Chapter : 67
Elizabeth lifted her chin and spoke in a sharp voice.
“To live in the Empire, I suppose you’ll need someone to help you adapt, won’t you?”
“…Yes.”
A foreboding feeling shot through my whole body.
An alarm blared inside my head.
If I smiled too brightly here, I’d be the one chosen as the “person to help her adapt.”
But if I showed any sign of displeasure, it would also be obvious—I’d become the “person to help her adapt” for committing the crime of being rude in front of a princess.
I had to act as detached as possible, like I was completely irrelevant, like I was just an ordinary employee with no abilities.
Please, don’t notice me…
Or, I could even ask her to choose someone else for me—then maybe she’d say, “Anyone but you.”
“Let Miss Selina do it.”
‘Was that a request or an order?’
And it’s not Selina, it’s Selene.
Honestly, I sensed I was doomed the moment she singled me out… but with so many people around, refusing was impossible.
I looked at Noel with a pleading expression, silently begging for help.
He also wore a helpless expression, as if this wasn’t part of the plan.
‘Please say no! Your girlfriend is your responsibility!’
Just as I desperately hoped my eyes would convey the message, people suddenly parted to left and right, creating a path.
The Emperor was walking this way. Everyone bowed at once.
“An interesting story you tell.”
“Your Majesty.”
“It’s nice to see Princess Elizabeth taking an interest in learning the Empire’s culture.”
Why are you saying that to me?
I bowed my head, pretending not to notice the Emperor’s gaze.
But cruelly, the Emperor took a step closer and said,
“I would be pleased if Miss Weden helps Princess Elizabeth adapt.”
I’m not pleased at all.
I barely held back a sigh.
Now that the Emperor had taken control of the situation, there was nothing more I could do.
In a voice no louder than an ant’s, I said,
“It’s an honor.”
Why is my life never smooth?
I thought I might finally rest at home…
Why can’t I just be happy?
I forced a smile to hide the spasm of my face and left the area.
I just needed some time alone. That balcony over there—that was my destination. No one could stop me.
“Oh my, Miss Weden!”
“Haha… yes, yes.”
I offered polite smiles to those who spoke to me along the way but didn’t stop.
Even when someone called out to me, I pretended not to hear and didn’t look back.
Once I reached the pillar, the balcony door was just beyond it.
‘I scoped it out while walking through the hall earlier.’
Like a spy in a movie, I slipped behind the pillar. It looked natural.
I peeked slightly around the pillar to make sure no one was watching.
‘Now.’
I hurried to the balcony door and slipped inside.
Finally, I was alone!
I relaxed the tension in my body and leaned against the wall.
Just then, the terrace door opened, and someone appeared.
“Ah!”
“Abandoning your partner, how cruel.”
I had completely forgotten my partner, Sirinyu.
“Oh, um… I’m sorry. I was so distracted…”
“Finally, we can be alone quietly.”
As if forgetting that we’d always come together until now, Sirinyu chuckled and closed the terrace door.
The moment I heard the words “alone,” my body stiffened like a wooden doll.
“Haha, I should see if there’s something to drink.”
“Wait. I have something to say.”
Sirinyu blocked the door with his body.
I tried to subtly step toward the door to escape, but like a trapped puppy, I froze in place.
Blinking, I looked at Sirinyu. He glanced aside briefly and said,
“Let’s talk about what happened at the campsite last time.”
“Huh? Last time? Well… I don’t really remember… haha.”
I wish I truly didn’t remember.
But contrary to my words, my face flushed instantly.
Since I desperately kept my head down, Sirinyu seemed to think I genuinely didn’t remember.
His perfectly shaped eyebrows furrowed deeply.
“Don’t you remember? You and I… kissed…”
“Ah! That! You mean that! Y-Yes…”
I practically screamed to stop him from saying more.
But Sirinyu ignored my outburst and continued.
“We kissed.”
Kyaa! Shut your mouth!
My face felt like it was going to burst into flames.
I had to stop Sirinyu from speaking any further.
Waving my hands, I hastily said,
“Yes… that’s right. Well, it was a mistake~ these things happen in life. It’s fine. I don’t mind.”
I pressed my hand against my flushed cheeks, trying to calm myself and appear nonchalant.
I couldn’t look Sirinyu in the eyes, thinking he might notice my nerves.
‘I have to act like it’s nothing.’
Contrary to my intentions, Sirinyu stepped closer to me.
“A mistake?”
“…”
“Then what about what you said back then?”
What did I even say…?
My face was too hot to think straight.
I stepped back to avoid him coming closer.
“What did I…?”
“You said you like me, didn’t you?”
At his words, the memory of that day flashed through my mind like a movie.
My back touched the terrace stone railing. There was nowhere left to retreat.
Sirinyu was now almost within reach.
“Well…”
I squeezed my eyes shut, just as a voice calling for me came from outside the terrace door.
“Miss Selene! Miss Selene?”
The voice sounded like an angel’s call. I forced an awkward smile and said,
“Oh my, they’re looking for me. I guess I have no choice but to go.”
I tried to sidestep quickly, but Sirinyu reached out and grabbed the terrace railing with both arms.
I was trapped between his arms.
I had to avoid touching him as much as possible.
If I lowered my head, my forehead would hit his chest, so I had to keep my head up straight.
Trapped in his arms, I swallowed nervously and looked up at him.
Sirinyu’s violet eyes were fixed on me.
“A mistake?”
The violet gaze trembled slightly.
I felt my breath quicken.
I wanted to say it was a mistake. But when I looked into Sirinyu’s eyes, words spilled out uncontrollably.
“…No.”
His previously stiff expression softened immediately.
Sirinyu looked relieved.
“It’s been so hard to talk quietly. I even refused the invitation, you know.”
“Invitation… you did?”
I stammered, hearing this for the first time. Sirinyu examined my face closely and said,
“It’s the first time I’ve been refused like that.”
I had never heard such a thing while lounging at home, so I looked puzzled.
“I didn’t know.”
“It’s fine.”
I glanced around, thinking if there was any way to get out from between Sirinyu’s arms.
“So, what did you want to say…?”
At this point, I thought, whatever happens, happens.
No way someone like a Grand Duke in the Empire would make me take responsibility for one kiss, right?
I tried to stay calm, but there was no avoiding Sirinyu’s face moving closer.
Once could be called a mistake, but not twice.
My lips felt parched.
Then,
“Are you here?”
The terrace door rattled, and the voice calling me earlier could be heard.
“Huh? It’s locked?”
After tugging at the door a few times, the person left.
I couldn’t calm my startled heartbeat, and as I drew a breath, Sirinyu chuckled and withdrew the arms that had trapped me.
“Let’s start with a dance.”
I felt as if my face was on fire and followed behind Sirinyu.
The orchestra played loudly in the party hall beyond the terrace.
In the center of the circular hall stood Noel and Elizabeth.
After the Crown Prince and his partner danced the first song, the others paired up and followed in order.
I straightened my stiff back, aware of Sirinyu beside me.
Noel and Elizabeth began dancing under everyone’s gaze.
The jewels on Elizabeth’s dress sparkled brilliantly.
It was obvious that Elizabeth wasn’t a good dancer.
Whenever she tripped over a step, Noel guided her skillfully.
Once the first dance ended safely, Sirinyu extended his hand toward me.
“This time, let’s dance to the end without interruptions.”
I quietly nodded.
Sirinyu’s arm wrapped around my waist. Unlike his usual cold expression, I could feel the warmth of his hand through the dress.
He pulled me close and said,
