CHAPTER 20……………………………..
Ivelina tightened her grip on his arm.
Otherwise, she felt like her legs would give out at any moment.
Arsen glanced at her and whispered softly.
“Lean on me if it’s too hard. You’ll feel much more comfortable.”
“Then… excuse me, just for a little while.”
As she leaned against him, she indeed felt far more at ease than before.
With a solid support beside her, the heart that had been pounding with nervous tension began to calm.
“Are you feeling a little better now?”
“Yes… thank you. If you hadn’t been here, Arsen, I might have collapsed.”
Ivelina let out a shallow breath with a faint smile.
Arsen felt strangely pleased knowing she was relying on him.
The ball hadn’t yet begun, as the Emperor had not arrived.
Arsen deliberately led her to a less crowded area.
“Are your feet alright?”
“They’re fine. Actually, Berry added some soft padding around the ankles of my shoes. So I don’t think they’ll get sore.”
Ivelina whispered as if sharing a great secret.
Their quiet murmuring made them look close, drawing curious glances from nearby guests.
“Your hair ornament’s a bit out of place.”
Karina said kindly, reaching out to fix it herself.
The gentle gesture made people widen their eyes.
In the palace, she had always been cold and expressionless—but now she was smiling softly.
Whispers began to spread: perhaps Karina’s change was because of Ivelina.
“She’s… not like the rumors.”
“Indeed…”
Arsen, rumored to suffer from madness, looked perfectly fine.
And Ivelina, whom everyone assumed would be plump and provincial after living in isolation all her life, was stunningly beautiful—leaving them speechless.
Still, no one dared to voice any compliment aloud.
As everyone exchanged uneasy glances, Rosalite suddenly came running with a tray.
“Why are you so late? It’s not even far.”
“I’m sorry, there were too many people.”
Rosalite smiled awkwardly as she handed out drinks one by one.
The young ladies took this chance to scold her, and she endured it silently.
Then, a loud trumpet blared again—
but this time, it was different.
It was the fanfare that played when a member of the Imperial Family entered.
The nobles parted to both sides, forming a path.
Even before the doors opened, everyone bowed their heads.
Moments later, the grand doors swung open.
Heavy footsteps echoed clearly.
The Empress had not yet been presented, so only the Emperor appeared.
After a brief pause, a deep voice rang out.
“Everyone, raise your heads.”
At his command, all lifted their gaze.
Ivelina slowly looked up at Jonas.
He resembled Arsen, but their auras were entirely different—
while Arsen was cold and composed, Jonas was light-hearted and mischievous.
After a short greeting, Jonas stepped down from the platform—
to open the ball with the first dance.
Everyone naturally assumed he would invite Arbella, the lady most often mentioned as his prospective Empress.
But instead, Jonas reached out his hand to someone completely unexpected.
“Lady, would you grant me this dance?”
“…Pardon?”
“Consider it a small event to mark your debut in society.”
Arsen’s brow twitched.
Ivelina looked up at Jonas in surprise, then lowered her gaze.
The weight of everyone’s eyes on her was overwhelming.
She wanted to refuse, but couldn’t possibly do so.
A quick glance at Arsen showed him frowning in frustration.
“Your Majesty, the first dance is traditionally between husband and wife.”
“As I recall, you’re not yet married.”
Arsen’s frown deepened visibly.
Beside him, Karina jabbed his side with her elbow.
He was about to argue further when Ivelina tightened her grip on his hand.
Startled, he looked down at her—
she shook her head slightly, mouthing silently, ‘I’m alright.’
Taking a deep breath, she released his arm and placed her hand in Jonas’s.
“My skills are humble, but I’ll do my best.”
“It’s an honor. You’re far more composed than my brother.”
Ivelina said nothing, smiling faintly.
Jonas’s eyes narrowed.
He had heard she’d spent her entire life confined to a mansion, yet she moved with the grace of any highborn lady.
Surely she never received proper education.
Everyone knew Duke Lotzfelt had never supported her.
Then did she receive training after joining the Grand Duke’s household?
If he remembered correctly, she had been there less than a month.
Even with crash lessons, some awkwardness should have shown—but there was none.
Her dancing’s excellent, too.
She was the very image of a perfect noblewoman.
Despite the complexity of the dance, she never faltered nor stepped on his feet.
“You dance well. Did you receive formal training?”
“My mother taught me. Thank you for the compliment.”
“Your mother? But the Duchess died when you were born… ah, you mean Lady Rockfelt.”
“Yes.”
Ivelina smiled politely, bowing her head slightly.
“Isn’t that cloth over your eyes uncomfortable? You needn’t wear it today—it’s your debut, after all.”
“I’ve worn it since childhood. I feel uneasy without it. I appreciate your concern, but it’s nothing worth troubling Your Majesty over.”
Her calm boldness made Jonas chuckle quietly.
He’d thought she was fragile—but she was strong.
He said nothing more, silently finishing the dance.
In truth, he wanted to ask how life with Arsen was, but his brother’s murderous glare from behind made it impossible.
The look practically screamed ‘Say one more word and die.’
Jonas could only sigh inwardly—he’d done nothing wrong!
At last, the music ended.
Ivelina and Jonas released hands and exchanged a polite bow.
Immediately, Arsen stepped forward, closing the distance beside her.
“Your Majesty, it seems your part here is finished.”
“….”
“So please refrain from speaking to my lady again.”
Jonas’s eyes narrowed.
Those words bordered on treason.
Startled, Ivelina tugged Arsen’s sleeve, but he stood firm.
“No need to glare like that—I’m leaving. Honestly, you’re already this protective?”
Jonas laughed playfully and waved a hand.
“Well then, enjoy your evening.”
“May eternal glory shine upon the sun of the Empire,” Ivelina said, bowing deeply.
Arsen inclined his head only slightly—just enough to remain courteous.
As Jonas departed, Ivelina straightened and exhaled in relief.
Though Arsen was his brother, the difference in rank was enormous.
She had feared he might be dragged away on the spot.
She lightly scolded him.
“Do you know how worried I was just now?”
“Worried…?”
“Yes! I thought you might get taken away, honestly.”
At that, Arsen suddenly smiled brightly.
“That makes me very happy.”
“…What?”
“To know you worry for me, I feel like I could fly.”
At that moment, Karina approached and smacked his arm lightly with her fan.
“Honestly! You shouldn’t have created a situation that made her worry in the first place.”
“It was His Majesty who provoked me first.”
Karina clicked her tongue and shook her head.
Arsen muttered lowly, still displeased,
“I should arrange our wedding soon. That’ll keep the pests away.”
His cold gaze swept across the ballroom.
The young noblemen who’d been sneaking glances at Ivelina flinched, coughed, and quickly looked elsewhere.
Ivelina, not catching his mutter, tilted her head.
“Sorry? What did you say?”
“I said—it’s finally my turn to dance with you. Ivelina, would you grant me the honor?”
He smiled gently, extending his hand.
Blushing, she placed hers in his.
“With pleasure.”
Together, they walked to the center of the hall.
At Arsen’s subtle glance, the surrounding dancers quickly retreated.
When only the two of them remained, he smiled in satisfaction.
Right on cue, the music changed—
it was the traditional song for a debutante’s first dance.
Ivelina glanced around nervously and whispered,
“Are we… the only ones dancing?”
“It’s your debut, so no one else should. That’s the custom.”
In truth, it wasn’t a strict rule, but etiquette dictated others refrain so the debutante could stand out.
The noble ladies opened their fans, scrutinizing Ivelina.
They searched for any flaw to criticize.
“Surely those red eyes under that black cloth are hideous.”
“If not for the Grand Duke, she wouldn’t even be allowed here.”
“Exactly. She may hold the title of a lady, but she’s little better than a commoner…”
The unspoken next line was obvious—
she climbed up by seducing a man.
Meanwhile, Rosalite, standing nearby, stared blankly at Ivelina.
I wish I could wear a dress like that, just once…
Ivelina, dancing hand in hand with Arsen, was radiant.
A smile never left her lips, and every time he whispered something, she let out a soft laugh.
None said it aloud, but envy burned in everyone’s chest.
Because of the rumors about his madness, Arsen had been the most avoided man for marriage.
Had they known he was so normal, proposals would have flooded in.
And none was more jealous than Arbella.
Before Ivelina’s arrival, every man’s eyes had been on her.
Now, barely half remained.
Arbella bit her lip hard, glaring at Ivelina—then slowly turned her gaze toward Rosalite.
A dark smile curved on her lips, hinting at an idea taking root.
