Chapter 1.4

Swallowing hard, Violet tried to compose herself. She convinced herself that the dizziness was due to the alcohol and slowly, pretending to be calm, lifted her head.

However, before she could muster the courage, a voice broke the silence first.

“I, too, am late in greeting you, Sir Bates.”

The sharp gaze, which had been observing her every move, turned toward the voice with a hint of displeasure.

Dein stared intently at his counterpart instead of responding. Though it was almost rude, Evan didn’t bother to point it out.

Without waiting for a polite response, he turned his attention back to Violet.

“I was honored to have the chance to dance with the Princess, but since her fiancé has appeared, I regretfully must withdraw.”

It sounded as if he had intended to dance with her if not for Dein’s presence.

Dein’s straight eyebrows twitched slightly, but Violet didn’t notice. She was flustered by Evan’s peculiar tone and tried to refute, but his swift actions stopped her.

“It must be a long-awaited reunion, so please enjoy your conversation. Then, Princess, I shall take my leave until next time.”

Evan bowed to Violet. Without giving her a chance to refuse, he lightly kissed the back of her hand, just like the first time.

They weren’t close enough to exchange such affection. Also, since Violet didn’t engage in political social activities, there would be no reason for them to meet again.

Though it was likely just a formal remark, she couldn’t fathom the reason behind his unusual friendliness.

Due to his inexplicable actions, her gaze lingered on him unintentionally, but only briefly. Dein was too close for her to dwell on it.

As soon as he departed, Dein’s attention focused entirely on Violet. His jet-black eyes intently examined her violet gemstone-like eyes.

“Are you originally well-acquainted with Duke Ludwig?”

“Pardon? Oh, no. Not at all.”

Though her body tensed up again, Violet forced herself to calm her racing heart.

“You seemed quite friendly, so I thought there might be a special connection.”

“I’ve only seen him at previous Imperial events. It’s just that Duke Ludwig is kind to everyone.”

“……Is that so.”

Dein didn’t mention Evan further. Though his expression was somewhat displeased, he seemed to have lessened his discomfort as he observed her.

Perhaps because of the continuous interruptions, it was the first time they faced each other leisurely, so Dein, who was examining her quite thoroughly, finally offered a belated greeting.

“Have you been well?”

“Yes. Thanks to you…… Sir Dein, you must have had a hard time in unsafe places.”

“No. It was something I had to do.”

“Yes…….”

“…….”

The conversation quickly stalled. The formal talks were always just ceremonial, so they couldn’t continue further.

It was partly due to her nervousness when meeting him, but also because he never asked her questions that crossed the line, so Violet couldn’t either.

She feared that if she added personal curiosity and interest, he might find it bothersome, so she didn’t ask further.

As he maintained silence, seemingly unable to find words, Violet’s eyes wandered around.

Had she been adept at political maneuvering, she could have easily found a topic to make him more comfortable.

She was anxious, fearing he might bow his head again and leave, disappointed by her failure to meet his expectations.

At that moment, an unexpected request came from Dein, breaking the silence.

“If you don’t have a prior engagement, would you grant me the honor of a dance?”

“Pardon? With me, Sir?”

Violet asked loudly. Her surprise was so great that her intense reaction sounded like wariness.

She could see Dein’s face noticeably harden, maintaining his composure.

He was likely showing the utmost courtesy he could to the Princess standing alone at the banquet, who was ostensibly his fiancée.

It was a proposal she never dreamed of, leading to an impolite reaction. Unable to explain due to her confusion, she merely opened and closed her mouth as Dein slowly spoke again.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

The voice was lowered even further. Not wanting to cause any unnecessary misunderstandings, Violet composed herself and quickly shook her head.

“No, no! I’m just a little nervous. It’s been a while since I last saw you, and I was surprised to receive a dance invitation from you, Sir….”

She wondered how clumsy she must seem, babbling without a point like a country bumpkin. The more she spoke, the more foolish she felt, but it was better this way. She could tolerate appearing inadequate, but she didn’t want to be remembered with a bad impression as someone who dislikes him.

Whether her earnest excuse was effective or not, she wasn’t sure, but fortunately, his furrowed brow relaxed. His responding voice was still dry and without intonation, but it didn’t carry any displeasure.

“If it’s not that you dislike it, then it’s fine. I’m just as nervous.”

“Sir Dein, do you also get nervous?”

Nervous? Him?

Violet looked at him with surprised eyes. Even the face speaking those words was filled with calm composure.

She suspected he might just be trying to empathize with her discomfort, and her doubtful gaze made his expression soften slightly.

“Of course. Even now, I’m very nervous about being rejected for my dance invitation.”

Violet felt her heart start to beat strongly again. She knew she was acting foolishly only in front of him, but as always, every word he said seemed to carry special meaning.

“I was surprised, but there’s no reason to refuse….”

“Oh my, here you are, Sir Dein.”

But the excitement and expectation ended there. Her time with Dein always seemed to be given only in brief moments.

Before Violet could respond, Olivia approached the two with a smile.

She was beautiful as always, but today her sister appeared even more elegant.

Unlike herself, who was still adorned in bright colors like a child despite being an adult, Olivia looked every bit the graceful Princess.

Violet quickly suppressed the expectation that nearly led her into endless delusion. Her sister, who unknowingly made her take a step back, was not an intruder but the protagonist.

“I’ve been looking for you, Sir Dein.”

“Are you referring to me? I thought I had exchanged all the necessary greetings earlier.”

“I was too busy to ask for your impressions. How are you finding it, Sir Dein? This banquet, and the rewards His Majesty has decided, are all for you, so I hope you’re satisfied.”

Three days of banquets. A new title. Numerous riches. Everything was given at once, but it wasn’t excessive at all.

There was a stir over the unprecedented rewards, but no one objected. It was a recognition of the current status befitting Dein Bates.

However, the main character, Dein, didn’t seem satisfied.

For the rare occasion, he displayed blatant displeasure on his face.

“I have received more than enough, but as I mentioned, I didn’t desire anything beyond that. What I wanted is sufficient.”

“You’re truly humble, Sir Dein. You deserve it all.”

“It’s not humility but impatience. You haven’t given an answer to what I actually requested.”

“You’re more impatient than expected. I intended to discuss it slowly.”

Unlike Dein, who showed his emotions, Olivia remained composed. What he requested. Her sister, who was smiling beautifully.

Violet didn’t know what it was, but she had a feeling about the conversation and discreetly took another half-step back.

“Shall we discuss that later? I’m here to request the protagonist’s dance.”

Olivia extended her hand to Dein, as if it was only natural for him to take it.

“I just asked Princess Violet for a dance.”

Dein’s gaze lingered on Violet instead of Olivia’s hand in the air. He still hadn’t heard Violet’s answer.

Violet hesitated for a moment. She knew it was the proper etiquette, but she felt as if he had chosen her over her sister.

But her already retreating steps couldn’t think of moving forward again.

“Oh. Is that so? What to do. It’s a dance I’m requesting to have a conversation.”

“I’m fine.”

As Olivia finally turned her gaze to seek permission, Violet, who had been watching Dein, awkwardly waved her hand with a smile.

The words of acceptance that had risen to her throat had already been pushed down to the bottom of her heart.

“In truth, I feel a bit tipsy, so I was thinking of declining. I’m sorry, Sir Dein, for declining after you asked first.”

His masculine eyebrows furrowed deeply.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“No. I just think I need a bit of rest. I was planning to get some fresh air on the terrace.”

“Then let me accompany you.”

“No, it’s fine. If I need help, I’ll ask someone else, so don’t worry. The protagonist shouldn’t leave his post.”

Violet alternated her gaze between Olivia and Dein. As if asking him if he shouldn’t be holding her sister’s hand.

Dein’s expression changed slightly, but Violet was more eager to leave the scene quickly.

She had finally spoken, but she couldn’t stand there like an uninvited guest. After seeking her sister’s understanding, she turned around.

She thought she heard Dein’s small voice saying ‘Wait-’ but Olivia’s voice overlapped as if to block it out.

“Shall we go, Sir Dein? After the dance, His Majesty will tell you the story you want to hear.”

Violet hurried her steps, and that was the last sound she caught. She no longer heard Dein’s voice, which seemed to reach out to her, and Olivia’s voice also vanished into the noise of the crowd.

Only after hastening her steps did Violet finally slow down. When she looked back at the direction she had left, she saw the two people at the center of the banquet, receiving everyone’s attention.

Soon, the beautiful palace orchestra changed the tune, and the two began to dance.

Though clad in a neat uniform, his robust build, unlike ordinary men, couldn’t be hidden. While Violet barely reached his chest, Olivia, with her tall stature reaching his shoulders, displayed a well-balanced dance.

Beautiful and healthy-looking, yet slender Olivia fit into Dein’s broad embrace like puzzle pieces. They appeared to be a perfectly matched couple, like lovers to anyone watching.

“Indeed, there will soon be an announcement of a new marriage.”

“There is no power as certain as military power. Even knowing it’s a bold decision, no one objects for that reason.”

“It’s a given that Dein Bates will be the next Emperor. With the announcement of a new marriage, the legitimacy will be secured with the First Princess’s influence and status.”

“We must align ourselves properly now. Nobles are inevitably subject to purging and scrutiny.”

Everyone’s gaze was directed at one place. Each had different intentions while watching the dance that solidified a clear union.

Anxious nobles calculated their safety with reluctant eyes, and the soldiers, who became a new force, sent looks of proud reverence.

Some young ladies were excited, their eyes shining as if witnessing the ending of a romance novel.

Violet, too, couldn’t take her eyes off Olivia and Dein. Every time they spun beautifully, she felt as if she was meeting his gaze, but only for a moment, as Olivia whispered something into Dein’s ear, drawing his complete attention.

‘His Majesty will tell you the story you want to hear.’

The story he wanted to hear. A story not included in the official rewards. With even the title he would receive becoming public, the story of the marriage not mentioned in official settings.

“…….”

The two were conversing while dancing closely. Blending with the melody, their secret conversation was hidden in the rhythm.

Violet felt embarrassed that she had even imagined herself in the place of the dance invitation he had extended.

The fact that Olivia Ryle, beautiful and confident, would be his partner instead of Violet Ryle, the fiancée in name only, might have been inevitable.

Violet picked up the wine glass again. She needed the bitter, intense taste of an adult rather than the bubbly champagne.

The sweet liquid tasted particularly bitter and painful today.

She forced herself to look away from the well-matched couple and hid her body beyond the terrace.