Drawing Manga in a Romance Fantasy

Chapter 134

Amelia usually had a habit of dressing in the simplest outfits and jewelry possible.

Her striking blue hair and porcelain-white skin naturally drew attention, and any extravagant attire only amplified her presence, making her uncomfortable. Thus, minimal adornment had become her norm.

But today was different—Amelia had chosen a slightly more ornate look.@@@@

“Sis, you’re so pretty!”

“Thank you, Evelyn.”

Amelia smiled and patted her younger sister’s head in response to the rare compliment.

‘Is Rupert embarrassed? He specifically asked me to bring my siblings.’

Initially, she had been disappointed, thinking it would be better to meet Rupert alone. However, upon reflection, she realized the rumors that would surely arise if the Somerset heir and the celebrated Bluewell heiress met privately.

‘I wouldn’t mind, though.’

Having already come to terms with her feelings for Rupert, Amelia didn’t care if people spread gossip about them. Still, for her family’s sake, she concluded it was better to bring Evelyn and her siblings along.

“Sis, my friends were so jealous when I told them we were going to see the animation today!”

“Evelyn, I know you’re excited, but don’t forget to thank Rupert when you meet him.”

“Don’t worry! Dad told me to get along with my future brother-in-law.”

“Dad said what?”

Amelia froze at Evelyn’s casual use of “brother-in-law,” glancing around to make sure no one else had overheard. Thankfully, it seemed the conversation was private, but she made a mental note to confront her father later.

‘Getting ahead of himself, as usual.’

Though she thought her father’s comment was premature, she couldn’t entirely disagree—it wasn’t a lie, after all.

“Miss, we’ve arrived.”

“Thank you,” Amelia said as the family’s coachman carefully opened the carriage door.

“So this is the animation theater.”

The sight of the new building, bearing the sign Somerset Animation Theater Tavern, made Amelia’s heart race.

The construction of such an establishment on the expensive land of the imperial capital was newsworthy enough. Yet, rumors had spread that identical theaters were being built simultaneously across the empire.

‘Evelyn can sit with Rupert’s sister. That should let me...’

Amelia’s heart raced at the prospect of what she considered a semi-private date with Rupert, even with their siblings present.

“Lady Amelia?”

“Professor Zinnia? What brings you here...?”

Her daydream was interrupted by a familiar voice. Turning around, she saw Zinnia—a red-haired young woman who had recently become more of a lady than a girl.

“I was invited by Rupert,” Zinnia explained.

“You too?”

“Then you as well?” Zinnia replied, equally surprised.

Amelia felt as though she had been struck by lightning.

‘So I wasn’t the only one invited....’

The realization stung, especially after a week of sleepless anticipation, believing she had been singled out by Rupert.

“I couldn’t miss it. Besides, I wanted to see Ada and catch up with you.”

“Uncle, you’re here!”

Alex was greeted enthusiastically by Ada, who clung to Rupert’s side.

“Haha, Ada, what kind of speech is that?”

“I’m learning social manners and etiquette!”

Ada eagerly demonstrated her progress to Alex, who couldn’t help but laugh at her amusingly warped interpretation of etiquette lessons.

“Sir Rupert, thank you for the invitation.”

“It is an honor to have you here, Your Highness.”

As Alex entertained Ada, the murmurs in the crowd grew louder when a woman descended from a carriage.

It was Iolin, the imperial princess and the emperor’s only daughter—the jewel of the empire.

Before the animation demonstration began, a small reception was held to introduce the work to the guests.

Third Prince Edric sipped champagne at one of the tables, alternating his gaze between Rupert, who was presenting on stage, and the tension-filled table at the front.

“Adrian, I’m not the most perceptive guy.”

“You don’t say.”

“But even I can feel the tension from that table.”

Adrian nodded in agreement. Even without Edric’s exceptional swordsman instincts, the intense energy emanating from the table was palpable.

“I’ve always thought Professor Rupert might be a genius.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“They say geniuses often lack in other areas.”

“That’s true.”

Throughout history, few perfect geniuses existed. Most had flaws—whether in personality, physical ability, or something else.

“I think our professor traded social awareness for his talents.”

“Well, that could be a gift too.”

“A gift? Do you not see those three women’s piercing glares?”

Edric considered it almost intentional, as if Rupert had orchestrated the seating arrangement to observe the tension.

At the table sat Amelia, Zinnia, and Edric’s own sister, Iolin.

‘Amelia’s feelings for Professor Rupert are blatantly obvious.’

Edric had seen how Amelia gazed at Rupert during club meetings and lectures. Her crush was apparent to anyone paying attention.

‘Zinnia is unexpected. What connection does she have to him?’

Perhaps it was tied to their last battle, but Edric couldn’t be sure.

Most surprising of all, however, was Iolin.

‘My sister... marrying? Professor, I wish you luck surviving this.’

Edric quietly offered a prayer for Rupert’s safety.