Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough?

Chapter 51 The Dinner Early in the morning, Merrick arrived

Rhodes approached the group of nobles with the intention of uncovering the truth, and overheard their conversation.

Coincidentally.

They were talking about Ivina.

A noblewoman held her slightly thick wrist:

"The Duke is really pitiful. To be honest, there's no point in holding that coming-of-age ceremony for his daughter. It just lets everyone secretly laugh at him for having a monster daughter, haha..."

"Anyway, we're getting free food and drinks for seven days, what's wrong with that? Let's not say things like that, after all, we've never actually met Miss Ivina."

The middle-aged nobleman stroked his beard, but his tone became cryptic as he said, "If we're really going to talk about it, why don't we just say it: do you believe... the [Star God] has fallen?"

His voice was low and deep, but everyone instantly became alert.

This is because it is a topic that is currently explicitly forbidden to be discussed within the church.

[It is forbidden to slander the "deities." The "deities" have simply entered a deep sleep, which is why their feedback is weak.]

There are no gods in the world who can hunt us down. As the largest system, the masses should have self-awareness.

[Anyone who makes unfounded criticisms from now on will be executed without mercy.]

These three points were clearly written down by the Church and proclaimed by the Holy Maiden in the capital.

Therefore, no one dares to discuss this topic casually these days... After all, they don't want to believe that gods can die.

"Hush—! Viscount Luca, are you out of your mind! You absolutely cannot speak of our divine being, don't you know that?!"

The noblewoman was clearly a devout believer in the Star God, and upon hearing these words, she immediately reacted with a scathing retort.

"The gods are noble and supreme beings, not beings that we lowly humans can even discuss!"

"Okay, okay... I know, I was just saying a few words because I heard some rumors, please forgive me."

"Getting back to the point, so Miss Ivina isn't going to attend this banquet at all?" Luca joked.

"nonsense!"

"But Mrs. Joanna, don't you think this is actually a very good opportunity?"

"Hmm?" Joanna said impatiently.

"His Excellency the Duke held this coming-of-age ceremony openly and without caring about his daughter's abnormal behavior. Don't you think he has another meaning behind it?"

"Just say it directly," Lady Joanna waved her hand.

"Of course, it's about finding a spouse who can get close to that 'unapproachable' young lady. That way, we can both build relationships and solve our daughter's problem."

Luca said with a smile, "I wonder if there will actually be a story about a hero appearing."

"Hmph." Lady Joanna snorted coldly.

"Patiently communicate with a mentally ill person? And that mentally ill person can also casually kill an existence that has been promoted to the third level or less?"

Given these conditions, which peer could possibly get close to that monster? If His Highness the Duke truly intends this way, it's utterly disgusting—finding an old man for his monster daughter.

"Haha, that's what they say." Suddenly, a man next to him interjected, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed air.

"But if His Majesty the Duke truly intends to do so, then I think even so, many people would still try it..."

"You'd better not even think about it." Suddenly, a calm whisper fell.

Everyone looked at that figure—

She was a woman with blonde hair, just like Felicity, but her figure was more voluptuous and mature, and her eyes were haughty.

"Why do you say that, Miss Freya...?"

"Don't ask any more questions, that's enough." The so-called 'Freya' retorted, then stood up.

She seemed to have a purpose in mind as she walked towards a man—

And it was at this moment that all the nobles realized that there was a person standing behind them...?

What the hell?

So quiet, who are you trying to scare to death?

They cursed under their breath at first, but then, upon seeing Rod's figure clearly, they all shut their mouths tightly.

It's Rod Chiven Lance!

How did he end up here?

In an instant, all the nobles rose to their feet, imitating Freya's actions, and all walked toward Rhodes.

"Mr. Rhodes."

"Mr. Rhodes."

A chorus of greetings rang out, and Rod raised his hand to stop them from moving forward, saying:

"I need to have a chat with this lady. Sorry, I'll be leaving now."

He nodded to Freya, then walked toward the flowerbed area behind him, which was the secluded space that belonged exclusively to Ivina.

The nobles, however, were left behind, looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Miss Freya knows Mr. Rhodes?"

"No, shouldn't you be concerned about why Mr. Rhodes is at this banquet? I heard he was recently captured by a witch and is currently busy fighting against her at the Allied Forces headquarters."

"Huh? Those are all rumors... No, the real problem isn't here, is it?"

"Didn't you all notice how Mr. Rhodes managed to stand behind us so quietly?"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone was slightly taken aback, and then their hearts trembled.

Many of them are those who have been promoted to a higher position twice. How could this be?

……

...

"Professor Merrick," Rhodes sighed and said to Freya.

As expected, at that moment, that neutral yet magnetic voice arrogantly spoke:

"The original owner of this identity was named Freya, the second daughter of Count Ryan Chena. I kicked her out and took over her identity."

"Rhodes, the message you're relaying is too vague. It's time to make it clearer."

Rhodes nodded:

"This time, I mainly need your help to resolve this crisis."

"You can't handle it? It's just a matter of taking a little girl away..."

"Professor Merrick, the power the witch has placed on Ivina is quite terrifying."

Among them are approximately two witches who have ascended to the fourth level, including Cecilia, as well as several who have ascended to the third level, and numerous ordinary witches.

"Last night, a witch who had been promoted three times and a demon seed died."

Therefore, given this situation, I hope that if things go beyond what is expected, you can be my last resort to hunt them all down.

"If I'm not mistaken, the witches who will gather in the Duke's mansion this time will probably be nearly a third of the Dream of Angelanno in Philips."

"If we ruin their plan this time, they will be greatly frustrated."

"Hmph..." Merrick's eyes widened slightly.

"Well done, leave the rest to me." Merrick said coldly, then took out two [Link Scrolls] from his pocket and handed them to Rhodes.

"Here are two practice exams for you in advance. Use them to improve."

Rhodes held the upgrade item he had been waiting for for so long, feeling somewhat satisfied, but still hesitated for a moment before continuing:

"Professor Merrick, I have already broken through and advanced three times. I should have mentioned this in my message."

"?" Merrick glanced at Rhodes as if he were an idiot.

"Do you think it's fun to joke with me, Rod?"