"Please join the Snowfke of the Night!" ［Nida］

  The wind was cold, blowing ever so gently, a cheerful decration floating adrift in the air, ringing clearly inside everyone's ears. Apanying such a decration was a bright, blinding smile ing from the very same owner of the voice.

  Shod fusion. Such emotions were veyed on everyone's face as they looked at the smiling dy before them. They couldn't uand what had just transpired, their mind in shambles as they tried to cope with the current situation.

  ""Eh?!"" ""Huh?!""

  Two distinct yet simir sounds echoed soon after the decration, their expressions not aer. The only one who remaihe same was Nida who was still smiling all the while she looked at the four youths' bewildered expressions.

  "Umm... Missus Nida, was it...? you please eborate further? I'm still a little fused about your proposition..." ［Julius］

  The shock was so much that Julius ended up using formal nguage. It was very out of character for him, but who could bme him? Even Grey didn't have the time to bicker with him. He was also just as ed.

  "Fufufu, what more is there to expin? You're all beautiful and have good figures. Not to mention your statures! I'd really believe it if you say that you're models!" ［Nida］

  "N-No, we aren't... Anyway, I don't think we'll be joining anytime soon..." ［Julius］

  "That's right. We also don't have any experien modeling. It would only be embarrassing if we go up the stage." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, is that how you see it?" ［Nida］

  A mysterious i behind her smile, Nida's expressions only bloomed brighter. At the same time, Grey and Julius' expressions only grew more fused. Oh, what a grand tradi.

  After all, it wasn't only their good looks and stature that Nida based her proposition with. The way they carried themselves, their posture, and all little details in the short time they've exged words also became a factor.

  Although it would be a lie to say that she noticed those things the very moment she saw them. It was only an impulse after she was mesmerized by their faces. Though she doesn't regret it. Now, she was sure she found quite a few beautiful gems.

  "Well it's such a shame. The prizes are great, you know?" ［Nida］

  "We really aren't in dire need of money right now... Sorry..." ［Grey］

  "No, no, it's alright. Ah, but! The prizes aren't just cash, you know?! There's dresses, jewelry, and a couple iives! You'll also be granted coupons afterwards! And even if you don't win, there'll be a party afterwards where lots of delicious food and drinks will be served!" ［Nida］

  "Food?!" ［Yuna］

  It was over. The very moment Nida mentiohe word "Food", everything was decided. As Yuna's ears perked up, her eyes also lit up, sparkling even brighter than the sun above, a certain fme burning up inside of her eyes.

  "Shi's join!" ［Yuna］

  "Elena..." ［Grey］

  Yep, it was over. Now that Yuna made up her mind, there was no stopping her. Even if he were to refuse, Yuna would only switch up tactid bug him until he agrees. There was only ohing Grey could do to overe the current situation,

  Yuna, why don't we go back for now? I promise I'll cook you whatever you want and however much you want ter, alright? ［Grey］

  Uuu... That's tempting... But the free food... ［Yuna］

  In addition, I'll also be lifting your limits on the sugar bags for a whole month. What do you think? ［Grey］

  Really?! No takesy-backsies, okay? ［Yuna］

  Of course. I promise. ［Grey］

  It was unfortuhat their sugar reserves were going to go into a crisis once again, but it was the only choice left. Well, there was als her with alchemy ingredients, but it would be difficult in the north where only a few pnts thrive.

  "Uuu... On sed thought, I think I'll have to dee..." ［Yuna］

  "There you go, Missus Nida. It's a shame, but it has to be this way." ［Grey］

  "I see... That's unfortunate..." ［Nida］

  It was a hard decision, but between the free food and Grey's offer, the tter weighed much heavier. It ity for Yuna, but she wasn't too sad. All she did was imagine how many sweets she could make with the sugar ban lifted and she was ba her usual, cheerful self.

  At the same time, Nida's hopes were crushed by the moment Yuna refused. While it was a shame that such gems wouldn't be joining the event, she also couldn't for them to join. It was time to give upー or so she initially thought.

  "Hahaha! Looks like even the Great Shin has a weakness!" ［Julius］

  An ued event unfolded the moment Julius opened his mouth. He was once agaiing his useless and random thoughts run wild as he tried to aggravate Grey, an irritating smile pstered on his face.

  "If you're so fident, why don't you go up there and present yourself? I'm sure you won't be bag out now, will you?" ［Grey］

  "Hah! Don't turn this one ohere's o be shy, just admit it!" ［Julius］

  "Admit it, my ass! You're just a coward who 't stand up to his own words. A cowardly bastard is what you are!" ［Grey］

  "Huh?! What did you say?! Stop projeg yourself to me, you wussy!" ［Julius］

  Well, it didn't take too long before his pn to annoy Grey backfired. The moment started talking back, their bickering started eg once again, each of their wetting harsher and fiercer with each exge.

  And as their fierce exge tihey arrived to a point where they started talking about the Snowfke of the Night, mog each other with words which are borderline legal. It was truly an iing sight to see.

  "Hah! You think I'm a coward?! Then we'll be joining the petitio's see who amongst us wins this test!" ［Julius］

  "Oh, you really won't give up, huh? Then we'll be joining, too! I'll make you eat your words ter when you taste defeat!" ［Grey］

  "Oh, yeah?! Just see if you !" ［Julius］

  "I surely will, you bastard!" ［Grey］

  "Great! Then, we'll prepare your clothing right now!" ［Nida］

  It was too te, far too te. The moment Grey and Julius realized what they just said, Nida had already heard it all, her face beaming with a blinding smile which extended from ear to ear, a rosy tint showing on her cheeks as happiness filled her heart.

  Meanwhile, Grey and Julius' expressions couldn't be any different. They were now pale, mouths shut closed, and eyes void of colors. They looked at each other with empty expressions, adorned with bitter smiles. They are regretting the sequences of their idiocy together.

  Grey, you'll still keep your promise, right? ［Yuna］

  Ah, yeah... Of course... ［Grey］

  Drier than ahworm buried in a mountain of salt, Grey and Yuna's versation died down without much joy. Grey couldn't even look at her in the eyes as he gazed at the cloud-filled sky, thinking just where it went wrong.

  Fast forward to the present, and now, the sun has set. The sky was dark, dotted by billions of stars, dim and bright. The moon smiled dowy as a cold, gentle, winter breeze howled ever so softly.

  Like the stars in the sky and the Howler's Ring venue from the m, the venue was also dotted with people, excitement gleaming in their eyes and warm, bright smiles floating all over the pce. They happily await the exit of the testants.

  Meanwhile in the backstage, two figures sat down silently as they await their fates. The atmosphere was shrouded in silehe backstage was dimly lit, and their eyes were lost, looking over at a distaop it with their solem empty expressions and you'll have a se full of gloom and depression.

  "Uh... Umm... Y-Yhness..." ［Amelia］

  "Grey... How does it look..." ［Yuna］

  Well, such sadness was no more the moment Yuna and Amelia ehe se. It was as if two angels desded from the heavens, illuminating the abyss. The very moment they saw them, it was as if the world stopped.

  A striking cobalt, blue as the deep o. Amelia's dress fluttered softly in the wind as she took her steps. Her hair red as ruby, although a plete opposite to her blue dress, it plemented her very well, like a red lotus blooming atop a deep ke.

  Yuna didn't lose out either. She only wore a dress of white and silver, the colors of bck ad her. It was simple yet despite its simplicity, it greatly atuated her natural beauty. With her eyes blue as sapphire and cold ice, she was truly fitting to be called a dy of winter.

  Ae their usual attitudes, when it came to dressing up for their men, they have both turned shy. The prim and proper Amelia and the cheerful and eia were no more. All there is is a pair of dies in love, bashfully showing their dresses to their signifit others.

  "Yhness... You're staring too much..." ［Amelia］

  "Ah, sorry... You're just too stunning... I think I'm going crazy..." ［Julius］

  "I see... I'm gd then..." ［Amelia］

  A fierce red like her luscious hair, Amelia's cheeks burned brightly as she received Julius' pliments. Her heart is now all over the pce as she tried to hide her flustered expression from the tter.

  "How about me, Grey...? How do Iー" ［Yuna］

  "Oh my! How beautiful! How divine! You're already geous before, but now, you're all on another level! Are you sure you aren't princes and princesses?!" ［Nida］

  Aed squeal echoed on the backstage, cutting off Yuna's words. It was her than Nida who was now fawning over the four, her eyes showing evident traces of extreme admiration and respect. She was excited. Too excited, actually.

  Not to mention her guess was dangerously close. Everyone could only wonder what her rea will be if she finds out their real identities. Well, not that they have any good reasons to reveal it needlessly.

  "Ohh～! I really want to chat with you more, but that's difficult right now! Anylease follow me now! The testants are going to be called soon!" ［Nida］

  Her face still uo restrain her smile, everyone headed to the tral backstage where the other testants were already waiting. They haven't eveered the stage but all eyes were already oheir grandiose have captured everyone.

  A dy who is often called the flower of high society, an elf whose beauty is amongst the best even among the elven race, a prince who ied both good looks and charisma, and a young man whose body was made personally by God. No matter how you look at it, it was impossible to deny their existence.

  "How beautiful..."

  "Do you know who they are?"

  "No, this is the first time I'm seeing them..."

  Even the dies alemen who are also testants, boastiiful looks and figures, couldn't help but gawk at them. The four were simply on another level. They couldn't help but be blinded by such outstanding presence.

  "Good evening, Kosalvier!"

  It wasn't long before the test finally started. With the loud cheer of the announcer, a deafening cry followed soon after as the audience responded in kiement filled the air with every single word that echoed towards the deep, night sky.

  "And so, what are we waiting for?! Let's wele our testants!"

  Oer another, as their names and numbers were called, the pairs ehe stage, their arms linking with one ahe very moment the first pair went up, the cheers only boomed louder as the people's excitement peaked.

  The first pair, the sed pair, the third pair. As time passed, more and more people made their entrahe audience cheered their names and numbers, showing great support to their idols. It was so loud it wouldn't lose out to any rge cert oh,

  "Joining us for the first time! testants number 12! Mister Jules and Miss Lia!"

  The very moment Julius and Amelia ehe stage, the excitement died down, or rather, the crowd was so taken by their beauty that they couldn't utter anything. They were all speechless, uo take their eyes off them.

  "Last but not the least! testants number 13! Mister Shin and Miss Elena!"

  Grey and Yuered soon after, but the sileayed. Well, rather than saying it stayed, it would be better to say that the silenly intensified. They were already stunned by the previous pair. Now that a simirly geous pair entered.

  "So... So beautiful! Go number 12! I support you!"

  "Number 13! I support you, number 13!"

  "Number 13, are you single?!"

  The moment the crowd snapped out of it, an even louder cheer ruptured the skies. The people who once supported other testants were now switg sides, some even falling in love with them at first gnce.

  Right... I haven't given you my answer, haven't I? ［Grey］

  Hm? ［Yuna］

  Yuna, you're breathtaking... Even now, I think my heart's pounding madly. ［Grey］

  It was a loud night, yet despite the deafening noise, only one voice echoed inside Yuna's mind. As they walked oage, her heart pounded so loudly, she couldn't hear the people's cheers anymore.

  After the grara was time for the talent portion of the show. Oer ahe testants showcased their capabilities to the judges and audiehere was dang, singing, ag, pying instruments, and a lot more. It was a ge fierpetition.

  And while it may be rushed, the four also mao decide on their performances beforehand. Thankfully, they have all attended a number of social events, it truly was an ued lifesaver.

  Time passed and many testants performed. The audience were already plenty satisfied, but their eyes were still full of excitement. It wasn't long before Julius and Amelia were called towards the stage to perform their piece.

  "Good luck, you two!" ［Yuna］

  "Break a leg." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, thank you!" ［Amelia］

  Just like before, the moment Julius and Amelia ehe stage, silence filled the venue. Oage, there was a microphone and a piano to be seen, Julius taking the tter and Amelia walking towards the front, her eyes calm as the night sky above.

  Like birds flying freely through the vast sky, Julius' hands swam through the piano keys, smooth like silk and flowing like the gentle creeks, filling the veh sweet and soft melodies, heartfelt series pying in their minds.

  "La～ La～ La... La～ La～ La～ La～!" ［Amelia］

  The moment Amelia opened her mouth, the venue became quiet like the m forest, only the elements of nature to be heard. It was only a single sylble yet it brought forth such powerful emotions.

  "?Sunshine, seeping through the windows～ Sunshine, dang by the willows～?" ［Amelia］

  Happiness, excitement and light blossomed in everyone's heart the moment words finally danced along the tuhey swayed left and right, humming with the notes, listening carefully, uo utter a single word.

  The moment, there was sadness, then there was grief and despair. ive emotions swirled like a whirlwind. Some frowned, some cried, and some felt their hearts ag. The more they listehe more they felt the meaning of the song.

  The piece was titled "Sunshine". A song about love in its highest heights and deepest depths. A tale of meeting, departure, and reunion. Everyone was moved, such deep and intricate emotions blooming in their hearts.

  Cp Cp Cp Cp

  Cps and cheers echoed in the night sky as soon as Julius and Amelia finished. As they bowed their heads towards the audience, unwavering support rained down upon them. It was a successful performance.

  It wasn't the first time the two received such cheers, but receiving it from their hard work and efforts rather than status, they felt a happihey couldn't describe. Smiles also bloomed on their faces.

  "Well, looks like it's our turn now... Are you ready?" ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Ready when you are." ［Yuna］

  As soon as Julius and Amelia were done, Grey and Yuhen called upoate. They are the st performers, and so, the audiences and judges looked forward to it. Especially after the previous two's performahe bar has been raised.

  The moment they stepped foot in the middle of the stage, a familiar melody pyed in the air. It was the usual song pyed at a noble's ball where the attendees danced around with their partners.

  Beginning their dah a bow, Grey and Yuna then held each other's hearts. But it wasn't just a single dahe moment they started, darkness swallowed the vehe only light to be seen otlight highlighting the two of them.

  With each step they took, colors filled the air. Fire danced around, pnts bloomed with flowers, ice covered their steps, and mana swirled in the air. Magic was also dang with them. It was a mystical sight.

  As Grey and Yuna twisted and turned, fishes and sea creatures made of bubbles swam in the air, their bodies illuminated with light magid moved about by the wind, it seemed as if they had life of their own.

  As the fishes swam, the pnts only grew more vibrant aiful, a little forest f around them, atuating their every movement. The flowers blossomed aals filled the air, a sweet and lovely st wafting through everywhere.

  It was as if they were dang in a magical forest. A tale of two people dang on their own worlds not g about anything else. There were only the two of them in their eyes. It was a nd of hope and dreams, sweet and magical at the same time.

  All eyes were on them as they tio dance around. Evehe musis stopped from shock, they still tio dahe symphony of nature eg in the air with ead every step. It was breathtaking. An unfettable sight.

  Cp Cp Cp Cp

  There were no words o describe it. The moment their performanded, the people stood up and gave their loudest cps and cheers. It was the prettiest and most fasating dahey have ever seen.

  After the talent portion, the event tinued and the night only went deeper. As the st bell of the day rang, the winner of the event was announced, cheerful cries eg in the air and the awards were giveer another.

  Of course, after which was the promised afterparty. It was one everyone ehhly as a variety of amazing dishes were served. From the appetizers, up until the st of the desserts, everything was wonderful.

  The stars tio sparkle and the clouds drifted through the sky ever so freely. The snow started falling once again and the night was now as silent as the dead. The city folks have goo slumber.

  "Mmn～! That was very fun! Everything was so delicious!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, I couldn't agree more! Especially the desserts! They were amazing!" ［Julius］

  "Fufufu. It's unfortuhat we didn't win the test, though..." ［Amelia］

  A soft giggle resounded in the air as Amelia reminded everyone of their loss. While they dominated both the entrand the talent portion, the other testants mao e back with the interview, trivia, and remaining portions. It was another pair whie the s.

  Though they didn't really mind it. Just experieng su event was enough for them. While it was true they were nervous at first, they mao have fun and enjoy the rest. Not to mention hoy the crowd was. They were already satisfied.

  "Well, we could always go back here year and try again." ［Grey］

  "No thank you. A siempt is already enough for me." ［Amelia］

  "Me too! Though I wouldn't mind enjoying such a feast again!" ［Yuna］

  Well, even if they were happy, it doesn't mean they'll be entering such events anytime soon. The unique experience was already more than enough for them.

  Friendly and merry chats tio echo in the air as everyone headed towards the Emerald Lily. They reted everything which happehroughout the day, ughing about their shenanigans and silly thoughts.

  Of course, Amelia didn't fet about the favor Julius owed her. She still hasn't thought about what she will ask for, but she didn't fet to remind him. Once again, Julius remembered how foolish he was.

  'Hmm?' ［Grey］

  Such ses tinued, when all of a sudden, a feeling of softness caressed Grey's fiips, a surge of warmth following soon after. It was her than Yuna. The young dy was tugging on his hands, her iions clear as day.

  There wasn't too much to think about, Grey simply grasped her hands, their fingers interlog with one another as they walked down a snowy path. It was a cold night, but strangely enough, all they could feel was a f warmth.

  CHAPTER 181 END