LUW 31

Chapter 31

When the doors opened, a grand ballroom was revealed.

A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, and the multicolored crystals adorning each pillar reflected the light so brilliantly that it outshone the stars in the night sky.

Beneath it, nobles—ladies and young lords dressed in dazzling outfits, along with the heads of prominent families—sat in places of honor.

As Pierre and Cecilia entered the ballroom, a heavy silence fell as though time had stopped.

Cecilia hesitated briefly, feeling the coldness in the air, but soon straightened her back and began walking slowly.

As she walked with her gaze fixed forward, murmurs followed her.

“So the rumors were true.”

“Right? I can’t believe they entered together. Did the Grand Duke get blackmailed or something?”

The young noble ladies, who had been gossiping behind their fans, quickly quieted when Pierre shot them a cold glance.

All they had done was walk in, yet they had drawn everyone’s attention. No matter how accustomed Cecilia was to being watched, this felt different.

The eyes staring at her were like hyenas ready to strip her to the bone, seemingly waiting for her to make a mistake.

Even under such scrutiny, Pierre casually walked to the center of the ballroom and picked up a wine glass from a table.

Should I drink too?

While she was still deliberating, a group of nobles approached them.

One of them, a man with neatly trimmed facial hair, stepped forward and greeted them politely.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace, Grand Duke Cardinand.”

“Count Burrow. It has been some time since the last hunt. Have you been well?”

“Thanks to Your Grace’s care, we’ve been doing quite well.”

Count Lowden Burrow.

Cecilia immediately recognized him as one of the prominent figures her etiquette teacher had taught her about.

She also remembered that when nobles conversed, it was polite to take a step back.

As Cecilia cautiously tried to move aside, Count Burrow’s gaze shifted to her. His eyes scanned her slowly.

“More importantly, I see you’ve brought along a rare lady.”

Instantly, all the nobles’ eyes turned to Cecilia.

She placed a hand over her chest and bowed politely.

“It’s an honor to greet you, Count Lowden Burrow. I’m Cecilia Niberius.”

“You know me, then.”

“Of course. There’s no one in the Empire who doesn’t know of your business acumen. It’s an honor to meet you in person.”

Amused, the Count stroked his beard.

“Business acumen, you say?”

“I’ve heard that the business guilds under your leadership consistently make profits. You’re someone indispensable to the Empire’s economy.”

“You’re quite the charmer. From what I’d heard, I expected someone… stronger in personality.”

It was a probing question. Cecilia lowered her gaze with a slightly awkward expression.

“I made mistakes in my youth, so I’ve not had the chance to appear much in society. But thanks to His Grace’s generosity, I’ve been able to return. I hope we can greet each other like this again in the future.”

When Cecilia smiled bashfully, Burrow let out a hearty laugh.

“Everyone makes mistakes. You’re still young—you’ve got plenty of time to make up for it.”

“Thank you, Count Burrow.”

“Let’s have a drink to celebrate your return to society.”

Kindly, he picked up a glass of wine and held it out to her.

Just as Cecilia smiled and reached out to accept it, a large hand interceded.

“Cecilia doesn’t handle alcohol well. I’ll take it instead.”

Pierre snatched the glass and drank it in one go, setting the empty glass down with a small exhale.

Everyone was stunned—not just by his action, but also by the tenderness in his voice when he said her name.

Count Burrow was momentarily flustered but quickly composed himself and let out a boisterous laugh.

“Ah, it seems Your Grace cares very deeply for the young lady.”

At that, the crowd fell silent, their eyes fixed on Pierre. He chuckled and gently wrapped his arm around Cecilia’s shoulder.

“Indeed. Just looking at her is enough to make one feel she’s too precious. I’d appreciate it if people refrained from speaking too familiarly with her. She’s my partner, after all.”

Cecilia stiffened.

Chills ran down her back. His voice was so sweet it nearly curled her toes.

Even Cecilia hadn’t expected that move, and the shock was even greater for the gathered nobles.

Some of the noble ladies were so stunned they forgot their manners and stared with mouths agape.

Trying to recover, Cecilia offered a slightly awkward smile.

“Thank you. I’m honored to be Your Grace’s partner.”

“I’m the lucky one. Seems the goddess favors me.”

How could he say something so embarrassing without the slightest change in expression?

Cecilia was momentarily speechless, but thankfully, no one seemed to notice her hesitation.

Except for Pierre, of course.

“You don’t look well. This kind of gathering must still feel overwhelming. Shall we get some air?”

He gently brushed her pale cheek with concern.

That vivid sensation snapped Cecilia back to herself. She quickly masked her face with a smile and stepped back.

“As expected, I can’t hide anything from Your Grace. But since you have to speak with these fine people, I’ll go on my own.”

“Will you be alright by yourself?”

“Of course. I’ll be back soon.”

As she turned to leave, Pierre caught her arm.

She looked back, wondering if he had more to say—only for him to slowly lean forward.

Pierre’s lips brushed her gloved hand.

A stifled gasp came from somewhere.

Through the thin glove, she felt the distinct softness of his lips. He pulled away slowly and smiled gently.

“Don’t overdo it. If you’re tired, just come to me anytime.”

“…Thank you for your kindness.”

Cecilia barely held back a grimace and quickly walked away.

Though her steps wobbled, she headed straight for the terrace. Behind her, Pierre chuckled.

* * *

Cecilia lowered her head as she crossed the ballroom.

This is insane. Absolutely insane.

He might be her partner, but did they really have to go that far?

Even someone like Cecilia, unfamiliar with society, knew that being a partner usually implied a purely business relationship.

But Pierre’s behavior went far beyond that—it reminded her of something else.

Like… someone gazing lovingly at their sweetheart.

Her face burned at the thought.

She had expected they would show some affection for appearance’s sake—but this was on another level.

The feelings were completely different from the compliments her uncles would give. This left her heart sore with unfamiliar, fluttery emotions.

Cecilia shook her head lightly.

Don’t get strange ideas. It’s all just an act.

She reminded herself firmly. Just as she reached the terrace—

Someone bumped into her shoulder.

As she turned to apologize, her eyes met those of two young noble ladies.

One of them, dressed in a cute pink gown, let out a soft scoff.

“You look fine for someone claiming to be unwell, Lady Niberius.”

Cecilia looked at them quietly, then bowed her head calmly.

“It was just a bit of dizziness. I have no trouble walking.”

“Ah, so that’s how you gain His Grace’s attention. I’ve learned something new today.”

It was mockery, thinly veiled.

Cecilia sighed inwardly.

She’d considered this might happen, but not this directly.

“If you’ll excuse me.”

She tried to walk past them without responding.

But the young ladies clearly didn’t appreciate being ignored. One of them suddenly stepped closer and pretended to stumble.

Splash.

A glass of crimson wine spilled onto Cecilia’s gown. The deep blue silk stained red, its texture roughening as the wine soaked in.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry.”

There was not a trace of remorse in her voice.

Cecilia glanced down at her ruined dress, her brows tightening slightly. The young lady giggled behind her hand.

“That expression isn’t very noble of you, Lady Niberius. Did you not have time to learn proper manners before rushing here?”

She stepped closer and whispered,

“Still, it’s fortunate, isn’t it? That wine is far too expensive for a lowborn noble like you to even sniff. At least its luxurious aroma covers up some of your criminal stench.”

She sneered, her eyes curling in amusement.