Chapter 127 – Like Mushrooms After Rain

“You really won’t tell Miss Teresa about any of this?”

“I won’t. Don’t worry. There’s no reason I’d need to, right?” If it were anyone else, they’d definitely be mad about someone breaking into their home. But Dylin was... a little different.

His perception wasn’t just Dylin’s—it also included Teresa’s. From Dylin’s perspective, what Lillin did was absolutely over the line. But from Teresa’s point of view? Lillin’s actions were rash and presumptuous, sure—but her motivation had been concern for Teresa’s safety. She was worried the little cabbage might get snatched up by a wild boar. That made things easier to overlook.

“Thank you for your generosity...!” Compared to being disliked by Teresa, worrying about Dylin’s true colors suddenly didn’t seem so important anymore. After hearing Dylin’s assurance, Lillin finally looked a bit more at ease.

Astrid really did have a way with her. Just a few words, and she’d managed to get Lillin to behave herself.

After placing the hairpin back on the tea table, Lillin kept apologizing profusely to Dylin.

“Lillin, just apologizing won’t cut it, you know.”

“Later, I’ll make it up to Mr. Dylin...” Lillin bowed her head low, not daring to look at him.

The whole farce had ended without any real damage. Astrid led Lillin away from the Crown Courtyard.

“As for my application to join your team, there’s no need to rush. You can give me your answer later.”

“But, Astrid, your people might not approve of your decision. They might think you’re being too impulsive. Why don’t you discuss it with them first?”

“I’ve come to understand some things after everything that’s happened lately. In the end, they’re your family. Even if they seem overbearing, it’s probably because they care about you.” Dylin mused aloud.

“No. This is my decision, Dylin.” Astrid lifted her eyes, beautiful and serene as violet moons.

“Miss Teresa was absolutely right—personal choices shouldn’t be bound by the chains called ‘family.’”

“If—just if—you’re willing to give us another chance to confirm our feelings...” Having said that, Astrid seemed to have used up all her courage. She grabbed Lillin and left quickly without another word.

Dylin knew how difficult it had been for the usually reserved Astrid to say all that.

But as for her joining the team...

After seeing them off, Dylin slumped onto the couch, holding his head.

Back when he became part of the Crown Team, he’d already anticipated this—he would inevitably have to review a bunch of new member applications.

Whether people came for Teresa, or for the reputation and perks of the Crown Team, everyone flocked to follow the leader.

Astrid chose to apply to join again after the tournament ended... That was unexpected.

In Dylin’s eyes, she was the obedient daughter type who listened to her elders—not someone who would make a rebellious decision like this. Besides, her team composition was ideal—great synergy and compatibility. There was no need to reshuffle.

Astrid...

Dylin fell into silence. He thought about how she used to look after his daily needs, how she’d even come down the mountain during the final stage of the Crown Tournament to bring him a blanket and clean fruit...

To say he had no feelings for Astrid would be a lie. But ever since Teresa appeared, that burning passion had gradually cooled.

It wasn’t that his affections came and went easily. It was just that Teresa’s presence had started to change parts of him—his outlook, his temperament.

Even though the change wasn’t obvious, the more often he transformed into Teresa to fight, the more her personality influenced his own.

It wasn’t that his emotions cooled quickly, but rather that he’d become more composed and rational than before.

Elves were deeply contradictory beings—extreme, in fact.

They could be extremely beautiful and extremely proud. Normally far more calm and rational than humans, yet when overcome by emotion, they were passionate, selfless, and eternally loyal—far beyond what humans could match.

Teresa’s restraint and rationality had affected Dylin. It was like pouring cold water over a raging fire—cooling his overheated mind.

Once he’d calmed down, he began re-examining everything, including his feelings toward Astrid. That introspection made him realize quite a few inconsistencies.

Dylin believed in love at first sight—but was his interest in Astrid really that?

To put it bluntly, he was just a naïve loser who’d never seen the world, dazzled by Astrid’s beauty. Love at first sight? That was nonsense.

He was just thirsty. Pathetic.

Such feelings couldn’t be called “liking” someone—not anymore, not in Dylin’s eyes. They were too impure, too crude.

His attitude toward Astrid had shifted largely due to Teresa’s influence—an influence that was slowly, silently shaping him even now, without him even realizing it.

That’s why Dylin came to understand: his earlier feelings toward Astrid weren’t love. Which meant he had to redefine the nature of their relationship.

But even if it wasn’t love, he still liked her somewhat. And that made the situation tricky.

Rejecting her outright seemed too harsh. But accepting Astrid into the team would mean living under the same roof—eating together, living together. It might be fine for a while, but over time...

People would notice something fatal: Teresa and Dylin had never appeared in the same frame together.

Big problem. What the heck was he going to do?

As Dylin sat there wracking his brain, the doorbell rang with a crisp, pleasant chime.

Again? Who is it this time??

Dylin was sure word about him and Teresa moving into the Crown Estate hadn’t spread yet.

Other than Astrid, Lillin, and a few Elves, no one else should know.

How had it only been two days, and already two rounds of visitors were showing up?

Clearing his head, Dylin rose from the soft sofa and stepped into the courtyard.

“Hello, who is it?” He used his ID card to unlock the gate.

Could it be that Astrid and Lillin forgot something and came back?

No, that was unlikely—Astrid hadn’t even entered the house. Plus, she wasn’t like Lillin; she was meticulous and wouldn’t make such basic mistakes.

Opening the gate with a frown of confusion, Dylin was stunned by the face that appeared.

Well well, another familiar one.

The girl at the gate also froze for a moment, then quickly composed herself. With a practiced motion, she gave him a formal knight’s salute.

“Apologies for the intrusion. You must be Miss Teresa’s Divine Child—Mr. Dylin, the one everyone’s been talking about?” The twin-tailed knight princess spoke gracefully and warmly. It was as if she weren’t wearing a school uniform, but a ballgown.

Sure enough, the visitor was none other than Felicia Zorsha.

“‘Everyone’s been talking’ is a bit much... And you are?” Dylin wasn’t being modest. If he was famous for anything, it was probably being known as a man who lived off a woman’s status.

It was clear Dylin didn’t recognize Felicia—at least not immediately. Even if he had, he felt the need to play dumb.

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Felicia Zorsha, First Princess of the Whiteglass Kingdom. You may have heard my name before.” Felicia stood poised and elegant. Dressed in the exclusive top-three Coleman uniform, she had a unique allure.

Compared to the Crown uniform, hers had subtle distinctions: a blue rose instead of a gold one at the chest, golden threads instead of crystal accents at the sleeves and hem, and beige ribbons for her over-knee socks.

Her XP might be a little peculiar, but her figure was exceptional—not just those long, alluring legs wrapped in black stockings, but also the overflowing curves that even the largest-size uniform couldn’t completely restrain. Paired with her waist-length twin tails, she was absolutely stunning.

In short: big chest, shapely hips, and long legs.

“Oh, Princess Felicia—what an honor.” Dylin glanced at her for only a split second before respectfully averting his gaze.

Catching the change in his eyes, a subtle flicker passed through Felicia’s gaze.

“This doesn’t seem like the best place to talk, does it?” Felicia smiled faintly. “Of course, if I’m interrupting your and Miss Teresa’s private time, I’ll take my leave.”

“Oh no, not at all. We just moved in—things are still a mess. I hope you’ll forgive us, Princess Felicia.”

“Just call me Felicia.”

“...Huh?”

“No need to add ‘Princess’ after my name. It’s a tedious, outdated formality, don’t you think?”

“Ah, I understand.” Looking at this uninvited guest, Dylin couldn’t help but make a guess.

Don’t tell me... again?? Come on—it hadn’t even been a few days!

“Felicia, please come in.” Calling her by name felt strange—Dylin wasn’t used to it, since they weren’t exactly close.

“Then I’ll graciously accept.” Felicia stepped inside confidently, examining the layout and scenery. “Beautiful. It’s wonderfully kept. Do you enjoy tending to these flowers and plants, Dylin?”

“No, that’s the maintenance crew. I didn’t contribute anything.” Dylin shook his head, watching her gaze as she admired the garden. Was she genuinely interested?

No—she was royalty from Whiteglass. No matter how luxurious the Crown Estate was, it couldn’t compare to a palace. Surely this scenery was nothing special to her.

Inside, Dylin noticed Felicia stopped politely at the entryway, waiting for him to offer direction.

“Would these slippers be okay?” He handed her a pair of pink cotton slippers.

“As you wish.” With a small smile, Felicia gracefully removed her loafers, revealing her black-stockinged feet like polished obsidian, and slipped into the slippers.

Dylin poured her a cup of tea. “It’s humble fare, I hope you won’t mind, Miss Felicia.”

“Someone else visited earlier, didn’t they?” Glancing at the uncollected teacups, Felicia sat elegantly on the couch and raised her own.

“Yes.”

“Let me guess—they submitted an application to join your team?”

“That’s right.” Sharp as expected of the Whiteglass Princess, Dylin thought. Her attention to detail was no joke.

“Then if I may be so bold—what do you plan to do with these applications?” Felicia gently blew on her tea before sipping.

“I’m still considering it.”

“Is Miss Teresa not home?” Felicia had been looking around since entering but hadn’t seen her.

“No. She had something to take care of and went out.”

“I see. So you’re waiting for her to return and give her opinion before deciding?”

“Yeah, that’s the idea.” Dylin nodded.

“I see. In that case...” Felicia took another sip of tea and set her cup down. “Then I must trouble you, Mr. Dylin.”

“It’s no trouble... Huh?” Catching the implication in her tone, Dylin blinked. “Why do you say that, Miss Felicia?”

“Because I’m about to give you even more work. So... I must trouble you.” She smiled with elegant mischief.

“More... work?”

“My own application to join your team—please take a look.” With that, Felicia retrieved a form from her purse and handed it to him.

“Uh...” Seeing the detailed Imperial script filling every line, Dylin had half-expected this, but was still caught off guard. “You want to join??”

“Precisely.”

“But...” Dylin was dazed. It was one thing for Astrid—but now even Felicia?

The top three finalists of the Crown Tournament in one team? What would the school think of that?

How were other teams supposed to compete??

“So? Is it not allowed? Or is your team not recruiting at the moment?”

“No—it’s just... I’d like to know why you made this decision, Miss Felicia.” He added “Miss” again—it felt more respectful and created some emotional distance. “From what I’ve heard, your current team has excellent synergy—especially that Divine Princess who can swap resistances.

Why leave?”

“Why?”

Felicia closed her eyes, as if truly pondering. “There are many reasons—probably more than I can explain right away. Which one would you like to hear first?”

She spoke like someone sitting in an interview—composed, unpretentious, and approachable.

Talking with a girl like this naturally gave people a favorable impression.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.