LUW 34

Chapter 34

Cecilia hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with her fingertips. She looked like she was barely holding back tears.

“You seem to have something on your mind.”

The Border Duke, watching her closely, gave a gentle smile.

“Miss Niberius, if you’re troubled, feel free to speak.”

He leaned toward Cecilia, setting down his glass and gently placing his hand over the back of hers.

“You may be too young to fully understand, but the world of nobility is filled with calculating people. The Grand Duke, especially, is among the most meticulous of them all. Haven’t you found some parts of it hard to bear?”

His cajoling voice was unexpectedly kind.

Cecilia hesitated again before slowly raising her head.

A faint shimmer of tears glistened in her trembling violet eyes.

“…To be honest, I was happy that His Grace was kind to someone like me, but at the same time, I couldn’t help feeling suspicious… I’m sorry, I must look so pitiful.”

She turned her head slightly and wiped her eyes.

“Don’t worry. I never said it, but I believe in the Niberius family’s innocence. You must’ve been so anxious with that frail body of yours.”

It was already widely known among the upper nobility that House Niberius was suspected of distributing illegal weapons.

“Thank you for understanding, My Lord. I only hope the false accusations against my family are cleared soon. That’s all I can hope for…”

Cecilia bowed her head demurely.

The Border Duke smiled, seemingly pleased.

“Such devotion to your family is admirable. Seeing such a dutiful young lady makes me want to help in any way I can.”

Then, the Border Duke suddenly looked troubled.

“There’s actually something I wanted to tell you…”

“…What is it?” Cecilia asked worriedly.

Zilgerk stroked his chin with one hand, looking as if he were deeply pondering something.

“No, I think it would only trouble you more. Forget I said anything.”

He smiled apologetically, though his underlying intention was clear.

Pretending to fall into his trap, Cecilia put on a pitiful expression.

“My lord, I’m prepared to do anything for the sake of my family. So please, help me.”

As Cecilia looked at him with tearful, desperate eyes, a satisfied smile spread across his lips.

“Haha, you saying that weakens my resolve.”

He adjusted his posture and stared at her. His gaze slowly descended, and though it was deeply unpleasant, Cecilia barely managed to keep her expression steady.

“But I should be making an appearance at the party soon, so we’ll stop here for today. Come find me again tomorrow or the day after, and I’ll tell you what I couldn’t say today.”

Cecilia asked cautiously, a clear note of disappointment in her voice.

“Can you promise me?”

The Border Duke gave her a benevolent pat on the shoulder.

“Of course. Unlike some, I don’t deceive people.”

Cecilia slightly lowered and then raised her head again.

Her violet eyes now held a subtle hint of suspicion as she looked him straight in the eyes.

“…Just earlier, you said yourself that there’s always a reason behind someone’s kindness.”

He laughed heartily, as if amused.

“So you’re not just innocent after all. You’ve got a sharp mind too. Yes, pure goodwill is rare.”

“Then, is there something you want from me?”

“Don’t worry. It’s nothing significant. If you truly care for your family, you’ll find my request trivial.”

He leaned back into his chair, wearing a sly smile.

“For now, enjoy the party. Can’t keep your partner waiting, can you?”

He gestured softly toward the door.

“Then I’ll see you again on the day you mentioned.”

Cecilia offered a polite farewell and stepped out of the room.

Click. As the door slowly shut, she took a short breath and then erased the anxious expression from her face.

Her tearful eyes and feigned helplessness vanished in an instant.

Returning to her calm and composed self, Cecilia gave a small, meaningful smile.

“Lord Cardinande, are you alone?”

Just as Pierre had finished speaking with several noblemen from the political and business world, someone approached and spoke to him.

Turning his head, he saw Lady Bastina, daughter of Count Bastina, smiling sweetly at him.

She was the same woman who had spilled wine on Cecilia earlier.

Bastina blinked her large eyes and glanced around.

“I don’t see your partner.”

“She went to change. She spilled wine on her dress.”

Pierre answered indifferently.

Bastina flinched slightly but quickly put on a look of concern.

“Oh no, Lady Niberius must’ve been so startled.”

Pierre responded with a blank expression.

“Yes, she can be a little naïve. I worry she might get bullied or face something unpleasant.”

There was a subtle edge in his voice.

His lips were curled into a perfect smile, but his eyes were cold.

“Of course, anyone with manners wouldn’t resort to such vulgar behavior.”

Bastina’s shoulders stiffened. She forced a smile and replied.

“…Of course. But I’m worried.”

“About what?”

“Lady Niberius seemed very intimidated today. Even earlier, when I tried to speak with her, she was so startled that she spilled the wine while trembling.”

Bastina sighed lightly, offering a careful smile.

“I wonder if such gatherings might be overwhelming for her… Wouldn’t it be better to let her leave early for her own well-being?”

Pierre tilted his head slightly. His slow-moving blue eyes held no warmth, but Bastina persisted.

“I wouldn’t dare to replace her, but I could accompany—”

“Lady Bastina.”

At the quiet call, Bastina flinched and froze.

“Pretending to be concerned is one thing… but going beyond that is a problem.”

The smile that had lingered on his face vanished in an instant.

Still maintaining his refined posture, Pierre delivered his final remark with a gentle smile.

“Leave while I’m still pretending not to notice. Next time, try being a bit smarter.”

She wasn’t stupid enough to miss the implication.

To hide her face twisted with humiliation and shame, she lowered her head deeply.

Her fists, gripping her dress tightly, trembled—but Pierre paid her no mind.

Just as he was scanning the area with feigned boredom, he sensed a small commotion from the back of the ballroom.

Turning toward the sound, he locked eyes with Cecilia as she stepped into view.

His eyes slowly widened.

Cecilia, now dressed in a pure white gown and adorned with ornate jewelry, met his gaze.

Seeing someone familiar in an unfamiliar place, she smiled in relief.

She walked toward him, her white dress fluttering, her violet eyes sparkling.

Pierre instinctively held out his arm.

“Your Grace.”

Cecilia naturally took his arm and whispered softly.

“It was a success.”

Her voice was small, but clearly filled with excitement.

“……”

Pierre remained silent, prompting her to ask again with a puzzled look.

“Your Grace? Is something wrong?”

“…Ah.”

Snapping out of it, Pierre quickly composed his expression.

So, it was a success. It seemed her conversation with Zilgerk had gone well.

He gently adjusted a strand of her tousled hair and replied calmly.

“Yes.”

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

“Do you want a reward or something?”

“Not exactly, but…”

He chuckled quietly, then gently lifted her hand.

At that moment, a soft melody filled the ballroom. The delicate notes of a violin and harp flowed through the air.

As Cecilia looked around in surprise, Pierre smiled faintly and pulled her forward.

“Shall we dance?”

“Huh? All of a sudden?”

“It’s a party. Partners should dance together.”

Cecilia blinked in surprise, but Pierre paid it no mind as he led her to the center of the ballroom. All eyes followed them.

Upon reaching the center, some nobles already preparing to dance stepped aside upon seeing Pierre.

All attention was on them now.

As the soft melody continued, Pierre naturally took Cecilia’s hand.

“Show me the fruits of your effort.”

“…I might step on your foot.”

“I’ll pretend not to notice once or twice, as a reward.”

The warm waltz began. They moved in step with the gentle rhythm, like the melody of spring.

After a wide turn, Pierre pulled her closer and whispered softly.

“So, what did you and Zilgerk talk about?”