All eyes were fixed on Richard, expecting him to provide some explanation. Instead, he casually remarked, "Alright, since everyone's here, let's get going."
Among the group, the most bewildered was undoubtedly Dylan. He had rushed over after hearing Richard had something urgent to discuss, only to be told to leave as soon as he arrived.
The most astonished was Zhangning. Could it be that the person Lord Morris mentioned yesterday, the one who would accompany her home, was Prince Dylan himself?
Seeing Richard actually start walking, Dylan asked in confusion, "Hey, my dear Richard, where are we going?"
Richard replied matter-of-factly, "Where else would we go after school? Home, of course."
Home…
Taking in the trio, Dylan suddenly understood and quickly made an excuse, "Oh, I'm sorry! My dear Richard, I'm actually quite busy right now. I'm setting up the Halloween ball."
"Prince Dylan, are you the one organizing the masquerade ball?" Zhangning couldn't help but ask, her admiration shining through even her thick glasses.
Seeing this, Dylan smiled smugly. See, no matter where he went, he could always attract the admiration of young girls—far better than that icy guy.
"Oh, is that so? Are you too busy to spare even a little time?" Richard looked at Dylan with a hint of arrogance. "Then I'll have to mention it to Lestat and arrange for someone to share your workload."
Hearing this, Dylan's smile immediately faltered. This stone-faced guy was really bullying him! If Richard actually brought this up to Lestat, wouldn't it make him seem incompetent? Such a thing could not be allowed!
"No! My dear Richard, I'll have the staff handle the rest. I'm heading home now too, and I was just worried about going alone. Haha!" Dylan quickly said, "Let's get going!"
It was a threat—an absolute, blatant threat! Even Anran could hear it, but Zhangning, still full of admiration, seemed completely unaware. As they walked, Zhangning kept asking questions about the Halloween ball.
However, these were exactly the kind of topics Dylan was happy to discuss.
Dylan was used to people's attention, especially from young girls. So, when he felt Zhangning's genuine admiration, the slight reluctance in his heart quickly dissipated.
Along the way, they talked enthusiastically about the details of the Halloween ball. Even Anran and Richard didn't have as much to discuss.
Dylan said proudly, "You know what? I'm planning to build a stage on the lake in the northern part of the campus. I'll be leading the band and performing live!"
"Really? Prince Dylan is going to perform personally? That's going to be amazing!" Zhangning responded excitedly.
In the hearts of the girls at St. Tiana Academy, Dylan was the most approachable of the Morris family. While the student council president was gentle, he had an air of unapproachability. And as for Richard, well, he was someone people didn't dare approach at all. So, the handsome and slightly flamboyant Dylan was undoubtedly the campus prince in the eyes of the girls.
"Of course! With me in charge, there's nothing that can't be done! You're all going to experience an unparalleled rock feast!" Dylan said, basking in his own glory.
Hearing this, Richard couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "This idiot."
Anran, on the other hand, secretly laughed. Dylan might look flamboyant and mysterious, but he was actually quite a simple-minded guy.
From that day on, Dylan indeed showed up on time every day, reporting the latest progress on the ball's setup and sharing his creative ideas.
Time flew by, and soon it was the day before Halloween. This period had been the most relaxed and enjoyable time Anran had experienced since coming to Roseville—so much so that she almost forgot about the lurking danger.
But with Richard accompanying her during the day, Adam protecting her at night, and the enchanted cross from Murong Mingyue by her side, what was there to fear?
The Clock Tower.
Anran opened the box Richard had given her, full of anticipation. But when she saw what was inside, she froze.
Then, blushing with embarrassment and anger, she shouted, "Richard! Is this the so-called dress you prepared for me?"