Chapter 178
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 178
Dave’s eyes snapped open.
A beat late, he recalled the message delivered by Carmi’s head maid this morning.
“The Crown Prince’s condition is said to be unusual. If His Majesty the Emperor gives you any instructions, follow them obediently.”
Dave was often annoyed by Carmi’s attitude—how she still treated him like a child and tried to restrict his every move—but it was an undeniable fact that he enjoyed his father’s favor because of her.
But he wants me to dance with a vassal’s daughter?
A girl who only carried the Frezier name in word, a mere fake?
And with the real one standing right there?
Even if it was his father’s command, he felt a flash of displeasure.
Dave had never been particularly brilliant. However, being of imperial blood, his gears were turning to some extent.
Mother must have been whispering in his ear.
A victory banquet for the Crown Prince where the guest of honor couldn't even show up because he was ill. Opening the first dance there with the woman who was the Crown Prince’s fiancée would look significant in the eyes of the nobility.
It was an act that would drag the authority of the Crown Prince—the hero of this triumph—straight into the gutter.
That’s right. No matter how much Ferdinand struggles, he’s nothing more than a lowly cripple. How could someone with a disability that prevents them from ever growing up take the throne?
In fact, this worked out perfectly for him.
Ferdinand was the one rolling in the mud, while Dave got to taste the sweet honey.
Besides, a quick glance at Sophia revealed she was quite the beauty.
Of course, she wasn't on the level of Tulia Frezier, but Dave was already reaching his limit with Tulia, who kept grating on his nerves with her stupid, oblivious remarks.
Yet, he was too afraid of Tulia Frezier’s backing to openly get angry or act petty toward her.
Sophia Frezier, however, was different.
Didn’t Mother say it? That girl will be kicked out of her position as the prospective Crown Princess soon.
He hadn't heard the specific reason, but since Empress Carmi had hinted at it, the information was bound to be accurate.
If that was the case, there was no need for an Imperial Prince like himself to walk on eggshells around her.
She was reasonably pretty enough to suit his status, and while she shared a family name with the irritating Tulia Frezier, she lacked the same formidable support.
He figured it would be perfect to spend the dance stepping all over Sophia Frezier’s feet and then trip her at the end to vent the frustration Tulia had caused him.
Dave placed a hand over his heart and bowed politely.
“I obey Your Imperial Majesty’s command.”
* * *
I’m going back to the Temple today and donating a million gold.
In my mind, I performed two deep bows toward Emperor Alexander.
That’s right. I was so grateful I wanted him to drop dead.
“Lady Tulia Frezier. It is a pity, but my father’s command takes precedence. In exchange, the second dance shall be…”
“No, Second Prince.”
I spoke with a delicate, wistful expression.
“It is disappointing, but what can one do? Furthermore, I have unfortunately already made a prior engagement for the second dance.”
“What? You are quite popular, My Lady. Then, the third dance…”
“I have an appointment for that as well.”
“To think there are so many well-prepared young lords in the Brillant Empire; as a member of the Imperial Family, it truly gladdens me. Then, I shall specially take the fourth dance…”
“I have a prior engagement for that one too.”
Dave’s complexion, which had been full of bravado, shifted instantly. His voice dropped to a low growl.
“Lady Tulia Frezier. I’m asking just in case.”
“Yes, Prince?”
“You aren't joking with me, are you? Or perhaps, mocking me?”
“How could I possibly do such a thing?”
“I’d like to check your dance card. Surely an understanding young lord among them would be willing to yield his dance with you to me?”
He was saying he’d use his power to crush them. I nodded obediently.
“Here it is, Second Prince. Please, have a look.”
I readily held out the dance card hanging from my waist. Dave snatched it away, maintaining a facade of manners.
And then.
“…”
Dave’s breathing grew heavy.
His face went through a kaleidoscope of colors. Blue, white, black, then red.
I watched his hesitation with a joyful heart.
“Your Highness? Have you seen enough?”
“L-Lady. These people… no, when did you… with these gentlemen…?”
That is none of your business.
I smiled sweetly and asked back.
“Your Highness, so which guest’s spot will you be taking? I need to send someone ahead to inform them. Would you care to tell me?”
“T-Take it?”
Dave was so startled he dropped the dance card.
It was tied to my waist with a thin string, so it didn't hit the floor, but Dave acted as if he had personally thrown it down. He hurriedly picked up the card dangling near my knees and handed it back.
There was a hint of servility in his touch.
“Hahaha, My Lady. Take it? What a thing to say. People might misunderstand if they heard you.”
Dave let out a hollow laugh and beat a clumsy retreat.
That’s right.
None of the three are easy targets, are they?
Scared?
Can you feel how much you're lacking compared to them?
“Ahem, Lady Sophia Frezier.”
Still an Imperial Prince at the end of the day, Dave quickly composed himself and extended a hand to Sophia.
“By my father’s command, let us open the first dance.”
“It is an honor, Second Prince.”
And so.
Since my first dance was now vacant, I planned to act as a Wall Crystal and sparkle appropriately.
Klaus had smirked at me earlier, so he might approach.
Or perhaps Benjamin?
I actually had a lot to be grateful to Benjamin for.
Specifically, the 10 coins he gifted me when we sent Duke Hitman to ruin. I had earned a staggering 500 billion gold with those. How should I put it? He was like a guardian of my finances.
When I happened to look up at the dais, my gaze paused.
As if by fate, I locked eyes with that radiant man.
Benjamin Fluers.
Has he been watching me this whole time?
I gave him a faint smile. Then.
“...?”
Did I see that right?
For a moment, it looked like a flash of shyness crossed Benjamin’s eyes.
It even looked like a flush had crept onto his face.
A flush…
That was a word that didn't suit a character famous for being so sly.
However, the crystal chandelier cast shadows so perfectly that it was hard to confirm in an instant.
Because of that, I ended up staring at his face for a long time, and I was eventually shocked.
It’s true. His face really did turn red.
Why?
Belatedly, I realized Benjamin wasn't avoiding my gaze at all. It was strange. Why wouldn't he look away even as his cheeks reddened?
He looked like a man suffering from a strange thirst.
I was the one who looked first, but before I knew it, he seemed to be the one holding my gaze captive.
It felt like being tied tight with a rope.
While I was staring blankly at Benjamin with that exact feeling, I suddenly felt a bizarre gaze, like an invisible needle pricking my cheek.
“...?”
I reflexively looked to my left and gasped.
What’s wrong with him?
Klaus was glaring at me as if he wanted to devour me.
Why is he glaring with such smoldering eyes?
Is he crazy?
Half the nobles here were stealing glances at Benjamin and Klaus on the dais.
Unlike Benjamin, whose gaze was relatively soft, Klaus was glaring fiercely, looking like a spouse who had just caught their partner cheating red-handed.
Even though I had done nothing wrong, I felt a pang of guilt.
His face is the one that’s a crime, so why is he making me look like the criminal?
Already, a few sharp-eyed individuals were trying to figure out which ‘woman’ Klaus’s burning gaze was directed toward.
I was starting to feel uneasy.
If it were just a stare, it would be one thing, but Klaus’s eyes were smoldering with intensity. He truly looked like a wolf.
At this rate, it wouldn't be the ‘reasonably beautiful scandal’ I wanted…
At the very least, rumors would spread that I had secretly gotten engaged to Klaus and was now pretending not to know him just to play around with other men at an official event.
High society is built on flights of fancy.
If such a rumor started.
Grandfather might just boil Klaus alive.
And Dad would probably be the one putting the pot on the stove.
This isn't going to work.
“Second Prince. I shall take my leave then.”
“Ah, yes. You may go, Lady Tulia Frezier.”
“Yes.”
I turned my head, gave a light bow, and immediately walked away.
Since Dave, as a Prince, had to open the first dance by the Emperor’s command, it was fortunate that the nobles, myself included, had to clear the central floor.
At that very moment.
“...?”
The gazes of the nobles, who were about to move in small groups with smiles on their faces, froze on the dais.
The Emperor’s Chief Attendant had suddenly rushed up and whispered something in his ear.
As the highest-ranking servant in the palace, the Chief Attendant’s every movement usually exuded elegance, but now, an urgency that even his dignity couldn't hide was dripping from him.
Did something happen?
I wasn't the only one wondering; the nobles below the dais were exchanging puzzled glances.
The Emperor’s expression shifted into something unreadable, and then he gave a slight nod.
The Chief Attendant moved immediately.
Less than a minute later.
“His Highness the Crown Prince is entering!”
A booming voice filled the special banquet hall.
The difference from before was that the announcement came not from the entrance, but from the stairs connected to the second floor.
Everyone’s eyes turned in that direction.
“...?”
“...?”
“...!”
As if by agreement, everyone covered their mouths.
Like a star that had become the sun overnight descending from the heavens.
The Crown Prince, Ferdinand—now a fully grown young man—was slowly walking down the stairs.