon a big fish this time."