“That’s not it. I’ve heard it before….”

“Really? Has anyone else ever said that you look like a dancer, Baron?”

“Perhaps they meant it in a different way than you do, Yelodia.”

‘That person… Could it be a woman?!’

“Who are they?”

“Oh, it’s not someone that important.”

Edward turned the conversation away with a somewhat awkward smile.

Yelodia’s expression immediately cooled.

Her sharp instincts were telling her that that person was indeed a woman.

‘Come to think of it, did he have a past lover?’

Edward was six years older than her and undeniably attractive, which she had been increasingly dissatisfied with lately.

‘It happened at the promotion ceremony and again at the hunting competition.’

Whenever there was a gathering, the attention naturally turned toward Edward.

Especially the eyes of young, beautiful women were often fixed on him.

At first, it felt somewhat strange but also prideful, but now it no longer did.

Although she hadn’t confessed to anyone, Yelodia wanted to keep Edward all to herself.

“Would you like to take a break? After lunch, I can practice with the dance instructor alone if that’s okay.”

“No, that’s fine. If anything, I feel my skills are still lacking. Um… Are you uncomfortable practicing with me?”

Yelodia asked, laced with subtle impatience and hope.

For a moment, she found herself wishing that Edward would feel uncomfortable. That would be a clear sign that he was aware of her.

“I’m not uncomfortable at all. In fact, it’s fun to dance with you,” Edward answered.

“Yes… Well, I’m enjoying it too,” Yelodia replied, biting the inside of her cheek before forcing a smile.

‘He finds it fun to dance with me? What does that even mean?’

Edward tilted his head slightly before focusing on her earlobe, making a low sound in his throat.

‘He clearly doesn’t seem too pleased.’

Just as Edward was about to say something, the butler’s voice interrupted them.

“Still here, are we? The meal is ready. Please, follow me.”

Yelodia looked at the oblivious butler for a moment before nodding reluctantly.

She’d have to figure out who that person was later.

＊ ＊ ＊

Six days later, Edward’s skills had noticeably improved.

Both Yelodia and Fore were thoroughly impressed.

“With skills like these, no one would guess that the Baron is just starting to learn how to dance.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Fore. I appreciate it.”

“Your praise is too much for someone who’s learned three pieces in less than a week.”

“No one would say your role was insignificant,” Edward said earnestly.

Fore, visibly moved, smiled at the sincere compliment. Then he turned to Yelodia, a grin spreading on his face.

Having taught Yelodia for three years, Fore felt a sense of pride that her fiancée was such a respectable and graceful man.

At first, I wondered how things would go with the six-year age gap, but look at them now.

Yelodia’s engagement news had caused quite a stir among the members of the Xavier family and the servants.

Who was this unworthy man who dared to engage with the young lady? Whenever the staff gathered, they would express unease and concern.

But Fore’s worries proved to be unfounded.

Edward’s appearance made it impossible to believe he was six years older than Yelodia. He looked more like a rookie officer just beginning his military career.

‘For someone like him to have risen to the rank of vice admiral… How brave must he have been on the battlefield?’

Fore was secretly impressed but kept his thoughts to himself, adhering to his role as a servant.

“Well, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Thank you for your hard work. I’ll send you a separate fee for the lessons later.”

“Oh, there’s no need. The Duke of Xavier has already generously compensated me.”

“Still, I’d feel bad not paying you personally.”

Fore smiled warmly at Edward’s generous words. Just hearing them was enough for him to feel appreciated.

“……”

Yelodia’s expression began to harden as she watched the two interact.

It was a shock to her that the stern Fore had completely warmed up to Edward in less than a week. In fact, it seemed like they were growing closer than she and Edward were.

‘Now he’s charming both men and women alike.’

At this rate, it seemed like Edward could charm anyone he met.

For the past six days, Yelodia had been brooding over a silent worry.

The cause of her frustration was simple: Edward’s “that person.”

The one who had called him a dancer. She was almost certain it was his ex-lover.

In fact, just last night, she had been unable to sleep, consumed by curiosity about the identity of that person.

‘If I ask him, he’ll probably tell me, right?’

Yelodia knew Edward well enough to know that he wouldn’t dismiss her question carelessly.

‘But what if he’s hiding something?’

Last time, he had clearly seemed troubled, as though he didn’t want to talk to her about it.

‘What could have happened?’

Her unusually vivid imagination wasn’t helping at all in this moment.

“Are you tired?”

Snapping out of her thoughts, she looked back to find Edward gazing at her with concern.

Yelodia spoke weakly.

“I think I’m just a little tired.”

“Then it might be best to rest early today since you’ll need to attend the ball tomorrow.”

“Yes… Will Viscountess Hyperion be attending tomorrow as well?”

Edward nodded and replied.

“Yes. That’s why she’s very nervous.”

Edward’s face reflected worry, and Yelodia tried to find comforting words.

“If we stay by her side as much as possible at the ball, wouldn’t that help?”

“If you do that, I’d be extremely grateful.”

Edward’s polite gratitude made Yelodia shake her head and respond.

“It’s your aunt’s event, isn’t it? Come to think of it, I feel so guilty for not properly congratulating her last time.”

“You were too busy preparing for the engagement. And my aunt prefers being called Lady Selina, by the way.”

“Well… if Viscountess Hyperion gets used to calling her that, I’ll consider it again. But I’m afraid if I called her by her name in front of others, it would be very disrespectful.”

“You’re right. I hadn’t thought of that.”

Edward smiled politely.

‘He’ll be this kind and considerate with me.’

Yelodia glanced up at her fiancée and then quietly lowered her gaze. Strangely, she felt drained and lost confidence.

‘Did he treat other women like this, with such courtesy and boundaries?’

The thought was as foolish as ever.

‘Complaining that my fiancée is kind? I’d be ridiculed if I said that out loud.’

She had never thought of herself as a jealous person before, so this awkward feeling was both surprising and unfamiliar.

“……”

Edward, looking down at Yelodia in silence as she became lost in thought, felt an uneasy discomfort growing in him.

Lately, Yelodia’s expression had subtly become more withdrawn. She would occasionally fall into deep thought or sigh gloomily.

Is something bothering her?

Thinking back, it seemed to have started when they began practicing dancing together.

Or maybe it started at the engagement ceremony?

Edward was shocked by how distant she seemed compared to the old days when she would boldly cross her arms or call him by name without hesitation. Now, it seemed she found it uncomfortable to stay close to him.

“Baron, I…”

“Yes, please speak.”

Edward quickly turned his attention to Yelodia as she spoke.

He sincerely hoped she could shake off whatever was bothering her.

He would do anything to help her, if it was within his power.

“Actually, no…”

“…If you have something on your mind, please let me know.”

Edward urged gently. If Yelodia, being kind-hearted by nature, had something troubling her, it would undoubtedly be weighing on her heart.

“It’s… nothing important. What time will you come pick me up tomorrow?”

“…I’ll be at the Duke’s lobby by 5 PM.”

Yelodia smiled faintly and nodded at Edward’s response.

“Then please take care. I’ll be waiting.”

“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Edward sighed as he answered her.

＊ ＊ ＊

The hour and minute hands were nearing 4:45 PM. It was just a short while until the promised time.

Kias slipped his pocket watch into his pocket and turned to look at Yelodia.

“You don’t seem to be in a very good mood, Yedi.”

“I think I’m just a little nervous.”

Kias nodded, as if understanding, and replied.

“It’s your first ball, and also your official debut in society, after all.”

He suddenly looked down at Yelodia’s dress.

Her pale pink evening gown, made of layers of satin and chiffon, was beautifully adorned with beads at the waist, accentuating both elegance and grandeur—Sonar’s masterpiece.

In addition, she wore the pink diamond necklace and earrings given to her by the Emperor, which made the outfit even more dazzling.

For some reason, Kias felt that his younger sister seemed somewhat unfamiliar today.

“You’ve really grown up.”