Chapter 9
Lamier reviewed his plan again.
“What about the third prince’s side?”
“Yes. We received a report this evening. Preparations are almost complete. All loose ends have been taken care of, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
The biggest obstacle blocking Robert’s path—the third prince—was about to disappear from this world.
It was a satisfying piece of news, like pulling out an aching tooth.
For a moment, Lamier felt relieved.
‘That’s right. Things stumbled for a bit, but as long as they return to track, it’s fine.’
If Anneliese followed his plan, everything could still be fixed tonight.
“Robert plans to propose to Anneliese Solarichen again today. Surely she wouldn’t dare reject him in front of His Majesty.”
Unless she somehow found another marriage partner in just a few days.
Which was unlikely.
“Has Anneliese Solarichen arrived at the banquet yet?”
“No.”
“As soon as she arrives, bring her to me.”
Among imperial nobles, a marriage becomes official the moment the Emperor gives his blessing.
And once it is approved, divorce is only possible with the Emperor’s permission.
Would the Emperor allow it?
Lamier knew the Emperor had already considered Anneliese as a future daughter-in-law.
Meaning—even if she didn’t want the marriage, she would have no way out.
Just as Lamier finished dressing for the banquet—
“Your Highness!”
The mercenary returned, knocking on the window.
He looked clearly shaken, breathing unevenly.
“Has Anneliese arrived?”
“No, Your Highness. The Grand Duke’s knight came. He said the Grand Duke will also attend the ball tonight.”
“What? The Grand Duke? He didn’t return north that day?!”
Why was he still in the capital?
Lamier was visibly startled.
“There’s more… he requested a change to the guest list. He will be attending with a partner.”
“A partner? Who?”
“…Lady Anneliese Solarichen.”
“What?!”
Lamier’s face turned pale.
***
Anneliese stayed still, holding her breath and looking around.
Just before she was discovered by the Crown Prince—
Someone had grabbed her.
‘It’s the Grand Duke of Aperhis.’
She had only met him once, but she recognized him instantly.
Was this what they called presence?
Whenever he was near, the air felt colder.
‘No need for a fan in summer.’
The atmosphere felt heavier, almost suffocating.
‘Well, a little pressure is good for my otherwise easy life.’
Her mind automatically interpreted everything about him positively.
Anyway, since he had said “shh,” she stayed quiet.
Hidden under the stairs, she remained perfectly still.
The candlelight flickered, casting the Crown Prince’s shadow.
Soon, he appeared.
Just as he was about to look under the stairs—
A voice echoed from the corridor.
“Your Highness Robert! Where are you? The waltz is about to begin!”
It seemed the noble ladies she had given information to were doing their job well.
The Crown Prince hesitated, then hurried off toward the opposite corridor.
‘You’re the one who said persistence wins. Go ahead and be persistent.’
She would be safe for a while.
Once the footsteps faded—
The Grand Duke released her.
“Tha—”
“You’re slow.”
He cut her off immediately.
By now, she was already used to his rudeness.
What did it matter if he skipped greetings?
He had just saved her—and would likely keep saving her.
“—nk you. And it’s nice to see you again, Your Grace.”
“Hmm.”
She greeted him, but he didn’t seem to care and was looking elsewhere.
What was he staring at?
He stood with his arms crossed, head lowered.
Following his gaze—
She saw her own feet beneath her dress.
‘That’s just my feet…’
He let out a quiet scoff.
“Well, with feet that small, I suppose it makes sense.”
“…Excuse me?”
Her foot size was perfectly average.
She was shocked.
‘My feet are small?!’
What kind of nonsense was that?
“They’re completely average for an adult woman.”
“Can you even walk properly?”
Now he was seriously questioning her ability to walk.
“Look. I can walk just fine.”
Annoyed, she stepped forward to show him.
‘And how perfect are your feet, exactly?’
Her shoes were now next to his.
She glanced between them—
…and stopped herself from arguing further.
‘Does he measure everything based on himself?’
With feet that large, everything else would seem small.
Isaiah’s words echoed in her mind.
[My lord is indifferent to social norms and personal boundaries.]
…That explained it.
“That said, I could carry you to your destination.”
That might—
“No, thank you.”
She answered firmly.
“I’ll walk.”
She immediately turned and started up the stairs.
Walking as confidently as possible so he wouldn’t even think about carrying her.
“Hm.”
The Grand Duke lowered his hand, looking unconvinced.
But in that short time, she had already climbed halfway.
Her golden hair swayed rhythmically with each step.
It was… strangely irritating.
So irritating that he couldn’t look away.
Watching her, the Grand Duke followed behind.
***
The northern tower corridor looked very different from what Anneliese remembered.
At the end of the long hallway was a pentagon-shaped space.
Instead of tiles, soft carpet covered the floor.
‘It feels like a small ballroom… except there’s no chandelier.’
The room was dim, lit only by candles on the walls.
At the sound of movement, she turned.
The Grand Duke removed his cloak.
Under the faint light, his well-fitted uniform and strong physique were revealed.
His body was flawless—like a sculpture.
So perfect it almost felt indecent.
Without realizing it, she found herself staring.
Then, suddenly embarrassed, she looked away.
Fortunately, he didn’t seem to notice.
“I don’t like places with many humans.”
He reached toward a drawer.
Opening it, he revealed a music box.
A waltz melody filled the quiet corridor.
“Still, Isaiah said that if you attend a ball, you have to dance. Humans are troublesome.”
Muttering that, he extended his hand.
“Let’s dance.”
Anneliese stared blankly at his hand.
She hadn’t expected him to ask her to dance.
‘So he doesn’t understand social customs, but he knows how to dance.’
That was surprising.
‘And he’s willing to talk while dancing…’
A surprisingly refined skill.
“…Can you dance?”
“Someone taught me when I was young.”
He answered casually.
So someone had taught the Grand Duke himself.
“That person must have been kind. Who taught you?”
“I don’t remember. It was too long ago.”
Of course.
He seemed indifferent to everything.
“Are you done asking questions?”
“…One moment.”
She hesitated before taking his hand.
She could dance—but something bothered her.
She looked at the mask covering his face.
As he tilted his head, strands of dark hair fell over his forehead.
‘Doesn’t it feel suffocating to always wear that? Isaiah said it’s fine for me to see his face.’
“Your Grace… if it’s alright, could you remove your mask? I’d like to dance while seeing your face.”
