Chapter 36
Normally, when a person draws attention, some people rush to praise them while others gather to tear them down.
But today was different.
Everyone was united in one voice—lavishing praise on Elion, the Empire’s only Grand Duke.
People were exceedingly friendly toward the war hero who was attending a capital social event for the very first time.
“I already knew the Grand Duke was handsome, and Lady Payson was beautiful, but seeing the two of them together somehow makes them both look even better. Isn’t that fascinating?”
“Maybe it’s because they’re destined for each other?”
“Oh goodness! Destined for each other? Really!”
Laughter bubbled everywhere as talks about Elion and Rubyana flowed endlessly.
Rubyana wanted nothing more than to evaporate on the spot.
‘This is too much! We’re not zoo animals in an enclosure for people to stare at!’
She wasn’t used to being the center of attention. Every stare made her feel strained.
“Being watched by people won’t be easy.”
“It can’t be helped. To act like the perfect lovers… I’ll stick close to you, Your Highness.”
“Right. I’ll try too.”
Remembering the conversation they had in the carriage, Rubyana lifted her chin once more.
She couldn’t shrink away. She had to act confident.
We are the real thing. Real lovers.
Rubyana repeated this self-hypnosis again and again.
She let out a breath—and at that very moment, she heard another sigh beside her.
Rubyana and Elion’s eyes met in the air.
‘Ah… His Highness must be tired of this intense attention too.’
‘The lady seems exhausted already.’
They found sympathy in each other’s gaze.
And just as they had sighed at the same time, they also shared a small, involuntary smile.
It felt as though they could see straight into each other’s heads.
Then—
“His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince and the Saintess are arriving!”
The butler’s booming announcement swept the hall into silence.
A moment later, every widened eye turned toward the entrance.
“I never heard the Crown Prince would be attending! And with the Saintess, no less!”
“The Saintess never attends social gatherings. What brings her here today?”
Seeing the Grand Duke at a party had already been remarkable, and now the Crown Prince and Saintess?
This party was certain to be remembered as the best of the year.
People felt honored to witness this moment with their own eyes.
Their eyes glittered with eager anticipation.
Soon, the heavy doors opened, and Crown Prince Phyllis Blay and Saintess Florencia Mirenne entered together.
“Wow!”
“My goodness!”
Gasps spilled out across the hall.
Florencia’s white dress—simple, with minimal lace and jewel embellishment—accentuated her serene, divine beauty more than any lavish gown.
People were also surprised by the Crown Prince.
Despite turning eighteen this year, he often retained a boyish air.
But today was different.
In the moment he escorted the Saintess, he suddenly looked like a dignified, fully grown adult.
Everyone agreed: the Crown Prince and the Saintess made a striking pair.
Thus, the Empress’s plan had worked perfectly.
The attention that had been fixed on Elion and Rubyana shifted completely to the Crown Prince and the Saintess.
Thanks to that, Rubyana and Elion could finally breathe.
There was no need to force a smile by straining their facial muscles anymore.
‘The Empress must’ve pushed for this.’
Watching the Crown Prince and the Saintess exchanging busy greetings, Rubyana thought:
‘She probably disliked Elion being the center of attention. So she suggested the Crown Prince and Saintess attend. They had no choice but to obey her command.’
Quietly pushed to a corner, Rubyana leaned toward Elion and whispered:
“We hit the jackpot.”
“I think so too.”
They had braced themselves for at least an hour of intense attention, but it ended in ten minutes. What a blessing.
All thanks to the Crown Prince and Saintess.
…Or perhaps, thanks to the Empress.
Rubyana and Elion smiled at each other and clinked their champagne glasses.
It felt strangely like the camaraderie between comrades who had just emerged victorious from a small battle.
As Rubyana laughed at Elion’s eye smile folding in half, she suddenly froze.
‘Is it really okay for me to be laughing with him like this? Comrades? That’s ridiculous.’
Whatever existed between her and Elion—it was temporary.
Someday, it would vanish without a trace.
Eventually, she would have to distance herself from this man.
‘But… so what. For today, he’s my partner.’
What mattered was getting through the mountain directly in front of her.
She needed to focus on the present and do her best.
‘Right. Today, I’m going to enjoy this.’
Rubyana took a big sip of her sweet cocktail and firmed her resolve.
“Considering how closely we’re staying together today, I think this is enough mana for the day, don’t you?”
“I had the same thought just now. You’re in sync with me.”
“I figured you’d think that.”
The ability to see into each other’s thoughts clearly—if that wasn’t camaraderie, what was?
Their eyes met with a pleasant, tangled warmth.
Meanwhile, even after everyone else’s attention shifted to the Crown Prince and Saintess, the Payson couple’s eyes remained glued to their daughter and her “lover.”
Count and Countess Payson did not miss a single moment—whispering to each other, smiling at each other—how beautifully close Rubyana and Elion looked.
Lyndon leaned toward his wife and whispered confidently:
“Now I’m certain. Our Ruby is in love!”
“See? I told you so.”
Virginia’s lips curved in immense satisfaction.
Chad, who had been glancing toward Rubyana throughout the party, finally seized his chance and approached her.
“Rubyana, may I have the third dance?”
“Oh—Chad!”
Startled by his sudden appearance, Rubyana widened her eyes.
As Chad offered his hand insistently, she took it with a warm smile.
“Mm?”
“Of course.”
Elion was across the hall greeting nobles. Dancing one dance with a childhood friend instead of her “lover” was fine.
She was grateful Chad offered despite believing she was dating Elion.
And she felt guilty as well.
‘Chad, I’m sorry. So just wait a little longer. Once my body is whole again, I promise—I’ll come to you.’
Rubyana prayed inwardly with earnest sincerity.
To the lively waltz, Chad leaned close and whispered teasingly:
“You two look so good together, I got a little jealous.”
His refreshing green eyes sparkled with mischief.
Rubyana let out a soft, deflating laugh at her childhood friend’s joke.
Then she teased him back:
“Just a little jealous? Doesn’t look that way.”
“You caught me. I was actually very jealous.”
As she watched Chad grin and joke shamelessly, Rubyana felt her heart flutter.
So this is what the novel meant by his cheerful personality.
The male lead of this world smiling at her felt as if the entire world itself was smiling warmly at her.
It was a bright, hopeful sign.
Chad winked playfully and said:
“At the next party, my partner and I will steal all the attention. Just watch, Rubyana.”
“Go ahead and try. I’ll never lose.”
Rubyana lifted her chin and laughed confidently.
Their friendly banter made her heart as light as a feather.
‘Ah… this fits me. This is my real place. Comfortable—like clothes tailored just for me.’
Yes—Chad was undoubtedly her destined match.
Meanwhile, across the room, Elion watched the two dancing.
His blue eyes sharpened.
‘I’ve never seen her smile like that.’
He could see everything: their playful grins, her slightly pouting lips, Chad’s winking eye.
‘I knew they were acquainted before…’
But he hadn’t known they were that close.
For some reason, a heavy feeling sank in his chest.
‘I don’t like this.’
