SOWD Chapter 79

Chapter 79

“Aww, is it because you’re such a handsome couple? Standing together like that, you two look wonderful.”

“Right? Aren’t both of you still single?”

“Someone should step in! Ignoring how well they fit together is practically a crime!”

At the joking remarks of a bold and meddlesome lady, everyone burst into laughter—everyone except Laszlo.

Angela, who had been glancing at Laszlo, pretended to intervene.

“Oh, please stop. Actually, I proposed a marriage arrangement to Count Chrysus first. But the Count said he needed to truly know someone to trust and love them…”

Angela’s revelation that she had approached Laszlo first startled everyone, including him.

“My goodness! Count Chrysus, you mustn’t let Angela slip away!”

“That’s right! She’s considered one of the most beautiful ladies in society.”

“Is it just her looks? She’s also incredibly well-educated, coming from the esteemed Bliss family. She’s sure to make a wonderful wife and mother.”

The women around him bombarded Laszlo with nagging comments, as if they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

Angela tried to dissuade them, saying it was her own shortcomings, but Laszlo could see through her performance.

“Bringing up something that could be humiliating for herself just to tie me down… Is she that desperate?”

Laszlo was convinced Angela was not the type to give up easily.

He decided to excuse himself before the uncomfortable topic dragged on further.

“I’m the one at fault here. Also, I’ve only just begun to rebuild my family’s estate, so I have neither the time nor the mind to think about marriage or romance.”

“That’s exactly why you need a wife to help manage your household, Count.”

“You won’t understand until you’re married, but trust us, the advice of life’s seniors is valuable.”

The incessant chatter was wearing Laszlo down, his expression stiffening.

“Idel told me to smile as much as possible…”

He tried recalling Idel’s advice on maintaining a pleasant demeanor, but the sheer annoyance of the situation made it impossible for his lips to curve.

Despite his clear discomfort, the women persisted in their efforts to pair him with Angela.

“Why not start with a dance, then? A dance is a great way to get to know someone.”

“Exactly! There’s nothing like a waltz to break the ice.”

“Oh, it seems like the waltz is about to begin! Count, traditionally, the gentleman should invite the lady to dance first.”

If it had been a man who said that, Laszlo might have grabbed him by the collar.

The idea of dancing with Angela repelled him. She was the kind of woman who clung stubbornly even after being turned down. If they danced, who knew what she might try next?

At that moment, as if by divine intervention, Laszlo noticed Idel nearby.

“Oh, pardon me. I need to check on the progress of the party with the steward. This is my first time hosting, and there’s much to oversee. Please excuse me.”

As he moved toward Idel, all eyes followed him. Those who recognized her widened their eyes in surprise. Laszlo paid no mind to the stares, and Idel, too, stood firm without shrinking away.

 

“I heard you were urgently looking for me…”

“There’s too much to check. This isn’t the place for it, so let’s move somewhere else,” Laszlo said, gesturing for Idel to follow him with a subtle nod before leading the way.

Idel, aware of the curious gazes fixed on her, offered a polite bow to the onlookers and followed Laszlo. He took her into an empty lounge, immediately locking the door behind them.

“Count…?”

“Just a moment. My head’s pounding…”

“Are you all right? Please wait here. I’ll fetch some medicine—”

“No, don’t open that door! Didn’t you see those harpies out there?”

Laszlo moved to block the door, only relaxing when Idel stepped back. He rubbed his temples and slumped onto the sofa.

“Now I see why you call the social scene a battlefield. No swords, but everyone’s ready for combat.”

Idel chuckled softly. “That’s right. It’s a battlefield where tongues are swords, and reputation is your life.”

“I always tell the guards and mercenaries that even a rookie can take down a general in war. And yet I almost got outmaneuvered by a greenhorn just now.”

“Correction: Angela wasn’t the rookie in that room. She’s more like a seasoned general.”

“…You’re ruthless.”

Laszlo groaned theatrically, rubbing his chest as if genuinely wounded, prompting another quiet laugh from Idel.

“Surprisingly adorable,” Idel mused. “I never thought he could be like this.”

She wondered how many people knew this side of Laszlo. Judging by the harsh rumors about him, probably very few.

“Does that mean I’m closer to him than most?”

Once, she had feared him as a conqueror when the imperial palace gifted her to him as spoils of war. Now, she knew even his unexpected quirks.

Shaking off her musings, Idel reminded herself there was no time for sentiment today.

“We came here to escape, but you should head back out now.”

“Why?”

“The first waltz is about to start. You’ll dance with Miss Linia, right?”

“She told me earlier that she accepted someone else’s request and left me to figure it out myself.”

The color drained from Idel’s face.

“Then… then do you have a partner, Count?”

Laszlo fell silent for a moment, which terrified Idel.

“The host has to lead the first waltz! What will people think if he doesn’t?”

Checking her watch, she saw the waltz was only ten minutes away. She grabbed Laszlo’s wrist in a panic.

“Go ask Miss Angela to dance! You must lead the first waltz!”

But Laszlo, in stark contrast to Idel’s urgency, shrugged with a mischievous grin.

“I already have a partner.”

“Really? Oh, thank the gods! That’s such a relief.”

“Why were you so scared? It’s not that big of a deal.”

“…And who almost got outmaneuvered by a seasoned general earlier?”

“You really love rubbing salt in wounds, don’t you?” Laszlo winced before breaking into a chuckle.

Just then, the faint sound of musicians tuning their instruments filtered in. The waltz would begin soon.

Laszlo abruptly stood and grabbed Idel’s wrist.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes,” Idel replied, planning to withdraw the moment they reached the ballroom.

“I’ll confirm the waltz begins, then check the champagne in the prep room.”

But as she went over her to-do list, she realized Laszlo hadn’t let go of her wrist.

Assuming he’d simply forgotten, she gently tugged her hand. “Count, you need to let go and head to your partner. There’s no time to waste.”

“I am,” he said matter-of-factly.

“…Pardon?”

Laszlo stopped, turned to her, and pointed at her with a smirk.

“You’re my partner.”

“…What?”

“Do you think someone as green as me could’ve secured a partner so quickly?”

Amused by Idel’s stunned expression, Laszlo added teasingly, “So, I’m counting on you.”

“Count!”

“Angela Bliss is not an option. She’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You have to protect me from her.”

He tightened his hold on her wrist, ready to lead her into the hall. Idel felt an overwhelming urge to smack him but knew she had no time to argue or find a replacement.

Sighing, she glanced around and pulled him back.

“This will be the last time you pull a stunt like this, Count.”

“You look like you’re about to hit me.”

“I’d love to, but let’s save that for later. There’s no time. I’ll go change quickly.”

“Change? Isn’t that a dress you’re wearing?”

Idel mentally slapped Laszlo, hard.

“I’ll give you a lesson on appropriate attire another time. For now, ask the conductor to delay the music by ten minutes.”

Without waiting for a response, she dashed upstairs.

In her room, Idel hastily swapped her uniform for the gown she’d prepared “just in case.” She couldn’t help but marvel at her foresight.

Minutes later, glancing at the mirror to check her appearance, Idel froze despite the urgency. Something about her reflection stopped her in her tracks.