Chapter 105
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Are you really helping me now? Whats going on?
I smiled faintly and spread out the dance cards. Just as he said, his name was written on one line.
Thats right. Shane muttered, shooting Kedrick a pitiful look, Im not familiar with this party culture since Ive been in the Magic Tower all day.
But its common sense to know that forcibly dragging a girl who doesnt want to dance and making her dance is disrespectful behavior, right?
Kedrick remained frozen in place.
The noble gentlemen who had been whispering to each other in secret now openly sneered at Kedrick.
Yeah, hes insane. How could he act so boldly because of his family
Its a funny thing. The Diollus family is also a tremendous household
Young Lady Diollus is kind-hearted, so she just let it go. If it were me, I would have embarrassed him even more.
It seems they werent even close, but he threatened me not to pay attention to her
Really?
He said that to me earlier.
Kedrick floundered absentmindedly, hearing the mockery that reached his ears.
Though I wanted to ridicule him, I gracefully reached out my hand toward Shane, refraining from doing so.
Shane flinched.
Dont you want to dance? Pretending not to know, I blinked playfully, and his gaze turned toward the hyenas around me.
After hesitating, Shane clicked his tongue and grabbed my hand.
Thank you. I was in a difficult situation.
Quietly expressing my gratitude, meant for Shane alone, I led him toward the center of the ballroom. An easy dance rhythm was flowing.
Youre not good at dancing, are you? But this one is fairly easy.
What do you see me as? An exasperated Shane pulled me tightly by my waist, and he clasped my right hand with his left.
Oh, you can dance.
You became a mummy while you were away.
A mummy? Shouldnt you compliment me for achieving a healthy figure?
You dont look particularly healthy, though.
How unpleasant his words were. It was surprising that he helped me, but Shane hadnt changed a bit.
We continued to wander around the ballroom, whispering to each other.
Oh my, you brought my gift. Suddenly, I noticed a cool watch on Shanes wrist. It was the gift I had sent to the Tower along with a gratitude letter. Its beautiful, isnt it? Its expensive. Its the most popular design from <Blanc de Ruby>.
Its not beautiful at all. Its relatively convenient, thats why I wear it around. Otherwise, I would have thrown it away. Theres no need to be loaded with unnecessary jewels.
Huh
Why is this person so distorted?
I grumbled, Well, youre definitely not someone with that much sense, so how would you know whats beautiful?
What?
I playfully whispered into Shanes ear, I heard that the owner of the Magic Tower did the interior decoration of the ballroom today. No wonder it looked a bit tacky. The lighting was too glaring, it hurt my eyes.
Wh-hat did you say?
And whats with that video board over there? If you were going to put up a billboard, you could have made it more sophisticated.
The large video board above the pedestal, displaying 1520 Descarde Debutante Ball, had garish colors and a blinding brightness that made it hard to look at twice.
It kind of looks like a PowerPoint
What the heck is that?
It means its unnecessarily flashy and childish, and it doesnt really fit in.
Did I go too far? I wanted to hold back my laughter and say it was just a joke, but for some reason, Shane gave me a strange glance and smirked.
And then
Oh, my goodness!
What is that?
Everyone in the ballroom widened their eyes and stared at the pedestal simultaneously.
Whats going on? I turned around, following their gaze, and was astonished.
Ah.
Congratulations on the social debut of Princess Rubetria Diollus
Did the owner of the Magic Tower do it?
Seems like it. Look, hes dancing with Young Lady Diollus right now.
The first dance with His Highness the Crown Prince and the next dance with His Highness Shane. She certainly keeps the company of remarkable individuals.
My name flowed prominently on the flashy billboard. I couldnt spare any attention for the whispers directed at me.
Damn it. What the?
Shane smirked, satisfied and full of derision.
Geez, to attack me like this
Hows my sense?
I surrendered while trembling. Oh, youre very good. Im embarrassed, so please, please stop. I admit defeat.
Hehehe.
However, the naughty Shane didnt stop even until the end of the dance, no, until the end of the ball.
He didnt take down that enormous billboard
The owner of the Magic Tower, Shane, has a strong tendency to repay in kind when offended. I should refrain from provoking him in the future.
I firmly inputted that into my mind and reflected on my actions.
***
On a night when the yellow moon rose, Behind the palace where the ballroom, Evian Hall, was located,
The 2nd Prince, Nathan, witnessed an unexpected situation.
With whom did you engage in conversation?
I did as instructed and didnt speak to anyone.
Youre blatantly lying.
I-Im not lying
Someone was observing the secret conversation between Crown Prince Lark and Princess Rubetria.
What did you talk about with the owner of the Tower?
We, we just danced a single song
Rubetria.
Gulp.
With a menacing expression that had never been seen before, Lark tightly grabbed Rubettes shoulder and intimidated her, Listen carefully. If the future you witnessed unfolds as it is, I wont be the only one to die.
If you want to live, behave properly.
.Yes.
What could this all mean? Although it needed to be carefully reviewed and contemplated, one thing was certain.
Nathan had learned something quite significant.
They They didnt have the kind of relationship I thought they did?
Nathan had assumed that the Vistas contractor had seized the opportunity to become Larks ally.
But Lark is intimidating and threatening that young girl?
Heh, the corners of Nathans mouth curled up with satisfaction. If that were the case, then perhaps things would become easier.
Im glad I decided to come and see their faces at least.
Immediately after concluding the kidnapping play, Rubetria Diollus revealed herself at the ballroom. Nathan, who had intended to approach her under the guise of a coincidence, near the location where her carriage was waiting, praised his quick judgment.
Lets go now.
Yes
Lark forcefully grabbed Rubettes arm, as if handling a slave.
Shall I make my entrance now?
Nathans excitement made his footsteps resonate.
Lark, who was about to leave, stiffened and turned about upon hearing the sound of grass being crushed.
Nathan?
There was a noticeable expression of surprise. His momentary confusion suggested that he suspected Nathan might have overheard their conversation.
Nathan acted oblivious, feigning cluelessness. Oh, Brother? What a coincidence to meet you here.
What brings you to the palace this evening? As Lark questioned, hiding Rubetria behind him as if protecting a treasure, Nathan inwardly smirked.
I couldnt sleep, so I went out for a walk. Seems like Im disturbing you?
No.
At that moment, Nathan hesitated when he saw the expression on Rubettes face as she stood behind Lark, looking at him. Eyes widened with anticipation, trembling lips. Her beautiful face displayed a complex mix of emotions.
It was as if
Yes, a slightly joyful expression as if meeting the awaited savior. It wasnt a delusion; Rubette boldly pushed Lark aside and hurried toward Nathan.
And then, like someone desperate for life or death, she urgently spoke, I greet the 2nd Prince Nathan van Rashmagh Descarde. Im Rubetria Diollus.
Ah.
It was as if she was saying, Please help me, with every fiber of her being. Like someone with no other chance, she reached out her hand desperately, as if giving everything she had.
The handshake she abruptly extended, which went completely against etiquette, clearly conveyed something.
Nathan tactfully grabbed Rubettes hand in return.
Rubette! Lark, who approached with a menacing expression, roughly grabbed Rubettes arm.
Ow.
Although Rubette winced in pain, Lark paid no attention, as if he had dealt with her like this a couple of times before.
Brother! Nathan intervened with a displeased expression. What are you doing? Why do you treat this delicate young lady so roughly?
Its none of your concern. Larks expression, hiding Rubette behind him as if he wouldnt even let them make eye contact, was filled with madness.
Nathan continued to feign ignorance, maintaining his expression of anger. Isnt the princess in pain? I am greatly perplexed whether you are the brother I know, treating a woman so recklessly.
I told you its none of your concern. The princess and I have a special relationship, and its something were accustomed to.
Brother!
Leave quickly.
Lark forcefully pushed Rubette toward the carriage, and she was dragged along in his grip like a slave being sold.
Nathan, watching their retreating figures with a pained expression, turned his body quietly as soon as the carriage departed. Then, with a rustle, he unfolded the small piece of paper in his hand and trembled with excitement.
Wow, this is insane
Rubette, who had requested the handshake as if meeting a savior, had sent him a cute signal. The small note he received from her hand was folded several times.
Nathan bit his lip, his head filled with excitement. This is incredible. This adorable princess.
***
Returning to the dukes residence after a long time, I found myself in my bedroom. As I stood in front of the vanity, applying toner before going to bed, I caught a glimpse of Wishit in the mirror.
You. He muttered with a fearful expression, Youre good at acting.
Tap, tap. I lightly tapped my cheek, pretending to be clueless, and then burst into laughter.
Heh, hehehe. Then, I turned to face the disgusted Wishit and shrugged. Why, would you like to learn a thing or two as well?
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