CHAPTER 49……
Jaina knew that he was Perus. But Perus also knew that she was Jaina.
There must have been a reason why neither of them had brought it up, despite knowing each other’s identity.
So Jaina decided to pretend not to know as well.
“I’m not sure either, Your Majesty.”
The Empress smiled faintly at Jaina’s reply.
“I’ll see to it that the two people who kept their identities hidden until the end are rewarded later. My lady, would you take off your mask now?”
Huh? Why just me…?
Setting aside her puzzlement, Jaina removed her mask.
Even after seeing her unmasked face, only a few people recognized who she was.
After confirming Jaina’s face, the Empress turned her gaze back to the gathered crowd.
“I mentioned earlier that there was a special guest at this ball. The person still wearing a mask is that very guest. Whoever reveals his true identity will receive this.”
The Empress lifted a transparent box from beside her.
Inside it was a tiny vial, no larger than a finger, filled with a slowly shimmering blue liquid.
Isn’t that… a mermaid’s tear?
Mermaid’s Tear.
It was a mysterious potion said to have been crafted and imbued with magic by a famous wizard from the Magic Tower.
Rumors abounded about its effects—some claimed a single sip could cure all illnesses, while others said it granted eternal youth.
Every noble in the ballroom’s eyes lit up at once.
I heard it’s also amazing for weight loss…
Without thinking, Jaina’s hand shot up. All eyes turned to her.
“Lady Jaina, what is it?”
“Your Majesty, I believe I have a guess as to this gentleman’s identity.”
“Very well. Let’s hear it.”
The Empress smiled warmly.
“This party was personally prepared by the glorious Emperor and Empress of the Empire. Surely His Highness the Crown Prince would not miss such an event. Yet, nowhere in the ballroom do we see anyone with the same dazzling golden hair as His Majesty the Emperor. Therefore, that man must be the Crown Prince.”
Jaina spoke confidently.
She already knew it was Perus, but simply stating it outright might raise suspicion, so she backed it up with plausible reasoning.
The Empress clapped lightly in amusement, and at that, Perus removed his mask as though he’d been waiting for the moment.
“Correct, Lady Jaina.”
Like dye spilling into water, his white hair gradually turned a brilliant gold.
His eyes regained their deep blue color, mirroring the Empress’s smile.
“I knew you would recognize me, Jaina.”
The ballroom buzzed with murmurs.
What kind of act is this supposed to be?
Though startled, Jaina maintained a calm expression.
Perus stepped in front of her, a faint mischief glimmering in his eyes—the look he had whenever he was plotting something.
This didn’t feel good.
Before she could think further, Perus took her wrist.
Jaina paused in her attempt to pull away.
If it were just the two of them, it would be fine—but now, the Emperor, the Empress, and countless nobles were watching.
Noticing her hesitation, Perus lowered his head.
Before his lips could touch the back of her hand, a familiar warmth enveloped it instead.
“…Theo?”
Without her noticing, Theoris had stepped forward, gripping her hand tightly and blocking Perus.
Perus, as if expecting this, smiled leisurely.
“It’s been a while, brother.”
“…”
Theoris didn’t answer, shielding Jaina completely from Perus’s sight, as if unwilling to let him even glimpse a single strand of her hair.
“Theoris Li Acrana. What do you think you’re doing?”
The Emperor, who had been quietly observing, stood from his seat.
Theoris, who had been glaring at Perus with murderous eyes, clenched his teeth and offered a formal bow to the Emperor.
“No matter that you carry my blood, to behave so recklessly before honored guests is tantamount to disrespecting me.”
“Please calm yourself, Father. I’m sure my brother acted on impulse, without any intent to slight you.”
Perus stepped in as if to mediate, but his words were meant to subtly paint Theoris as someone who couldn’t control his emotions.
Leaning closer so only the Emperor could hear, Perus whispered:
“Let me speak with my brother. In the meantime, perhaps you could restore order to the gathering?”
The Emperor reluctantly agreed.
“I apologize for the disturbance. Please, everyone, put aside any displeasure and continue enjoying this joyous celebration of our Empire’s founding.”
With his usual affable smile, Perus eased the atmosphere and then gestured for Jaina and Theoris to follow him.
…I feel bad for Theo, but it’s probably better to go along with Perus for now. If we ruin the mood any further, things won’t end well.
“Theo, let’s just follow Perus.”
A faint pressure tightened in Theoris’s grip.
His silver eyes clearly showed his reluctance, but after a moment, he nodded and moved.
They followed Perus out of the ballroom into a quiet hallway where no one’s eyes could reach.
Perus sighed and perched on a windowsill.
“Really, brother, you need to be more aware of how others see you. How long do you plan to act on your own whims?”
“I’ve told you before. Don’t touch my wife.”
Ignoring Perus’s comment, Theoris said what he wanted to say.
Perus, unbothered, replied:
“I don’t recall you ever telling me that. You did say not to use Jaina’s name carelessly… but surely you can’t expect me to call her by a pet name in front of others?”
He’s deliberately provoking Theo again.
To outsiders, he might look like a sweet younger brother trying to get along with a distant sibling, but Jaina knew better.
Perus was skillfully needling Theoris to tarnish his image.
Though Theo did overreact a bit too…
“Still, I’m surprised. I never thought you, who hate the spotlight, would rush forward like that.”
Perus brushed his hair back, his moonlit blue eyes locking onto Jaina with the gaze of a child who’d found an interesting toy—or a cat playing with a trapped mouse.
“Don’t worry, brother. I like Jaina quite a bit. She won’t end up like ‘that girl.’”
That girl?
In an instant, Theoris released Jaina’s hand and lunged, seizing Perus by the collar and slamming him against the wall.
It happened so fast Jaina couldn’t intervene.
“Calm down! Te—”
She froze mid-sentence.
His silver eyes burned with madness, a black aura writhing around him.
It was the same murderous intensity she’d once seen from the puppy that attacked her the first time she met Theoris.
This wasn’t the Theoris she knew.
What should I do? Should I call for help?
Perus was the Crown Prince.
No matter that Theoris was royalty too—if word got out he’d threatened the Crown Prince, there would be no getting away unscathed.
But if I just stand here, I think Theo might really kill him…
While Jaina hesitated, Perus—despite being choked—looked utterly at ease.
Even with his face flushed and coughing, he spoke without a trace of fear:
“Are you… sure about this? Jaina… looks… scared right now.”
Perus smirked provocatively.
Theoris flinched.
His grip—veins bulging—slowly loosened.
Taking the chance, Perus stepped back, coughing.
“If you keep showing such a lack of self-control, Jaina might lose affection for you.”
Theoris turned to Jaina.
“Jaina, I—”
“…Forget it. No need to explain.”
She cut him off. There was nothing more she wanted to hear.
Their faces reflected opposite fortunes—Perus rubbing his neck with a victorious smile, and Theoris biting his lip with the look of someone about to cry, unable to meet her cold gaze.
Jaina walked straight to Perus.
Seeing her approach, he put on his most pitiful expression.
“Perus, is your neck alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Let me see.”
She moved his hand aside to check his neck.
There was a faint mark, but it would likely fade soon.
Jaina sighed in relief.
“Thanks for worrying, Jenne.”
She smiled—and clenched her fist.
“…Jenne?”
By the time Perus sensed the danger, it was too late.
Her fist drove into his solar plexus with perfect precision.
“Ghk!”
He collapsed to the floor without even managing a scream.
The loud impact made Theoris jump and glance at Jaina, who flashed a peace sign.
“See, Theo? If you’re going to hit someone, you should do it like me—no marks left. After all, he’s still the Crown Prince. Got it?”
Theoris nodded blankly.
Still gasping for breath, Perus clutched his stomach and glared at her.
“What was that for?!”
Jaina grinned at his furious expression.
“Finally, an honest face. I like it better.”
She lowered her eyes slightly, locking her gaze with his.
