Loser's redo: Transmigration in a novel

Looking at Philine from the corner of his eye, Zick could help but think: 'Does she have foresight as her Diviner's ability?'

Such a possibility also existed, but it was not set in stone yet. Actually, If Philine had foresight, Zick would order Yuriel to start experimenting with a way to transfer that ability to him right away. It is just that enticing to him.

'The chances of extracting an innate ability is impossible according to Yuriel. But, I would still give it a go if she has foresight...'

Zick had other doubts too, he was the kind of person who thought deeply about any kind of suspicious matter.

What might be the reason for Philine to approach him like this?

'Is it to blackmail me? But that doesn't make sense if she is just like the intel mentions her to be — she would not do such a stupid thing.' Zick wondered silently walking up the stairs.

Blackmail Zick? What proof does Philine even have against him? Her ability as a Diviner?

No one would believe her!

Most people don't even know that something like a diviner exists. If Philine went talking about her ability, leaving aside the elves and her father, no one would even consider her words.

'If she came to collect some proof then, hmph! That would be even stupid.' Zick had no clear weakness and it would be hard to sway the public sentiments against him.

Not to mention Levienel would kill Philine if some proof was ever found.

'I should keep my hands clean of her in that case.' Zick's attention shifted to the hall.

Zick was planning on just spending his time in this ceremony half-heartedly and then, going back to his room to train in his aura. But with Philine's interference, he could not relax in this event.

Philine expression slowly turned to that of indifference as they walked to the entrance. Her attendant moved forward to give the invitation card to the guard.

Without a word, Zick took out the invitation card from the space ring, maintaining his gentle face.

Seeing the name on the card, the guard had a complex look, filled with reverence, gratefulness, and many more.

Instantly, Both Philine and Zick's names were announced in series.

Almost everyone's attention was drowned in their direction. Seeing Philine holding onto Zick's hand by the elbow, Many nobles felt amused, while some covered their mouth with their hand fans in wonder.

"I heard this troublemaker was saved by Mister Zick too, it seems to be the truth."

"....This is actually the first time I have seen her with any partner in a celebration event."

"I feel kind of jealous, but I would have still never asked her out anyway. I don't want to end up as Heweir, getting humiliated before everyone."

The Nobles, young to old age gossiped among themselves.

'What kind of Humiliation is it?' Zick wanted to ask but could only hold it in.

Zick revealed a nervous look but still moved deeper into the hall, heading to the seats located on the furthest.

Philine stuck to his side, making him pause and smile at her: "Miss Philine, you can head towards your seat, We can meet again once the ball dance starts."

Philine turned to Zick and flashed a smile: "There is no need for such a thing."

Seeing this many people were left speechless in the hall.

"She smiled...? She actually smiled..."

"No, I remembered she smiled like this after she made young master Gerick eat spicy juice instead of the wine."

"This is an event set by the royal family, if she played some trick here...it would not end well."

All this entered Zick's ears, making him tense internally. He got on his guard so that he could react to any situation.

He knew the power of reputation, his current image in others' heads must not be changed.

He waited for Philine to continue her explanation.

"My seat is placed right beside yours." Philine's answer was very simple.

"I see, then let's move to our seats together." Zick smiled, not flustered at all.

'The higher the standing of a person, the furthest their seat is. I was given a seat comparable to a duke so it's very apparent the kind of position I hold in the royalty's mind.' Therefore, Zick did not feel it to be out of place that Philine's seat was near him.

The three heirs of the royal family sat beside the seat which is meant for the king. They smiled at Zick when their eyes came in contact.

"Are you close with his royal highness?" Philine asked with interest.

"Well, you say we are more than acquaintances, We met a lot while I stayed in the royal palace," Zick said bashfully.

Shortly they arrived at their seats, which were at the right of the hall. Philine's father, Duke Wenerious, namely Marghes, sat on the table's chair, which was right beside Zick's table.

Marghes got up seeing Zick heading towards him, a smile appeared on his masculine face as he exuded goodwill towards Zick.

Maghes Wenerious was also known as a famous master swordsman in the Hevertec kingdom.

Marghes could not help but sigh bitterly seeing he could still only sense a little of Zick's presence.

'The new generation overtakes the old, huh?' Marches felt a little downcast but did not let it show on his face.

Zick could have fully hidden his existence in front of a normal master swordsman like Marghes. But he let Marghes sense his presence by a little, this would make him look like he was just a few steps above Marghes, not fully on another level.

'Appearing too strong would make everyone apprehensive after all. Doing this would make others think that I am someone they can take care of, thus lessening my threat level.' Zick smiled at Marghes who extended a hand to him.

Towards Zick, Marghes held nothing more than appreciation and goodwill.

"It's been a while, Mister Zick." Marches greeted first.

Zick shook hands with Marghes: "Yes, Long time no see."

Greeting Marghes, Zick did not hesitate and took back his arm from Philine.

Diviner's abilities were mysterious, there might be a requirement to come in contact personally too. Just like the elf princess, who had moved near to the person to look at their soul.

"If you will excuse me then." Zick moved to his chair with no hesitation.

'From the way she acted, it was like she was trying to get a reaction from me. It appears she has skills in provoking people too.'

'Still...What is she trying to pull off I wonder.'

The very next moment, Philine sat at the chair beside Zick.

Zick's eyes twitched seeing her action, he really wanted to keep his distance from her.

"Haha, Miss Philine, you should sit at your table, or else, it might appear offensive to the royalty who set up the seating." There was worry in his voice, but the meaning behind it was clear to Philine

Zick gave up hiding the meaning behind his words too - 'Just go and sit in your seat already!'

Philine smiled coquettishly: "Royal highness won't care about such a thing for sure. However, why do I feel that mister Zick is trying to tell me to go away." Her head tilted to the side with a thoughtful look.

Zick eyes shrank: 'Those are some poisonous words!'

Their conversation was not hidden by the others. So, many people with strong senses could easily hear Zick and Philine.

"Of course not, I was just speaking concerned for you." Zick's expression did not break, he still had a gentle smile on his face.

"That so? I felt that you were telling me to go away but it doesn't seem to be the case. Thank you for letting me sit here!." Philine still smiled playfully.

Zick breathed in deeply and smiled brighter than before: "I see the reason why Miss Philine is known as a villainess. It must be because you think too deeply about others' words and misunderstand. I am sure others would come to understand how wonderful you are if you just spoke to them wholeheartedly."

This time Zick went into attacking.

"Kuh! Hahaha....."

"Pfft! Mister Zick is a very straightforward person, I see."

A few people who were eavesdropping on their conversation started trying their best to hold in their laughter. They knew Philine's personality the most and Zick's words were plain mockery in a way.

No one thought Zick to have done it wantonly though. His expression saying he would cheer Philine up was too real.

And humans were beings who believed what they wanted to believe. Zick's image as a kind person was vividly present in their mind. Hence, they believed Zick autonomously.

Philine's expression cramped up a little, but her calm look and atmosphere did not break.

Instead, a sharp light passed through Philine's eyes: 'He truly exhibits his emotions when he speaks words with deeper meaning like right now.' She had been analyzing Zick's words with her ability.

"I am not sure who said such a thing, but It must be just a bad rumor slandering me because of jealousy." Philine was shamelessly boasting about her beauty right now.

Zick lamented looking at the amount of attention he gathered.

'Ah, I just wanted to sit in peace but because of her that's not possible anymore.'

'Well, peace can go to hell. If she wants a wordplay, I will grant her just that.' Zick had confidence in his 'eloquent' tongue. He let a little of his emotion take over.

If Philine had no talent, Zick would have really ordered Levienel to kill her with no hesitation.

'Or should I just kill her? I am not sure if I can recruit her, to begin with. Diviner is a support type profession too...' Zick stopped this train of thought, he almost gave on to his emotions there!

It had to be accepted that Philine had a knack to annoy people.

At that moment, when Zick was thinking of Philine's attitude — the grand announcement of the king's entry rang throughout the hall.