Chapter 30
As the second part began, the sweet sound of string instruments filled the grand hall with rich, full music.
Liette moved naturally in response to Evan’s movements. The flow was smooth from the start. Thanks to what Evan had said earlier, most of her nervousness had faded. Not completely, but it was enough that the memorized choreography played out clearly in her mind. She felt lighter than ever.
“You’re doing great,”
Evan’s low voice whispered quietly into her ear.
Though he had said cheekily that winning first place alone was boring, Liette had to admit it this time—if she were to be chosen as the person of the year at this dance party, it would be largely thanks to Evan.
As the dance continued and some time passed, Liette finally had the mental space to look around. She felt as if many eyes were focused on her and Evan, though she knew it might just be her imagination.
Fearing she’d get nervous again, Liette refocused on the dance.
The hands they held swayed gently in the air, and their steps matched as if they were one.
This synchronization wasn’t just because of the past few days of dance practice.
Even with their bickering, the years they had spent together had soaked in like a gentle drizzle. They understood each other better than anyone else.
Whether they liked it or not, Liette knew Evan inside and out—and Evan knew Liette just as well. Down to the smallest gestures and expressions.
“Thirty seconds left.”
Lost in thought, Liette nodded at Evan’s reminder.
Finishing strong was important. She remembered the final turn they had executed perfectly during practice and was about to take the step when—
Crackle—!
Something sparked above them from the chandelier.
“…Evan!”
On instinct, Liette pulled Evan close and ducked down.
“….”
A moment later, Liette cautiously lifted her head. Evan was staring at her with a puzzled look.
“What’s wrong, Liette?”
His face was clearly confused. Liette quickly looked up at the chandelier.
It was perfectly intact.
So was everything else around them.
People were staring at them with puzzled expressions. The other dancers nearby had also paused.
Only then did Liette realize what she’d done—she had stopped dancing in the middle of a performance, and in a very dramatic way at that.
It seemed she was the only one who had seen the spark.
“Ah…”
Her face flushed with heat.
Evan soon got to his feet and reached out his hand. Normally, Liette would have refused, saying she could get up on her own, but this time was different. She was embarrassed and overwhelmed, and she had no strength left.
As she took his hand, Evan pulled her up. Since the third group of dancers was entering, they had to vacate the stage quickly.
Liette followed Evan with a blank expression. He led her to a chair in the corner of the hall.
“Sit here.”
Liette plopped into the chair and slumped back. After all the practice, her chance had slipped away in the blink of an eye.
“What happened back there?”
Evan asked, sitting beside her.
Liette stared up at the chandelier, which now looked just as ordinary as ever.
“There was a spark—right above the chandelier. I thought it was going to explode or something…”
Then, looking at Evan, she added,
“Sorry. Because I overreacted, I dragged you down with me…”
She could still see the bewildered expressions of everyone when she suddenly dropped to the floor.
So if Evan were to get angry, she’d completely understand, but…
“Why are you laughing?”
Contrary to her thoughts, Evan looked like he was trying to suppress a smile. He didn’t make a sound, but his eyes curved slightly, betraying his feelings.
“I just… feel happy,”
Evan admitted without hiding it.
Liette was relieved he wasn’t upset, but still couldn’t understand how he could be pleased.
“Happy…?”
“I remembered when you saved me when we were kids.”
His eyes reflected the joy of reminiscing.
Yes, there were a few times like that. Young Evan had been timid and clumsy.
Though he usually kept his emotions hidden behind a mask, Evan sometimes showed them openly and sincerely like this.
“When I’m in danger, Liette is always the first one to run to me.”
“….”
Liette blinked at him.
“Was I…?”
She hadn’t been conscious of it, but maybe he was right.
Evan had always looked weak and fragile, like a sickly chick. Liette would often grumble and act annoyed, but she always moved to protect him.
Though he wasn’t so fragile anymore, the affection built over time remained…
Liette pushed away her jumbled thoughts and leaned forward. She reached down and slipped off the painful shoes that had been bothering her. Her feet were swollen, and the back of one heel was slightly skinned. Now that she saw it, the pain seemed to return.
“Does it hurt?”
Evan asked, looking at her foot.
Liette pouted.
“No.”
But Evan ignored her answer and knelt on one knee, placing her foot on his thigh.
“Hey, someone might see!”
Recently, when they practiced dancing together, Evan sometimes massaged her sore leg muscles—but this wasn’t the time.
This was a public place, and she was worried someone might see. She wanted no more strange rumors.
Liette tried to push his shoulder away, but the moment his magical hands touched her calf, her strength vanished.
“Ah…”
She quickly covered her mouth at the sound that escaped.
Evan was too good at massage. It didn’t make sense. If he had lived in Korea, he could’ve made a fine—no, prosperous—living as a massage therapist.
His large hands gently squeezed and released her sore muscles, and every spot he touched felt instantly better.
Giving in, Liette leaned back in the chair again.
“No one can see. Don’t worry,”
Evan said, keeping his gaze low.
He was right. The chances of someone seeing this embarrassing sight were low. A strategically placed pillar blocked the view from the crowded seating area, and this corner was much dimmer than the rest of the hall.
Once the soreness faded and Evan finished with a gentle touch, he sat beside her again.
For some reason, Liette’s toes curled slightly. It felt different than when he first touched her foot—more… embarrassing.
She hadn’t noticed it around men before, but tonight, she acutely felt how different she was from the noble young ladies.
Their graceful movements, their delicate laughter behind cupped hands, their silky hair, their skillful way of managing flowing dresses—it was all so unfamiliar to her.
And today, her own feet looked particularly ugly. Unlike the pampered feet of other noblewomen, hers had been trapped in stiff leather shoes, overworked with sword training and horseback riding.
Her hands were no different. Where theirs were soft and smooth, hers were rough with calluses.
Unlike the others who enjoyed elegant hobbies, Liette had grown up with swords and bows. Calluses were medals earned through effort.
She’d never thought of herself as strange or ugly before—but today, she felt a sharp sense of distance.
As she sat there, a little sullen, her gaze wandered—and the upper part of the chandelier caught her eye again, strangely flickering.
Crackle—!
A much stronger spark burst out, and Liette’s eyes widened. Without a moment’s hesitation, she sprang forward and tackled a couple standing beneath the chandelier.
Crash—!
The chandelier fell with a deafening noise, shattering into pieces.
Liette stood up quickly and asked the couple,
“Are you okay?”
“Th-thanks to you…”
They looked at the broken chandelier, stumbling over their words.
“Thank you so much.”
Only now did they seem to realize that the chandelier would’ve fallen directly onto their heads if not for Liette. They bowed deeply in gratitude.
“Liette.”
She turned her head at the call and saw Evan running toward her with a pale face.
“Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine.”
Evan let out a deep breath and swept his hair back. As the commotion grew, people gathered—among them were Lucas and Samuel.
“Liette, are you okay?”
“G-goodness, Liette!”
She nodded vaguely in response. As she had told Evan, she wasn’t hurt at all.
But—
“Why did it suddenly fall…?”
Liette placed her hand on her waist and looked up. The wires connecting the chandelier to the lights were sparking wildly.
Now that I think about it, there’s a weird smell too…
It was faint, but something was definitely burning.
Feeling something was wrong, Liette leaned out the nearby window to check outside. Nothing seemed amiss.
But what is this burning smell…?
Thinking it might just be her imagination, Liette nudged Evan beside her.
“Evan, do you smell something burning from outside?”
Evan sniffed and nodded. Finally, Liette decided to go check things out with him.
As soon as they stepped outside, the burning smell grew stronger. Liette sniffed the air, trying to locate its source.
When she looked up—
Flames were rising from the rooftop.
