The banquet hall was as lavish as the audience chamber prepared for debutantes. Marika stood leaning against the farthest wall from the entrance, sipping apple wine. It was a relatively secluded spot, but given her position in the imperial family and the fact that Josef stood beside her, avoiding attention was impossible.

In fact, Marika had chosen the edge of the room to enjoy the attention. She liked how unnamed imperial officials and nobles passing by would cast admiring glances her way. Within the palace, Marika was a presence that couldn’t help but draw eyes wherever she went.

In the center of the hall, young ladies who had successfully debuted in society by presenting themselves before the Emperor danced with young men eager to win their favor. It was the same scene every year, but this time, it seemed more vibrant.

Marika regretted not being able to evaluate the debutantes herself. In the absence of the Empress, had she and Josef already held their wedding, Marika would have been recognized as the official Crown Princess and seated upon the throne. She was confident she could bestow blessings more graciously and warmly than the Emperor.

And she wouldn’t have complimented those ridiculous headpieces.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

A passing noblewoman curtsied deeply before Josef, then turned to Marika, her face lighting up with admiration.

“Lady Marika Mieschko, you look stunning as always.”

“Thank you.”

Though Marika responded with a meticulously crafted smile, she disliked this aspect. While Josef was addressed as “Your Highness, the Crown Prince,” she remained “Lady Mieschko.” She longed to be addressed as Her Highness, the Crown Princess.

“Where’s the Duke of Mieschko?”

Josef, standing as still as a statue without even holding a drink, glanced at Marika and asked.

“My father said he was meeting with the Administrator today, Your Highness.”

Marika proceeded to inform Josef about several noble families her father had been meeting frequently of late. Most were officials who held key positions in the imperial household, such as head stewards. The purpose of these meetings, of course, was to weaken the Emperor’s influence and increase Josef’s support. Marika was well aware of her father’s busy efforts in this regard.

“He’s putting in a lot of effort.”

After hearing her explanation, Josef added a brief comment, his expression unchanging.

“It’s our family’s duty to assist Your Highness.”

Marika smiled prettily, handed her pewter goblet to an attendant with graceful movements, and took Josef’s arm.

“The music has changed.”

As Josef and Marika moved toward the center of the ballroom, the paired dancers naturally stepped aside, yielding the floor to them. It was a clear signal that this waltz was for them, not the debutantes.

Josef led Marika flawlessly, his movements composed and perfect. She could feel her red dress fluttering like petals with every elegant step, drawing gazes of admiration from those around her.

The glow of countless candelabras, the music, the exclamations of awe, and the applause were all directed at Marika. She was used to such praise, and it brought her great satisfaction. She believed every adjective used to describe beauty suited her well.

It was hard to distinguish whether people envied her appearance and background or felt compelled to revere her due to the Mieschko family’s influence. After all, the two aspects could hardly be considered separately.

Josef’s presence also played a role. He was the man who would bring her the empire’s greatest power.

“…”

Marika gazed at Josef’s impeccably handsome yet emotionless face. His dancing, like his expression, was devoid of passion. He exuded the air of an instructor demonstrating steps for his students, eyes fixed on some distant point in the hall.

Every time she looked at him, Marika was reminded of what she would have to give up upon becoming Crown Princess. The thrill of men vying to partner with her, their flattering words laced with desire during dances, and the joy of feigning obliviousness to their longing—she would have to forsake it all.

But it was a sacrifice worth making.

“Your Highness, I heard a diamond from the Kingdom of Kut will be auctioned at the upcoming event.”

Josef nodded, and Marika spoke in a playful, coaxing tone.

“Kut’s diamonds are so rare. I’d love to have one for my wedding ring.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I’d be thrilled if Your Highness would purchase it for me.”

“Very well.”

The diamonds from the Kingdom of Kut were so rare that their export was virtually banned. Regardless of how one had managed to get a piece into the auction, it would surely fetch a staggering price. Yet, as Marika had anticipated, Josef did not refuse. She could now enjoy the remainder of the waltz at ease.

—

The ball was utterly uncomfortable for Amelia.

She had donned a deep brown dress, hoping to make herself more noticeable next to Dana, should they end up together. But it was all in vain. Dana, clad in a pristine white gown and looking utterly elated, danced joyfully, leaving Amelia unable to approach her.

Instead, she found herself surrounded by unfamiliar faces, bombarded with incessant questions.

“How did you create that headpiece?”

“Are you Lady Amelia?”

“It’s impressive to have received praise from His Majesty.”

As people rushed toward her, hastily introducing themselves and continuing the conversation with barely a pause, Amelia felt a bit dizzy.

“…Thank you.”

Rather than answering their questions, Amelia smiled politely and kept her lips sealed. It was a subtle gesture, signaling her hope that they would take their leave. However, no one seemed to understand her hint, and the murmurs around her only grew louder as soon as she stopped speaking.
“You’re a beautiful lady.”

“What kind of place is the Duchy of Brienne?”

“Are you acquainted with the Karlstad Barony?”

As curious glances poured over her, leaving her flustered, someone from the crowd surrounding her remarked,

“His Highness, the Crown Prince, is making his entrance.”

Now that it was mentioned, the orchestra’s performance had grown slightly more vigorous.

“Oh my, it’s true.”

People gradually turned away from Amelia and naturally directed their attention toward the center stage. Only then did Amelia’s view begin to clear.

Josef was leading Marika, who wore a red dress. Her gown was so voluminous it could have concealed an entire person.

Some envied Josef, others Marika, casting jealous glances. To the onlookers, everyone else faded into the background, mere candlesticks illuminating the scene before them. To Amelia, yet another “candlestick,” it appeared that way.

The guests filling the ballroom seemed content to watch the pair’s dance until the waltz ended. It was a relief for Amelia, as she could finally escape the spotlight. Carefully, she retreated, silently maneuvering through the crowd toward the exit.

She tried to remain inconspicuous by walking along the wall, but it took longer than expected. Only when she reached the door did she let out a sigh. Despite having done nothing, she felt exhausted and longed to leave.

“…”

Reaching for the door handle, Amelia froze. A familiar hand had already placed itself over it.

“Where are you going?”

Amelia hesitated, momentarily too confused to respond. She couldn’t quite process the fact that Josef had appeared before her.

It wasn’t until she glanced toward the stage, where a new waltz had begun, that things made sense. Marika was now dancing with Henrik. Having completed her first waltz with her fiancé, Josef, it was proper etiquette for her to choose his captain of the guard for the next. Likely, it also served as a gesture to celebrate Dana’s debut.

From a distance, Dana looked slightly disappointed, perhaps because she had been hoping to finally talk to her brother after spending the entire evening escorting him. Lost in these thoughts, Amelia forgot to greet Josef.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

He repeated his question, this time with a slight smile as their eyes met.

“I was going to leave. I’m tired…”

“But you haven’t danced.”

“…There are too many people.”

“Really? I thought you were enjoying yourself.”

Josef spoke while taking a pewter goblet from a passing servant and handing it to her. Amelia, caught off guard, accepted it. Inside, tiny bubbles fizzed actively.

“Didn’t you come here to be the center of attention?”

“…”

“Even going so far as to make yourself that hair ornament.”

Amelia silently sipped from the goblet. The drink was a sparkling, fruity-tasting alcohol with a light sweetness. Though her tongue was pleased, she couldn’t bring herself to speak.

Was Josef chastising her? After all, she had acted like someone seeking attention—helping with Dana’s debut, attending the Emperor’s audience hall, and behaving as if she relished being in the spotlight. Yet now, faced with that very attention, she found it overwhelming. Was he mocking her contradictory behavior?

It was hard to tell how much Josef had observed and deduced about her. Regardless, Amelia found his tendency to seemingly peer into her thoughts deeply unsettling. So was the mocking expression on his face.

“Staying behind means you’re thoroughly enjoying the ball, doesn’t it?”

“…”

“I told you, Amelia, if you didn’t want to come, you didn’t have to.”

When Amelia furrowed her brow slightly, Josef’s expression grew even more amused.

“But Your Highness granted me access to the Emperor’s audience hall.”

“I never permitted you to attend the ball.”

“Does my presence here bother you?”

“Yes.”

Amelia tilted her head, confused by his response.

‘Then why did you stop me from leaving in the first place?’

“In that case, I’ll take my leave, Your Highness.”

“…”

“I wouldn’t want to go against your wishes.”

Josef, who had been quietly watching her, gestured with his hand. Thinking he meant to take her goblet, Amelia handed it over. But instead of stopping there, he grasped her hand and led her toward the center of the ballroom.

“Your Highness…”

“I’ll permit one waltz.”

Josef placed his hand gently on her back and added,

“Once this song ends, you may leave.”

“I don’t know how to dance the Olstein waltz.”

Amelia protested urgently, but the new melody had already begun.