Chapter 2.2

The excited chatter of people filled the hall, drowning out even the orchestra’s music.  

Men and women in masks of all shapes and colors laughed and conversed. Men observed passing women more openly than usual, and women did the same with men. Just as Maria had said, many were here to indulge in a night of passion.  

Andrea’s dress, different from her usual style, and her mask, which covered half her face, served as her shield. With her posture stiffened, she blended into the crowd.  

‘His Highness usually stays near the center of the hall.’  

Andrea stood where Michael was likely to be and scanned her surroundings. But she quickly realized a significant problem: finding Michael among the masked crowd was far more difficult than she had anticipated.  

‘Some masks even cover their hair…’  

What should I do now?  

Andrea’s mind went blank. With hair and eyes obscured by masks, it was nearly impossible to identify anyone. As time passed, Andrea grew increasingly anxious. The courage she had mustered was on the verge of evaporating.  

Then, as she turned her head, her gaze landed on a man. He wore a pure white mask that covered most of his face.  

He leaned casually against the pillar where Andrea often stood. His navy uniform, tailored perfectly to his frame, was simple, devoid of any embellishments. Yet, even among the extravagantly dressed crowd, he stood out in an inexplicably striking way.  

The man idly swirled the wine in his glass, as if bored by the entire affair. The crimson liquid swayed rhythmically in the glass. Andrea’s heart began to pound violently as she looked at him. His features were hidden behind the mask, but she knew instantly.  

‘I found him.’  

It was Michael.  

At that moment, Michael, who had been idly observing the crowd, turned his head toward Andrea. He stopped moving entirely. Though she couldn’t see his eyes from this distance, Andrea was certain he was looking at her.  

‘Now’s my chance.’  

Andrea’s mouth went dry, as if filled with sand. She licked her lips lightly before taking a step forward.  

One step, two steps.  

Andrea walked steadily toward him. Michael didn’t take his eyes off her for a moment, tilting his head slightly as if intrigued.  

‘Don’t let your nerves show.’  

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.  

Andrea repeated the words to herself like a mantra. Now, only five steps separated her from him. Close enough to see his beautiful green eyes clearly.  

Taking a deep breath, Andrea stood before Michael. He tilted his head slightly and smiled.  

“You look bored.” 

Andrea said.  

Michael burst out laughing.  

“Can you see my expression, my lady? I didn’t realize a mask could show emotions.”  

How foolish!  

Andrea’s face flushed with embarrassment. She had only spoken one sentence, and even that had been a failure.  

“Well…”  

“Ah, I see now. Masks do show expressions.”  

Michael chuckled playfully, as if teasing her. He pushed himself off the pillar and asked,  

“So, did you come because I looked bored?”  

“…Yes.”  

“To entertain me?”  

“Yes.”  

“How?”  

Michael folded his arms and leaned forward slightly. The distance between their faces shrank, and Andrea’s eyes widened. She swallowed hard and parted her crimson lips.  

“Let’s go to the balcony.”  

“Ah, the balcony.”  

Michael’s eyes curved into crescents. He tilted his chin as if to urge her to continue.  

“And then?”  

“Draw the curtains…”  

“Ah.”  

Andrea’s lips clamped shut. She was too embarrassed to continue, but she genuinely didn’t know what came next.  

When she gave no reply, Michael pressed her further.  

“Draw the curtains, and then?”  

Andrea decided to trust in the magic of the mask one more time. She smoothly lifted the corners of her lips into a smile and leaned forward slightly.  

“Do I really have to say it out loud?”  

Andrea’s whispered words caused Michael’s eyes to widen in surprise. Though his face was hidden behind a mask, it was clear that he was utterly taken aback.  

“…No.”  

Michael spoke slowly, his lips parting deliberately.  

“Indeed, words aren’t necessary.”  

***

Bang.  

The door slammed shut behind them, and their lips immediately tangled together. Andrea’s face flushed bright red as she struggled to catch her breath.  

Michael had led her not to the balcony but to a secluded room in the corner of the imperial palace. It seemed to have been used as a sitting room, with a sofa and a table in place. There was no bed, but it was far better than being out in the open on a balcony or in the garden.  

Andrea’s slender body was pushed backward, unable to withstand Michael’s forceful advances. Her shoulders pressed sharply against the cold wall, and her entire body trembled in response.  

Michael kissed Andrea’s lips—sucking, licking, and nibbling on them. Andrea was swept away by the unfamiliar sensations, her mind reeling. The tingling sensation lingering on her lips made her realize that this was, without a doubt, real and not a dream.  

Tap, tap.  

The hard material of their masks collided, producing an irritating noise. Perhaps annoyed by the sound, Michael briefly pulled his lips away.  

“Hah.”  

Andrea seized the moment to gulp down the breath she had been holding, like someone who had just surfaced from deep underwater.  

“This is rather inconvenient. Let’s take these off.”  

Michael reached for Andrea’s mask. At that moment, her body, which had been melting into his arms, stiffened abruptly. She hastily grabbed her mask and shouted,  

“No, you can’t!”  

Michael’s hand froze mid-motion, and he looked at her with a puzzled expression. Andrea, her voice firm, declared,  

“I won’t take off my mask. Never. And you shouldn’t take yours off either.”  

“Why?”  

“…”  

Because we must remain strangers who met for the first time tonight.  

Andrea shook her head silently. In the darkness, Michael gazed intently into her eyes.  

After a long silence, Michael shrugged and stepped back.  

“Well… alright. If that excites you more.”  

Michael cupped the back of Andrea’s neck and kissed her again. Her head tilted back, causing her lips to part naturally. Michael wasted no time and plunged his tongue deep into her mouth.  

The moment their tongues touched, Andrea’s thighs tensed. The sensation of their smooth flesh intertwining was far more intense than the mere brushing of lips. It was enough to terrify her. Andrea’s fingers, clutching Michael’s arm, turned pale from the pressure.  

‘This is strange. It’s too much…’  

To think something could feel so good that it became frightening.  

Michael alternated between sucking her tongue so hard it felt numb and soothing it gently, like rolling candy in his mouth. He skillfully coaxed Andrea’s stiff body to relax, drawing out her hidden sensitivity.  

The chaotic thoughts swirling in her head gradually faded into a blank slate, and the tension in her rigid body began to dissipate. Without the firm support of the wall behind her, she would have collapsed to the floor.  

Slowly, ever so slowly.  

Their breathing began to synchronize. When Andrea mustered the courage to push her tongue into his mouth, Michael’s lips curved into a faint smile. As if praising her, he brushed his fingers through her hair.  

When Andrea was on the verge of running out of breath, Michael finally pulled away. He lightly kissed her saliva-slick lips and whispered,  

“Tell me.”  

“…”  

“What should I do next?”  

Michael traced Andrea’s jawline, exposed beneath her mask, with his fingers.  

“I’ll do whatever you say.”  

Andrea’s lake-blue eyes wavered violently. She took shallow breaths, staring at the man before her, who grinned devilishly.  

Andrea rubbed her thighs together, trying to suppress the ticklish sensation between her legs. Though Michael appeared more composed than she was, the rapid rise and fall of his chest and the restless movement of his fingers betrayed his inner state.  

Michael brushed his lips against Andrea’s cheek and murmured,  

“Well?”  

“Next…”  

After a moment of hesitation, Andrea clenched her skirt tightly in both hands. Lowering her trembling eyelashes, she lifted the hem of her dress. Her marble-white thighs were revealed to the cool air.  

“…”  

Michael inhaled sharply. The smile slowly faded from his lips, and his cheeks twitched slightly. It felt as though someone had struck the back of his head. His gaze shifted from her pale thighs to her trembling fists, then to her tightly pressed lips and long, fluttering lashes.  

Damn it.  

Swallowing a curse, Michael buried his face in Andrea’s neck. His initial plan to take things slow and savor the moment evaporated in an instant. His large hand slid smoothly up Andrea’s slender leg.  

“Mm…”  

As his breath tickled her sensitive neck, Andrea let out a faint moan. At that moment, Michael’s hand slipped between her legs. His warm palm gently kneaded the sensitive flesh of her inner thigh.  

“…!”  

Andrea gasped sharply and reached out instinctively to grab Michael’s wrist. It was a reflexive reaction. Michael, however, looked at her curiously, as if to ask why she was stopping him. His beautiful eyes, which seemed to steal her very soul, met hers. The moment their eyes locked, the strength drained from Andrea’s hand.  

Slide.

Andrea released Michael’s wrist. After all, she had no intention of pushing him away in the first place. She steadied her breathing, bracing herself for what was to come. Seeing this, a radiant smile spread across Michael’s face.  

“Well done.”  

Tap, tap.  

He lightly patted her groin as if praising her. Just as Andrea opened her mouth in shock, Michael’s fingers traced the damp fabric of her undergarments. The heat from his touch seeped through, sending shivers down her spine.  

“Ah!”  

Andrea’s body trembled as she clung desperately to Michael’s shoulders. Michael began to caress her intimately. He massaged her gently at first, then teased the tightly closed entrance of her womanhood. Each time he did, her body jolted involuntarily.  

“Mm…”