chapter 41
Silence settled over the hall.
As everyone’s gaze turned in unison toward the entrance, the doors slowly swung open, as if on cue.
Two figures stood at the entrance. The bright sunlight pouring in from outside made it difficult to see their details clearly.
In the moment that seemed to stretch on endlessly, the man stepped forward first.
His impeccable, no-frills formal attire gradually came into view. The deep blue imperial uniform was adorned with silver embroidery and insignia, exuding restrained dignity.
A dark gray cape draped over his shoulders bore the royal emblem, as if confirming his nobility.
“…….”
“Gasp……”
As his face became visible in the sunlight, someone audibly swallowed.
A straight, sharp nose, eyes so intense it was hard to look away.
Every feature seemed sculpted with precision, radiating a natural elegance that no one could imitate.
The woman beside him followed cautiously.
She lifted the hem of her pale blue dress slightly, walking with a straight back. The golden lace at her hem shimmered with every step, resembling sunlight rippling across waves.
Her pale, smooth skin contrasted with violet eyes that seemed to hold the night sky itself, giving her an ethereal, otherworldly presence.
Her composure and grace matched the nobility of the man beside her.
“…….”
“…….”
So these were the two from the rumors.
Talk about Blake and Priscilla had been rampant.
Even right up until their entrance, conversations were ongoing, and as always in high society, not all of it flattering.
Yet, no one dared approach them as they finally appeared.
To get too close felt like it might somehow sully their sacred presence.
……
“Everyone’s staring at us…….”
Had the imperial grand hall ever been this quiet? Despite being used to attention as the daughter of a duke, the sheer focus made her secretly sweat and want to pause in her tracks.
“This level of attention must be because of the person beside me, right?”
She stole a sideways glance at him, their arms linked.
As if noticing her gaze, he looked back.
“What is it?”
“Nothing…….”
He seemed unfazed by everyone’s staring.
‘Well, anyone born with that appearance would get used to being watched,’ she thought.
In contrast, people were clearly taken aback by the Grand Duke’s looks.
I know that feeling well.
He was rarely seen in high society due to his military duties. Attending alongside him meant inevitably sharing the spotlight.
‘Guess I’ll just have to get used to it over three days.’
On the third day of the ball, they would be together all day, but the first two days allowed for some separate movement, giving a bit of breathing room.
For now, that was fine.
“Your Highness, you said we need to meet the Empress soon, right?”
“Yes. There’s still time, though.”
Usually, the nobles all arrived first, then the Emperor would appear to give the first speech.
However, for some reason, the Emperor would not attend this spring’s Artwal event, and the Empress would handle all the proceedings.
The Grand Duke needed to assist her by standing by her side, more for appearance than anything else.
“I see. It would still be best not to keep her waiting.”
“…….”
She chose her words carefully.
He slightly tensed at her hand resting on his arm, then after a pause, spoke quietly.
“Lady…….”
“……?”
Looking up naturally at his voice, she met a slightly displeased expression.
“Do you want us to part ways quickly?”
“……Pardon?”
What did he mean? Did he sound a bit upset?
‘……Eh, must be my imagination.’
Having eaten something spicy after a long while, the world seemed unusually round and soft. She had made him try it, and naturally, she had tasted it too.
The spicy food after 18 years felt like all stress was ascending into the air.
So, the Grand Duke’s words—hmm……
‘Perhaps a joke to lighten the mood?’
Alright. She would play along.
“It’s not that, Your Highness, but do you find it hard to part from me?”
“What?”
“Yes?”
At her casual question, the Grand Duke looked startled, then silently turned his head away.
What kind of reaction was that?
“……Just a joke.”
“…….”
“…….”
“A joke.”
“Yes…….”
“Understood.”
Understood what?
‘He doesn’t seem to understand anything.’
They say it takes two hands to clap, but she couldn’t even get on the same level as him.
The awkward silence felt unusual. It had been a while since she had felt this kind of atmosphere.
“Well, I shall go for a moment.”
After the brief awkward pause, it was time for him to meet the Empress.
Even though he reacted so strictly to a joke, she decided to see him off quietly.
She had been distracted recently by spicy food, but he was still the Empire’s Grand Duke.
Remember, social etiquette.
“…….”
“……Your Highness?”
“The words you just said.”
“……?”
“Shall we try it once more?”
The Grand Duke stared at her face with a puzzling request.
Not fully understanding, she repeated what she had said.
“Do go, Your Highness……?”
“Next.”
“……I shall wait for you?”
“…….”
He raised his eyebrows slightly, then finally went off.
His purposeful steps somehow seemed relieving.
‘What was he expecting, really…….’
Truly an inscrutable person.
After he left, she looked around. With him gone, fewer eyes were on her.
Still, a few people whispered behind fans, peeking at her.
‘Because I’m a saint of the Amour Church, I guess no one’s saying anything good.’
Previously, people would gather, hoping to connect with the Duke’s daughter, but now no one approached.
‘……Maybe this is more comfortable?’
In fact, it was very comfortable.
Even if many people were around, they would just force smiles and exchange meaningless compliments, which was exhausting.
Popularity in high society was more burden than blessing.
Compared to modern life in her previous life, the gap made the old popularity even less appealing.
Those who enjoyed it… well, none in her circle.
“Ah, Priscilla. What are you doing here all alone?”
Hmph.
This one wasn’t noble either.
“……Julia.”
A blonde woman in a dazzling red dress approached. Her catlike eyes and beauty mark gave her an air of elegance mixed with allure.
Julia Lowell.
Second daughter of the Marquis of Lowell, queen of current high society.
Now of age, she had confidently established her own faction in the cutthroat social scene.
She had been invited dozens of times to attend this ball as a partner.
“You always seem so popular, huh.”
“And why are you alone?”
“Priscilla, I came over specifically to speak to you. Don’t treat me like everyone else.”
“Hmm…….”
Of course, the boasts about invitations came from Julia herself.
Fanning herself with a captivating smile, her presence could make anyone’s heart flutter.
“Lonely without me, huh?”
“……W-what? What an accusation.”
“Priscilla, we’re of age now. Isn’t it about time you start standing on your own?”
“……!”
“Of course, I know you relied on me to fix the mishap on your debut day in society…….”
“Priscilla, you…!”
In just a few words, her alluring composure vanished.
Seeing her familiar friend trembling and blushing bright red, she couldn’t hold back her laughter.
