Chapter 1

Although parties were held almost daily during the social season, tonight the ballroom was especially lively.  

The first reason was that this party was hosted by the Imperial Family, and the second was that the purpose of tonight’s party was to celebrate the long-awaited victory over the nomads who had been attacking the North.  

“The Grand Duke, His Grace, has been skilled in swordsmanship since childhood. He was born with talent.”  

“Was it only talent? They say he practiced swordsmanship every day, even in the cold North. He is a man who combines talent with effort.”  

The one who defended Krolta from the nomads was none other than Grand Duke Frontica. As the Emperor’s cousin and the Grand Duke who ruled the North, he had spent over a decade on the battlefield, ultimately protecting the North and becoming the hero of Krolta.  

Having spent almost his entire life on the battlefield, except for his childhood, only a handful of nobles had actually seen Baron’s face. Rumor had it that he had skin as white as snow and silver hair that shone like moonlight, so it was only natural that the young ladies at the party were all excited.  

“His Grace, Grand Duke Frontica, is entering!”  

At the attendant’s words at the door, all the nobles’ gazes turned to the entrance. True to the rumors, with his mysterious silvery hair, the Northern people’s characteristic pale skin, broad shoulders fit for a swordsman, and tall stature—every aspect of Baron was more than enough to stir the hearts of the capital’s young ladies.  

As he strode in and finally knelt before the Emperor, it was clear that more than a few girls wished that it was themselves, not the Emperor, standing before him.  

“I, Baron Frontica, greet the Emperor of Krolta.”  

“Welcome, my brother.”  

As the Emperor personally rose from his seat and helped him up, Baron smiled and looked at the Emperor.  

“Thank you for protecting the North, and for protecting Krolta once more.”  

Hearing his cousin’s words of gratitude, Baron nodded. After a warm embrace, the Emperor gestured to the attendant, who approached with a tray holding two champagne glasses. As Baron and the Emperor each picked up a glass, the Emperor raised his glass high and proclaimed,  

“To Grand Duke Frontica, who defended the North!”  

“To His Grace, the Grand Duke!”

***

Once they entered a space where they could be alone, the Emperor personally poured wine and handed it to Baron.  

“How many years has it been, Baron?”  

“The last time I saw you was when you were still Crown Prince, Your Majesty, so it must have been five years.”  

“Yes, you even coldly skipped my coronation, didn’t you? So it must have been about that long.”  

Although his words sounded reproachful, the Emperor knew better than anyone why Baron could not attend the coronation. Five years ago, the nomads were rapidly expanding their power and pressing the North, so it was only natural that Baron could not leave.  

“So, now that you’ve come to the capital after so long, have you thought about what you’d like to do?”  

At the Emperor’s question, Baron silently sipped his wine. Having spent his life on the battlefield, Baron never had many things he wanted to do, especially when it came to noble society.  

Instead of holding beautifully carved glass, he always held a sword; instead of wearing splendid silk and dancing at social balls, he wore heavy armor and swung his blade. The glamorous lives of the capital’s nobles felt awkward to him.  

“Well, I suppose I’ll attend a few of the social gatherings I’ve been invited to.”  

“That’s not all, is it?”  

“……I also plan to visit a few weapon shops.”  

At last, the Emperor’s face twisted in exasperation. Only a few social events and visits to weapon shops? It was obvious that even those social gatherings would be attended reluctantly.  

Even though Baron disliked social events, as the head of a noble house, he could not completely avoid them. It was his duty to show his face at least a little. Until now, he had the excuse of war, but now that peace had come and he was in the capital, there was no reason to refuse.  

Moreover, some invitations came from noble families who had ties with his predecessor, so it was difficult to decline, and the Emperor was well aware of this.  

“As someone who shares your blood, not as Emperor, I advise you to enjoy life in the capital a little more.”  

“What do you mean, Sire?”  

“There are many fun things in the capital. For example, there are masquerade balls, or parties where you can experience something new, and so on.”  

There were even more secret gatherings in the capital, but the Emperor decided to stop there. For his innocent cousin, even this much would be quite stimulating.  

“What if I say I don’t want to?”  

“Then I’ll have to order you as Emperor.”  

At those words, Baron let out a deep sigh. The Emperor, laughing heartily, refilled Baron’s empty glass, and Baron, knowing it was against custom, gulped down the wine.  

“Don’t take it too seriously, just try it once, Baron. It’s about time you found a Grand Duchess, too.”  

At the mention of a Grand Duchess, deep lines appeared on Baron’s brow. It was nearly impossible to find a suitable young lady to become Grand Duchess in a battlefield full of men. Baron was well aware that his retainers’ worries were growing by the day.  

This trip to the capital for the social season was also the result of his retainers’ persistent urging. No doubt, there was an intention to arrange meetings with eligible young ladies.  

“I’ll try my best.”  

‘I’ll try my best’—the Emperor thought that was just like him, and smiled.  

“You led a great victory, so you deserve a reward to match. What would you like?”  

Baron already had a sufficiently large estate, a fine castle, and loyal subjects. There was nothing in particular that he needed. However, regardless of need, it was customary to reward those who had rendered distinguished service. After a moment’s thought, Baron shrugged.  

“I’ll think about it and let you know.”  

“All right. Whatever it is, just tell me.”  

The Emperor truly meant it when he said he’d give anything. He knew that Baron’s defense of the North was a major reason he had been able to secure the throne at such a young age.  

“Don’t forget what I said about enjoying life in the capital.”  

Seeing the Emperor’s mischievous smile, Baron finally smiled back.

***

After finishing his conversation with the Emperor and getting into the carriage, Baron said something that was enough to fluster his loyal knight, Carlton.  

“A masquerade ball… You mean?”  

“Yes.”  

Carlton repressed his surprise and studied Baron’s expression. He looked tired, but not particularly drunk, and yet he was volunteering to attend a masquerade ball—how odd.  

“I will check if there is an invitation to any masquerade balls among those we received. Forgive me for asking, but may I know why you suddenly decided to attend a masquerade ball?”  

Since Baron had always wished to attend as few social events as possible, it was only natural for Carlton to be curious about the reason. And this wasn’t just any party or regular ball, but a masquerade ball, so Carlton couldn’t guess the reason at all.  

“His Majesty the Emperor repeatedly told me to enjoy life in the capital, so I’m going.”  

Only then did Carlton nod in understanding. Knowing Baron’s loyal nature, he couldn’t have refused when the Emperor spoke directly to him. Nor was it in Baron’s character to say he would go and then not show up, so it was obvious he had simply decided to attend once.  

“I will prepare the clothes and mask.”  

“Good. Wake me when we arrive at the mansion.”  

Having grown accustomed to napping during travel, Baron quickly fell asleep in the swaying carriage. Watching his master sleep with arms crossed, Carlton let out a small hum.  

‘Does His Grace know what kind of place a masquerade ball really is?’  

Even Carlton, who wasn’t familiar with noble society, had heard of the capital’s infamous masquerade balls. He wondered if Baron truly understood the reputation of these so-called places of noble indulgence, but soon dismissed the thought from his mind.  

‘As His Majesty said, His Grace needs to experience life in the capital a bit more.’  

Carlton pondered deeply about what kind of mask would be best to prepare.