Chapter 26

The carriage carrying Freesia blurred into the distance, dyed in the shadows of twilight. I let out a long sigh.

 

“Erika, are you all right?”

 

Calix asked in a gentle voice. He unfastened his cloak and draped it over my shoulders.

 

Feeling his comforting warmth, my mind eased. Wrapping the cloak tightly around myself, I began to pour out my complaints in a half-pouting whine.

 

“Honestly, it’s been such an exhausting day. From early morning I had to change through a dozen dresses, then when we went to check out the market, we ran into thugs, almost got kidnapped by the Viscount’s lackeys, and then even a masked attacker showed up. I guess it really is dangerous outside the blanket.”

 

As I grumbled, Calix listened with a faint smile touching his lips, nodding along.

 

“I’m relieved you are safe. But why didn’t you bring an escort knight with you?”

 

His gentle gaze gradually shifted, growing stern like a father scolding a child.

 

“I’m sure I told you to always accompany a knight whenever you go out. If you had just told me, I would have escorted you myself.”

 

“I just wanted to browse around comfortably with Lady Rubel. I let my guard down because it’s the capital’s shopping district, where security is supposed to be good.”

 

I offered excuses while carefully gauging his expression. Calix let out a brief sigh.

 

“I should have kept your safety in mind. To let you end up in danger instead—it is my oversight.”

 

His face grew heavy and dark, stained with a look of self-reproach. Seeing him blame himself for failing to protect me actually made me feel guilty instead.

 

Granted, I ended up facing a triple combo of enemies today, but truth be told, it wasn’t actually a dangerous situation for me. I simply intended to let the attacker put a blade to my neck until I could figure out who had ordered the strike, before taking care of them.

 

My reflexes were so extraordinarily sharp that the enemies’ movements and attacks were completely clear to me. I just didn’t want to use my power in front of Freesia.

 

My plan was to clear out those guys after getting her away safely, so I was genuinely startled when Calix and Franz suddenly barged in out of nowhere.

 

Looking at him swallowed in deep worry, a strong sense of duty surged within me to comfort him. I intentionally put on a bright, cheerful smile and spoke in a light tone.

 

“Still, you arrived just in time, Grand Duke. I’m truly grateful.”

 

His gaze quietly lingered down upon me. His hand gently reached out to caress my cheek. At that tender touch, the corners of my eyes softened pleasantly.

 

His cobalt-blue eyes burned with a hot, deep intensity. Staring into those eyes, I felt as if my body was slowly being consumed by their heat—a feeling far too sweet and overwhelming.

 

“I thanked God that you were unharmed. If the Grand Heir had not killed that man, I would have killed him first.”

 

Before I could stop myself, a soft chuckle escaped my lips.

 

“Pfft. You even scolded the Grand Heir for destroying evidence back there, didn’t you?”

 

“Officially, I had no choice given my position. But privately, I had intended to interrogate him until every bone in his body was shattered. I will thoroughly investigate those who attacked you and uncover the truth, so please forgive me, Erika.”

 

Calix bowed his head solemnly, offering a formal apology.

 

‘This is embarrassing.’

 

It really wasn’t that big of a deal. Besides, I already had a good guess about who hired that last mercenary. They were clearly aiming only to leave a scar on my face, not to take my life.

 

On top of that, seeing how Franz executed the man the moment he laid eyes on him, it was highly likely a mercenary sent by Eliade.

 

Given her personality, there was no way she would leave me alone. Hiring a mercenary was definitely crossing the line, though.

 

Those who were truly targeting me would genuinely want me dead. Compared to that, the mercenary Eliade sent was just child’s play.

 

“It wasn’t your fault, Grand Duke. Please don’t worry about it. I suppose because people started calling me the ‘Goddess of War,’ more people have grown envious and jealous. Haha.”

 

Embarrassed, I laughed it off with a hollow excuse.

 

At that exact moment, a sharp wave of murderous intent pierced the back of my head like an arrow.

 

I spun around abruptly, catching sight of a figure in a dark grey hooded robe disappearing swiftly into the pitch-black alleyway. Only after seeing that robe did I recognize the familiar nature of that lethal aura.

 

It closely resembled the murderous intent Palia had directed at me before. It wasn’t Palia herself—having clashed with her a few times, I had grown familiar with her unique mana signature.

 

Then could that person be… a Guardian Wizard?

 

Palia had warned me that once the power inside me fully awakened, she would never let me live.

 

“Your very existence is a calamity to this world.”

 

My stomach churned bitterly as if filled with acid. Anger flared up within me, and I clenched my teeth tightly.

 

‘Has the time finally come, Palia? Are you sending a Guardian Wizard to tail me, waiting to dispose of me the moment a problem arises? Because you can’t reach the Royal Library or the mansion due to the protective barriers and heavy guards, were you just waiting for me to step outside? How dare you… target me…?’

 

Fury churned hot in my gut. A sharp, tingling sensation surged up from my toes, spreading rapidly throughout my body.

 

“Erika, you don’t look well. Are you in pain somewhere?”

 

Calix gently rested his hand on my shoulder.

 

In an instant, my wild, thumping heartbeat settled, and the burning rage churning inside me cooled down. The crisp night air brushed past my cheek.

 

“It’s nothing. I was just remembering what happened earlier… I was startled, so I’m just trying to calm my nerves.”

 

“Let’s take my horse. I will escort you back to the mansion.”

 

Calix scrutinized me closely with eyes full of concern. At his gesture, a soldier led his horse over. He naturally moved to take me by the waist and lift me onto the saddle.

 

“Ah, no! It’s okay!”

 

“Why? Is it uncomfortable for you to ride with me?”

 

“It’s not that, it’s just… I’d like to walk for a bit. Returning straight to the mansion like this makes me feel a bit restless.”

 

Calix nodded firmly with a look of understanding.

 

“I see. Starting tonight, I will order security at the mansion to be tightened further. I’ll double the guard detail.”

 

“No, the mansion is already very safe. I just want to walk along the night streets to refresh my mood.”

 

Calix listened quietly to my words, then took hold of the horse’s reins.

 

“Then, shall we walk together?”

 

I quietly nodded. Walking through the capital’s night streets alongside Calix felt almost strangely surreal.

 

The rhythmic clatter of horseshoe strikes echoed against the stone pavement. Calix pulled his horse along at a slow pace, and I matched his steps side-by-side.

 

No significant words passed between us. Yet, the crystal-clear air, the crescent moon hanging in the empty sky, and the simple sound of our footsteps walking together were more than enough to bring complete contentment.

 

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind that it would be lovely to walk like this with him in silence forever.

 

All the lights in the downtown shopping district were extinguished, and hardly anyone could be seen walking the streets.

 

“It’s only early evening, yet there’s no one around, is there?”

 

‘In the world I used to live in, evening is practically as bright as broad daylight.’

 

“After monsters appeared, a nighttime curfew was put into effect. Outings are prohibited after sunset.”

 

“Then… what do we do? Aren’t we not supposed to be taking a walk either?”

 

When I asked in a worried tone, a relaxed smile touched the corners of Calix’s lips.

 

“Erika. Who do you think you are with right now?”

 

Right on cue, five or six soldiers patrolling the capital streets spotted him and immediately offered a crisp military salute.

 

“Greetings to the Commander-in-Chief!”

 

Calix dismissed them with a wave of his hand. The soldiers bowed in respect and resumed their marching rhythm down the street.

 

So this is what power tastes like. Thanks to the Northern Grand Duke, I get to enjoy a peaceful, quiet night walk.

 

I grinned broadly at him and quickened my steps.

 

“I understand it’s a necessary measure for safety, but it’s a shame. Even the pubs are closed.”

 

‘The savior of a soul dragged down by overtime in a transmigrated life! To think I can’t pay my respects to my soulmate, Beer—it’s utterly tragic.’

 

Seeing me slump my shoulders in utter defeat, Calix let out a soft chuckle.

 

“His Highness also lamented that he couldn’t visit the pubs when he issued the curfew.”

 

“I think it’s better for His Highness not to go to pubs anyway. For the sake of everyone’s peace.”

 

“He mentioned it was an inspection to gauge the public’s sentiments.”

 

“He probably just wants to drink and mingle with the commoners.”

 

I pouted slightly as I poked fun at Ludwig. Calix looked at me intently, his tone turning serious.

 

“It is precisely that quality of His Highness that makes me believe he will become a wise monarch who truly cares for his people.”

 

An unshakeable, straight-laced loyalty.

 

For the first time, I felt envious of Crown Prince Ludwig to the point of jealousy.

 

Historically speaking, the Kingdom of Ruberia was a realm maintained by sheer miracles.

 

In truth, the King of Ruberia was plagued by severe illness, making him unable to carry out normal state affairs. The Crown Prince Ludwig served as the central pillar, governing the kingdom alongside high-ranking nobles and ministers.

 

Internal affairs were stable, and industries and culture were flourishing. Foreign trade was active, and with thriving agriculture and livestock farming, the living standards of the people were quite decent.

 

Normally, when a king suffers from a grave illness or the throne is unstable, foreign nations invade or internal bloodshed erupts first to threaten royal authority.

 

‘Is it because they possess the 5 grimoires capable of summoning monsters? Because they hold the power that brought about the continent’s destruction, other nations wouldn’t dare invade carelessly.’

 

Thanks to those 5 grimoires, the Kingdom of Ruberia was prospering stably atop a precarious line of balance.

 

Internally, loyal subjects guarded the King and the Crown Prince, making it difficult for rebel factions to rise against royal authority. The fact that Franz’s dark schemes hadn’t made significant progress was also due to this structure.

 

In the original story, the relationship between Ludwig and Calix deteriorated drastically because they began checks and balances over Freesia. Ludwig fell in love with Freesia, eventually regarding Calix as an enemy and attempting to kill him.

 

Seeing the Crown Prince’s corrupted actions targeting the kingdom’s hero, Grand Duke Reinhardt, other nobles and ministers felt anxiety and disillusionment. Franz exploited that unstable political situation to instigate his rebellion.

 

Now that Calix hadn’t fallen in love with Freesia, the plot had completely derailed from the original work. It was chaotic to the point where I couldn’t predict a single step ahead.

 

“Erika, what are you thinking about?”

 

When I snapped back to reality, I found myself standing on a bridge spanning the river that ran through the capital.

 

Under the moonlight, the dark blue water glittered with ripples like white scales.

 

“I was just lost in thought for a moment. Daydreaming happens to be my hobby.”

 

I let out a casual reply, but he continued to look down at me silently with deep, unwavering eyes.

 

Whenever I received that direct gaze, my heart tickled and fluttered.

 

Looking into those cobalt-blue eyes that always gazed solely at me, I wanted to ask him.

 

Though I could never bring myself to ask, out of fear of what his answer might be.

 

Calix leaned his upper body forward, staring fixedly at me.

 

The distance between us became overwhelmingly close, so I tried to step backward, but his hands gently caught my shoulders.

 

“Why is that?”

 

His heavy, low voice vibrated quietly, blending into the sound of the flowing river.

 

“Whenever you sink into deep thought, I feel as though you are disappearing far away from me. Why am I seized by the feeling that the world you and I see is not the same?”

 

His gaze upon me was distant and yearning, as if trying to imprint a longed-for person into his eyes without looking away.

 

“Do not run away from me, Erika. I do not ask for much. Just remain in a place where I can see you, where I can reach out and touch you.”

 

The shoulders he held felt so hot I could barely stand it. The warmth radiating from his hands suffocated me, sending tears welling up in my eyes.

 

His earnest, heartbroken emotions surged into me like the river currents. I looked up at him like a person drowning in the river, flailing for breath.

 

Words I had desperately suppressed deep in my throat stumbled upon the tip of my tongue.

 

“Why do you look at me with those eyes?”

 

“Why do you hold such feelings for me?”

 

‘And… if my hunch is correct…’

 

Unable to bear his straight, agonizing gaze any longer, I closed my eyes as if fleeing.

 

When I closed my eyes, a yellow light awaited me at the far end of the tunnel.

 

That yellow light was the eye of a monster.

 

Instinctively, I knew it. This unbelievable power I was currently feeling was the power of a monster.

 

I didn’t even know the root of why such power had manifested within me.

 

The original Erika was merely an ordinary noble lady who harbored a one-sided crush on Franz.

 

If so, the cause might be me, the transmigrator.

 

Ever since I transmigrated into Erika’s body in this world, the original plot changed, and this strange power manifested.

 

This power made monsters refrain from harming me and obey my commands.

 

The Guardian Wizard, Palia, had warned that she would kill me once I fully awakened.

 

She never revealed the truth behind why my power would become a disaster in this world.

 

To be honest, I didn’t want to know that truth.

 

I simply wanted to work diligently as a librarian at the Royal Library, live a long and quiet life, and then return to the real world.

 

Because I am a coward. Knowing the truth meant bearing the responsibility that came with it.

 

I didn’t want to bear that responsibility.

 

I just happened to transmigrate here by chance, and I wanted to escape and return as much as possible.

 

I didn’t want to leave anything behind.

 

Not the warmth that guarded me through the night, nor the rose he pinned by my ear, nor the knight’s oath sworn on bended knee before me, nor the kiss I clung to just to survive, nor the dreams we shared while gazing at the night sky, nor the earnest, heartfelt emotion right in front of me now…

 

I didn’t want to leave a single thing behind. I didn’t want to be recorded.

 

I just wanted to live quietly as a nameless librarian and then leave.

 

A faint laughter seeped out like the wind from my lips.

 

“Erika.”

 

‘How strange. Why does it feel so unfamiliar and heart-wrenching every time you call that name?’

 

You always show me your entire heart with complete sincerity, yet I haven’t revealed even a single fragment of mine.

 

Since even this name doesn’t belong to me in the first place, what truth could I possibly tell him?

 

I am merely a stranger temporarily inhabiting this body before returning.

 

I am nothing more than a cowardly runaway.

 

I cannot accept those feelings of yours.

 

The moment I accept them, they will feel far too heavy, terrifying me with the thought that I won’t be able to take a single step to escape.

 

I am afraid your heart will bind me here, making it impossible for me to leave.

 

“What is it that you fear?”

 

Calix asked in a voice laden with deep sorrow. He stroked my hair as it fluttered in the breeze.

 

He wore an anxious expression, unable to take his eyes off me even for a second.

 

To think that he, the ruthless Northern Grand Duke who feared nothing, was on edge over my every word and expression.

 

Because he was so endlessly sweet and precious, tears fell instead.

 

Did he notice the tears filling the corners of my eyes? He tried to pull my shoulders closer to embrace me in his arms.

 

‘Ah, no.’

 

Reflexively, I took a step back.

 

If I were held in those arms right now, I would surely weep bitterly and speak. I would impulsively spill the truth.

 

That I am not Erika, that my real name is…

 

BANG!

 

It happened then. A small firework burst above my head.

 

It occurred so instantaneously that the flash vanished without a trace, leaving only acrid smoke drifting across the pitch-black night sky where the light had bloomed.

 

“Fireworks? Why here?”

 

Across the bridge on the riverbank, figures draped in white robes were visible. For a second, I flinched in shock, thinking it might be Guardian Wizards. But taking a closer look, the royal crest was embroidered on their robes.

 

They were royal mages. In the dark, the spell circles forming at their fingertips emitted a blueish glow.

 

“The royal mages appear to be practicing fireworks.”

 

Calix informed me calmly.

 

Even though he must have realized I had just dodged his touch, his expression remained unchanged.

 

Was he being considerate of me, fearing I might feel awkward?

 

“Mages shooting fireworks? What for?”

 

I asked back nonchalantly, pretending not to notice what had just happened.

 

“They say they are presenting a firework display to celebrate the Royal Ball. Those fireworks were planned by William as well.”

 

“They launch fireworks using magic?”

 

“According to William’s explanation, they use magic power to launch ignited coal high into the air and shatter it into fine pieces. The more effective the spell is at shattering the coal into tiny fragments and spreading them wide, the larger and more beautiful the firework created.”

 

“You seem to know a lot about fireworks.”

 

When I looked at him with wide eyes, Calix turned his head toward the night sky as if a bit embarrassed.

 

“I have used them as artillery shells on the battlefield before.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

As I nodded absentmindedly, he hurriedly added more to his words.

 

“I didn’t use them on people. They were used when attacking hordes of monsters.”

 

“Then, is this the first time you are seeing real fireworks too, Grand Duke?”

 

“I suppose so. The ones meant for artillery didn’t produce light.”

 

It probably wasn’t a sight he wished to remember anyway. When magic-imbued coal struck monsters, it must have shattered them to pieces.

 

A dull ache throbbed in a corner of my heart, remembering his grueling life—having to survive on blood-soaked, gruesome battlefields despite possessing such breathtakingly beautiful eyes.

 

A life where seeing only good and beautiful things wouldn’t even be enough.

 

Whoosh— BANG! BANG!

 

Calix and I stopped in our tracks and looked up at the night sky as if we had planned it together.

 

As if the mages had resumed their practice, lights like small shooting stars were launched as a signal.

 

Vibrant, colorful fireworks exploded one after another, beautifully adorning the sky.

 

They bloomed like flowers against the pitch-black night sky, then scattered like the Milky Way.

 

Suddenly, I glanced at his profile. The reflecting fragments of the bursting fireworks sparkled against him.

 

His expression was intoxicated by the beauty of the fireworks, a mix of wonder and admiration.

 

“Fireworks… are beautiful. I didn’t realize until now.”

 

His gaze, which had been fixed on the fireworks, slowly shifted down to me.

 

“Is it even more beautiful because I am watching it with you?”

 

His hand gently reached out to touch my cheek, softly caressing it. At that tender touch, the corners of my eyes curved softly despite myself.

 

The fingers caressing my cheek moved down to my chin. The tips of his fingers lightly brushed against my lower lip before pressing against it softly.

 

The heat radiating from his fingertips felt as if it were fiercely stirring up my insides.

 

“Haah, Erika.”

 

Calix let out a feverish, breathless sigh, as if he could hold back no longer.

 

Before I could even dodge, he pulled me into his arms with an urgent gesture.

 

I felt dizzy from his burning body heat and sweet breath.

 

It felt as though all light was enveloping me.

 

Amidst the muffled booms of bursting fireworks, in a world that felt as if only the two of us existed, his low, gentle voice echoed clearly.

 

“I wish this moment would never end. If only I could stay like this with you forever.”

 

He whispered against my ear, his lips pressed close. His warm lips pressed against my earlobe, sending a sharp, tingling current shooting down my spine.

 

I couldn’t tell whether the sound in my ears right now was the booming of fireworks or the pounding of my heart bursting inside my chest.

 

I couldn’t say a single word. I simply remained held in his embrace, looking up at the fireworks adorning the night sky.

 

The sight of the fireworks pouring down onto the surface of the dark river like rain was breathtaking.

 

After realizing the monster’s power within me, the very first thought that came to mind was this:

 

‘How would Calix react if he found out? If he knew the real me—possessing the power of the monsters that caused the calamity that killed his father, a power that could become a disaster to this world—what kind of face would he make? Would he still look at me the way he does now? Would he hold me warmly like this? Would he pour out his heart to me with a feverish sigh? No, he would look at me with eyes more wounded than anyone else’s, trembling with hatred and betrayal as he pointed his sword at me.’

 

A sudden fit of coughing burst out from me. It felt painfully suffocating, as if my heart had truly been pierced by Calix’s blade.

 

Startled, Calix wrapped his arms tighter around my body.

 

“Erika, are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

 

“It’s nothing. I just happened to cough.”

 

I firmly took hold of the hands wrapped around my shoulders and pulled them down.

 

“Please let go now. It’s late, so I must return to the mansion.”

 

At my calm, rigid tone, I could feel his body freeze.

 

To think that a single word like this could evoke a reaction as if he had been struck by an enemy’s blade.

 

His hands hesitated before gently releasing me from his embrace.

 

“You are right. I will escort you to the mansion.”

 

His jaw was set stiffly.

 

I felt the cool river breeze again, causing my body to shiver, but I didn’t show it.

 

“I will fetch the horse. Please wait here for a moment.”

 

As he walked away to retrieve the horse tied nearby, fireworks bloomed brilliantly over his retreating figure before fading away without a trace.

 

My desire—wishing that this night would never end, and that he would never let go of me until the very end—vanished along with the fireworks.

 

‘I hope this heart, too, shines brightly like those fireworks before fading away.’

 

I made a small wish toward the very last firework.

 

 

***

 

 

“It’s finally the day of the ball. Time really flies.”

 

I muttered to myself in my room at the residence while having a late lunch of bread and soup. Hunched over on the vanity chair, I stared blankly into the mirror.

 

Still in my pajamas, my hair was a complete bird’s nest, and there was crust in the corners of my eyes. Ah, dark circles were deeply etched there, too.

 

Looking at Erika’s face, haggard and worn out from work, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly—it looked identical to my face from my previous life.

 

In the end, the day of the royal ball had arrived.

 

Noble ladies were probably waiting for the ball with fluttering hearts. But to me, it felt like receiving an overdue credit card bill.

 

Just to attend a single day of the ball, I had to work overtime at the library for days.

 

Since the students of the Book Club were also attending, I had to move up class dates or schedule make-up sessions.

 

Only today did I finally get a bit of modest leisure—sleeping in late and enjoying a relaxed meal for the first time in a while.

 

On the bed sat the dress box sent from the boutique, its packaging still unopened. Fortunately, it had arrived the day before the ball, but I hadn’t even bothered to open it out of utter lack of interest.

 

“Sigh, I wish I could just take a nice, long nap and rest instead.”

 

To think I have to lace up a corset, wear a heavy dress, put on high heels to dance, and flash fake smiles among unfamiliar nobles!

 

“Hmm, should I pretend I have a stomachache now and say I can’t go?”

 

As I shoved a leftover piece of bread into my mouth while mumbling, the door burst open.

 

“I knew it! Erika!”

 

The voice struck down as if slapping my back. Surprised, I turned around to see Rose, dressed up magnificently like a glamorous peacock, standing triumphantly with a scary expression and her hands on her hips.

 

Behind her, five maids streamed in, each carrying huge bags and boxes.

 

“W-what? Is this a raid?”

 

I tried to jump up from the vanity chair, but Rose was one step faster.

 

She pressed down on my shoulder with the tip of her fan, rendering me unable to move. The corners of Rose’s lips curled up threateningly.

 

“Erika, you’d better not even think about running away.”

 

With swift and precise movements, Rose’s maids lined up all sorts of cosmetics, makeup brushes, glass perfume bottles, gemstone hairpin sets, and wigs across the empty vanity.

 

The maids also unpacked the dress box I had tossed onto the bed, neatly smoothing out the pleats and hemline of the tailored dress, and neatly displayed the petticoat, stockings, and custom shoes.

 

It all happened in a flash, like a passing storm.

 

I just stared blankly, my eyes wide with shock. Rose inspected the perfectly set vanity and dress with hawkish eyes.

 

“Have you even washed up? Time is tight. We don’t have time to idle around.”

 

“The ball is at dusk. It’s still the middle of the day, Rose.”

 

She placed a hand on her fair forehead as if getting a headache, wearing a look of despair.

 

“Sigh, don’t tell me you were planning to just put on the dress without getting dolled up at all?”

 

‘Gasp, how did she know?’

 

Marveling at Rose’s quick intuition, I scratched my unwashed hair.

 

“Ah… well, I figured just attending was what mattered.”

 

“Argh, you’re going to be the death of me!”

 

She thumped her own chest in frustration.

 

“Do you know who the most famous figure in high society is these days?”

 

A finger clad in a white lace glove pointed straight at me.

 

“It’s none other than Erika Diel, the ‘Goddess of War.’ Besides, you are the Head Librarian of the Royal Library. As a figure representing the Royal Library, you must be flawlessly prepared without the slightest imperfection!”

 

She spoke with a look that even held a solemn resolve. Then she snapped her fingers at the maids.

 

“Help Lady Diel wash up thoroughly. There’s no time. Let’s hurry as much as possible.”

 

“Yes, My Lady.”

 

Before I could even dodge, the maids rushed in and dragged me to the bathtub.

 

Bathing with someone else’s help was something I hadn’t done since my mother did it when I was a child.

 

Without even time to feel embarrassed or ashamed, they expertly washed my hair and scrubbed my body with skillful hands.

 

When I stepped back into the room in my undergarments, other maids dressed me in a petticoat layered with several sheets of lace light as dragonfly wings.

 

“My Lady, please pull in your stomach!”

 

A maid shouted. I pulled in my stomach with all my might. Then, the maid yanked the laces, tightening the corset. Everything went dizzy before my eyes. Since I usually didn’t wear a corset with my librarian uniform, it felt all the more suffocating.

 

“I can’t do this. I can’t breathe.”

 

“That’s how it’s supposed to be.”

 

From beyond the partition, Rose tried to soothe me, but at this rate, it felt like my ribs would break or I’d collapse from lack of oxygen.

 

In the end, I pushed the maid away and loosened the corset strings a bit. A sigh naturally escaped my lips as I felt the blocked blood circulate again.

 

“Just leave it like this. Just this much.”

 

The maid glanced at Rose nervously and quietly nodded.

 

With the maid’s help, I slipped into the rest of the dress and stepped out from behind the partition.

 

Rose thoroughly inspected my appearance in the dress and let out a satisfied smile.

 

“You chose a dress that suits you well. As expected, Lady Rubel has high taste.”

 

It was a sky-blue dress made of silk with a subtle radiance.

 

Lace covered the front of the voluminous skirt, and mist-like, pale silk ruffles adorned the waistline.

 

Ruffles were also layered at the cuffs and shoulders, fluttering softly with every step I took.

 

I was a bit self-conscious because the neckline was cut round and deep, but it was decorated with tiny gemstones and pearls scattered like the Milky Way, making it look even more splendid.

 

It had more embellishments, costlier fabric, and even jewels compared to when I had tried it on at the boutique shop.

 

“Madame Merdil must have poured her heart and soul into this. Isn’t the dress a bit excessively flashy?”

 

“It’s your true debut stage, after all. Putting this much effort into it is perfectly fine.”

 

Rose grabbed my arm and forced me to sit in front of the vanity.

 

“We don’t have time. We need to do your hair and makeup, too.”

 

Overwhelmed by Rose’s sheer momentum, I followed her orders like a doll.

 

The maids neatly combed my hair, braided it together with a wig, and elegantly styled it up into a high bun.

 

They pinned hair accessories studded with pearls and blue gemstones into it.

 

They misted a subtle scented oil onto my hair, applied white powder to my cheeks, and painted a pink rouge onto my lips.

 

Shimmering pearl dust was sprinkled along my neck and collarbone line.

 

The maids spent a painstaking two hours on my makeup.

 

During that horribly tedious time, I had to memorize high society etiquette through Rose’s intensive, crash-course tutoring.

 

Finally, donning the embroidered shoes that matched the dress, I stood in front of the long mirror once more.

 

Rose stepped up behind me, an admiring smile on her face.

 

“Who is that lovely beauty? Is that really the book-dust-covered librarian I know?”

 

“Hmph, what’s wrong with being surrounded by book dust?”

 

When I pouted my lips, Rose glared at me fiercely and spoke in a threatening tone.

 

“Are you saying you don’t like the makeover this Rose gave you?”

 

Feeling like I had crossed her, cold sweat broke out. In times like this, she can be as scary as a villainess.

 

“A-Ah, no. I am deeply honored. I turned out so beautifully that I can barely recognize myself.”

 

The Erika beyond the mirror had transformed into a gorgeous, elegant noble lady.

 

Honestly, it was astonishing. I thought I had an average appearance, but dressed up properly, I looked like a completely different person!

 

Rose threw out questions like a strict teacher.

 

“Have you practiced dancing a lot?”

 

“Yeah. I memorized all the basic steps.”

 

“Erika, while the basic steps are important for dancing at a ball, above all, you must dance gracefully and beautifully.”

 

Rose had taught me social dancing in the library reception room whenever she had spare time. She was a strict, merciless teacher.

 

If I stepped on a foot incorrectly or missed a beat, she would scold me harshly and teach me in a Spartan manner.

 

“Here. This is a gift for your ball debut.”

 

Rose handed me a fan made of sky-blue silk.

 

The fan handle was embedded with gold accents and pearls, with a sky-blue tassel dangling elegantly.

 

“What a splendid fan. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Rose.”

 

Rose flashed a meaningful smile.

 

“Press the pearl on the fan handle.”

 

Following her instructions, I pressed the pearl, and the handle separated from the fan, revealing a dagger.

 

The dagger’s blade looked solid and sharp.

 

When I brandished the dagger, a fierce light glinted off it. Before I knew it, a satisfied smile appeared on my face.

 

“This… is way too cool. You really are the best, Rose.”

 

“I had it custom-made specifically because I thought you might need it. That dagger is made of steel, so even an ordinary sword won’t break it.”

 

“Hiding a dagger inside a fan—how did you come up with such an idea?”

 

“You know weapons are banned at the ball, right? But no one would suspect a noble lady’s fan. I heard you encountered a thug in the shopping district and almost got into big trouble. If a dangerous situation like that happens again, I thought you’d need a weapon to protect yourself, so I prepared it.”

 

Rose spoke with a calm tone, but a genuine look of concern lingered in her eyes.

 

I had wanted to hide the thug incident, but I ended up causing Rose concern again.

 

Feeling both sorry and grateful to Rose, I pulled her into a tight hug.

 

“Rose, I really love you!”

 

“Ugh, I can’t breathe. Let go of me.”

 

Rose hit my back urgently, choking for air. Unclasping my hands from around her, I giggled mischievously.

 

Of course, my laughter didn’t last long.

 

As if waiting for it, Rose’s nagging barrage began.

 

“Did you memorize the faces and profiles of the key attendees at the ball? What about the order of events? You’ve read through the social etiquette handbook, right?”

 

‘Rose, when did you become my full-time manager?’

 

Sliding my gaze away from her sharp eyes, I glossed over it with an unconfident voice.

 

“Roughly… I memorized it more or less.”

 

“Sigh, I knew it. If you run into a truly troublesome situation, give me a signal. Just unfold your fan and flutter it quickly, and I’ll handle it for you.”

 

“You need to enjoy the ball, too. You don’t have to worry about me.”

 

“Erika, do you know how many balls I attend a year? I’m attending this ball to help you and the Book Club ladies. You don’t need to mind me.”

 

Rose felt as reliable as an older sister looking after a naive younger sister.

 

I clasped my hands together and looked at her with admiring eyes.

 

“Yes~ I’ll trust only my reliable big sister.”

 

Rose slightly knitted her arched eyebrows, but she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

 

“Save that kind of acting cute for someone else, not me.”

 

“Who else would I act cute to if not you?”

 

“There are plenty. Grand Duke Reinhardt, Crown Prince Ludwig, Director William, and even Lady Rubel. They’re people who would pretend to die if you asked them to.”

 

She crossed her arms and spoke nonchalantly. I blinked in surprise and asked back.

 

“Why those people?”

 

“They’re all members of the Erika Fan Club. You can never fool my eyes. Anyway, you’re a sinful person to both men and women.”

 

I shook my head side to side.

 

“Eyy, no way. Those people are wicked bosses who boss me around or tease me. Besides, Freesia is gentle and kind to everyone.”

 

Rose stared at me intently, then let out a light sigh.

 

“Sigh, you really are dense and clueless about everything. I’ve been wanting to advise you regarding Lady Rubel for a while now, but I definitely need to tell you today.”

 

As her face turned serious, I naturally started getting nervous as well.

 

“What do you mean by that?”

 

Rose ordered the maids to step back for a moment. Once the maids disappeared, she faced me with a solemn expression.

 

“You have no idea, do you? Lady Rubel is not a person who is kind to everyone.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I’m telling you based on my objective observations of her as a candidate for Crown Princess. When around other people, Lady Rubel always maintained a cold and expressionless demeanor. She treated me with formal politeness, but remained distant. Once classes ended, she would either go home or head to your office—she never interacted with other ladies. Even when ladies approached her, she often treated them coldly or ignored them altogether.”

 

I couldn’t believe it. It was completely different from the Freesia I knew.

 

She was always smiling, and I thought she got along warmly with the Book Club students.

 

“…Is that true?”

 

“What would I gain by lying to you? I am the eldest daughter of the Madison Merchant Guild. I don’t speak nonsense. In a merchant guild, credibility is as vital as life itself.”

 

Rose gauged my expression, then carefully continued.

 

“Whenever you visited the classroom, Lady Freesia’s demeanor would completely transform. She would act kindly toward the ladies or explain the lesson content to them. She, who was cold to others, only ever offered a warm, gentle smile to you.”

 

Freesia, who always wore a flower-like, bright smile.

 

I had believed that was just how she was. Because she was the beautiful, angelic female lead of the original story.

 

“They say Lady Rubel is kind, but the version of her I originally knew was a completely different person in high society. That’s why I was shocked when I first saw how she treated you.”

 

“What was Freesia like in high society?”

 

I asked as if it were no big deal, but I couldn’t hide the slight tremble in my voice.

 

“She was called the ‘Cold Ice Princess.’ She didn’t mingle with anyone. Rather, if someone approached her, she only showed contempt or a cynical gaze. Fortunately, thanks to the honor of Count Rubel, who defended the North, and her natural beauty, everyone praised her as an Ice Princess. Even that arrogant Eliade couldn’t openly bully Freesia.”

 

“Aren’t you overthinking it? Everyone has a dual side. Freesia mentioned that she finds it difficult to get along with people.”

 

When I defended Freesia, Rose’s brown eyes flashed sharply.

 

“You’re right. Everyone has a duality to them. But Erika, one doesn’t reveal that side to just anyone—especially if it serves as a crucial card for themselves.”

 

Rose leaned in close to me and whispered softly.

 

“I’ve always wondered what it means that the Ice Princess, who never opens her heart to anyone in high society, is gentle and sweet only to you. Do you know? When you leave first, Lady Rubel watches you until the very end.”

 

“How… did you see that?”

 

“Why do you think I work at the library information desk? People tend to forget easily that I am always there watching from the desk. At the end of Lady Rubel’s gaze was you. Always.”

 

Rose lowered her eyes for a moment. She seemed hesitant, but as if having made up her mind, she opened her lips.

 

“At times, I feel terrified by the excessive affection and obsession Lady Rubel shows toward you. The look in her eyes when she gazes at you isn’t that of a friend toward another. It’s almost as if…”

 

Rose trailed off with a heavy expression.

 

I had felt it at times, too. Freesia’s deep, dark, swamp-like gaze.

 

However, when I looked back, she was smiling as brightly as a flower, so I assumed I had just misread it.

 

“I wonder what I should do about this heart of mine that longs for you.”

 

“If I had been born a man, I would have certainly taken you as my partner.”

 

I recalled the words Freesia had spoken to me when we practiced dancing in the dark archives together.

 

Her violet eyes, cast in deep shadows, had shone vividly toward me.

 

Feeling the intense obsession and possessiveness radiating from those eyes, I had felt afraid of that unfamiliar, raw sensation.

 

Was what I knew about her the truth?

 

I bit my lower lip lightly, then let it go. And I smiled calmly.

 

“No matter what kind of person Freesia is, I trust her. So it’s fine. Rose, thank you for telling me such difficult things out of concern for me.”

 

Even if Freesia had a dual nature, it didn’t matter. If anything, wasn’t I the most two-faced person here?

 

Rose’s eyes trembled slightly. She nodded her head with an expression of mild resignation.

 

“I knew you would say that. You’re not someone who gets shaken by words like this. I feel a bit jealous of Lady Rubel, though—to be trusted this much by you.”

 

I took Rose’s hand into mine and looked straight into her brown eyes.

 

She was someone who sometimes tossed out cold remarks and acted sassy and haughty, but inside, her heart was kinder and deeper than anyone else’s.

 

“Rose, I really trust you, too. You are my precious and reliable friend, after all.”

 

Rose looked at me with a touched expression, then lightly rolled her eyes at me.

 

“Lately, it feels like you’ve been using me as your personal assistant, you know?”

 

“No way. How could I dare treat the brilliant talent of the Madison Merchant Guild, Lady Rose, like that?”

 

At that moment, a calm knock echoed at my door.

 

“Librarian Erika.”

 

It was the voice of a maid in charge of the residence. I instructed the maid to enter. Opening the door, the maid bowed to me and said, “Grand Duke Reinhardt has arrived. He asked me to inform you that he will wait in the entrance hall until you finish preparing.”

 

At those words, Rose rushed to the window like an arrow flying. Finding something, she hurriedly gestured to me.

 

Looking down below the window, an elegant carriage bearing the flag of the Grand Ducal House of Reinhardt was waiting.

 

Rose held my hands, rejoicing like an excited young girl.

 

“Kyaa! In the end, the Grand Duke is escorting you? Erika, that’s amazing!”

 

Rose looked ready to jump up and down on the spot while holding my hands.

 

“It’s nothing amazing. The Grand Duke is escorting me for security. Countess Demeter also specifically requested it.”

 

Rose smirked with a meaningful look in her eyes, then nudged my side with her elbow.

 

“You’re dancing the first dance with the Grand Duke too, right? Ah, this is what a real ball is about! Dancing while being escorted by a handsome, splendid noble gentleman, falling in love… there has to be that kind of romance!”

 

Rose clasped her hands together like a dreaming girl and whispered softly.

 

“It seems like you’re more excited than I am?”

 

“Call it vicarious satisfaction. Just watching the love story between you and the Grand Duke makes me happy. Later, I’m definitely going to hire a ghostwriter and write a book. How about the title <The Pure Heart of the Royal Librarian>?”

 

“Please make sure to ask for my permission before writing any book. Though of course, I will never give it.”

 

“As if I’d listen. Stand in front of me for a second. Let me do a final check.”

 

Rose circled around me, meticulously inspecting if anything was missing or out of place. She clapped her hands with a proud smile.

 

“You look the most splendid and wonderful I’ve ever seen, Erika. Now, hurry up and go. The Grand Duke is waiting.”

 

I hurriedly grabbed the hem of her skirt. I felt the desperate urge of a drowning person clutching at straws.

 

“Rose, please. Won’t you ride in the carriage with me?”

 

To think I have to ride in a carriage alone with Calix all the way to the Royal Palace ballroom. I lacked the confidence to endure that heavy pressure.

 

Furthermore, entering the ballroom under his escort, I didn’t have the courage to face the stinging glares from the noble ladies that would shoot toward me like arrows.

 

Despite appearances, I’m actually timid and weak-minded.

 

“Did you think I wouldn’t know your scheme? Are you trying to take me along as a human shield because you’re scared of people’s glares?”

 

“As expected, there’s no fooling you. Since you know, save my life! I want to live a quiet, long life.”

 

I clung to Rose with a tearful face. Unfolding her fan, she fluttered it gently and flashed a haughty smile.

 

“Hardship is originally the fate one must endure to claim a wonderful man. Just accept it.”

 

“Sometimes I get confused whether you’re my friend or my enemy, Rose.”

 

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Well then, I shall see you at the ball, Lady Diel.”

 

Rose curtsied elegantly with a slight bend of her knees, then left first along with her maids.

 

 

***

 

 

I stepped outside the residence, taking care not to trip over my long dress. In front of the carriage stood Calix, his back facing me.

 

As the sun went down, a deep crimson sunset painted the western sky. Behind him, the world was bleeding into a rich red.

 

“Lord Calix.”

 

When I called out to him calmly, he turned around slowly. The moment I saw him, it felt as though my heart dropped right to my feet.

 

He wore a dark navy, high-class double-breasted frock coat with gold buttons that accentuated his tall stature and firm, muscular physique, and a silver silk scarf tied around his neck.

 

His sleek black hair was neatly combed back, revealing his clean forehead and deepening his masculine charm even further.

 

Finding me, Calix’s cobalt-blue eyes widened as if frozen in place.

 

Taken aback by my transformed appearance, he kept his gaze fixed on me in a daze. Soon, like cold ice melting away, a captivating smile spread across his face.

 

“I want to kidnap you right here and now. I don’t want to take you to a ball or anywhere else.”

 

“Pardon…?”

 

I asked back, wondering if I had misheard. He gently lifted my hand, which was clad in a lace glove.

 

He pressed his lips to the back of my hand with utmost elegance, never taking his eyes off me for a second.

 

“Because I hate the thought of others looking at your beauty.”

 

Ah, it’s touching, but a bit cheesy.

 

Still, hearing Calix deliver such dangerous lines makes my heart flutter so recklessly.

 

With Calix offering a hand to steady me, I boarded the carriage. It had been a while since I sat across from him in a spacious, comfortable carriage.

 

He had always ridden a horse alongside, escorting the carriage from the outside.

 

His gaze piercing straight through me felt overwhelming. It was a look mixed with longing and heat.

 

Before I knew it, my mouth went dry and sweat began to pool in my palms.

 

“Erika, are you nervous?”

 

“It’s because you keep staring at me!” I wanted to shout, but I managed to put on a businesslike smile.

 

“A little. It’s my first time attending such a grand ball.”

 

“It is my first time attending a ball as well. So we are the same.”

 

“Are you nervous too, Lord Calix?”

 

“A little.”

 

In his slightly flustered profile, I caught a brief glimpse of a shy boy.

 

‘Who knew he had such an unexpectedly cute side?’

 

A playful smile spread around my lips.

 

“Then, give me your hand.”

 

Calix looked at me with a puzzled expression.

 

“Why?”

 

“When you’re nervous, massaging your hands helps. Come on, hand it over.”

 

I demanded casually, as if asking for money I had deposited with him. He obediently held out his large, long hand.

 

I pressed firmly into his palm with both hands and thoroughly kneaded every single joint of his fingers.

 

Watching the scene quietly, he spoke up.

 

“It really does relieve the tension, just as you said. Thank you, Erika.”

 

“Don’t mention it. It would be trouble if the person escorting me were to faint. I’ve heard that young ladies sometimes pass out from extreme nervousness at ballroom venues.”

 

Suddenly, a delusion flashed through my head—imagining this man, built like a giant doorframe, collapsing like a paper doll from tension and pressure—and a chuckle inadvertently escaped me.

 

Quicker than a ghost to catch on, he knitted his brows.

 

“By any chance, were you just imagining something unpleasant about me? You let slip a strange smile.”

 

“Oh my, what are you talking about? It’s a misunderstanding.”

 

Oh dear, my cheekbones had involuntarily raised in cheekiness and refused to come down.

 

“I’d like to give you a gift in gratitude.”

 

“It’s really nothing. You don’t need to worry about it.”

 

Before my words of refusal even finished, he slid over and sat right beside me.

 

Reflexively, I tried to shift toward the window, but he spoke in a low voice.

 

“Stay still. Don’t move for a moment.”

 

“Yes?”

 

Not understanding what was happening, I just blinked, and then his hand touched the nape of my neck. Feeling that warm touch, I held my breath.

 

A cool touch grazed my neck, and with a soft click, a necklace was fastened around it.

 

“It suits you well. Beautiful.”

 

He looked at me with a satisfied smile. Feeling shy and awkward under his gaze, I examined the necklace resting on my chest.

 

It was a brilliant blue diamond necklace glittering intensely.

 

A thumb-sized blue diamond pendant sparkled in the center, flanked by a row of delicately crafted transparent gemstones linked together.

 

Even at a glance, it was an exorbitantly expensive necklace. Could this necklace be worth as much as a grand mansion, too?

 

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch—is it really okay for me to accept this blindly?

 

Garing down at the dazzlingly glittering necklace, I seriously suspected whether it was actually a leash tightening around my throat.

 

“Why are you giving me something so precious?”

 

“It is a gift for the benefactor of the Reinhardt Grand Duchy. I would appreciate it if you accepted my sincerity without refusal.”

 

“No, I really can’t accept such a valuable necklace.”

 

I shook my head firmly and tried to unclasp the necklace. His large hand gently wrapped around the nape of my neck, caressing it softly.

 

Instantly frozen, I couldn’t move a muscle.

 

His red lips drew near the side of my neck, and I could feel a breath so dizzying it was almost agonizing.

 

“Please accept the necklace. Otherwise… I don’t think I can suppress the urge to kiss your neck.”

 

Though his lips hadn’t even touched me, my delicate skin trembled faintly.

 

Overwhelmed by his alluring threat, I had no choice but to end up wearing the blue diamond necklace.