Chapter 52

The second day of the party proceeded in a quieter and more solemn atmosphere. Unlike the previous day, which had been attended by nobles of Karina’s age, several high-ranking nobles were present this time.

“Thank you for attending.”

“Not at all. It is an honor to be invited by someone as esteemed as you.”

As soon as the noblewoman, who spoke in an elegant tone, turned away, a sigh escaped Karina’s lips. It was incredibly dull to exchange formal greetings with people whose faces she didn’t even recognize.

“Just endure a little longer, Karina. There aren’t many visitors left today.”

Even her mother, who said this, did not seem particularly enthusiastic.

At least wearing a mask meant she didn’t have to hide her expression, and for that, Karina was grateful. She straightened her back once more. At that moment, a woman approached her.

“Hello, Lady Karina.”

Hearing the clear voice, Karina hesitated for a moment.

The reddish-brown hair was familiar. Olive-colored eyes gleamed through the yellow mask.

“It’s been a while.”

“……Yes. It seems so.”

The woman showed no sign of being surprised that her identity had been recognized.

Fortunately, her parents appeared to be preoccupied with other visitors.

What should I say? 

The thought didn’t last long. Karina smiled politely.

“Thank you for attending the party. I hope you have a pleasant day.”

There were many things she wanted to ask, but it didn’t seem necessary. The best way to deal with someone she didn’t want to engage with was indifference.

The small lips closed briefly before opening slowly.

“You are always so gracious, My Lady.”

“…….”

“That’s something I truly admire.”

It was a calm yet sincere remark.

Karina did not respond. She didn’t want to continue the conversation. It wasn’t because she was angry or upset. Rather, she felt a bit sorry for her.

Her relationship with Phyllis had long since slipped out of Karina’s hands. It was clear that Cornell had come to her despite knowing that.

‘For what reason?’

Although it was meaningless to ask herself, Karina already knew the answer. Impulsively, Karina asked Cornell.

“Do you remember what I once said?”

She recalled the last night in the North, when Phyllis had held onto her and cried. He had apologized to Karina. And then, he had said something he shouldn’t have.

Closing her eyes briefly, as if swallowing her emotions, Karina opened her mouth.

“He is a good person to everyone.”

It was both a warning and advice for Cornell. Just as it had happened once before, Phyllis could turn away from her at any time. It was Cornell herself who had chosen to take that risk.

The olive-colored eyes, which had not lost their intensity, stared directly at Karina.

“Yes. Of course, I remember. I hope the same for you, My Lady.”

There was a faint trace of venom in those words.

“No matter what happens, my feelings will not change.”

After finishing her words, Cornell smiled as if nothing had happened.

Karina watched Cornell’s retreating figure before turning her head.

It was a desperate calm. That was the kind of woman Cornell was.

***

Noah observed the people through the tilted glass in his hand.

Groups chatting in a chaotic mix, exchanging superficial words. The scene was no different from the previous day, except it was slightly more refined.

“Yes, thank you. Please enjoy your time.”

Turning his gaze slightly, he saw Karina exchanging greetings with the visitors. She didn’t seem as composed as she had been on the first day.

‘This is boring.’

Feeling a little sullen, Noah sipped his drink as he watched her. By the second day, there wasn’t much left to see in the party hall.

Kaya, who had been devouring food indiscriminately since the previous day, seemed to have been chased out of the party hall. In the end, Noah decided to wait for Karina and stood idly, staring at the hall.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness the Grand Duke.”

“The mask suits you very well.”

A formal conversation from a nearby group reached his ears.

It wasn’t a particularly interesting topic, but Noah quickly changed his mind.

“I believe Young Lord Kamil said he would attend as well.”

A single name that he overheard instantly caught his attention. Noah quietly raised his glass to reflect the group.

There was one man referred to as the Grand Duke, and the rest were facing him. He had no business with them. Noah tilted his glass slightly more.

There didn’t seem to be anyone notable. Just as he was about to check on Karina, he sensed something unusual.

‘……It’s not just one person.’

Several people hiding in the crowd were looking around as if searching for someone. While there was no immediate threat, it felt unsettling.

Lowering his glass, Noah adjusted his mask and began walking alone. At that moment, a man approached him quickly and bumped into him.

“Ah…… You startled me. That was surprising.”

The man in the fox mask spoke in a leisurely tone as he dusted off his clothes. A red stain spread slightly on the collar of his shirt.

Noah alternated his gaze between his soaked sleeve and the man in front of him. It wasn’t just because of the spilled drink. As soon as the man changed direction, others who had been keeping watch turned their heads toward Noah.

It was only for a moment, but it was clear. Noah quietly surveyed the area. While there was no major commotion yet, the suspicious atmosphere grew stronger.

Half-closed eyes behind the thin mask scanned Noah.

“Watch where you’re going next time.”

“…….”

“You’ve dirtied it. This is my favorite shirt.”

The languid voice carried an unmistakable arrogance. Noah turned his attention to the man in front of him, whom he had already recognized.

Kamil made no effort to hide his identity, smiling as he brushed his collar with his hand. After checking the stain left by the drink, he clicked his tongue and spoke.

“Well. I suppose it won’t come out.”

Noah couldn’t guess his intentions and hesitated to act.

In the meantime, the scattered individuals began to gather around.

“It’s fine. People make mistakes sometimes.”

Kamil spoke as if granting a great favor and stepped closer.

“But shouldn’t you apologize? You’ve damaged someone else’s belongings.”

Despite his cold tone, Kamil maintained the same smile as before. Noah could feel the attention of those nearby beginning to shift toward them.

What Noah needed to do in this situation was simple.

“Well…….”

“I apologize.”

“What?”

“I was rude. It wasn’t intentional, so please let it go.”

At the unexpectedly straightforward apology, Kamil’s eyes widened slightly before curving into a smile. Even as Kamil chuckled, Noah remained calm.

‘I hope the stain comes out.’

Instead, his concern shifted to the clothes Karina had prepared for him. If an apology was all that was needed, he could give it.

After laughing for a while, Kamil suddenly shook his head. Noah, who had been examining his sleeve, paused when he heard Kamil’s whispered words.

“You’re good at this. Makes me wonder why you didn’t act this way before.”

Kamil tilted his body slightly, glancing toward the front of the hall, and smirked. At the end of his gaze was Karina, who was looking in their direction.

“Well, I don’t mind if someone else touches my things.”

Kamil raised his hand and patted Noah’s shoulder firmly. His words, openly provocative, and the subtle force in his hand made his intentions obvious.

Even so, there was no stopping Noah’s hand from moving as it pleased.

The red liquid spilled, soaking into Kamil’s jacket and covering the drink stain on the collar of his shirt. Pouring every last drop onto Kamil’s shoulder, Noah finally opened his mouth to speak.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

The liquid that had dripped down the clothes pooled on the floor.

Gasps of surprise came from the surrounding crowd. Kamil let out a laugh loud enough to be heard. Ignoring him, Noah looked at his now-empty glass and said,

“This time, it was intentional, so I won’t apologize.”

***

“Excuse me. Please let me through.”

Karina pushed through the chaotic hall with hurried steps.

As she barely made her way past the growing crowd, a scene unfolded before her eyes that made her doubt them.

“Oh my, what should we do? Your clothes are completely ruined.”

“I saw it. The man across from him poured the drink.”

There was no need to listen to the whispers of the people. The situation was evident just by looking. Noah stood holding an empty glass, and the man’s shirt was soaked entirely in red.

As Karina hesitated, a man of unknown identity grabbed Noah’s shoulder firmly.

“Did you think about the consequences before doing this?”

The gentlemanly tone carried a faint trace of hostility. Karina froze for a moment.

“Well, I usually think about such matters when the time comes.”

“That won’t do. You’ll regret it.”

“Yes. Thank you for your concern.”

Noah responded calmly to the end and grabbed the man’s hand, forcing it off his shoulder. The hand, which had been lightly subdued, twitched meaninglessly in the air.

It was a ridiculous sight, but it wasn’t funny. Karina thought she knew who the man was. Coming to her senses, Karina approached them.

“Stop it.”

Both men turned their gazes toward Karina at the same time. Noah immediately let go of the man’s arm and turned toward Karina.

Without saying a word, Karina stared at the man across from her. More important than what had happened was his identity.

At the very least, Karina was certain that she had not personally invited this man to the party.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but both of you are being reckless.”

Deliberately making her voice sharp, Karina noticed Noah’s gaze lower.

It was unavoidable. Karina spoke even more coldly.

“Please leave for today. I am concerned you might inconvenience the other guests.”

The way Kamil had been looking at Noah since a moment ago was unsettling.

Although he was worried about the gaze of his father, Duke Melbourne, this was the best course of action.

At that moment, Kamil nodded his head as he removed his mask.

“Very well. Besides, I have an issue to resolve with this person.”

“……An issue?”

As he revealed his face, the attention of the surrounding crowd intensified. Forcing herself to stay calm, Karina asked, but Kamil’s next words made her pause.

“I am not so merciful as to overlook being insulted by a knight of commoner origin.”