Chapter 36
But unlike other noble ladies, her bare hand—uncovered by gloves—was noticeably rough.
Without thinking, Sienna’s gaze lingered on it.
Eleanor noticed and hurriedly pulled her hand back.
She had lived a difficult childhood as a commoner.
On top of that, wielding a sword had left her with countless cuts and thick calluses, making her hands even rougher.
When Eleanor looked up again, she was no longer the confident, dignified woman she had been at first meeting.
Avoiding Sienna’s eyes, she gave a bitter smile.
“…It’s ugly, isn’t it?”
“No.”
Sienna took Eleanor’s hand again and said firmly,
“It’s beautiful.”
“……”
“It’s proof that you’ve lived your life earnestly.”
For a moment, Eleanor felt her chest tighten.
Something seemed to sprout inside her once-solid heart, tickling and unfamiliar.
It’s just words.
Something anyone could say easily.
“…You’re the first person who’s ever said that to me, Princess.”
Amazingly, it truly was the first time.
Her biological father, Duke Watson, had never shown her interest, and her stepmother often mocked her, saying no young lady’s hands should look like this.
That was why Eleanor always made sure to wear gloves when meeting others.
When did I even take them off…? Ah.
It had been after hearing the flower’s meaning from Sienna.
She’d removed them briefly because she wanted to touch the fully bloomed flower—only to be caught right away.
Seeing Eleanor’s reaction, Sienna smiled softly.
“Someone must have known. Not everyone expresses things in words.”
“Is that so?”
“There are surprisingly many fools who don’t say what they think.”
“Pfft.”
Watching Eleanor let out a small laugh, Sienna felt certain.
“I knew my choice wasn’t wrong.”
She wrapped both of her hands firmly around Eleanor’s.
Around hands that carried the weight of an exhausting life.
“Princess?”
“Eleanor Watson. I want to learn swordsmanship from you.”
“……”
“So that I can protect myself.”
She had gone to meet Eleanor thinking of how to grow closer to her, how to create distance between her and Pierre—but somewhere along the way, she had become sincere.
“Miss Watson. Please be my teacher.”
She had come to like Eleanor’s rough hands.
For now, she decided, this was where she would start.
Faced with Sienna’s fervent request, Eleanor hesitated, lost in thought.
Sienna waited calmly for her answer.
She knew this wasn’t something to be accepted lightly.
After a moment, Eleanor, having整理ed her thoughts, finally spoke.
“I don’t believe anything I haven’t seen with my own eyes.”
“……”
“Forgive my rudeness, but I can’t judge Lord Pierre based solely on Your Highness’s one-sided account without even hearing his side. The Pierre I know may be a bit sensitive, but he’s clumsy—and deeply wounded.”
“I see.”
Sienna forced herself to maintain a smile, carefully erasing the disappointment from her face.
“But I will accept your offer to become your sword instructor.”
“…What?”
“When would you like to start? I suppose we’ll need His Majesty’s permission.”
Eleanor smiled just as she had the moment she first entered the room.
A confident, dignified smile.
“Thank you, Miss Watson! No—may I call you Eleanor?”
“It would be an honor.”
“Eleanor. I look forward to working with you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Princess.”
When Sienna returned to the ballroom, her lips were curved into a deeply satisfied smile.
Well, if I’ve started, I’m already halfway there… right?
Halfway!
Only now did she feel like actually enjoying the party.
However, Sienna had overlooked one thing.
People were paying far more attention to her than she’d expected.
What is it?
From the moment she stepped into the ballroom, subtle gazes followed her persistently.
Sienna didn’t know it, but people were deeply intrigued by the princess who rarely showed herself.
Some were taken aback to see her laughing and chatting so brightly, contrary to rumors, while older nobles were reminded of the late queen when they looked at her face.
But the biggest reason for their interest was curiosity about how the love triangle from the first night was developing.
Expecting scandalous, deadly intrigue, they searched for yesterday’s handsome man.
Ignoring the clinging gazes, Sienna returned to her seat.
“Oh. Sir Valencia.”
Jard and Shushu were waiting for her, sitting neatly together.
“Did you have a good time with our Shushu?”
“Of course. A very enjoyable time.”
His mouth was smiling, but his eyes weren’t smiling at all.
—Master! He pinched my cheeks, pulled my ears, called me ugly, and—ah! He even said I look like you!
Shushu immediately launched into an excited stream of tattling.
But Sienna only heard one thing.
—Wait. I look like you? What’s wrong with that?
—……
—Am I really that bad?
—That’s not what I meant!
—I’m disappointed, Shushu.
—Master!
Shushu shook its head furiously in protest.
—Shushu!
Sienna hurried to scoop it up, but Jard was faster.
“T-That doll!”
He pointed at Shushu with a disbelieving expression.
“That thing just moved, didn’t it?”
“What are you talking about? Are you still half-asleep?”
“Give it here!”
He yanked Shushu away and started shaking it vigorously.
“I’m telling you, it moved! Hey! You can move, right?”
Just like this!
Jard shook his head side to side, mimicking Shushu from earlier.
Of course, Shushu didn’t respond.
Even if it did, he wouldn’t be able to hear it.
Sienna waited patiently for Jard to calm down.
Who would ever believe a doll had moved?
It was easier to chalk it up to imagination.
“Jard. Don’t you think that’s enough?”
“I’m telling you, this ugly thing moved! Why are you so calm about it?”
“You’re not a child. Did you dream it or something? You’ve got quite the imagination. Dolls don’t do that.”
When Sienna scoffed, he glared at Shushu with profound injustice.
—Master!
As she wondered when she should rescue Shushu, someone timidly approached her.
“I-I greet you, Princess. I’m Eric Pomelo of House Pomelo.”
The boy—barely old enough to be called a man—stood with a red face, unable to meet her eyes properly.
“Do you need something from me?”
“I-I was wondering… may I have the honor of dancing with you?”
“…Pardon?”
Sienna blurted it out without thinking.
Did I just get asked to dance?
People had only been stealing glances at her, never approaching.
She’d expected as much and tried not to mind—but being excluded at a party like this was still a little lonely.
She looked at the boy standing before her.
Jet-black hair and amber eyes—beautiful.
His formalwear was clearly borrowed from his older brother, hanging loosely on him, and even his request for a dance was awkward.
Still, Sienna gladly took the hand Eric offered.
“All right.”
Eric’s stiff expression instantly brightened, his cheeks flushing red.
As they stepped toward the floor, Jard spoke behind her.
“Didn’t you say earlier that you weren’t dancing?”
Sienna stopped and turned back.
A relaxed smile came naturally.
“I changed my mind.”
“……”
“It’s my debutante ball. It won’t come again.”
Dancing was fun.
Meeting new people was fun.
And most importantly, the person who had asked her to dance was the second son of one of the kingdom’s only three ducal houses.
No harm in getting close.
Besides—he was incredibly cute.
Starting with Eric Pomelo, dance requests poured in without end.
Even with breaks in between, after about five dances she was completely exhausted.
She’d forgotten—again—how terrible her stamina was.
Declining the remaining invitations, Sienna returned to her room with Shushu.
“Come to think of it, Jard didn’t dance even once today, did he?”
—No. He stayed with me the whole time.
“He didn’t figure it out, right?”
—Of course not. What do you take me for?
What indeed.
A rabbit.
Sienna lay down on the bed, looking at the blissfully content Shushu.
As promised, she’d left the jewelry box open on the table—and the disloyal spirit wasted no time scampering out of her arms.
Watching a pure-looking baby rabbit slip straight into a pile of jewels was profoundly jarring.
Without sarcasm—genuinely curious—Sienna asked,
“Are you happy?”
—Not bad.
“I see.”
So dishonest.
Shushu looked delighted, giggling amid the jewels.
Lying on her side, Sienna started to ramble.
“He didn’t come today, either.”
—You mean that beautiful person?
“Yeah. He said we’d meet tomorrow, but he didn’t come.”
But thinking back, he had avoided answering.
So it wasn’t exactly a broken promise.
“I’m tired.”
She pushed herself up and went over to Shushu.
Then she plucked the still-happy spirit from the jewelry box and returned to the bed.
—Master?
“Shushu, let’s sleep together. I want to, today.”
—I haven’t looked at all the jewels yet!
Shushu struggled with its tiny limbs, but Sienna ignored it and hugged it tighter.
“Hmm. Feels like it’s going to rain.”
As if answering her intuition, rain fell all night.
The unceasing rain stopped like magic at dawn.
“The sky’s blue.”
It was finally the last day of the long party.
But her interest had already faded.
Sienna sat by the window, hugging one knee.
Resting her head against it, she stared blankly at the garden, breathing in the rose scent that had grown deeper after the rain.
Seeing this, Anna cried out in disbelief.
“How can you still be doing this?”
“Just… the flowers smell nice.”
The overly romantic answer made Anna gape.
What was with this leisurely attitude?
For unmarried men and women, the spring social season was a once-in-a-lifetime, critical event.
Unless marriages had already been arranged between families, debutante balls were where people searched for future spouses.
Everyone dressed desperately, learned to dance, wore expensive gowns and suits—everyone was busy!
For Anna, marrying the princess off to a good match was a sacred mission.
Of course, Sienna had no intention of marrying at all—not even as much as Shushu’s tail.
Anna grabbed her hand and dragged her along.
“Princess! This is no time for this. His Majesty is on his way here!”
“What? His Majesty?”
Sienna’s half-lidded eyes snapped open.
Suddenly? Why would the king come here?
Aden had never visited the princess’s palace—not even when she was sick.
What on earth is he thinking?
He’d been acting uncharacteristically warm lately—visiting her room and all.
What wind had blown?
Still puzzled, Sienna changed into Madame Lang’s dress.
It was a simple white gown embroidered with yellow flowers.
With news of the king’s arrival, the attendants became even more frantic, finishing Sienna’s preparations faster than ever.
They were choosing earrings when—
“His Majesty arrives.”
As the door opened, everyone froze and bowed.
“We greet Your Majesty.”
“When it’s just us, call me comfortably.”
“…Yes, Father.”
“You look beautiful today as well.”
“Thank you.”
“I hear many asked you to dance yesterday. Jard must’ve been jealous. Ha ha.”
“…Yes. It was a pleasant time.”
Sienna felt a bit uneasy.
Was this just polite conversation—or had someone told him?
Either way, it was strange.
The king had never shown much interest in her.
At least, not until now.
“What brings you all the way here?”
“I realized I never gave you a gift. It was a special day—your debut in society.”
Aden glanced at her bare ears and smiled faintly before pulling a small box from his coat.
“I don’t know if it’ll suit your taste.”
Sienna accepted the box and opened it.
Inside were pink-tinged pearl earrings.
“Do you like them?”
Aden watched her expression expectantly.
“…Yes. They’re very pretty.”
She should have smiled, but for some reason it didn’t come easily.
She forced the corners of her lips upward.
“Thank you.”
“Put them on. Let’s see how they look.”
She wanted to wear the earrings Dan had given her—but she didn’t have the courage to refuse the king outright.
Since it was a gift prepared for her, she chose to be grateful and put on the pearl earrings.
“They suit you well. When did you grow up so much?”
At his emotional voice, Sienna responded with a faint smile and stood before the mirror.
True to his words, the earrings suited both her and her outfit.
She picked up the pure white butterfly mask resting on the vanity.
The final day of the party was traditionally a masquerade.
It was already afternoon—time to leave for real.
But Aden was staring at her.
“Father?”
“I’ll walk you there.”
“…What?”
Sienna raised her voice without realizing it.
She looked at Anna, but Anna was smiling warmly.
So was everyone else.
In an instant, the room filled with a heartwarming atmosphere.
Wait—am I the only one confused?
By the time she realized it, she was walking down the corridor beside the king.
They weren’t particularly close, and naturally had nothing to talk about.
Only their footsteps echoed.
The already long hallway felt even longer.
But Aden’s sudden action was thoroughly calculated.
Servants of the princess’s palace, knights standing guard, and nobles staying in the castle for the party—all saw this scene.
It wouldn’t take long for rumors to spread throughout the castle.
“Thank you for seeing me off.”
“Enjoy yourself.”
Aden truly escorted Sienna all the way to the entrance.
When he turned away, she lifted her head and put on her mask.
The ballroom was darker than yesterday.
The chandeliers had been deliberately dimmed.
It created a more secretive, intimate atmosphere.
Even though she wore a mask to hide herself, some people instinctively bowed to her as she passed.
Her red hair still stood out.
At least in this ballroom, she was the only one with it.
Feeling slightly awkward, Sienna slipped through the crowd and found a spot with a good view.
She’d danced enough yesterday—today she’d just watch.
Even though it was still daytime, the atmosphere was already heated.
Outfits were bolder, movements freer.
People seemed to have grown accustomed to touching one another.
Watching the variety of masks was entertaining—some decorated with feathers, others gilded with gold.
As dusk approached, a few couples quietly began slipping out of the ballroom.
The garden was vast, maze-like, with plenty of places to hide.
What a time.
She poured herself a glass of light sparkling wine and stood.
Wearing a mask all day felt suffocating, so she decided to rest briefly in an empty lounge.
But when she opened the door—
She heard ragged breathing.
She should have stopped there, but her hands were faster than her sense of danger.
Sienna’s eyes caught sight of a man and woman tangled together.
Dilated pupils, half-bared shoulders, smudged lips—
They must have forgotten to lock the door.
It was only a moment, but she’d seen far too much.
“Ah—sorry!”
Sienna hurriedly shut the door.
“Kyaa!”
A shrill scream followed from the other side.
Sienna’s cheeks flushed red.
Arthur and Anna, standing behind her, fanned themselves as if overheated.
Laughing away the awkwardness, the three of them eventually put their masks back on.
With people scattered throughout the garden and lounges, the ballroom was emptier than on the first night.
Dandelion arrived at the party a little late.
He had considered not coming—but there was no reason not to.
And no reason he should avoid it.
It was warm inside, so he removed his jacket and draped it over his arm.
Through his white silk shirt, his solid build showed clearly.
Even from the moment he entered, several young ladies had already taken notice.
A mask wasn’t enough to hide his presence.
His height and broad shoulders alone made him stand out.
“Who is that man?”
“I wonder what he looks like under the mask.”
“He might be ugly.”
“Who do you think he’ll ask to dance?”
“Should I try seducing him?”
The girls giggled and whispered, sneaking glances at him.
The sun had fully set—it was about time he asked someone to dance.
But Dandelion simply sat there expressionless, drinking apricot juice.
It was the drink Sienna had recommended the other day, saying it was delicious.
Sweet.
A faint smile flickered, then vanished.
He had come because he didn’t like feeling as though he were avoiding her—but now that he was here, he didn’t know what to do.
He didn’t feel like dancing, and the noise quickly exhausted him.
Maybe I should just leave.
As he hesitated, his gaze locked onto one spot.
Life returned to his previously indifferent eyes.
Even with a mask on, he recognized her instantly.
It was strange.
No—wrong was the only word for it.
Amid countless passing people, only one person stood out.
Was something broken inside him?
As Dandelion seriously pondered this, Sienna noticed him as well.
The moment their eyes met, she smiled brightly.
But he looked away, pretending not to see.
If you smile like that…
He bit his lip without realizing it.
Feeling like he was the only one agonizing and confused made him inexplicably embarrassed.
He wanted to hide—anywhere.
What is this relationship?
She was his friend, the Princess of Stern, and his friend’s fiancée.
How am I supposed to treat you?
As a friend?
As a friend’s fiancée?
As a subject?
There were too many pointless options.
To you, I am…
Dandelion lifted his head.
Sienna was still looking at him from the same spot.
He grabbed the jacket he’d set aside and stood.
As he walked toward her, his steps unconsciously quickened.
He stopped within arm’s reach.
Keeping his hands still felt strangely difficult, so he clenched his jacket tightly.
His lips felt dry, but the mask covering half his face gave him an odd sense of courage.
“If you’re okay with it…”
“……”
“Would you like to step outside?”
