Isabella was wrapped in several shawls over her dress because Logan had insisted that she must not catch a cold in the winter air. She came to an abrupt stop the moment she saw the carriage waiting outside the hotel.

Painted a deep shade of navy and adorned with gold detailing, it was the kind of luxurious carriage one might expect royalty to travel in.

‘Just where are we going that this is necessary?’

The Duke had offered her no explanation of his plans; only a brief request to meet him that evening. Filled with quiet curiosity, Isabella stepped into the carriage.

The seats were lined with soft velvet cushions. No sooner had she settled in than the horses set off, pulling the carriage smoothly forward. Having only previously ridden in cramped cargo compartments, she found this level of comfort almost unreal.

They passed through the bright, glittering lights of the capital before turning onto a dark forest road. The carriage continued steadily, without pause.

Dressed with such care and travelling in such splendor, Isabella felt, for a moment, like a noblewoman on her way to a grand ball.

The preparations had begun early that afternoon, and the hours spent dressing and grooming had left her exhausted. Gradually, her head began to dip as sleep overtook her.

She did not know how much time had passed when the carriage finally began to slow down.

“We have arrived.”

The carriage door was opened when the coachman announced his arrival.

Logan was already standing outside.

Just as Isabella was dressed in a formal gown, he too was dressed with rare elegance, wearing a black tuxedo that served only to deepen his commanding presence.

Taking his outstretched hand, Isabella carefully stepped down from the carriage. Only then did she look up and take in their surroundings.

Towering stone walls rose one upon another. Lofty spires pierced the night sky.

The ancient castle, heavy with years of history, was breathtaking — almost overwhelming at first.

Staring upwards, unable to take it all in at once, Isabella spoke in a hushed voice.

“This place is…”

“I rented it.”

“The castle?”

“Yes. From His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince.”

Logan answered as though it were nothing out of the ordinary.

To Isabella, however, it was beyond imagination. Speaking of a royal castle as though it were just somewhere you could hire seemed unbelievable.

It did not seem like an exaggeration. The vast grounds were hushed and attended by only a handful of staff. There was no sign of any other guests.

Like a noble escorting a distinguished lady, Logan guided Isabella inside.

Dinner had been arranged in the grand banquet hall, which was connected to the castle’s main chamber.

Usually a place where dozens gathered for lavish feasts, the expansive hall was adorned with magnificent murals painted by master artists.

But tonight, it was illuminated for only two.

They took their seats at a long table that could easily have accommodated twenty guests. Soon, the dishes began to arrive: delicately steamed fish, warm soup, and courses that were lightly and thoughtfully seasoned, mindful of her still-recovering digestion.

“Does it suit your taste?”

“Yes. I’ve never tasted fish this tender before.”

“I’m glad.”

Whenever Isabella’s plate was almost empty, Logan naturally suggested the next dish. As she accepted his suggestions, Isabella gradually relaxed in her unfamiliar surroundings.

Lifting her head, she looked up.

The soaring ceiling was adorned with a magnificent chandelier, its hundreds of crystals sparkling in the light. It shimmered so brilliantly that ‘magnificent’ hardly did it justice.

One wall was lined with framed paintings — there were so many that it was difficult to focus on her meal.

“Shall I buy one for you?”

Noticing her gaze repeatedly drifting toward the artwork, Logan asked with a faint smile.

“No. I’ve had quite enough of paintings.”

“Why?”

“You nobles may not realize this, but servants nearly perish dusting those frames every single day.”

Isabella gave a wry smile as she recalled how she used to climb ladders from morning until evening, carefully wiping down the countless pieces of art displayed throughout the estate with a tiny cloth.

She did, however, enjoy admiring the works of skilled artists.

However, she had no desire to own one herself.

Even the slightest hint of dust bothered her.

“My apologies. That was thoughtless of me.”

“Please. His Grace need not concern himself with the life of a maid.”

“Why not? I’d like to know more.”

Laughing at her slightly sarcastic tone, Logan leaned forward. Sometimes she seemed to create a distance between them, but at times like this, traces of her childhood spirit would resurface. He found it utterly endearing.

He told her about his visit to the boutique to choose her dress. When Isabella remembered the commotion at the hotel earlier that day, she gently reprimanded him for being so extravagant with his money.

He only laughed, brushing off her protest with effortless ease.

By the time dessert — delicate slices of cake — had been served and their meal had come to an end, music began to play from one side of the room.

Unlike the soft background melodies that had played earlier, this was different. It had the unmistakable grandeur of a piece intended to open a ball.

Isabella glanced around.

In the vastness of the hall, there was no one else present to dance.

As if he had been waiting for precisely this moment, Logan rose from his seat. He extended his hand towards her and bowed impeccably formally.

“May I have the honor of this dance, Miss Isabella?”

“I… I don’t know how to dance.”

“It’s all right. I’ll teach you.”

Taking her hesitant hand, Logan led her to the center of the hall.

“Straighten your shoulders and your chest. Place your left hand on my shoulder.”

Following his instructions, Isabella carefully lifted her hand.

Through the fabric of his tailored jacket, she could feel the firm strength of his muscles beneath.

“And your right hand.”

Logan’s hand naturally closed around Isabella’s. He held her hand firmly enough to prevent her from pulling away, but gently enough not to cause her any pain.

“Now, closer.”

He stepped forward and pulled her towards him. In an instant, the distance between them disappeared and their breaths brushed against each other.

“You can relax. I’m holding you so you won’t fall.”

Noticing the tension in her body, Logan murmured in her ear. However, the warmth of his voice only made her stiffen further.

With their feet nearly touching, Isabella began to move.

“One, two…”

Following Logan’s steady lead half a beat late, she accidentally stepped on his foot.

“Ah—”

“I’m sorry!”

“It’s all right. Let’s try again.”

Although Logan remained smiling, Isabella’s expression became more serious. She immediately corrected her posture and fixed her gaze on her feet, determined not to repeat her mistake.

Even so, her body remained tense. She stepped on Logan’s foot more than once. Each time their feet tangled and her balance wavered, Logan’s arm tightened securely around her waist.

“I suppose dancing simply isn’t for me.”

Having just finished one piece, Isabella shook her head. She had practiced enough, surely? She couldn’t keep stepping on Logan’s toes all evening.

But Logan wouldn’t let her give up. He gently corrected her posture.

“Lift your head. If you keep staring at your feet, you’ll only get more confused.”

“But what if I step on you again?”

“I’ll adjust the distance. You just move with the music.”

Drawing her closer by the waist, Logan lifted her chin lightly.

“Look at me.”

The music started up again.

Obeying him, Isabella raised her head. Unable to bring herself to look him directly in the eye, she fixed her gaze near his collar, following the quiet rhythm of his voice.

She was still clumsy.

Gradually, however, the rhythm of the music began to take hold of her body.

“You’re doing well.”

His gentle tone, as though he were praising a child, made her laugh despite herself. The tension that had caused her body to stiffen gradually melted away, softening her movements.

Beneath the brilliant chandelier, their shadows turned slowly in unison.

In that moment, thoughts of status were far from their minds. There were no fears about an uncertain future.

There was only the warmth of their joined hands and the music guiding their steps.

Isabella lifted her gaze to his.

The instant their eyes met, her heart began to race.

His blue eyes seemed to look straight through her, as though they could see every feeling she was trying to hide.

Later, neither of them would be able to say who had moved first.

But in the next moment, their lips met.