“What’s wrong.”
Lennox seemed to have noticed I hardened the moment we came in contact.
However, there wasn’t any need for me to explain. My weakness was something only I ought to know.
“It’s nothing.”
He didn’t seem to trust my words. Nonetheless, Lennox abandoned my bizarre response and shifted his eyes forward.
We leisurely entered the Imperial Palace. Everyone’s stares turned to us. No, to be precise, they directed towards the man beside me.
“Did you know?”
We headed towards the ballroom, my hand still rested on his arm.
“What?”
“You’re the first to speak informally to me.”
There was no change in expression, but his voice contained the slightest bit of interest.
“You also speak informally to me.”
“I was the youngest in this Empire to have received the title of a Duke.”
“Are you bragging?”
“You must realize my title is significantly different from yours.”
“So now you’re threatening me?”
“Much rumors originate from gatherings such as these, so simply take it as advice.”
A setting where many aristocrats exist. A place in which a mere slip of the tongue may lead to inconvenience. He was implying that.
“I know.”
As I nodded, I could feel Lennox slightly tilting his head to stare down at me. His gaze always seemed amused whenever it came to me.
The door to the ballroom opened.
“Let’s enter.”
This was the first banquet I was to attend in this life, therefore I held high expectations. It was none other than the Imperial family who arranged the whole event, after all.
‘Wow.’
It was beyond imagination. My mind turned blank before the overwhelmingly splendid display.
From the ceiling to the pillars, walls, and floors; everything was capped in jewelry.
‘Is it even possible for someone to waste money to this extent?’
Perhaps the reason was due to Lennox. Everyone’s eyes cast on us.
“Isn’t that the Duke of Vifletto?”
“Lady Latni? She previously refused to meet me.”
“I heard she left for an outing. She must have returned recently.”
As I stood amidst the hall to prepare for a dance, the chattering entered my ears.
‘If you’re going to speak about someone behind their back, make sure they don’t hear your gibberish.’
These nobles didn’t realize how inconsiderate they were of their opponent.
“If you are unfamiliar with dancing, be sure to let me know in advance.”
As I stood in position, Lennox whispered into my eardrum.
What do you see me as.
“Don’t step on my feet.”
As soon as Lennox smiled, the music proceeded. We began our dance.
For the past three months, Serrine properly educated me on proper dance etiquette. She was known to be a social butterfly, therefore treated me harshly so I could perfect any move.
‘I’m confident in my dancing skills.’
I truly was. My dress fluttered gracefully as I gently moved along the tune.
Lennox’s dance was above par. Even the way he moved with such agility was fatal. I could hear a young lady squeal from the corner.
‘It is about time his fan club emerged.’
“You don’t seem to like how skillful my dancing is.”
“Don’t mention the fact if you are already aware.”
“I see.”
Lennox’s smile deepened as he responded to my sarcastic tone.
“Have you not heard of the rumors circulating about me?”
Rumors? What rumors was he talking about?
“Then let me inform you. I kill anyone I dislike in a heartbeat.”
I’m proud, you bastard. Of course I wouldn’t know. You constantly act unlike the original!
“Is it because I’ve only met people who are desperate to please me?”
I twirled as Lennox wrapped my waist around his arm and pulled me in.
“It’s refreshing.”
Do let me ask, what type of fresh meat would I be classified as?
“Sometimes, I have the urge to check myself whether you have two lives.”
“…You’re joking like the last time you tried to kill me, right?”
Lennox grinned. He lowered his head and whispered into my ears.
“Well, if you are curious, try it yourself.”
Why are you so playfully saying there are times when you want to kill me? I wanted to scream in agitation, but it would be better to preserve this one life I owned.
The music ended as soon as I shut my mouth. Lennox and I retreated a step to greet each other.
The moment I bid my farewell, my feet headed the opposite way.
‘My sole purpose was to be his partner. Now that my role is over, there’s no need to stick next to him.’
I have to find the boy my Diletsha likes!
After I distanced myself from Lennox, I stood in place and searched for Diletsha.
However, there was no way I would be able to find her amongst such a large number of people. I settled on an empty table nearby.
“Young lady of Count Latni.”
“Did you enjoy your trip?”
“When will you attend the salon?”
“The wine is appetizing. Let’s have a drink.”
I only sat down for a short while, but numerous nobles whom I didn’t even recognize began to approach me.
“Lady Latni…”
“It’s nice to meet you? Yes, it’s nice to meet you. I’m not feeling very well, so it would be a bit difficult for me to dance with you. I hope you enjoy your night with another beautiful lady!”
As I waved my hand lightly and spoke resolutely, the man who attempted to approach me flushed.
It was already the sixth rejection.
Yes, I could tell just by expression.
It’s embarrassing to say this myself, but this face… It wasn’t simply beautiful, but very much. I am overly attractive. Even among the young ladies, I always radiated brilliantly.
Of course, I tried my best to act polite to the men who approached me earlier.
However, that was the main issue.
After I spoke respectfully, men constantly approached me. Eventually, I was forced to respond coldly.
“Young lady of Count Latni.”
“I don’t want to talk, so please look for someone other than me.”
At this point, I think I may relate to the reason Serrine was so impudent to others.
How could she have possibly refused them chivalrously when they appeared one after the other?
As I sighed, a sweet voice resounded beside me.
“Does that also apply to me?”
Rather than refusing him like the others, I curiously glanced at the man’s way.
Golden hair and rusty eyes that seemed to contain a fresh rainforest.
His white uniform and the eyes of the women constantly gazing his way.
“How was your trip?”
I could tell at a glance. There was no need to infer on the matter any further.
“…Yes, well.”
This man standing before me was Crown Prince Paryan von Tekkenen, the male protagonist of this world.
“I heard you’ve gone through an unfortunate accident. Thank you for attending despite your circumstances.”
He was exactly as described in the novel.
His smile was as fresh as a spring flower, his personality as gentle and warm as the sunlight.
Unlike someone else, he was a man overflowing with courtesy and dignity enough to use honorifics to a person of lower status than himself.
“Please don’t mention it.”
“If it’s alright with you, I’d like to speak privately with the young lady.”
“…With me?”
I didn’t intend to involve myself with the main protagonists, but why was he approaching me first? I don’t recall he ever spoke with Serrine first in the novel.
I frowned suspiciously. Prince Paryan hurriedly continued to speak.
“I heard that you left for a short trip, so I wish to hear about your experiences in person.”
Prince Paryan’s eyes indeed seemed filled with curiosity.
Well, wouldn’t it be alright if we only talk about that?
Rather than leaving a strong impression by refusing him for no apparent reason, it would be better to be that extra young lady #1 and accept his request.
Moreover, the decisive point was that I, unlike Serrine, wouldn’t develop a liking for this man.
‘You’re handsome, but not my taste.’
So, naturally, there would be no reason to fight against the female protagonist over him.
“Alright.”
As I accepted his offer while picking a glass of champagne from the servant, he showed me the way.
As we headed for the unreserved balcony, a cool wind blew against my stuffed chest.
“Serrine.”
As the fresh breeze brushed past me, the Prince spoke calmly.
…Yes? By the way, when did it change from Latni’s young lady to Serrine? Why was this man calling me by name all of a sudden?
I abruptly turned to face him in startlation.
“…Serrine.”
When I didn’t respond, he called me again. For some cause, Prince Paryan gazed at me with moist eyes, unlike a while before.
‘Why? Why are you crying?’
Did I do something wrong? What is this? Did he and Serrine have bad memories before the trip? Was there something wrong with the champagne he held? What is it? What is it!
“Were you injured?”
Yes?
“When I heard the news of your accident, my heart collapsed from the edge of a cliff.”
What are you saying?
His breath seemed unstable. His lips trembled as he lowered his head.
“When I heard the news that you were injured and lost your memory, I… I wanted to throw everything and run to you.”
Excuse me, and why would you do that?
Crown Prince Paryan took hold of my cold hand. I didn’t understand what the hell was going on.
‘Why are you holding my hand?’
I tried to release myself from his grasp, but he was far too strong.
“Are you trying to punish me like this?”
“…Yes?”
“When I heard that you left for a trip alone without informing me beforehand or leaving as much as a notice, I truly… Haah.”
As Prince Paryan recalled what happened during the time, he frowned and sighed exasperatedly.
“I think I shed all the tears I could for the rest of my life. Now that my tears have dried for you, I won’t be able to cry for the rest of my days.”
Where did he pick up such old sayings? Or was this the time when such cringe comments were effective?
“Serrine, my love! Why don’t you say anything?”
“…What?”
I froze that instant.
***
Serrine went like-