How could they be so consistent?
This was what society was like—a place where gossip never ceased.
“I’m doomed.”
“What did you say?”
“Ah, nothing.”
A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead. I was now experiencing exactly what Lireania had gone through. It wasn’t Lireania who had entered first, experiencing it. Why is that?
I furrowed my brows and looked around. People’s gazes scattered as they avoided mine.
“Hmm. Right, that can’t be.”
In the novel, it wasn’t Lireania who chased away the unpleasant stares, but Kasion.
“What are you mumbling about while looking around like that?”
“It’s nothing, really.”
Kasion looked down at me strangely for a moment, but I ignored it and boldly walked forward with my head held high. Toward the one I love most.
“Brother, Lady Lireania!”
Once again, the attention of the entire ballroom focused on us. Even the announcement of the princess’s entrance didn’t distract people from staring at us.
“You’re here.”
“You’re here, Ariel. And… Kasion.”
Serhen had relaxed a bit after my declaration to stay single. While the blatant tension had eased, he still seemed conscious of Kasion.
“You don’t have to be so guarded,” Kasion responded to Serhen calmly, not showing any hostility.
The atmosphere was peaceful, and the tension that had built up in my shoulders over the past few days seemed to be melting away. Considering the situation over the past few days, it felt a bit unfamiliar, but not bad. It must be a positive sign that this tragic novel is turning into a more peaceful story.
“I’ll take good care of your sister today and return her safely.”
“Not too late.”
“Of course.”
This level of tension now seemed more like playful banter.
The reality was changing in ways different from the story I knew. As I noticed these changes, a gentle smile naturally formed on my lips.
“Brother, don’t worry. Nothing will happen, okay?”
“It’s not just Kasion, I’m worried you might do something reckless.”
“What?”
It felt like we were kids again, bickering as we used to.
As we chatted cheerfully, more and more people began to gather around us. The only duke in the empire and a wealthy young marquis were connections that no one in noble society could afford to miss, so everyone was eager to catch our attention. Especially today’s main character, Kasion. The imperial family was being somewhat sidelined by his entrance.
“Hey, Pertelian, Mellin. Both of you are quite popular.”
Just then, Crown Prince Aenix, who had been overshadowed, approached us. Diana was with him.
“Well, it’s natural for the empire’s future leaders.” The crown prince boldly placed his hand on Kasion’s shoulder and patted it as if Kasion were one of his subordinates. “By the way, this lovely lady is…”
Kasion and Serhen’s eyes flashed at the same time at the crown prince’s words. He was referring to Lireania, but why was Kasion so on edge?
“She’s my fiancée, Your Highness.”
“Ah, I’ve heard the rumors. We’ll be seeing each other often in society from now on.”
Serhen pulled Lireania close, likely aware of the crown prince’s notorious reputation with women. Kasion, too, seemed to understand the crown prince’s character as he completely blocked me from view.
“Soon, His Majesty will be making an entrance.”
“The schedule seems to have been delayed a bit since the main character made his appearance first.”
“Traditionally, the main character of the imperial ball is the imperial family, isn’t it?”
Kasion’s voice rumbled low. It was usually low, but today, it was even deeper. That made it even more intimidating. Was this what they call murderous intent?
“Haha, I suppose so. So, is Lady Mellin your first dance partner today, Duke?”
“Of course, she’s my partner.”
“Then who will be your second dance?”
I felt a bit stifled as I was hidden behind Kasion’s broad shoulders and back muscles, so I peeked out slightly.
“The second, the third, all of them will be with her. I have no other partners.”
“My sister will be disappointed.”
I accidentally made eye contact with Diana. It was a look well-known in society. The look she gave when she had her eyes on someone. A cold shiver ran down my spine as a troubling thought crossed my mind.
“Your Majesty the Emperor and Empress are entering!”
Thankfully, the Emperor made his entrance just in time.
* * *
The emperor’s appearance was followed by a long, lengthy speech. After that, awards were given to the heroes of the recent war, including Kasion. As Kasion stepped away, I was left with Serhen and Lireania, nervously tapping my foot.
“The female protagonist…”
“That’s a title that suits you perfectly, Lady Ariel.” Lireania overheard my muttering and whispered to me.
I widened my eyes and asked. “Me?”
“Yes, you’re the partner of tonight’s main character, the duke. And the brooch he gave you looks wonderful on you, Lady Ariel.”
I looked down at the brooch pinned to my chest. Was asking him to pin this on me the problem? Maybe this is where everything started to go wrong.
When I asked for the necklace, which symbolized being ensnared by Kasion’s clutches in the novel, I might have already stayed on the wrong path. In trying to save Lireania and Serhen, I had thrown myself into the fire, eagerly fanning the flames.
“Should I… run away?”
“Pardon?”
Luckily, my words were drowned out by the noise of applause. I hesitated for a moment, then carefully whispered into Lireania’s ear.
“Lady Lireania, I’ve been standing for so long that I’m really tired. I think I’ll go rest on the terrace.”
If I danced the first dance with him while wearing this brooch, wouldn’t it complete the picture perfectly?
Today might be the moment when the seed of obsession blooms. Instead of Lireania, I would become the female lead of this dark, mature, and obsessive romance novel. That would be a nightmare. It wasn’t part of my plan.
“What? But the ball is about to start…”
Seeing us whispering, Serhen joined the conversation. He seemed secretly pleased that I wanted to go to the terrace.
“Right, if you’re tired, you should rest. What’s so important about the ball?” He eagerly accepted my suggestion.
Lireania gave him a disapproving look. “Really, Lord Serhen.”
“I’ll be back when the first dance starts. Isn’t that fine?” I said with an innocent look. No ulterior motives here, promise. Of course, I added a little extra for effect, rubbing my back as if it was sore and shifting my feet as if they hurt. I even pretended to wipe non-existent sweat from my brow.
Lireania reluctantly agreed. At times like this, it made me appreciate my once frail health.
“Alright, I’ll let the duke know when he returns.”
“Thank you.”
As soon as I got her permission, I glanced at Kasion. He was busy talking to the emperor and didn’t seem to notice me. Instead, I made eye contact with Princess Diana. I gave her a slight nod, signaling that I was backing off.
I moved away from the crowd and headed for the terrace furthest from where Kasion was. Once inside, I locked the door and drew the curtains.
“That was close.” I exhaled in relief.
In this situation, Kasion dancing the first dance with Lireania was out of the question. There was no longer a concern. But the problem now was me. The image of Kasion imprisoning Lireania from the novel flashed through my mind. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.
I hadn’t realized that by protecting Lireania and Serhen, I was putting myself in danger. I didn’t want to be part of the captivity plot. No matter how skilled the other person is, no matter how their rough appearance hides a deep, devoted love.
“Just hold on a little longer, and today will pass.”
Serhen and Lireania’s wedding is soon. As long as I get through the time when Serhen is supposed to die, I could sever ties with Kasion. Yes, that’s the plan.
Before I knew it, music started playing from the ballroom. The ball had begun. If I could just get through one song, I could avoid becoming the female lead of this twisted tale. I just had to avoid the first dance.
“Knock, knock. Lady Ariel?” It was Lireania’s voice.
I pretended to be asleep, not moving from the chair I had settled into. After a few more knocks, Lireania left. I felt a bit sorry that I wouldn’t get to see her and Serhen’s first dance.
I sank deeper into the chair on the terrace. I’d wait until the first song was over, then I’d go back inside. At least I could watch the second dance.
“Brr, it’s a bit chilly.”
Suddenly, a cold wind swept across the terrace. And through the breeze, something black appeared between the terrace railings.
“Ariel.”
“Kasion!”
He was holding a thick shawl in one hand while the other gripped the railing. Supporting his weight with one hand, his bicep bulged with tension.
We were on the second floor. It looked incredibly dangerous. No matter how strong he was, this was too much.
I started to get up from my seat.
“Stay still. It’s dangerous.” Kasion’s firm voice made me freeze. Then, he carefully hooked his other arm over the railing. As his muscles tensed and contracted, he smoothly pulled himself up and over.
“Wow.” I couldn’t help but be amazed. He was really good at using his muscles.
After landing securely, he walked straight toward me. His intimidating expression made me shrink back.
He must be angry, right? But I need to survive, too. If I saved Serhen and became the female lead of the confinement story, it would be another tragedy. There were still so many things I wanted to do. I wanted to go on picnics with my future nieces and nephews, travel the empire, and go on food adventures. I hadn’t even gone on a date with my lover at the New Year’s festival yet.
As he approached, I closed my eyes tightly, bracing myself for the scolding I was sure was coming.
“You’ll catch a cold if you sleep out here.” He draped the large shawl over me.
What? Why is he being so kind?
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