Chapter 54…
“Wow……”
Cynthia let out a tiny exclamation as she linked her arm with Tession’s and stepped inside.
The entire room was awash in golden waves.
The massive fresco painted on the ceiling was magnificent, and countless chandeliers hung below it. The flames of the candles on the chandeliers and the ones set on each table seemed to compete with one another, reflecting off the golden walls and making the entire hall sparkle.
The dresses and jewelry worn by the nobles filling the banquet hall also contributed to the splendor, each piece adding its own touch of elegance.
On top of that, the soft, beautiful music gently floated to her ears, accompanied by a soothing fragrance that relaxed both mind and body…
‘So this is what the royal court is like…!’
Tession smiled faintly as he watched Cynthia, eyes shining, take in the surroundings beside him.
He often greeted acquaintances, and Cynthia quietly stood at his side, bowing only to those he introduced.
I must not smile! I’m here as the cold, unfeeling, socially inept Elizabeth!
Cynthia kept her expression as neutral as possible, lowering her eyes and walking slowly.
“Tession Romanov.”
At that moment, the murmurs behind them grew louder, and someone called out to them.
Tession turned toward the man who spoke his name, bowed deeply, and spoke.
“Your Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince.”
Gasp! Could this be Licaian?
Cynthia, who bowed in response with her skirt in hand, looked up.
Blond hair neatly swept back, piercing red eyes that seemed to see through everything, and a calm yet subtly dangerous aura about him.
‘Licaian Bonnefeld…’
Just like the novel described. Cynthia swallowed nervously as he gave her a faint, sinister smile without even glancing her way.
“You recognize me well, despite never having met me before.”
“Your voice sounded familiar.”
“Ah… My voice is unforgettable once heard. So the rumors are true—you’ve opened your eyes. Those violet eyes, just like the late Duke’s…”
Cynthia watched the two men warily. On the surface, it seemed like casual conversation, but she could sense a taut tension between them.
“Congratulations on regaining your sight. Since it’s been so long since we last met, we should have a meal together sometime.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Where shall we go…? Ah, how about your restaurant in the capital? I missed that stew so much while abroad.”
That restaurant…
Cynthia glanced at Tession. But the restaurant had already been destroyed.
He couldn’t possibly have forgotten the major incident that shook the Dirotein Empire… so why…?
Tession met Licaian’s unreadable smile and spoke.
“I will treat you to a far better place.”
“Hmm, as you wish. And this one?”
At that moment, Licaian’s red eyes immediately locked onto Cynthia. Startled, she shivered and lowered her head.
“Welcome back, Your Highness. I am Elizabeth Bailey of the Bailey family.”
“Ah, Miss Bailey.”
He examined her slowly from head to toe with an intrigued gaze. Cynthia felt her body stiffen with tension and blinked nervously.
Then Licaian’s lips curved into a smile, and he extended his hand toward her.
“I would like the honor of having the first dance of this ball with you. Will you grant me that pleasure?”
Cynthia froze, staring at the hand he extended.
Dance… with me?
It was customary that the first dance of a ball be with a companion. The Crown Prince surely knew such basic etiquette…
Cynthia looked up at Tession.
This must be a deliberate snub to him…
“Your Highness, I’m afraid Miss Bailey recently injured her leg…”
“You did not ask her.”
Licaian’s cold words snapped Cynthia back to reality. She accepted the excuse Tession had thoughtfully prepared and spoke.
“Your Highness, it would be my greatest honor, but I worry that my inexperience might ruin the dance. My ankle has not fully healed, and I am not in proper form.”
“That does not matter. A dance is more about the rhythm between partners than perfect form.”
He shook his hand toward her again.
“My arm is beginning to tire, though.”
Cynthia glanced at Tession, who looked equally annoyed and frowning. What should she do…?
She turned back to Licaian’s hand and, unable to refuse the Crown Prince twice, finally smiled faintly and placed her hand on his palm.
“Please take care of me, Your Highness.”
“As do I.”
Licaian nodded with a satisfied smile, signaled the orchestra, and music filled the hall, flowing smoothly with a gentle rhythm.
Cynthia held her pounding chest and walked toward the center of the hall with him.
Wait… what did Dale tell me? Head up! Back straight!
I thought Tession would understand an awkward dance, but now I’m dancing with the Crown Prince…! Cynthia felt cold sweat trickle down her back and forced a smile.
What should I do…!!
“Are you too nervous?”
Licaian teased as he faced her. Cynthia smiled gracefully and replied calmly.
“Who could remain calm when dancing with the Crown Prince?”
“Indeed.”
She placed one hand in his, resting the other lightly on his chest, and he led her expertly.
Cynthia moved naturally in step with him, amazed by Licaian’s smooth, fluid movements.
“Am I the only one whose back hurts?”
Licaian murmured quietly.
“Huh?”
He nodded toward the rear.
“Tession Duke has been glaring at me. I didn’t know he could make such a face with his eyes wide open.”
“Ah…”
Unable to find a proper response, Cynthia let her words trail off. Licaian spoke again.
“I hear you are betrothed to Tession Duke.”
“Y-Yes.”
“Seems the Bailey elders are quite interested in the Ritemper troupe.”
Cynthia inhaled sharply. With just a few clues, he had discerned the Bailey family’s intentions—and spoke of it so casually.
Truly, he was not someone to underestimate…
“They say it’s an arranged engagement, but why is Tession making that expression? I’ve never seen him look like that.”
“….”
“In many ways…”
Then Licaian slightly distanced himself, gently turned her, and Cynthia, caught off guard, reached out to maintain her balance.
“Curious.”
His lips curved as the light in his red eyes shifted. Something…? She glanced at him quickly, but the dangerous glint was already gone.
Did I imagine it?
After regaining balance and moving with him, her memory of the steps learned from Dale gradually returned. She moved more naturally now, and Licaian, looking somehow amused, spoke again.
“Elizabeth Bailey.”
Did he always talk this much while dancing…? Dale had not mentioned that.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Licaian drew closer, brushing his lips near her ear. Cynthia froze at the sudden closeness.
“Tession is my oldest friend and the only cousin I have without a sibling. He is a very special person.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I feel we will see much of each other from now on.”
His warm breath tickled her ear; her shoulders instinctively tensed.
“It is… the greatest honor for the Bailey family.”
“Convey it to the Bailey family.”
A message from the Crown Prince! Cynthia lifted her head and met his eyes.
If she remembered well, and if the message was important, Dale might even praise her.
Cynthia swallowed and listened carefully.
The music neared its end.
At the final turn, Cynthia held Licaian’s hand, moved slightly away, and slowly turned to the right, approaching him.
As their faces drew near, Licaian’s red lips curved in a smooth arc.
“Next time, find a more convincing fake young lady.”
