Heliod didn’t answer. Judging by his expression, he probably planned to go the entire party without even drinking a sip of water. I glanced down briefly at his lower half and found myself wondering if he looked handsome even while using the bathroom.
‘Whoa… this is kind of dangerous thinking.’
If Heliod knew, he’d be horrified. I shook my head and linked my arm with his. His muscles tensed tightly in surprise.
“My lady, you’re too close.”
“You’ll have to get used to this. Shall we head out now?”
“…Yes.”
Escorting a lady was a basic duty for her partner. After hesitating a moment, Heliod adjusted his posture so my arm could rest comfortably against his and slowly led the way out of the bathroom.
At that moment, Jenny, who had been waiting outside with a faint blush, spoke up.
“Ah, you’re out! Lady Quesa and Lady Mary just arrived at the estate, my lady.”
“Oh, really? Maybe I should go say hello.”
I clapped my hands and looked at Heliod.
“Sir Knight, remember Jedediah’s young master? My brother, Quesa.”
“Yes, I remember.”
Heliod’s blue eyes darkened just a touch.
“He always arrives early to parties hosted by our family. Want to go chat for a bit?”
“If you wish it, my lady.”
“Perfect. Let’s go.”
I giggled and started walking with Heliod. Though he tried to hide it, the subtle flicker of jealousy on his face was easy to spot—and honestly, I liked it. Quesa probably came with his lover. Heliod would be surprised when he saw, I thought. It’d be cute. I was imagining it with a smile when the head maid who had been by my mother’s side suddenly ran up to us.
“Lady Luisha, Baron Vus. Pardon me, but the party is about to begin. You’ll need to head to the ballroom.”
“Huh? It’s starting already? Isn’t it early?”
The head maid blinked, looking flustered.
“Well… an unexpected variable has occurred…”
“A variable?”
“Her Majesty the Empress will be visiting.”
“What?”
“We just received a message that she’ll arrive shortly. So the lady of the house has decided to begin the party early…”
“Wait, no. What? Huh?”
The Empress? The Empress is coming?!
“What are you talking about!”
Traditionally, the first ball of the social season was held at the Empress’s palace. But after Mother took control of the social scene and half the Empire’s influence, the Empress’s authority waned. For the past three years, the first party of the season had been hosted by our family. Upset by that, the Empress always declined our invitations, citing health or scheduling issues… And now she’s coming? Just like that?
I quickly grabbed Heliod’s arm and rushed forward.
“Sir Knight, this is serious. We need to go, now!”
“Wasn’t House Arpen on good terms with the Imperial Family?”
Heliod, not understanding why I was panicking, matched my hurried pace with a puzzled look.
“We get along well with His Majesty the Emperor. But my mother and Her Majesty the Empress… their personalities clash. Badly.”
Clash? That’s an understatement. Put them in the same room and they’re ready to tear each other apart. If the Empress is coming, Mother must be seriously on edge…
“Usually, the hosting family presents the first dance. Since my parents are older, we have to perform the dance before the Empress.”
“…What?”
“And because it’s in front of Her Majesty, it has to be perfect.”
If it’s not… Mother will eat me alive.
‘Lusha, don’t let me hear anything shameful. You’ll do well, won’t you?’
My mother’s voice echoed in my head, eyes sharp with warning.
‘Lusha, don’t let me hear anything disgraceful. You’ll do well, won’t you?’
“Sir Knight, you’ll be okay, right? You can dance properly?”
By now, Heliod seemed to grasp the situation. His expression stiffened, and he gulped before nodding with a creak.
“I’ve memorized the dance perfectly.”
“What about the curse?”
“…It should be fine.”
Thanks to the chastity belt, there was no risk of Heliod’s… grandeur showing through his trousers. But if he got hard, it would tighten painfully. Worried, I stopped and met his blue eyes.
“If it gets too much, you have to tell me. I’ll fake fainting to get us out of there.”
“No, my lady. I couldn’t burden you like that.”
Was it the shame of having a body cursed to get aroused? Heliod’s face flushed red, and he glanced nervously at his lower half, trying to mask his unease.
“With your magic device, I’ll manage.”
“But it’ll hurt…”
“I’m used to pain. It doesn’t matter.”
His long lashes lowered somberly. I looked at his calm face, then gently raised my hand to stroke his cheek. Heliod’s eyes went wide, locking on me. I rose onto my toes and kissed his cheek—smooch. The ridiculous sound echoed in the hall.
“Let’s give it our all, okay?”
“M-My lady!”
Heliod staggered back, flustered. The attendants waiting near the ballroom coughed awkwardly and turned their gazes away.
“Was that too much?”
“N-No, it’s just… here of all places…”
Heliod stammered in confusion. I chuckled softly, wiped my lip mark from his cheek, and took a step forward.
“Shall we go?”
Trying to regulate his shaky breath, Heliod nodded. The tightly shut marble doors opened, and inside, Mother’s eyes gleamed sharply.
The party began shortly after. Contrary to my worries, everything proceeded smoothly. Mother, without a single vein popping on her forehead, greeted the Empress with feigned warmth, and the Empress—perhaps struck by some odd mood—smiled graciously in return. Then, as I took Heliod’s hand and led him to greet Her Majesty…
“Ah! If it isn’t Baron Vus, the Empire’s hero!”
It was too soon to relax.
“Your fame precedes you. It’s the first I’ve seen you since the victory parade. How have you been?”
The Empress laughed, her eyes focused solely on Heliod.
Um, Your Majesty? Do you not see me standing right here?
“I greet the Moon of the Empire. Thanks to Lady Arpen, I’ve been well.”
At Heliod’s words, the Empress’s wrinkled gaze finally turned to me. With a look of sudden realization, she covered her mouth in faux surprise and smiled sweetly.
“Oh dear, I completely forgot to greet you. Lady Arpen, it’s been far too long.”
“I greet the Moon of the Empire.”
Feigning politeness, I gave a slight curtsy—grinding my teeth. How dare she ignore me in front of my family? In Duke Arpen’s estate, of all places?
My expression must’ve been less than pleasant, as Father and Mother both narrowed their eyes, watching intently.
“I’ve heard rumors that you two make a beautiful couple… How well you suit each other. His Majesty will be pleased too.”
The Empress smiled, dragging the Emperor into the conversation. Heliod, unable to deny we were lovers, opened his mouth but couldn’t speak. I furrowed my brows, recognizing the political undertone in her words.
As I struggled to find a reply, Father, noticing my expression and sensing I might snap, hurriedly intervened.
“We’ve brought in the Laritata Orchestra—the second most famous after the Imperial Orchestra. Now that the greetings are done, shall we begin the ball?”
“Mmm, good. I enjoy Laritata’s music from time to time.”
The Empress signaled Mother with her eyes. Mother fluttered her fan, hiding her displeased face, and gestured for the orchestra to begin. Soon, the soft notes of a cello filled the hall, and following custom, Heliod and I walked gracefully to the center of the ballroom, before anyone else could begin dancing.
Heliod’s jaw was tense, his entire body rigid.
“Are you nervous?”
“…A little uneasy.”
“You’ll be fine with the chastity belt on.”
“That would be ideal, but…”
We started dancing, moving smoothly to the gentle melody, arms wrapped around each other, twirling across the floor. Gasps of admiration echoed around us, and eyes filled with envy and awe turned to Heliod.
A quick glance showed Quesa, eyes sparkling like a child’s, staring at Heliod. Our eyes met, and I stuck my tongue out. Quesa’s face darkened instantly, his expression twisting into a scowl. I giggled at his reaction, but then Heliod pulled me sharply by the waist, making me squeak and cling to him.
“Sir Knight?”
“…Focus, please.”
His cheeks were bright red, possibly because of our close proximity. Honestly, I thought he was the one who shouldn’t be focusing too much.
I subtly loosened my hold on his waist and returned my hand to his shoulder, matching his steps to the rhythm. Maybe the contact had triggered the curse, as Heliod inhaled deeply.
“Are you okay?”
Seriously, why’d he pull me like that? Was he… jealous of my teasing with Quesa?
As I looked at him with concern, Heliod bit his lip. He must’ve realized how embarrassing it was.
“I’m fine.”
“We’re about to enter the part where we embrace and spin. Be ready.”
“Yes.”
It had been a while since I danced with Heliod, and I couldn’t help but feel a thrill at the sight of his broad shoulders, strong arms, and the powerful muscles beneath the fabric.
He really must’ve practiced, because our rhythm was flawless, but his face was turning redder. As expected, when I wrapped my arms around his waist and placed a hand on his back, Heliod shivered and tilted his head back. He swallowed hard, as if forcing himself to endure, his eyelashes wet with unshed tears.
I twirled in his arms, stroking his back gently.
“Just a little longer, Sir Knight.”
“…Hnn, I—understand.”
Maybe skipping our dance practice wasn’t such a good idea. Barely into the dance, Heliod was already gasping and stumbling slightly. Watching Mother’s gaze, I urgently whispered.
“You’re leaning right. Focus, Sir Knight.”
“S-Sorry…”
His words trailed off. He clenched his jaw, lowered his head, and twirled me once—then twice—before guiding us back to the center.
I tried my best not to trigger the curse, but let’s be honest—that was impossible.
“Ugh.”
Unless it was the part where Heliod had to lift me.
“Hhng.”
Now came the section where we danced slowly, pressed close.
“…Kh!”
“Sir Knight, your voice—it’s too loud, people might hear!”
Heliod shut his eyes tight, holding his breath. Was he really trying not to breathe now?
I fought to stay calm. The Empress was watching. Mother too. I couldn’t lose it here. But when I glanced down, I nearly gasped—despite the chastity belt, the enormous bulge below was dangerously close to becoming… visible.
“H-Heliod. Don’t tell me… you’re hard?”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Doesn’t it hurt? It must be really tight… Are you okay?”
Not just pleasure—he was clearly in pain. His face was flushed, and he couldn’t even speak, only managing shallow breaths. He lifted me again with a shudder and spun.
As I landed, I whispered quickly.
“Should we stop? I can say I’m feeling unwell and leave.”
“No, absolutely not.”
“But…”
“My lady… I’ll be fine.”
He didn’t look fine at all.
But with so many eyes on us, if anything happened, it’d be talked about forever. We had to endure. I held onto Heliod’s burning body, supporting him.
His blue eyes were losing focus. He looked down at me, lips parting with a faint groan. His hand on my waist trembled, his lashes fluttered rapidly as if holding back tears.
At last, unable to resist the torment of the curse, Heliod pressed his hips tightly against my lower stomach—just as the music stopped. I quickly grabbed his hand and turned to bow. The hall erupted in applause. Heliod, snapping back to reality, bowed too, sweat dripping down his face.
‘T-That was a disaster waiting to happen.’
My face was burning. I glanced at Heliod, who was clearly shaken by how close he’d come to losing control.
“Sir Knight, are you okay?”
“I… I’m fine.”
Just as I was about to lead him out, the music changed. Group dance time. Before I could react, a swarm of noble ladies rushed toward Heliod.
‘Are you serious right now?!’
I reached out for him, but young noblemen surrounded me, pushing me back. I just wanted to release Heliod’s chastity belt and relax for a bit! In a panic, I looked up—Heliod stood tall in the crowd, searching for me in confusion.
Then someone familiar grabbed his arm, and he froze.
“Lady Laia?”
“Baron, it’s been too long. Shall we dance?”
“I… Lady Arpen—ahh.”
Laia Count’s eldest daughter, Ruby, ran her hand along his waist flirtatiously. Heliod, already hypersensitive, flinched and let out a soft groan.
And I saw it. All of it.
“Sir Knight, Sir Knight!”
Did he just moan in another woman’s hand?! My knight?!
Fuming with jealousy, I tried to push past the crowd—
“Lady Lusha.”
A familiar voice struck my ear. I snapped my head around.
“…Louis?”
Dark auburn hair. Large, gentle deer-like eyes. Subtle, captivating features. I let him take my hand, pulling me away from Heliod.
“May I have this dance?”
“You… why are you here?”
I could feel Heliod’s distressed glance as he danced with Ruby, unable to leave because of the chastity belt. I stiffened, letting Louis guide my steps to the music.
“How did you get here?”
“I came to see you.”
“What are you talking about? You…”
“Lady Lusha… do you remember?”
As the soft melody carried us, Louis spun me gently and whispered, eyes glistening.
“Last spring, we were the perfect couple, weren’t we?”
An unexpected guest.
My ex-lover had come to find me.
