Chapter 53

The surroundings began to stir gently like waves lapping at the shore.

More important than the displeasure he openly displayed was the way he referred to Noah. The mention of him being of commoner origin brought subtle emotions to the faces of some.

‘So he did know it was Noah.’

Karina finally understood Kamil’s intentions to some extent. For some reason, he had deliberately provoked Noah. And by revealing his face and identity, he had put Noah in a difficult position. Although Noah’s commoner origin was not a confirmed fact, it didn’t matter to him.

“A commoner? And such a person dared to offend the Duke’s household…”

“He must have lost his mind.”

At least everyone at this party was a noble.

If Noah couldn’t prove his status, his words would carry no weight.

“Of course, I’d like to let this slide…”

Kamil brushed off his clothes and met Karina’s gaze.

“…but this isn’t just my problem.”

His eyes subtly scanned the surroundings before returning to Karina. The atmosphere quickly shifted in his favor.

“I apologize for causing trouble at this esteemed gathering hosted by Lady Karina.”

While Karina hesitated, Kamil even bowed his head, displaying a hypocritical courtesy.

Disapproving glances and the occasional sound of someone clearing their throat could be heard. The attention, which had been on Noah, was now spreading to Karina as well.

The fox-like eyes, resembling those of a snake, curved slyly. Watching him, Karina finally opened her mouth after some thought.

“No, upon hearing this, I realize I’ve been impolite to you, Young Lord.”

She couldn’t let the situation escalate any further. If blame was to be placed, she decided it was better to take it fully.

After glancing briefly at Noah, Karina continued speaking as if nothing had happened.

“Since my guest acted rudely, I can’t deny my own responsibility.”

“…That’s not what I meant.”

Kamil’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if taken aback by her unexpected response.

“I will comply with whatever resolution you desire.”

Laura and Asillis, who had seemed hesitant to intervene, stiffened their expressions.

It was a risky approach, but there was no other choice.

At least this way, Noah’s status couldn’t be used as a justification to bring him to trial.

Then, from among the subdued nobles, a man stepped forward with slow strides.

“There seems to be a flaw in Lady Edelin’s statement.”

Even without removing his mask, it was clear that he was Duke Melbourne. With his characteristic swagger, Duke Melbourne approached and stood beside Kamil. His sharp gaze swept the crowd through the gaps in his mask.

“It sounded as though you were implying you would personally take responsibility for this man’s actions.”

Karina paused, about to refute his words.

There was something suspicious about what Duke Melbourne had said. While Kamil was one thing, Duke Melbourne was one of the most cunning and quick-witted individuals in the Empire.

She also knew that he would never act without certainty. Someone like him wouldn’t support the reckless words of his son without reason. It was clear that Noah had become their target for some specific purpose.

‘Even if it’s Kamil, why would the Duke’s household go this far?’

She had assumed it was merely Kamil’s personal grudge. Knowing his true nature, Karina thought it was natural to think so.

However, as Duke Melbourne intended, public opinion began to shift in their favor.

“It’s questionable why a mere knight is even present at such an event.”

“He is here as my acquaintance.”

“That too is questionable, isn’t it?”

Duke Melbourne continued speaking leisurely, even turning his back to Karina. The people had long since been swayed by his words.

Some even began to question the relationship between the two. Kamil, as if responding to the crowd’s expectations, moved closer to Noah.

“In such a situation, remaining silent doesn’t seem like the behavior of a gentleman.”

His whispered voice reached not only Noah but also Karina.

“Well, I suppose there’s nothing to say when you have nothing to be proud of.”

Leaving behind an ambiguous remark, Kamil turned his head with a smirk. Noah, who had been standing silently, finally spoke.

“That’s a rather strange thing to say.”

His voice, calm and composed, drew everyone’s attention.

“Is it shameful to be a commoner and a knight?”

The next words he spoke caused an even greater stir. Having essentially revealed his own status, Noah remained more composed than anyone. In fact, for some reason, he even seemed slightly amused.

“So, if my surname were different, would I not be punished for spilling wine on your clothes?”

“Noah, wait…”

Karina tried to stop him, struggling not to show her embarrassment. However, what was done could not be undone.

“What an audacious person.”

“Did he just admit to spilling the wine himself?”

The negative sentiment grew uncontrollably. It was a disaster. The situation had become far more difficult to handle than she had anticipated.

Kamil, as if the matter wasn’t even worth responding to, wore a mocking smile. Duke Melbourne appeared to be giving instructions to one of his aides.

At this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if Noah were dragged away and punished for insulting a noble.

“Wine is great.”

Amid the chaos, a muttering voice came from somewhere. Most couldn’t hear it due to the commotion, but Karina did.

Not because the voice was particularly loud, but because it was familiar.

“Oh dear.”

Someone suddenly appeared from the crowd and poured wine onto Duke Melbourne’s back. To be precise, it was more accurate to say they deliberately dumped it.

Duke Melbourne, startled, turned around but was left speechless. The person, who removed their white mask, revealed distinct green eyes that widened in mock surprise.

“My apologies. I tend to be a bit careless.”

Karina blinked blankly. Essis met her gaze and subtly lowered his eyebrows.

“And to you as well, My Lady.”

“Pardon?”

“I didn’t intend for things to turn out this way, so please understand.”

“Understand what exactly…”

Before she could finish speaking, the banquet hall doors opened, and soldiers marched in with perfect order. They ignored the surroundings and surrounded Essis.

Amid the commotion, Karina spotted someone and widened her eyes in disbelief.

A black mask adorned with gold. Familiar crimson hair.

The person she pointed at was none other than Noah. As his mask was slowly removed, the soldiers encircled him.

“Seize him.”

At the merciless command, the soldiers forced Noah to his knees. Though it seemed partly voluntary, it didn’t matter.

Kaya took a document from one of the soldiers and began reading aloud.

“Noah Velcarid, or rather…”

“….”

“Noah Hiel Terga, the second prince of the Empire.”

More unfamiliar than the icy tone was the content of her words.

Noah Hiel Terga.

Karina silently repeated the dreamlike name in her mind.

“For the crime of treason, you are under arrest.”

And she looked at the man kneeling before her. The man who still wore a calm expression.

***

The nobles began to leave the chaotic banquet hall one by one. They all looked either dazed or somewhat absent-minded.

“Kaya Kipen.”

A large man walked alone. It was Mathis Ketch, the 1st Knight Commander. Only then did Kaya remove her mask and rise from her seat.

“Return to the Imperial Palace.”

“Return? What do you mean? It’s not like I belong anywhere.”

Kaya replied indifferently, untying her neatly tied hair and letting it fall loose. Mathis twitched his eyebrows but refrained from scolding her further.

To be precise, it was closer to being unable to scold her. After all, Kaya had only been a temporary member of the knight order for the day.

“Even if it’s just for one day, you are a member. Follow the orders.”

Even as Mathis repeated himself, Kaya could only sigh deeply.

“Return or not… I’m as good as dead soon anyway, so just leave me alone.”

She still couldn’t forget the look in Noah’s eyes before he was dragged away by the knights. It was as if his eyes glowed blue. She was certain that if she ever faced him again, she wouldn’t be able to stand on her own two feet.

As Kaya grabbed her head in frustration, Mathis, unable to bear it any longer, spoke in a consoling tone.

“It was an unavoidable situation. He will understand.”

“He?”

“…He is now a prince.”

Mathis avoided Kaya’s gaze and muttered as if firmly resolving himself.

His sudden change in attitude overnight was utterly baffling to Kaya.

“When you stood by watching him get beaten like a dog, where was that attitude?”

Mathis flinched, fiddling with his gloves awkwardly, then turned and walked away.

Kaya let out a deep sigh and followed behind him.

At the entrance of the nearly empty banquet hall, soldiers of the Duke’s household stood guard firmly. Even just passing by them, their presence felt sharp. It wasn’t strange at all.

After all, they had stormed into the mansion and ruined the party unannounced.

‘If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have even brought up the masquerade ball.’

As she remembered Karina, who had been visibly excited, a forgotten sense of guilt crept over her.

It was unavoidable, but Kaya bore a significant share of the responsibility. After all, she was one of the people who had agreed to arrest Noah for treason.

‘Noah Hiel… what was it again?’

It was the day after she had picked out her outfit for the party.

Summoned to the Imperial Palace without warning, Kaya was informed of a shocking piece of news. Noah, it turned out, was the hidden younger brother of the damned Crown Prince and the Empire’s 2nd Prince.

And to reveal that truth, Noah had to be arrested for treason.

‘Just keep your mouth shut and say whether you’ll do it or not.’

‘What happens if I don’t?’

‘You’ll be arrested too.’

‘What?’

‘By the way, prisoners only get one piece of cold bread a day for meals.’

With an unusually kind smile, Essis encouraged Kaya to participate. Of course, it wasn’t the underground prison or the promise of cold bread that swayed Kaya.

‘It’s to save him.’

When Essis said that, he wore an uncharacteristically serious expression.

It was to save Noah Velcarid, who was also Noah Hiel Terga, her captain.