Chapter 27

Beyond the carriage window, the royal palace slowly began to come into view.

 

Perched atop a hill, the snow-white palace was brightly lit by flaming torches, with hundreds of carriages lined up in a long queue.

 

Encircled by towering spires and massive fortress walls, the majestic palace looked down over the capital.

 

The carriage crossed the drawbridge in front of the main gate. Surrounding the gates stood knights and royal guards outfitted in brilliant, ornate armor.

 

Passing through the main entrance, the carriage headed toward the Grand Hall situated within the palace grounds.

 

The Grand Hall, where the ball was taking place, consisted of a sprawling estate and gardens rising five stories high.

 

Even from a distance, warm light spilled through the balcony windows, and the lingering melodies of the orchestra echoed through the air.

 

The courtyard in front of the entrance—centered around a grand fountain—was congested with noblemen’s carriages. After waiting our turn, the carriage finally came to a halt before the front steps. Calix stepped down first and escorted me out.

 

“Shall we go in, Erika?”

 

Resting my hand on his arm, I lightly lifted the hem of my dress and glided up the stairs with soft, dainty steps.

 

At the entrance hall, we handed our invitation to the receptionist and entered the Grand Hall under the guidance of an attendant. As the doors to the inner hall swung open, the attendant announced in a booming voice:

 

“Entering: Grand Duke Calix Reinhardt and Lady Erika Diel, Daughter of Viscount Diel!”

 

The ballroom sparkled with brilliant radiance, as if dusted with diamond powder. Figures of the splendid nobility stood amidst the luminous glow of the chandeliers.

 

A massive chandelier hung from the vast, three-story-high vaulted ceiling, and the walls were adorned with murals depicting the royal family’s history.

 

The snow-white marble floor tiles, along with walls and pillars decorated in gold and ivory, added to the overall sense of opulence.

 

Around the perimeter of the ballroom stood massive dining tables draped in fine tablecloths.

 

They were decorated with gold tableware and ornate candlesticks, their centers overflowing with dishes crafted from all kinds of rare delicacies.

 

Though I had been to the palace before to attend cabinet meetings, this was my first time stepping foot into the Grand Hall. Overwhelmed by the magnificent, dazzling scene, I inadvertently caught my breath.

 

The nobles, who had been gathered in small groups chatting, ceased all movement and turned their eyes toward us the moment Calix and I entered.

 

As we walked between the crowds, I could feel every conversation die down and every head turn to follow our path.

 

Nobles vied with one another to exchange glances or bow politely to Calix and me. Some cast curious glances in my direction, while others sent gazes of admiration toward Calix.

 

“Is that lady perhaps Lady Erika, the Goddess of War and Head Librarian?”

 

“I almost didn’t recognize her without her uniform. What a beautiful lady.”

 

“And isn’t the man escorting Librarian Erika Grand Duke Reinhardt of the North? What on earth brings a man who never attends balls here today? How truly surprising.”

 

Only as we wove through the nobles and reached the inner area of the Grand Hall did the reality finally set in.

 

I pretended to be calm, but I couldn’t entirely hide my tension. Hoping to shake off the nerves, I whispered softly to Calix.

 

“Everyone is looking at you, Your Grace. You certainly are popular.”

 

My legs were trembling so much that if I didn’t engage him in conversation, I felt I wouldn’t be able to endure the anxiety.

 

“If you ask me, I believe everyone’s hearts have been stolen by your beauty,” he replied nonchalantly.

 

Finding his words amusing, I covered my mouth with my fan.

 

“Heheh, Your Grace, your teasing has certainly improved, hasn’t it?”

 

“I am in earnest. I would appreciate it if you recognized that I have always spoken the truth to you.”

 

He reached out and gently placed his hand over mine, which rested on his arm. The warm, reassuring touch settled my fluttering heart.

 

“Erika, we have truly entered the battlefield now. Are you prepared?”

 

“A battlefield, you say?”

 

“Indeed. A royal ball is a battlefield—cruel despite its brilliance—where one can eliminate an opponent in a single stroke with a silver tongue rather than a sword.”

 

“Hmm, how intriguing. Shall we enjoy ourselves, then?”

 

I pulled my chin up and straightened my posture, letting a confident smile grace my lips.

 

As we stepped into the center of the hall, the crowd parted left and right to make way.

 

Standing near the center of the ballroom, William and Chairman Reichen recognized us and raised their hands.

 

“Good heavens, Lady Erika. Is that truly you? I hardly recognized you.”

 

William approached me with a look of genuine admiration on his face. Offering a gentle smile, he lightly kissed the back of my hand.

 

“It is an honor to meet the most beautiful lady at the royal ball.”

 

My goodness, to say such cheesy words without batting an eye!

 

I was cringing so hard on the inside just listening to it!

 

“Your skin-ship is excessive, William.”

 

Frowning, Calix forcibly pried away William’s hand, which had been lingering on mine.

 

Chairman Reichen, dressed in a tailcoat that exuded a dignified air, gave a low clearing of his throat.

 

“Lady Diel, have you been well? Seeing you in such a lovely attire makes me wish, once again, to adopt you as my daughter…”

 

Gasp, is this gentleman bringing up adoption again?

 

Before things could get complicated, I greeted the chairman with exaggerated enthusiasm.

 

“Ah! Chairman, it is wonderful to see you after so long! How have you been? You look even younger than before!”

 

Gathered around William were young nobles and scholar-turned-officials. They greeted me politely, their expressions filled with goodwill, and I responded with a warm smile.

 

“Commander, do you perhaps remember me? I am Yorf of the Merdin family. If you hadn’t saved me on the battlefield, Commander, I would not be here today.”

 

“The image of you fighting so valiantly on the battlefield is still vivid in my mind, Commander. It is a true honor to meet you.”

 

The young nobles swarmed around Calix, competing to speak to him. Their eyes were filled with admiration and respect as they looked up at him.

 

I quietly slipped away from their circle. Scanning the room for Rose and the ladies of the book club, I spotted familiar faces near the window.

 

“Lady Erika, you look so magnificent!”

 

“The dress suits you terribly well. I thought you were a completely different person!”

 

The ladies of the book club rushed over, showering me with breathless praise.

 

“You make me blush. It’s all thanks to Librarian Rose, who helped me dress up.”

 

The other ladies of the book club were all dressed splendidly as well.

 

Even Reina, who usually wore dark-toned clothing, exuded an elegant grace in a vibrant purple gown.

 

“You all look far more beautiful than I do. Have I ever mentioned this? Truth be told, our book club recruited members strictly by their looks.”

 

At my joke, the ladies burst into giggles. Rose looked on with a proud, affectionate smile, like an elder sister watching her younger siblings.

 

I walked over to Rose and held her hand tightly.

 

“Rose, please take good care of our ladies. I’m relying on you.”

 

Rose gave a sly wink.

 

“Don’t you worry. Trust me. Our young ladies are like ducklings—I can’t possibly leave them unattended.”

 

It was reassuring to meet allies in this cutthroat ballroom where one could get duped with their eyes wide open.

 

In typical novels, ballrooms were fierce battlegrounds where noble ladies engaged in nerve-wracking mind games or subtly insulted one another behind sweet smiles. That was precisely why I had dreaded attending one.

 

Yet, I had a pleasant feeling that I would be able to comfortably enjoy this ball alongside my own people.

 

While laughing and chatting with the book club members, a commotion echoed from the direction of the Grand Hall’s entrance.

 

“Entering: Young Lord Franz Schpern and Lady Eliade Schpern of Duke Schpern’s House!”

 

Franz and Eliade walked in side by side. Franz wore a green frock coat embroidered with extravagant gold thread and a shirt featuring large, ornate ruffles.

 

As he entered with an arrogant expression, his silver hair swaying, noblewomen gasped and cast enamored glances toward him.

 

Eliade, too, looked like the queen of high society as she held Franz’s hand, radiating brilliance in a shimmering golden gown. The moment she stepped into the hall, a crowd of young ladies swarmed toward her, showering her beauty with praise.

 

Rose pouted her lips in disapproval, glaring at the Schpern siblings.

 

“As noisy and flamboyant as ever, those two.”

 

Surrounded by a entourage of his flatterers, Franz moved through the crowd before turning his gaze toward my direction.

 

Though I had deliberately stood in a quiet corner by the window, his violet eyes singled me out in an instant.

 

Franz raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly startled by my appearance. But soon, his lips curled into a ravenous smile—like a hunter who had finally spotted his prized game.

 

Who does he think he’s scaring?

 

Clenching my molars, I met his gaze dead-on without backing down.

 

Just then, low gasps echoed from near the entrance once more.

 

“Entering: Lady Freesia Rubel of Count Rubel’s House!”

 

As Freesia made her entrance, exclamations of awe and a subtle tension swept across the ballroom.

 

With her platinum hair falling like starlight, her fair, pearl-like complexion paired with an ivory dress made her look as pure and faintly radiant as a lily.

 

The young nobles stood spellbound, unable to tear their eyes away from her graceful figure. Eliade and her clique sneered behind their folded fans, whispering among themselves.

 

Rose hurried over to Freesia and guided her toward us.

 

“Lady Rubel, over here!”

 

Spotting me standing against the wall right away, Freesia offered a blossom-like smile.

 

“Erika, you are so breathtaking! Just looking at you makes my heart light up.”

 

She held my hands tightly, her eyes sparkling as she offered genuine compliments.

 

To be praised by an absolute beauty… goodness, it felt so overwhelming I hardly knew what to do with myself.

 

“Freesia, I thought an angel had descended from heaven when I saw you.”

 

Unable to watch any longer, Rose slid between us.

 

“Alright, let’s wrap up the mutual admiration society and focus. Today’s ball is a crucial day where the Crown Princess will be decided.”

 

Rose scanned the group with a stern, solemn expression.

 

Reina and the other book club members straightened up, focusing intently on Rose’s words with tense faces.

 

Tapping the edge of her fan against her chin, Rose surveyed the ballroom with hawkish eyes.

 

There were roughly 200 attendees at this ball—high-ranking nobles and prominent figures from across the kingdom.

 

Renowned society hostesses, young ladies, and rising noble heirs who were currently making names for themselves were all in attendance.

 

“Currently, the Crown Princess candidates are split into three factions: Eliade’s faction, Freesia’s faction, and a coalition formed by the other candidates.”

 

“A coalition?”

 

“Yes. Out of the four Crown Princess candidates, Schpern and Rubel hold the most sway. To dilute that influence, the remaining candidates joined forces, agreeing to support whichever one of them ends up chosen.”

 

Rose let out a quiet, mocking scoff.

 

“Though a coalition between haughty nobles is like a castle built on sand—it will crumble in no time.”

 

The information network of House Madison was truly something else. When on earth did she gather all this? I was genuinely impressed.

 

Rose pointed the tip of her fan toward Eliade and Franz.

 

Distinguished, seasoned elder nobles were engaged in earnest conversation with Franz, while flamboyantly dressed young nobles flattered Eliade, singing praises of her beauty.

 

“Those are the founding families of Ruberia and newly risen nobles who have succeeded in commerce. All of them share deep interests with Duke Schpern’s house. Ever since His Majesty fell ill, they have been increasingly displaying their ambitions.”

 

“Ambition? Surely they aren’t aiming for the throne itself?” I asked, lowering my voice in shock.

 

Rose’s lips curled into a subtle smirk.

 

“They are toothless old lions. But they are cunning and quick to calculate. They never take dangerous gambles. They will likely take advantage of the fragile royal authority to consolidate their own power, using the Young Lord of Schpern as their figurehead.”

 

Reina, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.

 

“Then who supports Lady Freesia?”

 

Rose pointed her fan toward the area where the Crown Prince, Calix, and William were standing.

 

Gathered around them were rising nobles, young knights who had distinguished themselves in the northern campaign, respected scholars, and nobles whose loyalty to the crown had never wavered.

 

“That is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s faction. It is merely my guess, but His Highness seems to favor the House of Count Rubel.”

 

“Why the House of Count Rubel?”

 

“The Rubel family has served the kingdom faithfully for generations, and Count Rubel himself used to guard the northern border. Though he has now retired due to poor health.”

 

Pausing mid-sentence, Rose glanced at Freesia’s expression.

 

Freesia sat motionless with her head bowed. Her face was obscured by her bangs, making it difficult to read her thoughts.

 

“Count Rubel stays away from high society and has no desire to build his own political faction. That is likely why His Highness trusts them all the more—a Crown Princess whose family possesses strong political ambitions poses a grave danger.”

 

‘So that was why Ludwig placed Freesia on the list of Crown Princess candidates.’

 

A family that was loyal to the kingdom and held high prestige, yet refrained from forming its own power base—the House of Count Rubel was indeed the ideal candidate for the Crown Princess.

 

I knew his playboy persona was just a mask, but Ludwig’s meticulous calculation gave me goosebumps.

 

Fluttering her fan gently, Rose added in a hushed voice, “To become the Crown Princess means becoming the future Queen. It means holding one of the main pillars of power that governs this nation. Everyone is watching closely to see who will ascend to that seat.”

 

Rose’s sharp gaze fell upon Freesia—the cold, pragmatic look of the eldest daughter of the Madison Merchant Guild calculating her next investment target.

 

“I must ask you here, Lady Rubel. Do you have any intention of becoming the Crown Princess?”

 

I carefully checked Freesia’s expression, immediately worried that she might be frightened.

 

Could someone so pure survive the ruthless nature of palace politics?

 

Yet, Freesia’s expression was calm—and cold. It was a unfamiliar face I had never seen before.

 

It was the same chilling look that had flickered across her face when we faced the thugs in the alleyways, beneath her frightened, panicked exterior.

 

It was as if her innocent, bright demeanor was merely a mask, and this coldness was her true self.

 

The shift in her expression was instantaneous. Looking around at us, her face suddenly filled with distress.

 

Was that cold, detached expression just a trick of the chandelier light?

 

“I-I am at a loss. Me, a Crown Princess candidate? Surely that is not a position I dare covet.”

 

Freesia suddenly rushed over and clung to me, her pale, delicate hands desperately grasping my arm.

 

“Erika, please help me!”

 

Tears welled up in her lovely violet eyes and spilled over before they could even gather.

 

“I don’t want to become the Crown Princess. I… I already have someone else in my heart…”

 

She wept silently, her delicate shoulders trembling as she tried to suppress her sobs.

 

My heart ached for her, so I hurriedly pulled her shoulders close and embraced her.

 

“Freesia, no one will force you to become the Crown Princess. I promise you that. So please don’t cry. You took such care with your makeup—it will ruin it.”

 

I patted her back, soothing her as one would a weeping child.

 

If there was someone in her heart, it had to be Calix, didn’t it?

 

Suddenly, the necklace Calix had given me felt heavy against my neck—so suffocatingly heavy that it was hard to breathe.

 

These feelings were never meant to be mine, and he was never meant to be my person.

 

I had reminded myself dozens of times that I was merely a passing side character.

 

So why… why did this foolish heart keep reaching out to him?

 

This affection would ultimately consume me. It would bring me to my knees and lock me in a cage of my own making.

 

I was merely an outsider who shouldn’t linger here for long. I must not take root in anyone’s heart.

 

Just then, a resonant trumpet blast echoed through the hall. The attendant guarding the doors shouted at the top of his lungs:

 

“Presenting Her Majesty Queen Artesia and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Ludwig!”

 

The royal orchestra struck up a majestic fanfare. All the nobles bowed their heads reverently and parted to both sides.

 

Freesia hurriedly wiped away her tears and composed herself. We all kept our heads bowed, awaiting the arrival of royalty.

 

Draped in an exquisite ceremonial robe underneath a ermine cloak, the Queen slowly entered the Grand Hall holding the Crown Prince’s hand.

 

Ludwig wore a pristine white royal uniform embroidered with gold thread, paired with a crimson cape. With every dignified step he took, his fiery red hair fluttered like flames.

 

Following the Queen and the Crown Prince were noble ladies, the Lord Chamberlain, and ladies-in-waiting. At the head of the noble ladies stood Countess Demeter.

 

The Queen and the Crown Prince ascended to the highest dais in the hall, where thrones decorated with gold and jewels were set up.

 

Seated upon the throne, the Queen looked down at the Grand Hall with a dignified air.

 

“His Majesty the King is unable to join us today due to poor health. However, please remember that he is always protecting this nation alongside you all. Today, I hope you all enjoy yourselves as we pray for Ruberia’s peace and prosperity.”

 

When the Queen’s opening address concluded, music resumed, marking the official commencement of the ball.

 

Ludwig stood up and offered his hand to the Queen. Smiling warmly, she walked toward the center of the hall with him. Opening the ball with a royal dance was a long-standing tradition of the palace.

 

As Ludwig and the Queen took their places in the center of the floor, the musicians began playing a lively courtly piece.

 

The Queen and Ludwig exchanged affectionate glances as they danced with elegance. The nobles watched with admiring gazes and warm smiles.

 

Once the royal dance ended, Ludwig escorted the Queen back to her throne before stepping back down to the hall.

 

As he strode confidently through the floor, the crowd parted like the parting of the sea.

 

Everyone watched closely to see where the Crown Prince was heading—eagerly anticipating who the young, charming prince would choose for his first dance.

 

Young noble ladies blushed, gazing at the Crown Prince with desperate anticipation.

 

Eliade, in particular, held her chin high, fully confident that the Crown Prince would come to her.

 

Without glancing at his surroundings, Ludwig walked straight toward me, with Calix and William trailing behind him like guardians.

 

Stopping in front of me, Ludwig offered a smile of genuine admiration.

 

“Good heavens, is that really you, Librarian Erika? You are dazzlingly beautiful today!”

 

Doesn’t the Crown Prince feel his back burning? My face was already stinging from the stares.

 

I could feel the murmuring gazes without even looking. Look over there—Eliade was turning pale, glaring at me with furious eyes.

 

I let out a sigh and offered a formal court courtesy to the Crown Prince.

 

“Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness. Glory and light unto the Kingdom of Ruberia.”

 

The Crown Prince raised his eyebrows in exaggerated surprise.

 

“Does a change in attire change a person so completely? Is this truly the same Librarian Erika who treated me like a peddler all this time? I believe this is the first time I’ve received a proper, formal greeting from you.”

 

“Your Highness, I am someone who understands basic etiquette suited for the occasion.”

 

I replied with a forced smile that made my cheeks twitch.

 

“I am looking forward to tonight’s ball—even more so because I am accompanied by those precious to me.”

 

Ludwig let out a cheerful laugh and stepped up to Calix, who stood beside me.

 

The Crown Prince patted his shoulder softly, his eyes filled with warm trust.

 

“I hope you enjoy yourself to your heart’s content tonight, Lord Calix. You’ve worked so hard all this time.”

 

“I am glad you recognize my efforts, Your Highness,” Calix replied expressionlessly.

 

I nodded vigorously in agreement.

 

‘That’s right, he went through all sorts of trouble handling the messes the Crown Prince left behind.’

 

“By the way, how is the new knighthood coming along? Your Grace took charge of everything from its founding to its training, which must have been exhausting.”

 

I felt sorry for Calix, who hadn’t even been able to return to his ducal residence and worked overtime in the library’s quarters instead. Did he even get overtime pay?

 

Calix glanced briefly toward the exterior of the Grand Hall.

 

“The new knighthood is handling security outside the Grand Hall—just in case.”

 

“The Shadow Order must be having a tough time.”

 

I had heard that the Shadow Order was taking the lead in training the new knighthood. Lord Lloyd, who usually enjoyed drinking and dancing, must be burning up with frustration as he watched the ball from afar.

 

I wondered if I should sneak out a bottle of wine for him later.

 

Ludwig flashed a playful wink at me.

 

“Librarian Erika, will you keep a close eye on my loyal knight? There’s no shortage of ladies targeting Grand Duke Reinhardt.”

 

At the Crown Prince’s remark, Calix immediately countered with a displeased expression.

 

“You do not need to worry about that, Your Highness.”

 

Ludwig widened his eyes and spoke in a tone of sincere concern.

 

“This is your first ball, isn’t it? What if you get too nervous and faint? You might not know this since you’re unfamiliar with it, but do you know how many ladies faint from nerves during their debut?”

 

“Pfft…!”

 

The moment the Crown Prince finished speaking, I covered my mouth to hold back my laughter. William turned his head away, desperately trying not to laugh as well.

 

Rose, the book club members, and even Freesia seemed to be hiding their laughter behind their fans.

 

Ludwig shrugged as if wondering what he had said wrong.

 

“Did I say something improper?”

 

“Actually, Lord Calix mentioned in the carriage that he was feeling nervous.”

 

“Goodness, to think that happened!” Ludwig exclaimed in genuine sympathy.

 

Calix gave me a look that said, “Even you betray me?”, but I pretended not to notice and looked away.

 

The Crown Prince pulled his loyal knight into an embrace, nodding as if he understood everything completely.

 

“I understand how you feel. For someone who has known only battlefields and swords his entire life, adapting to a lavish ball must be difficult.”

 

“That is by no means the case. I…”

 

Calix tried to refute, but the Crown Prince was no longer listening.

 

“Erika, could you wait a moment? Calming my knight down and helping him adjust to the ball comes first.”

 

“Please don’t mind me and have a wonderful time, both of you.”

 

I smiled brightly and waved my hand at the two of them.

 

Calix was dragged away against his will by the Crown Prince, leaving only William behind.

 

The eyes of Rose and the book club ladies turned toward him all at once. Feeling the heat of their intense interest, William gave an awkward laugh, looking slightly flustered.

 

A mischievous smile spread across Rose’s red lips.

 

“Director, to whom will you offer your first dance?”

 

“Ah… pardon?”

 

William cast a helpless look toward me, asking for assistance. Naturally, I quickly slipped away from the scene.

 

“I’m feeling thirsty, so I’ll go grab a drink.”

 

I walked briskly over to the dessert and beverage table. An attendant carrying a silver tray handed me a glass of wine filled with fresh fruit. Sipping the wine at a leisurely pace, I tasted a bite-sized piece of delicate cake from the tray.

 

“As expected, desserts made by the royal chef are superb.”

 

I was stunned by the heavenly sweetness that melted in my mouth with just one bite. Briefly losing my composure, I busily gathered colorful cakes and biscuits onto a silver tray.

 

Quietly leaning against a wall near the table, I watched the ball while enjoying my desserts.

 

Slow yet splendid notes resonated from the violins of the royal musicians.

 

Amidst the elegant melody flowing through the Grand Hall, the nobles took their partners’ hands and began to dance.

 

The eye-blinding radiance from the gemstones on the heads and necks of beautifully dressed ladies, their silk gowns, and the sharp tailcoats worn by gentlemen.

 

Watching the grand and lavish scene of the ball—something I had only seen in books—from the sidelines wasn’t bad at all.

 

‘I really am better suited to be a reader than a protagonist.’

 

“I truly miss the late Crown Prince.”

 

Just then, the conversation of the people standing next to me caught my ear.

 

A group of nobles in their mid-to-late fifties were sitting on a sofa by the wall, drinking wine and chatting. A few of them were already flushed red from alcohol.

 

“Are you referring to His Royal Highness Prince Richard? Indeed, his powerful charisma is something one can never forget. Indeed.”

 

An middle-aged noble recalled, his voice laced with nostalgia.

 

Pretending to reach for a biscuit on the table, I subtly checked their faces.

 

They were low-ranking nobles with little influence, belonging neither to the Crown Prince’s faction nor Duke Schpern’s. They were faces I recognized from the noble register Rose had handed to me.

 

“Hyenas that cling to the winning side,” Rose had noted, if I recalled correctly.

 

“His Royal Highness Prince Richard was a man of ambition who sought to conquer the continent and make Ruberia the greatest power. Had he lived, Ruberia would have become an empire.”

 

When the intoxicated noble spoke in an excited tone, another quickly stopped him and lowered his voice.

 

“Watch your tongue. Have you forgotten that mentioning the late Crown Prince is taboo?”

 

Another noble asked with eyes full of curiosity.

 

“How did Prince Richard intend to conquer the continent?”

 

“Word has it that he planned to conquer the continent using magic. Magic research was actively pursued when he was alive, after all. But his grand dream perished when he met an untimely death due to monsters. Tsk tsk.”

 

“Hmm. That sounds entirely plausible, seeing as the Founding King established the kingdom through the power of magic as well.”

 

Nodding as if in regret, they cast their gazes toward Crown Prince Ludwig.

 

Ludwig was laughing and conversing with Calix. A crowd of young nobles and ladies had gathered around them like a flock of clouds.

 

“It is truly a pity. The current Crown Prince strictly forbids the use of grimoires and focuses solely on stabilizing the dimensional barrier, which is frustrating. Even with the continent’s greatest knight, the Northern Grand Duke, at his side, he refrains from utilizing him. If it were Prince Richard, he would have placed Grand Duke Reinhardt at the forefront and embarked on a continental conquest.”

 

Being inside the royal palace, they did not openly slander the Crown Prince, but the look in their eyes was deeply disrespectful.

 

They viewed Ludwig with disdain—a weak playboy of a Crown Prince who only cared about fooling around in high society.

 

A surge of revulsion washed over me at the filthy greed of these pathetic men, who knew only how to drink and wag their silver tongues.

 

These useless excuses for nobles, stuffed with nothing but fat and having never shed a drop of their own blood for anyone, certainly knew how to run their mouths.

 

Waging a war meant invading another country to seize their land and wealth, did it not?

 

A war driven by greed would only result in innocent, good-hearted people being trampled underfoot and weeping tears of blood.

 

Do those men even know?

 

That Calix suffers from guilt and pain every time he swings his sword,

 

And that Ludwig dreads sitting upon a throne stained with blood.

 

How dare these vermin, who have never risked their own lives to protect anything, speak so carelessly of war?

 

A surging rage coursed through my veins, gathering in my heart.

 

My head felt dazed from the loud thumping of my heart echoing in my ears. Unable to contain my fury, my hands trembled violently.

 

Crack. A shattering sound echoed.

 

Blankly looking down, I saw the glass in my hand shattered to pieces, with blood and shards splattering everywhere.

 

The broken shards bit into my skin and warm blood seeped out, yet I felt no pain.

 

“How clumsy.”

 

Along with a sneering voice, a handkerchief covered my hand. Looking up, I saw Franz.

 

The nobles who had been badmouthing the Crown Prince took one look at Franz’s appearance and quickly scattered, keeping a low profile.

 

Without hesitation, he grabbed my hand and led me toward a nearby terrace. Only then did I register the gazes and hushed murmuring of the people around us.

 

Franz closed the window and firmly drew the thick velvet curtains shut before turning around.

 

As a cool breeze brushed past my cheek, the rage echoing in my mind finally subsided. Only then did I feel a stinging pain.

 

“Is your hand alright? The bleeding should have stopped by now.”

 

Franz looked down at my hand calmly. Avoiding his gaze, I hurriedly turned around to check my hand.

 

Just as he said, my skin was displaying a remarkable regenerative ability.

 

The wound on my hand, which had been covered in blood just a moment ago, was healing at a terrifying speed.

 

I quickly wiped away the glass shards and blood with the handkerchief.

 

Live long enough and you see everything—receiving help from my sworn enemy, Franz, of all people.

 

Only then did I have the leeway to survey the terrace I had been dragged into.

 

The terraces in the ballroom were exceptionally private spaces.

 

They were cut off by thick velvet curtains and glass doors, and even the neighboring terrace was concealed by long banners.

 

Before my eyes stretched the royal gardens adorned with shrubs and roses, but it was positioned far enough from view that it wouldn’t catch anyone’s eye.

 

They said the terrace was a rendezvous spot where men and women who caught each other’s eye at the ball whispered words of love.

 

Rose had also emphasized several times never to go out onto a terrace with a strange man.

 

“Thank you for your help. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will take my leave.”

 

Attempting to avoid his persistent gaze, I tried to step out of the terrace.

 

I didn’t want to spend even a single second in the same space as him.

 

Franz casually stepped into my path. With the light from the ballroom behind him, he looked dazzling, as if enveloped in brilliant radiance.

 

“I have no need for verbal expressions of gratitude.”

 

Of course, there was no way this man would perform an act of kindness without a reason. I scowled deeply and glared at him.

 

“What do you want?”

 

Franz offered a languid smile and tilted his head slightly.

 

His silver hair shimmered like falling moonlight, casting a mysterious aura when paired with his amethyst eyes.

 

As the moonlight filtered in, a faint glow caught between his silver eyelashes.

 

Looking pale enough to seem sickly, he looked closer to a delicate youth than a grown man.

 

Under the moonlight, my eyes were involuntarily drawn to his ethereal, otherworldly handsomeness.

 

“Dance with me, Erika.”

 

Hearing his firm command, a breathless laugh escaped my lips at the sheer absurdity of it. Wearing an arrogant smile, I looked up at him with disdain.

 

“There are plenty of gentlemen waiting to dance with me. Get in line, Young Lord.”

 

The corners of Franz’s eyes turned sharp. I caught a flash of something glinting in his gaze.

 

It was as if he were blinded by jealousy. But why?

 

Franz took a sudden step toward me. Instinctively, I took a step back until I felt the cold railing behind my back.

 

“Why do you still not realize it? I am the only one who truly understands you.”

 

Franz’s gaze piercing down at me made my chest feel tight. I bit down hard on my lower lip.

 

“It seems the one lacking understanding here is you, Young Lord.”

 

Just then, the terrace door swung wide open, making the curtains flutter. A sharp, venomous voice echoed through the air.

 

“Brother, so this is where you were. I have been looking everywhere for you.”

 

Eliade, draped in a golden dress, made a grand entrance at the head of her followers.

 

“My, Librarian Erika is here as well.”

 

Eliade unfolded a lavish fan adorned with pearls and covered her mouth. The contempt in her eyes was crystal clear behind the fan.

 

The followers surrounding her fluttered their fans and sneered audibly for me to hear.

 

“My goodness, did she entice the Young Lord onto the terrace? I thought she was a quiet librarian, but how bold.”

 

“Hoho, seducing a man… she must have no shame.”

 

The young ladies giggled, ridiculing me as if finding it immensely entertaining. Eliade looked down at me with a smirk full of mockery.

 

Picking a fight so openly… spout whatever nonsense you want.

 

I didn’t even feel they were worth dealing with. It was better to get out of here as quickly as possible.

 

As I tried to push past them, Franz called out to stop me.

 

“Hold on a moment, Lady Diel.”

 

What is this? Why is he suddenly using formal language? What is he trying to say?

 

When Franz acts politely toward me, it usually means he’s right on the verge of causing trouble.

 

Franz glared at his younger sister with anger in his eyes. His ruthless nature, showing no mercy even to his own kin, was fully on display.

 

“Eliade. The attitude of you and your followers is impudent. How dare you insult Lady Diel in my presence?”

 

Eliade and her followers turned pale in dismay. Facing Franz’s terrifying glare, several young ladies looked terrified enough to collapse at any moment.

 

“B-Brother, it’s not that…”

 

“Do not make me repeat myself. Offer a formal apology. Lady Diel is my close friend. Show her the same respect as you would show me. If you insult her from this moment on, I will consider it an insult to myself and will never let it slide.”

 

This time, it was my turn to turn pale.

 

When on earth did we become friends? I wanted to break off ties immediately.

 

At Franz’s firm command, Eliade stood there biting her lower lip until it bled. The hand holding her fan trembled violently.

 

Her followers, virtually hiding behind Eliade, were busy reading the room.

 

Eliade barely nodded her chin toward me and spoke in a stiff, rigid voice.

 

“Regarding what just happened… I was rude. I am sorry, Lady Diel.”

 

As Eliade apologized first, her followers scrambled to bow their heads to me as well.

 

“We were impolite earlier. We are sorry.”

 

“Please forgive us generously, Lady Diel.”

 

Surrendering so easily made me feel drained instead. Seeing how they cowered before the strong and preyed on the weak, I almost felt pity for them.

 

Her face flushed crimson, Eliade stormed off the terrace with a humiliated expression. Her followers hastily pursued her as if fleeing.

 

“You did something you didn’t even want to do, Young Lord. Am I supposed to offer my thanks once again?”

 

I sneered, twisting the corner of my lips. Franz looked at me intently, as if wondering what the issue was.

 

“No one dares to insult you, Erika.”

 

“I am speaking to you in all seriousness—do not meddle in my affairs in the future. It makes me deeply uncomfortable.”

 

Before Franz could say anything more, I quickly grabbed the hem of my dress and exited the terrace.

 

The wound on my hand, which had been hidden by the handkerchief, had completely disappeared. Letting out a sigh of relief, I returned to my place.

 

Rose and William were dancing, and the book club ladies were also dancing with young nobles as their partners.

 

Only Freesia sat upright on the couch with an unfaltering posture.

 

Unfamiliar young men appeared one after another to ask her for a dance. However, she politely declined their requests, and they turned away with disappointed expressions.

 

Dressed in her ivory gown, she was as elegant as a lily, but her face was as expressionless as a doll’s.

 

I quietly approached her.

 

“Freesia, are you alright? You don’t look too well.”

 

Seeing me, she loosened her stiff expression as if she could finally put her mind at ease.

 

“Erika, you’re here. I was waiting for you.”

 

Was it because she had cried earlier, saying she didn’t want to become the Crown Princess? The way she looked up at me carried an unusually sorrowful air.

 

“Why aren’t you dancing? Are you perhaps waiting for the one you have in mind?”

 

Was she waiting for Calix to ask her for a dance first after all? I scanned the ballroom for Calix.

 

I could see Calix standing in the center of the crowded ballroom.

 

He was still surrounded by young nobles and knights. With heated faces and eyes full of admiration, they listened intently to Calix or eagerly showered him with questions.

 

This is practically a fan-signing event. Aren’t those people a bit too enthusiastic?

 

“Ah, I…”

 

Freesia hesitated for a long time before opening her lovely lips.

 

“I am comfortable being the ice wallflower.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

Startled, I wondered what she meant. She offered a self-deprecating, bitter smile.

 

“It is my nickname in high society. They call me the ice wallflower because I do not dance or converse with anyone. I prefer being alone. I only came here to fulfill my duty as the eldest daughter of a Count’s house…”

 

Rose’s assessment of Freesia came to mind.

 

‘A noble and cold lady who does not mingle with others.’

 

“If it’s not rude, may I ask why?”

 

Freesia’s gaze settled on the nobles laughing and clinking glasses beneath the lavish chandeliers.

 

Her eyes, always so gentle and docile, turned cold and laced with contempt.

 

“Because I felt revulsion toward them.”

 

It was that cold gaze of hers that I had caught glimpses of like a phantom—as if it were her true self behind the good-natured, gentle mask.

 

“Freesia…”

 

Unable to hold back my sympathy, I ended up calling her name. Perhaps my voice reached her, as the warmth gradually returned to her eyes that had been glaring at the ballroom.

 

Freesia turned to look at me slowly.

 

“It is fine now. Because I have met someone with whom I can share my heart.”

 

As she leaned toward me, a dreamlike, distant scent of lilies dizzying my senses. Freesia whispered in a dreamily sweet voice.

 

“Erika, do you know?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“You are like a light to me.”

 

Freesia stood up calmly and stepped in front of me.

 

Beneath the chandelier, her platinum hair fell in shimmering waves like a cascade of dazzling light, as if a holy saint beloved by all had descended.

 

Freesia extended her dainty hand toward me as if a saint bestowing mercy.

 

Just as I was about to reach out and take that hand as if entranced, a voice sounded near my ear.

 

“Lady Diel.”

 

Ludwig approached me with a serious expression. At the arrival of the Crown Prince, Freesia lowered her eyes and quietly stepped aside.

 

His expression was not his usual playful, grinning self, but carried a gaze that was somehow anxious and tense.

 

Did something happen?

 

I quickly searched for Calix and William with my eyes. If it were an emergency, they would be guarding the Crown Prince, but they were nowhere to be seen.

 

Ludwig held out his hand to me. His hand was stiff with tension.

 

“Would you grant me the honor of sharing your first dance?”

 

The blue-gold eyes gazing down at me burned with a reddish hue.

 

Feeling tense despite myself, I licked my dry lips.

 

A wave of shock and commotion among the surrounding nobles swept through the ballroom like a wave.

 

“Why is the Crown Prince asking a Viscount’s daughter for the first dance?”

 

“Wasn’t he supposed to dance with one of the Crown Princess candidates?”

 

“My goodness. Right in front of Lady Rubel, no less?”

 

The flustered voices of the nobles pierced my ears sharply.

 

Over Ludwig’s shoulder, I saw Calix walking briskly toward us. A look of dismay flickered across his face.

 

I reflexively checked Freesia’s complexion. Standing with her hands neatly clasped, she looked like a bashful lady on the outside, but her violet eyes were sunken in darkness.

 

It was neither fear of becoming the Crown Princess,

 

Nor relief at not having to dance with the Crown Prince.

 

That emotion was… anger.

 

A gaze dripping with murderous intent, as if staring at a sworn enemy she desperately wished to trample underfoot.

 

I could feel the air surrounding her instantly tighten.

 

‘Freesia, why are you looking at Ludwig with those eyes?’

 

Before the question could even take shape in my mind, my instincts led me to place my hand on the back of the Crown Prince’s hand.

 

An instinctive sense of crisis took precedence—that I must not allow the Crown Prince to remain before her eyes at this very moment.

 

“I am delighted that you accepted, my Erika.”

 

Completely unaware of the current situation, the Crown Prince simply smiled with genuine joy that I had accepted his request for a dance.

 

Glancing back at Freesia, she stared at me with a face as expressionless as a pale doll. The intense rage that had been boiling in her eyes just a moment ago was gone as if it were a lie.

 

“Freesia, are you alright? You look pale. I think you should get some rest.”

 

I asked her carefully. Like someone waking from a dream, she blinked her long eyelashes a few times and offered a faint smile.

 

“The lights are so bright that I feel a bit dizzy. I will be fine after taking a short rest. Please don’t mind me and dance with His Highness.”

 

Ludwig snapped his fingers to summon the Lord Chamberlain. The chamberlain rushed over hurriedly and bowed his head.

 

“Lady Rubel is not feeling well. Escort her to the reception room.”

 

The Lord Chamberlain quickly brought a maid to support Freesia. After watching Freesia head toward the reception room inside the ballroom, Ludwig took my hand once more.

 

“Erika, shall we go dance now?”

 

Taking my hand, the Crown Prince escorted me to the center of the Grand Hall. The crowd blocking our path instantly parted in two. Astonishment and bewilderment were plain in their eyes.

 

And understandably so. They must have expected him to choose Freesia, a Crown Princess candidate, as his partner for the first dance.

 

If even I was shocked, imagine how they must feel. Yet, I was in a position where I had no choice but to dance with the Crown Prince.

 

Glancing at Ludwig beside me, he was smiling brightly like an innocent child, enjoying himself.

 

With every step I took, I felt as though my lifespan was shortening. Gazes dripping with jealousy and envy flew toward my back like arrows.

 

Holding Ludwig’s hand as I walked onto the floor, I passed by Calix, who stood frozen in place.

 

His gaze followed me to the end, making my heart ache as if it were being squeezed. A pain I hadn’t felt even when glass shards bit into my hand caught up to me now.

 

Every step forward was agonizing, but I did not let it show.

 

The nobles dancing in the hall cleared a wide area in the center to welcome the Crown Prince and me.

 

Ludwig held one of my hands while pulling my waist close with his other hand. The firm touch of his hand against the small of my back felt uncomfortable.

 

As the royal orchestra began to play a soft yet sweet melody, Ludwig guided me with smooth, polite movements.

 

Following his lead, I stepped carefully, exerting every effort not to step on his feet.

 

Perhaps the special training I underwent while being nagged by Rose was effective, as I was able to dance quite decently.

 

“Your Highness, did you perhaps commit a grave offense against Lady Rubel?”

 

I asked him subtly as we danced. A bittersweet smile touched Ludwig’s expression, replacing his previous air of sheer enjoyment.

 

Even the smile vanished from Ludwig’s face, which usually resembled a mischievous boy.

 

Under the chandeliers reflecting brilliant light, the Crown Prince held my hand with a hardened expression in his pristine white uniform.

 

Only then did I realize: ‘So this is the expression he wears when he is being the Crown Prince.’

 

His broad shoulders, embroidered with gold thread, looked heavy as if bearing a sin, and his hair fluttered red as though dyed in blood.

 

Amidst the elegant melody of the waltz, he opened his lips heavily.

 

“Are you referring to how Lady Rubel glared at me terrifyingly earlier?”

 

“So you knew after all.”

 

“I committed a grave sin against her. The pain caused by it has still not faded.”

 

“Just what kind of sin did you commit…!”

 

I smoothed my breathing to control the sudden surge of anger. I wasn’t sure if I was short of breath from dancing the waltz with him or if I was enraged by his nonchalant yet cruel actions.

 

Taking advantage of a turn in the dance, I leaned in close to his ear and demanded an answer.

 

“If you committed a sin against Lady Rubel, why did you make her a candidate for Crown Princess? That is far too cruel to her.”

 

The Crown Prince set his jaw for a moment. He and I were close enough to share breaths.

 

He spoke in a low voice, as if swallowing a painful groan.

 

“That is… my atonement.”

 

I was about to ask what he meant, but the Crown Prince took my hand and swept us into the swirling tide of the dance.

 

Gowns of various colors blossomed like flowers across the floor.

 

Ludwig spun me gracefully. For a moment, I nearly stumbled from dizziness, but he caught my waist effortlessly.

 

“Sharing the first dance with me wasn’t for my sake, was it?”

 

Looking down at me, his expression appeared bitter and somehow sad.

 

“To be frank, I didn’t intend to dance with anyone.”

 

“Why is that?”

 

“I don’t enjoy dancing. Even now, I’m trying desperately not to step on Your Highness’ feet. I have no desire to go to prison for the crime of injuring Your Highness’ body.”

 

Ludwig let out a low laugh.

 

“If it’s you, I would gladly let you step on my feet dozens of times.”

 

“Please don’t say such things so lightly. If the bones in your feet break, I won’t take responsibility.”

 

As the nobles watched us with sharp gazes, Ludwig navigated the floor freely while holding my hand, wearing a tranquil face that showed he didn’t care in the slightest.

 

I felt my body moving effortlessly, as if wings had grown on my back.

 

Pulling me even closer, Ludwig looked down into my eyes. He didn’t avert his gaze, as though my eyes were windows peering into my soul.

 

“You are beautiful, Erika. So much so that I am tempted to make you my Crown Princess right here and now.”

 

‘This prince is flirting like he’s breathing in and out.’

 

I let out a sigh and said in all earnestness,

 

“Stop joking around, and please say such things to the woman you love, Your Highness.”

 

The blue-gold eyes gazing at me burned intensely. The grip on his hand encircling my waist tightened.

 

“Why won’t you believe my heart, Erika? I am always looking at you, yet you never look at me.”

 

His face drew closer, as if he were about to kiss me. Passing dangerously close to my lips, his breath brushed against my ear.

 

The cheerful atmosphere instantly pulled taut with tension.

 

“When I look at you… sometimes I feel like I’m going insane.”

 

The Crown Prince whispered, exhaling a rough breath. His intense gaze came to a halt on the blue diamond necklace sparkling at my neck.

 

“That necklace. Calix gave it to you.”

 

“How do you know?”

 

“It belonged to the late Duchess. I saw it in her portrait. I heard it’s a necklace passed down through generations to the mistress of the Duke’s house.”

 

‘He gave me his mother’s keepsake? Why something so precious…’

 

I bit my lower lip hard enough to draw blood. The necklace around my neck suddenly felt even heavier.

 

The corner of Ludwig’s lips twisted.

 

“So that’s how it is. To have you… I finally know clearly what I must throw away.”

 

He let out a low, pained sigh. Trying my best not to lose my composure, I spoke calmly.

 

“Do not throw anything away, Your Highness. I will remain as Your Highness’s loyal librarian.”

 

His blue-gold eyes became tinged with a reddish madness. Grasping my chin, the Crown Prince turned my face toward his. The chilling gaze piercing down at me boiled with greed directed solely at me.

 

“What if I were to choose you as my Crown Princess right here and now—what would you do?”

 

His low, sharp voice cut through me. As I met his eyes—consumed by madness—a chill of pure terror ran straight down my spine.

 

Suddenly, I was reminded of the Crown Prince from the original story, a man driven mad by love.

 

The music gradually slowed to a tempo, and the nobles dancing around us bowed gracefully to their partners before stepping apart.

 

The Crown Prince and I also released each other’s hands and stood facing one another. Breathing heavily from the dance, I fixed my gaze on him with unwavering resolve.

 

“I trust that Your Highness will not make such a choice.”

 

“And why is that?”

 

I believed it. I believed that Ludwig would not fall into madness and ruin like the Crown Prince of the original story.

 

I believed he would become a wise and just ruler—one who dedicated himself to the people of the kingdom, treasured the loyal subjects who believed in him, feared ascending a throne stained with blood, and willingly knew how to sacrifice himself.

 

Because he was the man Calix had chosen as his king.

 

“Because just as Your Highness trusts me, I trust Your Highness as well.”

 

The madness in Ludwig’s eyes slowly receded.

 

With a bitter smile, he took my hand to escort me. Guiding me back to the couch, he pressed his lips deeply against the back of my hand.

 

His warm lips lingered on my skin for a long moment. My entire body trembled, prompting me to quickly pull my hand away from his grip.

 

“You are far too cruel, Erika. Which only makes it harder for me to give you up.”

 

I kept my gaze fixed on the Crown Prince, steady and unyielding. There was no way he could miss the firm resolve in my eyes.

 

Ludwig slowly averted his gaze. As he turned away from me, his back looked like that of a wounded boy, and my heart ached for him.

 

Still, it couldn’t be helped. One day, I would have to leave this place. I must not leave my mark on anyone’s heart.

 

Only after the dance with the Crown Prince ended did the tight tension finally ease. I collapsed onto the couch as if sinking into it.

 

Because I had concentrated with every fiber of my being during the dance, my legs felt numb, and all the strength drained from my body. I had been so nervous that sweat was trickling down my back.

 

Reina rushed over in a hurry to support me, handing me a glass of water.

 

“Lady Diel, drink some water. You look quite pale.”

 

After swallowing the cold water, I calmed down a bit. Reina examined me with a face full of concern.

 

“It looked like dancing with the Crown Prince was quite an ordeal. Are you truly alright?”

 

It hadn’t felt like a ballroom dance at all; it felt as though I had been clashing invisible swords with all my might in a duel.

 

I never could have imagined Ludwig would harbor such feelings for me.

 

I had assumed it was mere curiosity and goodwill.

 

Just when had those feelings grown so deep?

 

He had almost turned into a crazy Crown Prince, ready to cast aside his most loyal subject, Calix, just to claim me for himself.

 

“I’m fine. Honestly, dancing is far too difficult. I don’t think I could ever do it a second time.”

 

I intentionally spoke in a lighthearted, playful tone. Reina took my hand with a pitying look in her eyes.

 

“Please don’t push yourself too hard. And Lady Freesia is resting in the reception room. I just went to check on her.”

 

“Thank you for taking care of Freesia.”

 

“It was only natural.”

 

Rose and the other book club ladies were chatting happily near a table filled with desserts and drinks. Just as I was about to suggest to Reina that we join them, the Lord Chamberlain approached.

 

Bowing respectfully to me, he delivered his request.

 

“Lady Diel, Her Majesty the Queen requests your presence.”

 

 

***

 

 

Following the Lord Chamberlain, I walked down the red carpet that led toward the throne.

 

There were two thrones, lavishly adorned with gold, silver, and brilliant jewels. However, the throne of the King of Ruberia stood empty, while the Queen sat upon the right throne, motionless and lofty.

 

Positioned on a high dais at the innermost part of the Grand Hall, the throne area was quiet.

 

While light music flowed through the hall and nobles dressed in splendid tailcoats and gowns danced, clinked glasses, and shared joyous laughter, the Queen sat atop her throne, looking down over it all.

 

Below the dais, noblewomen, ladies-in-waiting, and attendants conversed in hushed tones or waited quietly for the Queen’s call.

 

I also spotted high-ranking nobles waiting for an audience with the Queen, among whom were William and Chairman Reichen.

 

Calix stood guarding the Queen alongside several royal guards, his expression grave and composed.

 

Even though he could have easily enjoyed the ball, he had volunteered to take charge of her protection once again.

 

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince moved briskly through the Grand Hall, conversing merrily with nobles, receiving smiles from noblewomen, and capturing the yearning glances of young ladies. He was truly the picture of a darling of high society.

 

Stopping at the stairs below the dais, I lowered my eyes, bent my knees, and bowed my head.

 

“I greet Her Sublime Majesty, the Queen. May eternal glory be upon Ruberia.”

 

“It is a pleasure to see you here again, Lady Diel. Come, step closer.”

 

The Queen offered a gentle smile and gestured for me to approach.

 

I moved closer to the throne and stood with my hands neatly clasped before me. The Queen looked down at me with an exceptionally tender gaze.

 

“You look dazzingly beautiful today.”

 

“You flatter me, Your Majesty. Thank you for your kind praise.”

 

“Let us set aside stiff formalities. I saw that you shared the first dance with the Crown Prince. How was his dancing?”

 

The Queen asked with a trace of laughter in her voice.

 

“To be completely honest, Your Majesty, I was trying so hard not to step on his feet that I can barely remember how he danced.”

 

At my words, a clear, bright laugh escaped the Queen’s lips.

 

As the Queen burst into laughter, the noblewomen and nobles looked up at her with startled eyes.

 

Smiling elegantly, the Queen warmly took my hand. Seeing how affectionately she treated me, I could feel the court nobles watching me with keen interest.

 

“Erika, let us continue our conversation. Simply talking with me like this will help solidify your precarious standing.”

 

“Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, Your Majesty.”

 

Coming from a Viscount’s family and working as a librarian, my taking the first dance with the Crown Prince had made the nobles view me with discomfort. Some even threw blatant glares of envy or suspicion my way.

 

However, just briefly showing myself receiving favor in a private conversation with the Queen was enough to noticeably shift the way the nobles looked at me.

 

The Queen casually took a sip of the wine offered by her lady-in-waiting before speaking.

 

“If you wish, I can arrange a marriage with a good family, or introduce you to an adoptive father with a solid background.”

 

After a moment’s thought, I decided to lay out my honest thoughts.

 

After all, I would never have any ties to court politics or high society. Attending this ball would likely be my first and last time doing so anyway.

 

“I am deeply honored by your gracious offer, but I have no interest in such matters.”

 

“And why is that?”

 

The Queen observed me with an intrigued expression.

 

“I am merely a librarian at the Royal Library. I have no interest in political struggles or power.”

 

“Then what about the Crown Prince?”

 

It was a sharp, unexpected question from the Queen that caught me completely off guard.

 

I looked up blankly. The Queen was gazing down at me with a solemn expression. Stunned and flustered, my mind went completely blank, leaving me unable to offer any answer to her question.

 

Taking my silence as an answer in itself, the Queen raised her head to look down at the Grand Hall.

 

Her gaze landed on Ludwig, who was laughing among the nobles.

 

Even while conversing pleasantly with the nobles, Ludwig’s eyes occasionally drifted toward the throne on the dais. To be precise, his gaze lingered for a long time on me, standing frozen beside the Queen.

 

“The Crown Prince keeps looking at you. Did you know that from the moment you entered the Grand Hall, his eyes have not left you for a single second?”

 

“I am deeply humbled, Your Majesty.”

 

The Queen smiled faintly, the fine lines around her eyes crinkling softly.

 

“Ludwig was originally like the wind by nature, never opening his true heart to anyone. Ever since that tragedy seven years ago, my once honest and gentle son was forced to put on a mask and wear the armor of the Crown Prince. To that child, laughter became pain, and every single step a heavy shackle.”

 

The Queen’s gaze, which had been watching the Crown Prince with pity, turned back toward me.

 

“Because I am his mother, I can tell. The look in my son’s eyes when he gazes at you is so joyful and free.”

 

Forcing my stone-stiff tongue to move, I spoke carefully.

 

“You misunderstand, Your Majesty. I am merely a librarian.”

 

The Queen’s gaze rested on the blue diamond necklace around my neck for a long moment.

 

With an expression tinged with deep regret, she let out a faint sigh.

 

“I see……. Your heart lies elsewhere.”

 

Could it be that the Queen also knew who this necklace belonged to?

 

It was my mistake. I should never have accepted the necklace from Calix.

 

I braced myself to accept whatever wrath might come my way.

 

Even if she misunderstood that I had dared to toy with the Crown Prince, I would have no excuse.

 

Failing to notice how deep his feelings ran was a fault of my own foolishness as well.

 

“Lift your head. It is no fault of yours.”

 

Before I knew it, the Queen had returned to her solemn, dignified expression—no longer a mother pitying a son bearing the heavy weight of the throne, but the mother of the nation.

 

“The reason I called you here was because I wished to greet the ladies of the book club. Pray, bring them forward.”

 

Under the Lord Chamberlain’s guidance, Rose and the ladies of the book club came before the dais. They bowed respectfully to the Queen.

 

While everyone looked terribly nervous, Reina alone maintained her characteristic composure, catching my eye.

 

The Queen welcomed the book club ladies with a soft, gentle smile.

 

The conversation naturally flowed into topics of literature and art, and the ladies shared their thoughts freely.

 

Above all, Reina led the conversation calmly yet smoothly, and the Queen listened attentively with a smile.

 

“It has been a long time since I enjoyed such a pleasant conversation with such wise young ladies. Pray, join my tea parties from time to time to keep me company.”

 

“We would be honored, Your Majesty.”

 

The book club ladies answered in unison with deep bows. Looking at them with satisfaction, the Queen turned her gaze back to me.

 

“You have worked hard running the book club, Lady Diel.”

 

“I did very little, Your Majesty. It was all thanks to Lady Madison here and the ladies of the book club, who strove and learned on their own initiative.”

 

“There is no need for modesty. I hold your hard work in high regard and wish to grant you a favor. Is there anything you desire?”

 

I hesitated briefly before deciding to reveal the plan I had been quietly keeping in mind.

 

“I would like to open a small school for children inside the Royal Library.”

 

“Why do you wish to establish a school?”

 

The Queen asked, looking puzzled.

 

“The vast majority of Ruberia’s common folk can barely read, lacking basic education. Only the noble class has access to learning. I wish to teach children regardless of their social standing so they may nurture their dreams. I believe that for a nation to prosper, the education of its children must be the very foundation.”

 

A look of surprise and admiration flashed across the Queen’s eyes.

 

“Indeed, that sounds just like you. However, establishing a school requires significant funds and personnel. How do you intend to resolve those matters?”

 

“For the school, we plan to utilize unused research rooms within the Royal Library first. Initial funding will come from donations, and any further necessary funds will be prepared by the library. As for the teachers who will instruct the children,”

 

I paused briefly and made eye contact with the book club ladies.

 

“They will be the ladies of the book club.”

 

During our book club sessions, I had mentioned to them that they could one day become teachers who instruct children. Gratefully, every single one of them had agreed to participate.

 

With determined expressions, they gave firm nods of agreement.

 

As if finally understanding everything, a brilliant smile spread across the Queen’s face.

 

“Now I understand the grand noble purpose behind your words, Lady Diel. Noble ladies learning and awakening on their own to teach the children of the kingdom—how wonderful. Since all of you are striving so hard for Ruberia, I cannot simply sit by and do nothing either.”

 

Countess Demeter, who had been quietly standing beside the Queen, stepped forward. She looked at me with a proud gaze.

 

“I am deeply moved by Lady Diel’s intentions, Your Majesty. We, the noblewomen of the court, would also like to join forces and offer our support.”

 

“If Countess Demeter steps forward, nothing could be more reassuring.”

 

The Queen looked at the Countess with eyes full of trust. Gently taking Reina’s hand, I brought her forward.

 

“Your Majesty, allow me to introduce Lady Reina Douglas. She will oversee the primary school as its director, guiding and teaching the children.”

 

“Why are you not taking the role of director yourself?”

 

“I only possess a small talent for reading and organizing books; I lack the ability to teach and properly guide people. I ask that you place your trust in Lady Douglas to carry out this role.”

 

Although Reina seemed momentarily flustered by my sudden statement, she quickly regained her composure and offered a formal court bow to the Queen.

 

“I offer my formal greetings to Her Majesty the Queen. I am Reina Douglas.”

 

Seeing her stand before the Queen with an unshakeable poise brought a deep sense of reassurance to my heart.

 

Her Majesty the Queen and Lady Reina—in some strange way, the two shared a similar aura.

 

Both possessed a gentle exterior, yet harbored an inner strength and composure firmer than anyone else’s.

 

The Queen observed Reina closely with a warm gaze.

 

“Viscount Douglas was a man of noble character who contributed greatly to the advancement of learning in Ruberia. Seeing you today, Lady Douglas, it is clear you have inherited your father’s fine character intact.”

 

“……Thank you, Your Majesty.”

 

Reina’s shoulders trembled slightly as she kept her head bowed.

 

“Lady Douglas, pray visit the royal palace often to keep me company.”

 

“Whenever Your Majesty calls for me, I shall come at once.”

 

For the Queen, who did not easily let people close to her, to recognize Reina at first glance and grant her audiences was remarkable.

 

I was profoundly grateful that Her Majesty recognized Reina’s upright nature and wisdom.

 

On our way out after offering our farewells to the Queen, I offered my congratulations to Reina.

 

“Reina, this turned out so wonderfully. The Queen took a real liking to you.”

 

“Indeed. Watching from the side, my own heart was fluttering with joy.”

 

Rose and the book club ladies also beamed with excitement, celebrating as if it were their own success.

 

Reina watched us silently with her usual composure.

 

Then, her calm eyes gradually narrowed as a wide smile broke across her face.

 

“I still can’t believe it. To meet Her Majesty and receive her approval… If my father were alive to see this, he would have been so happy…….”

 

Tears spilled over and tracked down Reina’s cheeks. Her shoulders, always held so straight, began to tremble like a child’s.

 

She had quietly borne the burden of her family’s sudden decline and her father’s unexpected death all on her own.

 

Reina turned her tear-streaked face back toward me.

 

“Thank you, Erika. Thanks to the dream you showed me, I was able to make it this far. Now… I can keep moving forward……. Thank you, truly.”

 

Without a word, I gripped her hand tightly in mine. Rose and the book club ladies rushed over as well, their eyes red and brimming with tears.

 

We took Reina’s hands, wrapped our arms affectionately around her shoulders, and gently patted her back.

 

“Do you know what happens if you laugh right after crying?”

 

Rose blurted out a joke—even though her own eyes were as red as a rabbit’s.

 

Wait, was she trying to mention that old saying about growing hair on your rear if you laugh while crying?

 

“Your eye makeup is going to get ruined! We’re at a ball, everyone. No more tears!”

 

Bursts of laughter erupted like blooming flower buds. Wiping away each other’s tears with our handkerchiefs, we laughed through our tears.

 

***

 

Looking a bit fatigued, the Queen announced she would retire early and departed the ballroom. Countess Demeter, several noblewomen, and ladies-in-waiting followed behind her.

 

The Crown Prince took the lead, stating he would escort the Queen back to her palace, while Calix followed closely behind leading the Royal Guard.

 

The nobles bowed in unison toward the Queen as she exited the ballroom.

 

As the orchestra went on a short break, the dance floor cleared, and people gathered in groups throughout the hall to converse quietly.

 

The nobles enjoyed the ball in a calm atmosphere, talking in hushed tones.

 

‘Is Freesia doing alright?’

 

Anxious about her well-being, I made my way toward the reception room. Just as I crossed the ballroom, my eyes caught sight of Freesia sitting on a couch by the window—wondering when she had stepped out.

 

Her pale complexion had returned to normal, and her expression looked considerably softer.

 

‘What a relief. She seems to be doing better now.’

 

As I started heading toward Freesia, I noticed Eliade approaching her. In Eliade’s hand was a glass of red wine, filled almost to the brim.

 

The other nobles were busy conversing, completely unaware of what was unfolding.

 

Seeing her, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

 

‘Is she seriously trying to use that despicable trick right now?’

 

In the original story, Eliade had once tasked another noble lady with accidentally spilling a glass of wine over Freesia’s dress.

 

With her dress ruined, Freesia had been forced to leave the ball.

 

Eliade had always carried out her villainous deeds through the hands of others rather than her own, prioritizing the reputation of the Schpern family above all else.

 

This time, however, was different.

 

Her eyes blatantly radiated cold hostility.

 

‘Just what on earth made Eliade so desperate?’

 

Now that I thought about it, Eliade hadn’t danced with anyone yet.

 

Whether she was holding out to dance with the Crown Prince, she had haughtily turned down every noble who asked her for a dance.

 

Yet Ludwig had been openly dodging Eliade.

 

He chatted and danced pleasantly with other Crown Princess candidates and noble ladies, never sparing Eliade so much as a glance.

 

For a woman possessing such arrogant pride, it must have been a humiliating insult.

 

Even so, to take her frustration out on Freesia now?

 

Unable to launch a direct attack on me—who had just gained favor conversing with the Queen—was she targeting powerless Freesia instead?

 

‘Eliade, no matter how much of a villainess you are, this is far too petty and cowardly.’

 

Anger flared within me, but I took a deep breath to steady myself. Stepping in recklessly might only put Freesia in a difficult spot.

 

First, I plucked a single pearl off the fan I was holding.

 

Before I knew it, Eliade was casually passing by Freesia’s side.

 

Leaning against the window, Freesia seemed lost in deep thought, oblivious to her surroundings.

 

Suddenly stopping in her tracks, Eliade staggered as though struck by a sudden bout of dizziness. The wine glass in her hand sloshed violently.

 

At that exact moment, I flicked the pearl from my fingers straight toward Eliade’s wrist.

 

“Aaargh!”

 

‘Oops, my mistake. I miscalculated my strength.’

 

I guess a bit of personal grudge slipped in there.

 

Eliade shrieked as she grabbed her wrist. Ultimately, the glass of wine splashed straight onto her brilliant golden dress.

 

The quiet Grand Hall instantly dissolved into chaos. Surrounding nobles noticed the commotion and rushed over.

 

“Lady Schpern, are you alright! Oh dear, what a mess!”

 

Eliade’s group of followers rushed over in a flurry of panic, competing to pour out their worries.

 

Freesia looked up in shock at the drenched Eliade standing before her.

 

Eliade’s gown was completely soaked in wine from her chest down to her skirt hem.

 

Genuinely concerned, Freesia hurriedly brought a napkin over.

 

“Lady Schpern, are you hurt anywhere? You must have been so startled.”

 

Eliade stood there in complete silence, biting her lower lip hard enough to bleed.

 

Her knuckles turned white as she clenched her fists tightly.

 

Her entire body trembled faintly, as if she could barely contain her explosive rage and humiliation.