When I turned around, Ian stood there dressed in the ceremonial uniform of the delegation, his hair neatly slicked back—a look different from usual.
His exposed forehead made him seem particularly well-groomed.
‘Why does he have to look so handsome, even at a time like this?’
Was he putting in extra effort because we were abroad?
Even though I didn’t want to dwell on it, I couldn’t help but be captivated by his face, staring at it blankly.
While I was distracted, Ian persistently brushed my hair, eventually tucking a stray strand behind my ear.
A small groan escaped my lips.
“…What’s the meaning of this?”
“A stray hair was falling out of place.”
“Vivi would have already taken care of it.”
“Are you referring to that maid?”
Ian motioned with his chin.
Following his gaze, I noticed that Vivi, who had been standing right next to me earlier, was now tucked away in a far corner of the room.
She was covering her mouth, alternating her gaze between us, her eyes shining with admiration like an overly enthusiastic audience member.
‘Vivi, I trusted you. How could you run away like that?’
But saying anything felt useless, so I chose to keep my mouth shut.
Meanwhile, Ian didn’t seem inclined to remove his hand from near my cheek.
The cool temperature of his hand brushing my skin made my fingertips flinch involuntarily.
I couldn’t tell whether my cheek was unusually warm or if his hand was particularly cold.
“…….”
“…….”
In the hellish silence, I clenched my skirt nervously. Slowly lifting my gaze, I asked,
“…Are you still tidying the stray hair?”
“As you can see.”
His calm reply came.
He claimed he wouldn’t touch someone he disliked, yet here he was, leaving me parched and tense like this.
I nervously bit my lip, rolling my tongue against my dry mouth.
His gaze, lingering near my ear, met my eyes.
His lips parted.
“Are you nervous?”
“…Yes.”
“You used to say being the center of attention didn’t bother you at all.”
That’s not what I meant.
Though the speech would take place in a venue as grand as Sangam World Cup Stadium, I had already gone through rehearsal yesterday, and public speaking didn’t frighten me.
“…Just.”
I was about to admit that I was nervous for other reasons, but I stopped myself.
Saying it aloud felt like digging my own grave.
Perhaps misunderstanding my silence, Ian fixed his gaze on me and said casually,
“I heard the VIP seats are in the very front row. I’ll be sitting there as well.”
“So?”
“If you feel overwhelmed looking at the crowd, you’re welcome to just look at me.”
Though his tone was steady, it carried a subtle playfulness.
I let out a small laugh.
“Isn’t that just wishful thinking?”
“I wouldn’t deny that. After all, you’ve never hesitated to say whatever you want in front of me.”
My eyes narrowed.
“…Are you trying to ease my nerves, or are you just taking this chance to tease me?”
“Which do you think it is?”
“You’re supposed to answer since I asked first.”
I glared at him, my eyebrows furrowed, but he only chuckled softly.
“Interpret it however you like.”
Once expressionless like a machine, Ian now smiled more often, his tone frequently laced with subtle teasing.
After brushing my ear for the last time, Ian withdrew his hand and said,
“And once the speech is over, let’s visit the hill I mentioned. Your busy schedule will finally be over.”
He emphasized the word “busy.”
In truth, Ian had been busier than me over the past five days, but I’d exhausted myself avoiding him.
“…You mean that tourist spot?”
“Yes. When I asked where you’d like to go, you didn’t answer, so I took the liberty of deciding.”
“……”
I had nothing to say.
Why did he always manage to shut me up by making valid points?
I wasn’t someone who typically lost verbal battles, yet here I was.
Avoiding his gaze, I muttered softly,
“…We’ll see.”
“I’ll take that as your consent.”
Ian lightly shrugged, then took my hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.
Even as he did so, his eyes stayed locked on mine, as if declaring war yet again.
The lingering sensation of his lips on my hand made my ears heat up.
Just then, Kyle walked in and stopped abruptly at the sight of us.
“My lord, Your Grace. The carriage is ready… Uh, should I step back out for a moment?”
Startled, I yanked my hand away and shook my head hurriedly.
“N-no need.”
Kyle glanced between Ian and me, raising one eyebrow slyly.
“For a moment, I seriously considered postponing the schedule.”
What is that chatterbox even saying!
Judging by the playful look on his face, he was clearly teasing me.
With an exaggerated flourish of his cloak, Kyle stepped aside dramatically.
“Well then, shall we? Allow me to escort you.”
He followed this with a cheeky wink.
“Newlyweds, after all.”
This guy…!
❖ ❖ ❖
The road to Biblos Academy was more crowded than usual.
Apparently, the 100th-anniversary event allowed entry to outsiders, and most of the carriages seemed to be heading there.
Fortunately, there was a shortcut reserved for VIPs, and with guidance from the academy staff, we arrived at the outdoor venue without delay.
As I stepped out of the carriage, holding Ian’s hand, Lady Evermore approached as if she had been waiting.
“Your Grace, Grand Duke Ian Cloud of the Levant Empire, and Your Grace, Grand Duchess Eloise Cloud, welcome.”
“Well then, madam, I’ll head to my seat now. I’ll be in the most visible spot, so don’t worry.”
“When have I ever worried about… Never mind, fine.”
“Grand Duchess, this way, please.”
Ian released my hand reluctantly, and I followed Lady Evermore towards the backstage area.
Unlike the rehearsal yesterday, where only a few people had been present, today the staff were bustling around busily.
The sound of drums announcing the start of the event could already be heard from above.
“This way to the waiting room, Your Grace.”
Once inside the VIP waiting room, I took a seat as Lady Evermore showed me the cue sheet and went over a few instructions.
“Most of this was covered during the rehearsal. Today, there will be an enchanted sound-amplifying stone at the center of the stage. Please stand in front of it when you give your speech.”
“I will.”
After saying I could call for her if needed, Lady Evermore left to attend to other matters, leaving me alone in the waiting room.
I glanced around.
Centered on the plush sofa where I sat were magical lighting orbs, a small table, and some prepared refreshments and tea.
As I took in my surroundings, I tapped the armrest of the chair with my fingertips.
‘Hmm, they should be here soon.’
Almost as if on cue, there was a knock at the door, followed by a voice from outside.
“Your Grace, the principal has arrived to see you.”
‘Here they are.’
“Let them in.”
At my permission, the principal entered the waiting room, accompanied by their secretary.
I stood up gracefully and offered a polite bow.
“Principal, thank you for taking the time to come all the way here.”
“No need for thanks. I came to offer my greetings instead.”
The principal smiled warmly and exchanged the usual pleasantries about the speech.
But that wasn’t why I had been waiting for her. Without hesitation, I got straight to the point.
“So, have you given any thought to my proposal?”
The principal’s eyes widened slightly, as if surprised by my directness, but she soon nodded.
“Yes, I’ve given it much thought…”
“……”
“And Your Grace is right. We cannot go against the ideals of our founding principal. I will ensure that an admissions invitation is sent to ‘Ryan’ promptly.”
A deep smile spread across my face.
That’s more like it.
“I respect your difficult decision. Now I can give my speech with sincerity.”
I had prepared a speech that aligned with the founding ideals of the academy. If the principal’s actions contradicted those values, it would have made my speech seem hollow.
Just then, there was another knock at the door.
“Your Grace, it’s time for you to go on stage.”
“Understood. Principal, I’ll see you again shortly.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
With a brief farewell, I followed the staff member towards the stage.
“If you go up these stairs, you’ll be on stage. It’s the same as the rehearsal, so don’t be too nervous.”
I nodded and climbed the stairs.
As I stepped onto the stage, the dazzling midday sunlight poured over me, making me squint.
I walked to the center of the stage, to the magical microphone, and looked out at the audience.
And froze in place.
Wait…
Though I had seen the audience seats during the rehearsal, they now looked entirely unfamiliar.
That’s because yesterday, they had been empty. Now, tens of thousands of people filled them, all staring directly at me.
At that moment, I had to take back what I’d said about not having stage fright.
‘This is way too many people!’
My mind went completely blank.
Just then, my gaze dropped slightly, and I saw Ian watching me.
♧♧♧
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