RFNM C6

Chapter 06

At last, the banquet began.

On the long-awaited first day, a grand ball was held in the Eve Palace, the largest and most splendid hall in Syncaster.

Yet even after entering the ballroom, Leonard had no intention of dancing.

In his homeland, Blake—a land ruled by the law of the strong devouring the weak—there was neither the psychological nor material luxury to enjoy such festivities. Naturally, Leonard himself had never taken pleasure in dancing.

Truthfully, the fact that he was not particularly skilled at Syncaster’s waltz also played a part.

Besides, he assumed that women would dislike him anyway, given his “sinister eyes” and the infamous reputation of Blake. So the moment he entered the hall, he stationed himself firmly against a wall.

At that moment, William approached and spoke to him in a low voice.

“Your Highness, Syncaster’s ‘owl’ has investigated the route we took to get here.”

“You mean they’ve discovered that we crossed the Resher Desert?”

William gave a quiet nod, and Leonard’s eyes gleamed coldly.

He lifted his gaze toward the king seated upon the dais—Erdan.

Even while conversing with the Saintess at his side, the king’s gaze would occasionally turn toward Leonard, sharp as a spear.

Pretending not to notice, Leonard accepted the champagne William handed him and brought it to his lips.

“Have they figured out that we found it and are keeping it as well?”

“It seems they haven’t gone that far, but they do appear to suspect that our purpose here is not merely to attend the banquet.”

“……”

Just as Leonard tilted the glass to take a sip—

“Your Highness, you should propose to the princess today.”

“Cough—!”

At William’s words, Leonard nearly choked, spraying out the champagne he had just drunk.

A few young ladies who had been sneaking glances at him—apparently drawn to his sharp, dangerous eyes—flinched in surprise.

Leonard gave them an awkward smile before muttering harshly to William.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“But if you propose to Princess Charlotte, several problems would be resolved.”

William continued calmly.

“Damian has already sent a proposal. Wouldn’t it be wise for us to counter with one of our own and even the score?”

“……”

“And we can justify crossing the Resher Desert instead of using teleportation as a display of your masculinity for the princess. There are plenty of fools among men who would admire that sort of thing.”

“You’re telling me to become one of those fools?”

“If you wish to avoid suspicion.”

Leonard let out another low laugh.

Though his hawk-like eyes gave off a chilling air, William knew the laughter was not entirely negative.

“And if you meet her frequently under the pretense of courtship, you may have opportunities for tea. You might even uncover clues about the sacred relic. After all, Your Highness at least has the advantage of a decent face.”

“At least?”

Leonard set his champagne glass down on a nearby table with a faint smirk.

“Still, I refuse. What if she actually accepts? A proposal isn’t something to make on a whim.”

If the princess has any sense, she’d never agree to marry you anyway…

William muttered under his breath, but fortunately, his ill-tempered superior did not seem to hear.

Clearing his throat, William pulled out a neatly wrapped box he had prepared in advance and held it out.

“Then at least try speaking with her. I hear the princess cannot use divine power. This should be a gift she’ll appreciate.”

The first ball of the birthday banquet had begun.

Erdan usually escorted me at such events, but not this time.

With numerous foreign guests in attendance, he had to remain seated at the head table, displaying his authority as the sole Pope of the continent.

Thus, the one to escort me tonight was Cedric Myers—the only duke of the kingdom, my brother’s right-hand man, and the commander of the Holy Knights.

As I left the princess’s palace and descended into the garden, I saw Cedric waiting for me.

True to his role as the male lead so meticulously described by the author, he was dazzling.

His neatly slicked-back hair resembled the pitch-black night sky, and his blue eyes, like glass marbles, were sharp yet strangely calm.

His well-defined forehead, straight nose, and clean jawline gave him the air of a righteous clergyman, yet there was an unyielding firmness to him.

The image was perfected by his immaculate white uniform buttoned to the neck, a silver cloak, a golden command baton, and a sword.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

But he was like a robot.

No matter how handsome someone was, if their personality was as cold as ice, it was hard to grow fond of them—something anyone would understand after dealing with Cedric.

I clicked my tongue inwardly as I looked at his face—one so handsome it no longer triggered even my old incurable condition.

“Yes, good morning.”

“Shall we?”

Cedric extended his hand, and I placed mine over it as we walked toward the carriage.

After nine years, I had grown accustomed to his escort—whether it was dining together, having tea, or even dancing at balls.

However, there was one thing I could never get used to: being alone with him in an enclosed space.

So, as soon as I got into the carriage, I fixed my gaze outside the window, letting my mind drift.

Then—

“Your Highness.”

Breaking the quiet stillness, Cedric called out to me.

“Yes? Ah—yes.”

Startled, I turned my head toward him.

He had already set aside the weekly paper he had been reading and was looking directly at me.

“I hear you have many suitors. Have you made a decision?”

It was difficult to discern the emotion in his low voice.

“No, not yet.”

“…Among them, there will not be a single man suitable for you.”

“I think so too.”

At my refreshingly candid answer, Cedric’s eyes widened briefly before he rubbed at his lips.

“As expected of you, Your Highness.”

“But it’s true. I think I’m too good for any of them.”

“Then who do you believe is the most suitable person for you in this kingdom?”

“Why is that important to you, Duke?”

At my sudden question, his lips pressed shut.

In the silence that followed, I frowned slightly.

We had never spoken this much in a carriage before—it felt unfamiliar.

“Duke?”

Just then, the carriage began to slow, and the sound of trumpets rang out from outside. Footsteps approached.

“His Grace, Duke Myers, and the great Princess of Syncaster. The guests await you in the banquet hall.”

“Duke, we’ve arrived.”

What had he been about to say?

I studied Cedric quietly. After a brief hesitation, he stepped out and extended his hand toward me.

“Your Highness, please step down first.”

“Ah… yes.”

Together, we made our way slowly into the ballroom. As we passed the entrance and walked along the red carpet to the center of the hall, Cedric spoke softly.

“Before the day ends, may I see you again? I would like to finish what I was about to say.”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.”

Before parting, he pressed his lips lightly to the back of my hand.

I could hear soft gasps from those watching us, but I smiled faintly to myself.

He felt nothing for me. This was merely etiquette.

Soon, applause filled the hall.

Erdan and Aurora descended from the head table hand in hand as soon as they saw Cedric and me.

“Now, the stars of the evening have arrived. Shall we begin the ball?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Erdan formally asked Aurora for the first dance—a signal to begin.

Immediately, the gentlemen followed suit, offering their hands to their partners and stepping toward the center of the hall. Those who had come alone rushed toward me.

“Your Highness, may I have the honor of a dance—”

“You are aware that I was the first to arrive in this kingdom, are you not?”

“Your Highness, our nations share a mutual defense treaty—”

See? It wouldn’t have mattered even if I’d wrapped myself in a trash bag.

Though my mind grew hazy, I maintained a polite smile.

“I’d be honored. But could you please form a line first? You’ll need to write your names on the dance card…”

At my words, the gentlemen immediately lined up in perfect order, as if following a command.

I glanced briefly toward Cedric, now farther away.

True to his reputation as the most eligible bachelor in high society, Duke Myers was surrounded by numerous noblewomen with daughters.

Why had he asked me that earlier? He didn’t seem like someone who would care about my suitors.

But my thoughts about Cedric were abruptly interrupted when Prince Louis extended his hand to me.

“Princess Charlotte Syncaster, may I have this dance?”