Chapter 26

Soon, the music stopped, and the curtain behind the stage was pulled back, revealing a man walking forward. The nobles all rose from their seats to greet him. It was the Crown Prince of the empire, Essis Ron Hiel Terga.

Surrounded by Imperial Knights, Essis walked forward and took his seat. His bright blonde hair gleamed under the lights.

‘Beautiful.’

Karina blinked at the thought. It was a color that looked as if pure gold had been melted and poured over. While admiring the Crown Prince’s hair, one of the knights standing beside him caught her attention.

“Hear me, everyone. I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have attended this banquet.”

A dignified voice echoed throughout the hall. Thunderous applause followed, but Karina couldn’t even lift her hands.

On the stage, behind the Crown Prince’s chair, among the knights tasked with protecting the noble figure, stood someone who shouldn’t be there. At that moment, Karina’s gaze was drawn to the glimmering platinum blonde hair, shining like moonlight on a quiet night.

“You are all aware of the expedition that concluded this summer. It was half a year spent in the northern lands, colder and harsher than any other region in the Empire.”

Essis spoke as if reminiscing about a distant past. The nobles quietly listened to his words. Meanwhile, Karina was still doubting herself. To be precise, she was doubting her own eyes.

Unless her eyes were deceiving her, the knight standing behind the Crown Prince couldn’t possibly be Noah Velcarid.

The Crown Prince’s speech continued for quite some time. Most of it was filled with tales of his adventures in the north.

‘It must just be someone who looks like him.’

Karina forced herself to believe that. Even setting aside the position, the man didn’t resemble Noah at all.

His neatly combed-back hair and his expression, devoid of even the slightest hint of a smile, were entirely different.

“…Hmm, it seems I’ve gone on a bit too long. I’ll share the rest of the stories throughout the banquet.”

After recounting his arduous northern expedition, Essis seemed to notice the subdued atmosphere and cleared his throat.

Finally, the lengthy introduction seemed to be coming to an end. The nobles straightened their slumped shoulders one by one.

At that moment, the sound of something breaking came from a corner of the hall, and a figure suddenly leaped out.

“Kyaaah! The table…!”

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”

Without hesitation, the intruder sprinted toward the hall. There was no doubt that his target was the Crown Prince. A few nobles stepped forward, but they were already far too late.

At that moment, someone leaped down from the stage. The movement was so fast it was almost impossible to catch with the n*ked eye. The intruder, who had been reaching out toward Essis, was subdued in an instant and rolled across the floor. Only then did Karina cover her mouth with her hands.

The air in the hall froze. In the tense atmosphere, the Crown Prince clapped his hands and laughed cheerfully.

“That’s enough, that’s enough. To think so many people would step forward for my sake—I’m touched.”

The nobles, who had stopped awkwardly mid-action, exchanged glances. Essis leisurely rose from his seat. Even as he descended the stage step by step, the knight who had subdued the intruder remained motionless.

Only when Essis had fully stepped down into the hall did the knight slowly rise.

“What do you think? It was a little show to entertain those of you who were getting bored.”

At his playful remark, everyone visibly relaxed. Sounds of relief could be heard throughout the hall. Karina placed her hand over her pounding chest. The scene from moments ago replayed in her mind like an afterimage.

“If you were startled, I apologize. But take it as a reassurance that you can enjoy the party without worry, knowing I have such an excellent knight by my side.”

For some reason, Essis emphasized the words “excellent knight” as he glanced back at the stage.

Even though the commotion had subsided, Karina couldn’t immediately return to her seat. No matter how much she tried to deny it, the familiar man had met her gaze. It was Noah Velcarid.

***

After the Crown Prince’s speech, the event began in earnest.

Karina crossed the hall and returned to her seat. As she sat in a daze, Asillis asked her in a low voice,

“You seem unusually tense. Were you very startled?”

Having just finished greeting the Crown Prince, she must have looked nervous.

Karina forced herself to maintain her composure and replied that she was fine.

It wasn’t entirely untrue. The reason just wasn’t the Crown Prince.

‘It really was Noah.’

She had known from the moment their eyes met in the hall, but seeing him up close had made the shock even greater. To make matters worse, just as she was about to turn away after finishing her greeting, Noah had mouthed the words:

‘See you later.’

He had immediately returned to his expressionless face, making her wonder if she had imagined it.

How could someone change so completely with just a shift in their expression? Karina found herself deeply troubled.

“If you’re uncomfortable, we can leave a little early.”

“…Would that be alright?”

Asillis, watching her carefully, shrugged as if it were no big deal. He seemed to think there was no harm in it. In the end, Karina glanced at Noah one more time before nodding.

Not long after, someone approached their table.

“Good evening, Duke Edelin.”

It was Kamil Melbourne. Feeling awkward, Karina turned to look at her father.

It was the first time she had seen him since the party with Celine. Kamil, with his languid gaze, smiled at Karina. Asillis frowned at the sight. Karina quickly intercepted the conversation.

“It’s been a while, Kamil.”

“Indeed. It was a shame we parted ways so abruptly last time.”

The Melbourne Ducal Household was a family with power rivaling that of the Imperial Family. If this escalated into a conflict between families, it would be troublesome. And judging by her father’s expression, he was already displeased.

‘At least he came alone. That’s a relief.’

Karina forced a smile and continued the conversation with Kamil.

“Yes. Have you been well?”

“Of course. Although I did miss seeing you…”

“The weather has been cold lately. Please take care of your health.”

They had only exchanged a few pleasantries, yet Karina already felt sweat forming on her back.

At that moment, the music shifted to a different tone. It seemed the dance portion of the evening was about to begin. Though the quick pace was surprising, Karina welcomed it. Tilting her head deliberately, she spoke.

“It seems the dance is about to start.”

“Hmm. It does feel a bit rushed. Well then.”

But just as Karina thought Kamil was leaving, he suddenly extended his hand to her.

“I was wondering if I might request the dance we missed last time.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected invitation, Karina froze.

Kamil, raising his eyebrows as if to ask what the problem was, lightly waved his hand again.

“Well… my shoes are a bit uncomfortable.”

Karina quickly came up with an excuse. She couldn’t think of any other way to get out of the situation.

The music slowed, and couples began stepping onto the floor one by one. In the awkward silence, Essis suddenly spoke.

“Is everyone having a good time?”

The nobles, who had been chatting, immediately turned their attention to him. Karina, desperate for any distraction, did the same.

Essis smiled and twirled the glass in his hand as he spoke.

“The dance is about to begin, but there’s someone I’d like to give a chance first.”

With those cryptic words, Essis tilted his head back slightly. At his signal, Noah stepped forward from the stage. Everyone’s eyes turned to the two men, their expressions puzzled.

Karina stared at Noah intently. An uneasy feeling crept over her.

“This knight, who just saved my life, seems to have someone here he’s taken a liking to. How could I let that pass?”

Essis, speaking in a mischievous tone, gestured with his chin. Noah descended the stage slowly. All eyes in the room followed him as he crossed the hall.

“I’m truly curious to see which lady has captured Noah’s heart.”

Essis’s teasing voice echoed as the hall dimmed. A more elegant melody began to play.

Without hesitation, Noah walked toward a specific spot. Karina instinctively turned her head. It wasn’t intentional.

Before long, Noah stopped. A soft light illuminated him from above. Another man’s hand reached out in front of Karina.

“We meet again.”

Noah smiled faintly as he spoke, causing a stir around them. Startled, Karina blinked. Kamil, still not understanding what was happening, looked around awkwardly.

Amid the confusion, there was one person enjoying himself. The Crown Prince, visibly shaking with laughter even from afar, shouted,

“It’s not polite to keep a gentleman waiting.”

In the end, Karina had no choice but to stand.

But then she remembered something she had momentarily forgotten. Looking down, she saw her perfectly fine feet.

“Um… my feet—or rather, my shoes—are uncomfortable…”

She belatedly pointed at her shoes, feigning discomfort, but Noah tilted his head slightly.

Desperately, Karina alternated her gaze between her shoes, Noah, and Kamil standing nearby. After a moment of thought, Noah stepped closer without a word. Leaning in, he whispered in her ear.

“It’s alright. I’ll take care of the dancing.”

His shiny shoes tapped lightly against the floor. Karina looked up at Noah in disbelief. He smiled. It was the same reassuring smile he had once given her, saying everything would be fine.

***

Noah, standing in the center of the hall, bowed his head. Karina held her dress with both hands and curtsied. A firm hand supported her waist. As Karina hesitated, unsure where to place her hands, Noah whispered to her.

“Give me your hand.”

Startled, she raised her right hand, and his large hand enveloped hers.

Karina’s gaze lifted upward. Noah, who had been looking over her shoulder, gave a faint smile.

The two began moving slowly to the rhythm of the music. Still tense, Karina frowned as the uncomfortable position of her bent shoe pinched her foot.

‘I should have just worn them properly.’

No matter how worried she was about being caught in her lie, there was no need to strain her feet for something no one would even see.

It was already too late. Besides, there was no way she could really dance on Noah’s feet.

“Are your feet alright?”

Noah asked as he met her eyes. Karina tried her best to avoid his gaze and nodded.