Chapter 6
Chapter 6
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: The Ball
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“You’re cleared to enter.”
After quite a long wait, she was finally able to hand her invitation to the servant standing at the entrance to the banquet hall. And once again, she watched as he pressed the white stone against it. A beep sounded, and the servant bowed politely to her.
“I hope you enjoy the ball.”
She nodded at his words and stepped inside. But the moment she took in the scene within, her stomach churned. So many sounds assaulted her at once that her head throbbed.
“This season’s dress trend in the capital is…….”
“The winner of this year’s national hunt was…….”
“And His Highness the Crown Prince, well…….”
“Kyaa! That’s right!”
“How can he be so handsome!”
It was nothing like the quiet conversations she shared alone with Lukamin in her room. She couldn’t adjust to it. Her ears hurt. She wanted to cover them. But doing so would draw attention.
*This seems like a good spot.*
She slipped into the deep shadows where no one was. The far edge of the banquet hall, where no one would come. Only then did she feel at ease.
The grand music echoing through the hall, the lively chatter of the crowd, the array of colorful foods. It was all so ordinary, yet it felt so distant to her.
*I feel like the only outsider here…….*
She was an outsider, it was true. But since the accident six years ago, she hadn’t even gone near a party. After starting to play the role of a child, it was as if everyone had forgotten she existed—she hadn’t been invited to any balls.
*A princess in name only…….*
The queen despised her, the king ignored her, her siblings scorned her, and even the maids, servants, and lowly slaves treated her as if she didn’t exist.
She had long been excluded from all kingdom events, and attending a ball was a distant memory. She had been cast aside from civilized society and lessons, deemed unfit for the throne. That was her place. And so, a place like this banquet hall stirred not just unfamiliarity in her, but outright fear.
Today was the Crown Prince’s birthday ball, so what was she doing here? Why did she have to stand here feeling this terror?
Thank goodness for the mask. On a joyous occasion like this, a frightened expression would raise eyebrows.
Right, calm down.
She gripped her trembling hands, forcing the shaking to subside. She straightened her shoulders. Her pounding heart eased a bit. The piercing noises grew familiar. Only then did she step out of the shadows into the light.
“Oh my, where did you get this season’s dress?”
“My father specially allowed me to buy it from the Raysangs shop.”
“It’s truly beautiful.”
The young ladies chatted about dresses and shops. But she had no interest in that. She headed elsewhere.
“His Highness the Crown Prince participated in the subjugation campaign this time…….”
“I hope he takes the throne soon.”
“We can’t say for sure. Prince Raibus is quite talented as well.”
“What are you talking about? The Crown Prince has already been decided.”
It felt strange. Recalling the balls she’d attended in the Kingdom of Rasoni long ago, the mood here was off. Usually, the young ladies and matrons discussed politics there, while the young men talked hunts or clothes. Here, it was the complete opposite.
Yes, if she endured just this once, she could settle into this exotic, new land and properly carry out what she had to do.
With her resolve hardened, it became bearable. As she grew accustomed to eavesdropping on conversations, she could actually enjoy the ball. The music drifting beyond the chatter sounded like rolling pearls, and the food was delicious.
She was having a decent time when a voice shattered her mood.
“His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Her Imperial Majesty the Empress, His Highness the Crown Prince, and Prince Raibus make their entrance!”
Trumpets blared as the imperial family appeared. Among them, a handsome man with a cold aura captured her gaze. Everything about him struck her.
“Ah…….”
As if fated, her dazed stare met his sharp one. They locked eyes for a long moment. Snapping to her senses, she quickly looked away.
*What was that look?*
His unusual, mysterious golden eyes lingered in her mind, leaving her confused. Her usually calm heart began to race in surprise.
*Have I always been the type to fall for a handsome face?*
But how could she know? She had never properly met a man. As a child, she was busy with studies to prepare for queenship. After the incident, all ties to the world were severed.
And from childhood to now, the only men she’d seen were the king, Michaelson, and Lukamin. None could objectively be called handsome. The king was old, Michaelson average, and Lukamin intimidating.
Besides, she had no reason to get involved with the Crown Prince. She had to disappear in a week, and the terms forbade contact with anyone.
Taking advantage of the chaos as young ladies swarmed the Crown Prince, she slipped back into the shadows. Listening to their chatter, she sighed.
“He’s too handsome, Your Highness.”
“If only our family could ally with his by marriage.”
“Did you hear? The rumor that His Highness already has a fiancée picked out.”
“What a shame.”
“They say from this coming-of-age ceremony, His Highness will start taking on His Imperial Majesty’s duties. Isn’t it exciting?”
She had retreated to the edge of the hall to avoid talk of the Crown Prince, yet that was all she heard. She sighed.
Ah, then she’d find somewhere to be alone. She moved to the terrace and drew the curtains. A sign not to enter.
*Ah…… I’m tired.*
But the moment she was alone, the Crown Prince’s face from earlier kept circling her mind. His naturally flowing black hair, shining golden eyes, and cool expression…… What if that impassive face broke into a smile?
The thought conjured him flashing a fresh smile at her. He was impossibly handsome!
*No, what am I doing? Get a grip!*
Her face flushed red—strawberry red. The sudden fever of infatuation flustered her.
“To fall for a man’s face? What’s happening to me?”
Spotting a servant passing by the terrace with a tray of iced drinks, she called him over. She cooled her face with it. The chill restored her composure.
I don’t have time for this right now.
She murmured to herself as she stood. Beyond the terrace stretched a beautiful garden. She gazed at it silently.
“What are you doing here?”
The sudden voice scattered her hard-gathered thoughts. She gripped her cup tightly. Her face flushed again in an instant. Turning, she murmured softly.
“You…….”
* * *
*Boring.*
Crown Prince Rainen thought. Even on his own coming-of-age celebration, he felt no interest. He was utterly bored. Everyone called it special, but to him as an imperial, it was just another ball in a sea of them.
Moreover, young ladies kept asking him to dance every time he passed, giving him a headache. The added clause making this ball tiresome had crowds of them blocking his path. He didn’t hide his contempt for the mounting irritation.
“Crown Prince, I’m from the Atiji family…….”
“Your Highness, you look dashing today too……!”
“Our family’s young lady…….”
Countless people approached him. The barrage of voices made him want to plug his ears. Then, he felt an intense gaze.
“……!”
Staring into the woman’s sea-like blue eyes that seemed to pull him in, he was startled. From this stranger whose face he didn’t even know, he sensed a kinship.
*Loss, loneliness.*
The blue eyes peeking through her mask captivated him. Gazing into their abyssal depths, he stared as if entranced. The hall’s noise faded, making it feel like they were alone in the vast space.
Who are you?
He wanted to speak to her. To converse with this woman who seemed like his kind. He moved toward her. But she turned her head. And the other young ladies who had accidentally met his gaze squealed, blocking his way.
“Crown Prince!”
“Your Highness, you’re so handsome today!”
“Your Highness!”
His path turned into a marketplace frenzy. He scowled. He wanted to reach that woman with her fragile, mirage-like aura, but obstacles abounded. And while the young ladies blocked him, she vanished.
He sighed inwardly. Pushing back the crowd around him, he took his seat behind the emperor. Many young ladies expressed regret.
“Today is Crown Prince Rainen’s birthday ball! Thank you all for celebrating. I hope everyone enjoys this day to the fullest.”
All eyes turned to the emperor. As he declared the ball open, Rainen stood. As the star of the evening, his dance was needed to truly begin the festivities.
“Will you grant me the honor of this dance?”
Rainen wanted to dance with no one. Ignoring the obvious intentions in the young ladies’ stares, he approached the empress and offered his hand. She took it with a moved expression. They stepped to the center of the hall.
The music shifted, and they began to dance. A classic imperial waltz. He led her naturally.
“……Rainen, thank you.”
“…….”
The empress spoke to him, but his expression remained stiff. Fulfilling his duty, he danced with her and murmured lowly.
“Don’t call me that.”
“…….”
The empress fell silent. He bowed, escorted her back to her seat, and withdrew his hand as if it had touched something filthy. Ignoring her hurt expression, he dismissed his followers and young ladies and entered the lounge.
Alone, his thoughts naturally returned to that woman. The sorrow of loss. Who had she lost?
He was intensely curious. He wanted to ask why she wept, to share in her empathy. It was a bizarre impulse.
*……No.*
Since the deaths of those dear to him, he had strictly restrained himself. Whenever he thought of living ordinarily like others, he cut it off. He severed everything, including interest in people.
Only by cutting it all away could he become indifferent to everything. A still lake that never rippled. And he believed that was his apology to the blood kin he had led to death.
*I don’t deserve happiness, brother. I…… I can’t. I’m a murderer.
But after thirteen years since the incident, something had intensely captured his interest. He felt alien to himself—almost afraid. He feared he might fall uncontrollably for her.
Still, he decided to find her. Cautiously using a secret passage, he slipped into the garden. But he knew only her eyes; not her face. In this vast garden, how could he find her? Frustration built.
“What am I doing right now?”
Suddenly, he laughed in disbelief at himself, bewitched by a woman into doing something he’d never do.
He wasn’t the type to fall in love at first sight. Nor was she the only one with that aura. He couldn’t understand his own behavior.
“You just seemed so fragile. Like me. That’s all. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Muttering to himself though no one could hear, he left the garden. Gazing at the stars brighter than usual tonight, he caught sight of the woman he sought.
*Found you.*
He hurried to her terrace. Drawing the curtain, he saw her startle. Her ears, uncovered by the mask, were red.
“You…….”
He heard her soft murmur. But now that he’d found her, he didn’t know what to say and stayed silent. An awkward quiet settled between them.
“……Infinite glory to the Luminir Empire. I am Maria of the Amari family.”
“Lady Amari, a pleasure.”
Silence again. They awkwardly met each other’s eyes. Then, she reached toward his golden eyes. He flinched back. She pulled her hand away with an “oh no.”
“S-Sorry. I’ve never been good at curbing my curiosity…….”
It was true. Before the incident six years ago, Canibella had been the most lively princess. Full of curiosity and laughter. Though trials had changed her, this remained.
“It’s fine. Eyes like these aren’t common.”
“Your magnanimity is appreciated.”
Fortunately, Rainen was tolerant about such things, and Canibella relaxed. Her action eased the tension between them. They began chatting easily. They got along surprisingly well.
How long since a real conversation? Excited, they shared their stories.
“I tripped chasing a butterfly and snagged both legs on rocks twice. The servants’ faces staring at me were hilarious. They pitied my fall, but it was so comical they struggled not to laugh. I still remember.”
“I’ve had that. When I caused trouble and cried, my brother would…… come scoop me up.”
Brother. A word he hadn’t uttered in ages. He missed brother Rainel. She sensed his hesitation.
*Ah, this person has lost someone too, like me.* Instinctively, she knew. It stirred kinship in her.
Suddenly, she wanted to hug him. Whatever his story, she imagined him standing alone without proper comfort.
So she hugged him wordlessly. Bewildered by her sudden embrace, he froze. But she stroked his back silently. He felt a warmth like consolation.
He never wanted to let go of this warmth.
How long they held each other, a grand music swelled. Only then did they realize the ball wasn’t over.
“Will you…… dance with me?”
Gathering courage, he offered his hand. But she panicked.
“Pardon?”
Sadly, she had never properly learned to dance. Since the incident six years ago, she’d been cut off from all lessons, learning only basic knowledge from secret reading.
She had learned swordsmanship, though. After starting her child act, to protect herself in any situation, she’d trained desperately under Lukamin. But her swordmaster Lukamin knew nothing beyond swords, leaving her flustered.
What to do? She’d never danced!
Sensing her hesitation, he took her hand reassuringly. To the flowing music, they began to dance. She relaxed. He led her skillfully. His steps were neither frivolous nor rigid.
A lead considerate of her skill. Steps that made it lively. She found herself drawn into the dance with him.
*This is fun.*
Six years without true joy. After the incident, nameless anxiety chased her; then child-acting kept her tense. Always distant from comfort.
But now, the obsession to find her mother’s killer and hatred for the Muyila family that dragged her through mud didn’t surface.
Feeling comfort after so long, she entrusted herself fully to him.
The music ended. Their dance stopped. Fireworks burst. Embraced in his arms, she watched the colorful sparks. Pressed close, their heartbeats mingled.
“Ah…….”
She parted her lips. He saw them. Her lips glittering in the fireworks were mesmerizing. Suddenly curious about her hidden face, he removed her mask as if compelled.
“Ah!”
“……!”
Her revealed face shocked him. He’d never seen such beauty. Pale skin, straight nose, blue eyes. He gazed silently at her face.
“…….”
But as he kept staring, she grew uneasy. Had he recognized her?
“Um…….”
His lips silenced her. She panicked at the sensation on hers. But it soon turned ecstatic. They shared tongues, hot breaths.
So sweet—she wished this moment eternal.
Boom!
Fireworks burst again. Silently, they continued their lovers’ serenade.