The Dragon Princess Turns Heads
Seeing Seong Hyun-jin boldly claim the beautiful woman entering the banquet hall as his girlfriend, Elcarus Levatein swallowed a wry chuckle inwardly.
It wasn't that he was ignoring Seong Hyun-jin for making such a claim about his own girlfriend.
...I thought no woman here could outshine my daughter.
It was a reaction born of sheer astonishment at just how stunningly beautiful Seong Hyun-jin's girlfriend, Serena Eldark, truly was.
Her radiant platinum blonde hair, crimson eyes, and a red dress that seemed designed to captivate anyone who laid eyes on it blended together in perfect harmony, instantly drawing every gaze in the room. It was no coincidence that all attention converged on her the moment she appeared. Even the dragon horns sprouting from her head only enhanced her exotic allure, serving as unique accessories that accentuated Serena Eldark's beauty to its fullest.
"...She really went all out looking pretty."
Seong Hyun-jin was openly impressed. He'd told her to dress up nicely, and it was clear she'd put in serious effort.
Elcarus Levatein casually asked Seong Hyun-jin,
"Just to confirm, but you're saying she's the daughter of Ahajaka Eldark?"
"Ahajaka Eldark? Oh, right, that's Serena's dad's name. Yeah, probably."
"The daughter of the Dragon Star is your lover."
"Yep."
Seong Hyun-jin replied with a touch of bashfulness.
"It's been official for a little while now."
"... "
Elcarus kept his composure outwardly, but inwardly, he sighed in regret. If she was already taken, his plans to pair her with Clarice were crumbling to dust.
Before he knew it, Seong Hyun-jin was heading toward Serena, who had entered the banquet hall and seemed to be searching for him. Elcarus couldn't bring himself to stop him.
What to do about this...
In this era, a capable man could take multiple wives, and Duke Elcarus himself had two. But...
No concubines.
As a father, he couldn't consign his precious daughter to such a role. Especially not the Levatein family's golden child—rumors alone would swirl endlessly, potentially wounding her.
Elcarus pondered quietly to himself.
Perhaps if Clarice becomes the principal wife and the Dragon Star's daughter a side consort...
He was mulling over how to engineer that when—
"Father."
Clarice quietly addressed Elcarus Levatein.
"What is it?"
"I think I know what you're scheming, but please don't."
"...What do you mean?"
Elcarus feigned ignorance, but Clarice spoke as if she already knew everything.
"I just want to maintain a good relationship with him. He's someone who can help refine my swordsmanship further, and above all, he's the disciple of the person I respect most."
Clarice continued,
"I'm worried your actions might cause him unnecessary trouble."
"I thought you had some interest in him too."
"That kind of interest..."
Clarice trailed off, pausing briefly before gathering her thoughts.
"I do have a simple interest, but it doesn't compare to what others feel."
"...Others'?"
"Yes. So I have no grounds to insert myself."
Elcarus's eyes widened at his daughter's implication that there were more beyond just Serena Eldark. But he quickly composed himself and nodded in understanding.
"I see."
Of course. A man like that wasn't commonplace. It made sense if multiple women harbored feelings for him. If Clarice's interest wasn't as deep yet—not true affection...
...No need to rush.
Considering his daughter would spend the next three years at the academy with Seong Hyun-jin, Elcarus decided against hasty moves.
"My dear."
"Yes, Father."
"If you ever find yourself desiring that man later, just tell me."
Elcarus lightly patted Clarice's shoulder.
"Your father will kidnap him if need be and ensure you're wed."
"Wh-what are you saying...?"
"Hahaha."
While Elcarus teased Clarice mischievously, Serena—who had been scanning the room for someone—suddenly found her target before her.
"You really dressed up nice."
It was Seong Hyun-jin.
Facing him, Serena smiled softly, looking utterly pleased.
"You look dashing too, Seong Hyun-jin."
"The formality's killing the vibe."
"...Didn't you say to call you that when we're alone?"
"No one's listening anyway."
Seong Hyun-jin said that, but with all eyes on them, plenty of people were eavesdropping on their exchange. Serena noticed and glanced at him. He seemed oblivious to the stares, but she couldn't ignore them. Naturally, it embarrassed her terribly.
Yet for some reason, whereas she'd once sworn she could never do it, she now felt a spark of courage. Blushing faintly, Serena murmured,
"You look really hot right now, honey."
Seong Hyun-jin beamed openly at her affection, his satisfaction evident to all as he extended a hand to her.
"Let's go greet the duke."
"What about the others?"
"No one's here yet except Clarice. They're running late."
"Really? I thought I was the last one..."
Serena lightly took Seong Hyun-jin's offered hand.
"Escorting me?"
"Of course I am."
With that, he gently led her along, mindful of her high heels to keep her from stumbling. That small consideration made Serena smile. He could seem so carefree usually, yet he always looked after others in these moments. It was one of the things that had made her fall for him.
Under Seong Hyun-jin's escort, Serena headed toward Duke Levatein. As she passed along the banquet hall's carpet, gasps of admiration escaped the crowd unbidden.
"She's so beautiful..."
"Those horns... Could she be the daughter of Dragon Star Ahajaka Eldark?"
"Come to think of it, I heard she enrolled at Terastial Academy this year."
Each time someone recognized Serena, curiosity about Seong Hyun-jin spiked too. Who was this man who seemed so close to her—clearly more than friends?
He might be a mystery, but one thing was certain.
"What a perfect match."
In terms of looks, they complemented each other flawlessly, without a single flaw.
Seong Hyun-jin brought Serena to Elcarus, where she offered a proper bow and greeting.
"I'm Serena Eldark. Thank you for inviting me to the banquet, Duke Levatein."
"Indeed, the daughter of Dragon Star Ahajaka Eldark. We're honored to have such a distinguished guest gracing us. You've truly enlivened the atmosphere here."
"You're too kind."
Serena humbly accepted the praise before turning to Clarice and complimenting her sincerely.
"Clarice, you look absolutely stunning."
"Not as much as you, Serena Eldark. You could be tonight's star."
"I wouldn't dream of it. I just..."
Serena shot Seong Hyun-jin a sidelong glance, her lips curving slightly.
"...want to look pretty for one person."
"...!"
Seong Hyun-jin blinked in surprise at her, but Serena turned to Duke Elcarus instead, smoothly changing the subject.
"Is the beast subjugation over now?"
"No, this was just the first wave. We'll resupply and prepare again, then head out in two days."
"Could we join you then?"
"You?"
"Yes. Not just me, but Seong Hyun-jin here, and the two companions who haven't arrived yet."
The duke seemed to ponder it briefly, so Serena pressed her case.
"We won't be a burden."
Clarice chimed in supportively from the side.
"Could you allow it as experiential learning? The forbidden zone is off-limits to us anyway, so we won't be going into any real danger."
"Hm."
Elcarus Levatein glanced between Serena and Seong Hyun-jin, then smiled faintly, intrigued.
"I'll consider it positively."
"Thank you!"
Serena turned to Seong Hyun-jin with a triumphant look, as if to say see?
"Nice work."
"Enjoy the banquet now. I must speak with the guests briefly, so I'll step away. If anything comes up, talk to my son over there."
Elcarus gestured toward Kaijid Levatein, who was mingling with others, before parting from Seong Hyun-jin.
"Understood."
"Clarice, take good care of our guests."
"Yes, Father."
With the duke gone, Serena, Seong Hyun-jin, and Clarice descended the dais. Seong Hyun-jin immediately voiced what he'd been holding back.
"I'm starving."
"Why didn't you say so earlier?"
"Please help yourselves to the delicious spread."
Clarice picked up a plate and tongs first. Seong Hyun-jin chuckled at the sight.
"You were hungry too, huh?"
"It seems so. It's well past mealtime already."
"Oh, yeah."
Realizing why he'd felt so famished, Seong Hyun-jin joined Clarice in loading plates.
"You not eating, Serena?"
"Me? Well..."
Serena hesitated, recalling how Seong Hyun-jin had poked her side earlier.
This dress is already a bit snug around the waist...
It was just form-fitting, but she couldn't shake the needless worry.
"I'm fine."
"Bet you're hungry."
"No, really, eat comfortably without me."
Serena lightly took a champagne flute from a passing tray.
"This is enough for me."
"Going for alcohol?"
"It's a banquet—gotta have a little to get in the mood."
"Should we?"
Clarice shook her head at Seong Hyun-jin's question.
"I don't drink. And right now, food matters more than alcohol for me."
"Fair enough. Guess it's just me then."
Seong Hyun-jin grabbed a flute too. Serena asked, surprised,
"You've had it before?"
"Kinda yes, kinda no..."
"What kind of answer is that?"
"I know the taste from my past life, but this body's never tried it. Master doesn't indulge, so no chances up at the mountain cabin either."
"Ah."
Serena nodded, reminded anew. He acted so innocently sometimes that she occasionally forgot he was a reincarnator.
"Shall we toast?"
"Sure."
Seong Hyun-jin and Serena clinked the rims of their glasses lightly and each took a sip. Serena smiled contentedly.
"This champagne's good."
"Kinda bitter."
"That's how alcohol is."
Seong Hyun-jin furrowed his brow slightly. Logically, yes, but why did he remember drinks as sweet from his past life?
Maybe 'cause this body's young...?
The alcohol content wasn't that high, yet it tasted bitter to him now. Perhaps because this life hadn't yet savored life's full bitterness, he mused, scanning the room.
"Speaking of, when are Ciela and Yeonhui coming?"
"Not sure about Ciela-senior, but Yeonhui-senior left before me. No idea why she's not here."
"Huh? Really?"
Seong Hyun-jin tilted his head curiously, then suddenly grew serious.
"She didn't get harassed or something...? Like grabbed by drunk guests..."
"Who in Levatein Manor would have the guts?"
"No one. They'd have to be insane."
Serena and Clarice's firm denial left Seong Hyun-jin scratching his head awkwardly.
"Good, then."
"Something must've come up."
"Or maybe she just doesn't like banquets."
"...Ah."
That could be it.
"You okay with this?"
"Me? Yeah... I'm used to these events. And you said it yourself, right?"
Serena smiled lightly.
"No need to worry about others' stares."
"True. Glad I said that."
Seong Hyun-jin nodded, then abruptly speared a piece of meat with his fork and held it out to her.
"So stop holding back and eat."
"...Pardon?"
"I've seen your eyes drifting to the food. If you want it, just eat."
Serena flinched guiltily, shoulders twitching. Seong Hyun-jin chuckled and eased her worry.
"I get what you're fretting over, but no need. Even if you plump up, I'm fine with it. Sounds cute, actually."
"Y-you'd feed me till I got chubby?"
"Wasn't what I meant..."
Seong Hyun-jin said,
"It's dripping. Hurry and take it."
"......"
Serena hesitated but couldn't resist the savory aroma. She opened her mouth, and he fed her the meat. Chewing slowly, she savored the exquisite flavor.
"Good, right?"
"...Yes."
Handing her a plate, Seong Hyun-jin added,
"Eat freely. No weight worries. Can't fathom why you'd even think that."
"O-okay..."
Serena grumbled bashfully but let go of her concerns, finally enjoying the banquet's delights.
While heartily eating and digesting, Seong Hyun-jin glanced around. Still no sign of Ciela or Yeonhui.
"They're really late."
"Yeah."
"I'll go look. Stay here."
"Alone? Maybe we should just wait..."
"Just checking nearby. Be right back—wait with Clarice."
"...Okay."
Serena felt uneasy and wanted to stop him but lacked an excuse, so she let him go. Seong Hyun-jin slipped out of the banquet hall briefly.
Passing down the corridor, his eyes immediately spotted the person he'd sought: Ciela Teraport.
Her sky-blue hair and orange dress shimmered subtly under the starlit night sky. Not as attention-grabbing as Clarice or Serena, but instantly evoking a quiet beauty.
"Ciela-senior."
"Oh, junior. Why'd you come out?"
"What're you doing here? We waited ages."
"Sorry. There are folks from families I know inside, so I figured it'd be a hassle and stayed out."
As the daughter of the world's wealthiest house—rivaling the Levateins in fame—she avoided the spotlight to prevent her time being wasted on recognition.
"So you're not going in?"
"Hm..."
Ciela pondered, then grinned at Seong Hyun-jin.
"You're here now, so we can hang out together."
"Huh?"
"Hyunjin-junior, wanna keep me company a bit?"
Ciela pointed to the banquet hall's windows—specifically, the adjoining terrace rest area.
"Let's go to the terrace over there, just us."