Chapter 121
Chapter 121
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 121
Chapter Title: The Ball (7)
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To Ceria, this very moment felt like a dream.
To be with the lover she adored, in front of everyone.
It felt like she was declaring to the entire world that the Hero was her man.
Could their compatibility be any more perfect?
The sensation of a perfect fit was utterly blissful, like discovering a new world.
Jace’s state wasn’t much different.
His expression clearly showed he was so happy he didn't know what to do.
The intense heat transmitted from where they touched.
The girl’s excitement was mounting, to the point where her reason was becoming paralyzed.
The moment was sweet enough to make her wish it would last forever, but eventually, that delightful time came to an end.
*Huh? It just started, but it’s already over?*
A strange sense of emptiness… Ceria wanted to deny reality.
She was certainly satisfied, but the feeling of wanting more was stronger.
It felt like she needed to possess him more to feel truly content…
As she fretted inwardly, Jace whispered gently.
“It feels like a shame to stop now… Shall we have one more dance?”
“—!”
*Thump, thump.*
Ceria couldn't control her fluttering heart at his words.
Somehow, even their thoughts were the same.
The phrase ‘a match made in heaven’ naturally came to mind.
‘An expression that shows he's dying to have me…’
That look was so incredibly endearing.
The girl was overcome with the impulse to wrap her arms around her lover’s neck and kiss him right then and there.
Her self-control was rapidly deteriorating.
It was frightening, as if she might actually do it.
But she couldn't cause a scene at the imperial ball…
“No.”
“—??”
*Why? For what reason?*
*He hadn't expected to be refused, had he?*
He showed a hint of confusion with that look.
Just how much did he love her to react like that?
Ceria, feeling a thrill, smiled playfully.
“I want to dance more too, but I’m too excited… I might do something without realizing it. Would you be okay with that?”
“—!”
At a glance, there wasn’t much of a change.
But knowing Jace better than anyone, Ceria easily recognized that he was stunned.
A reaction that seemed both troubled and, at the same time, overjoyed.
It looked like he was experiencing a conflict so great it could shake his near-perfect composure.
“No, this won’t do. Let’s hurry back. We can’t keep the Imperial Princess waiting.”
This lingering desire could be fulfilled later.
Having such a remarkable lover meant she had a lot to worry about, but that was something she had to endure.
Just as bees are drawn to fragrant, sweet flowers.
It wouldn’t be much different for a man like him.
Signs of it were already appearing.
Noble ladies from all directions were staring at Jace, completely captivated.
They had the distinct look of girls who had lost their hearts.
Most would end it with a fleeting heartache.
But a few bold girls were slyly sizing up the situation, as if looking for an opportunity.
How should she deal with those sly foxes?
Ceria hugged Jace’s arm tighter as she pondered.
There were exceptions, of course.
But generally, it was extremely difficult for a gentleman to refuse a lady’s request for a dance.
What kind of gentleman would disregard the feelings of a lady who had barely managed to summon her courage?
A considerable number of those foxes would surely approach him.
Jace was not only the heir to the Crodain family but also the Hero.
It was safe to say there was no man more charming than him.
In other words, there was still room for them to make a move, even with his fiancée right there.
‘They’ll probably approach him with the attitude of ‘I’ll at least give it a shot’…’
Putting all that aside, Jace’s response was what mattered.
If a refusal was to be made, he had to be the one to do it; for someone else to interfere would be a great discourtesy.
Considering Jace’s character.
He would likely turn the foxes down with gentle words, but the situation itself was bound to be awkward.
If only she could block them from even approaching…
It was a subtly vexing problem, but it was resolved in an unexpected way.
The Imperial Princess, whose turn was next, stepped forward, and the situation naturally resolved itself.
*Ah, so to be with the Hero, you have to be at least an Imperial Princess.*
The noble ladies who had been aiming for Jace realized this reality and were crushed.
“…”
*Huh? It’s working out like this?*
Ceria was at a loss for words for a moment at the sight.
It seemed like a situation she should be happy about.
But the princess gave off the impression of a lioness chasing away the foxes… or something of the sort.
And for good reason—the Imperial Princess’s presence was dazzling.
Not only was she beautiful on the inside, but she was also flawless in every aspect.
Others might not, but the Imperial Princess certainly had the right to pursue Jace.
Ceria tried her best to suppress her anxiety.
She had said it was just admiration for the Hero, so for now, she had no choice but to believe her…
Suddenly, the Imperial Princess approached her.
Then, with an apologetic expression, she whispered softly.
“I… I don’t know what to say, I’m so sorry.”
She seemed to feel guilty about borrowing her lover.
But there was no need to mention it.
As long as a few rules were observed.
It was acceptable to dance with someone other than your partner at a ball.
Moreover, the Imperial Princess was, for this moment, representing the Imperial Family.
By having Jace and the Imperial Princess dance together.
The nobles would perceive the relationship between the Hero and the Imperial Family as close.
It was a rather important matter.
Ceria forced a smile.
“Please don’t worry about it. If it’s you, Your Highness, I can trust Jace in your care.”
“Thank you. That puts my mind at ease.”
In truth, Ceria was the one who was thankful.
She had gotten rid of all those foxy noble ladies for her, after all.
That aside…
The Imperial Princess truly didn't seem to worry.
She clung to Jace as if she were being embraced by him.
She was incredibly forward, as if declaring she wouldn't hide her true feelings.
“…”
Surprisingly, Ceria felt almost no shock.
The princess’s expression of pure bliss was a bit vexing.
But Jace’s contrasting reaction was very satisfying.
As if he didn’t want to, but had no choice.
He looked ready to push the princess away at any moment.
To think he would maintain such a firm defense against a girl loved by everyone in the Imperial Family.
Ceria slowly folded her hands over her chest.
She found Jace's effort in that posture to be commendable.
‘It means I’m that precious to him…’
Her affection for Jace grew even stronger.
She already loved him, but it felt like she was about to reach a level beyond that.
The girl pressed down on her swelling chest.
She imagined the moment when she and her lover would truly become one.
The thrill of it… was so immense it felt like her mind was melting.
***
When the time came, I had to dance with the Imperial Princess.
I had braced myself for it, but perhaps I hadn't braced myself enough.
*Stop clinging to me!*
*Th-That’s touching me!*
“…”
Honestly, it felt good.
I mean, why wouldn’t it? I’m a man, after all.
But apart from that, cold sweat was pouring down my back…
“I’m so excited. How about you, Sir Hero?”
She spoke to me in a friendly manner with a bright smile.
I wanted to play along to a certain extent.
But everyone was watching me, and among them was Ceria.
What must she be feeling right now?
It wouldn't be strange if she resented me.
At the very least, she must want to vent her boiling anger at the Imperial Princess.
I believed she would understand, but it was inevitable that she would feel hurt.
I cautiously glanced towards where Ceria was.
Contrary to my expectations, her expression was serene.
In fact, she gave me a smile and a nod, as if telling me to do a good job and come back.
*Hmm, is it a trap?*
*I’d be a fool to take that at face value, right?*
“It’s alright. I’ve already received her permission.”
“…”
She astutely noticed my state.
As expected, the Imperial Princess's cleverness was not to be underestimated.
I had seen the two girls talking briefly a moment ago.
I didn't know the details, but it seemed they had successfully concluded their negotiations then.
Right, there was no need to overthink it.
I couldn’t just ignore the princess’s anticipation.
It was only right to protect her pure admiration for the Hero.
Besides, it was just one dance.
For this moment, I should accommodate the princess.
I relaxed my tension and stood facing her.
Among the many ladies, she was surely the noblest woman.
Unleashing my full charisma. To the maximum.
I wonder, can she handle my full power? If she can, I'll be impressed.
Just by offering a gentle smile, the girl’s eyes glazed over.
“To be able to dance with you, Your Highness, is the greatest honor of my life.”
“I-It is I who…”
“May I place my hand upon Your Highness’s graceful form?”
“—!”
She nodded shyly.
She seemed overly excited, but in a way, it was natural.
Given her status, she likely had little immunity to the opposite sex.
“I will do my utmost to serve you. I hope you have a wonderful time.”
“Ah…”
A pinkish aura seemed to radiate from around her.
It was as if she were proclaiming she had fallen in love.
*Hmm, maybe it’s a bit different from that?*
I could sense some personal feelings, but for now, her attitude was closer to that of a fan meeting their idol.
In any case, the Imperial Princess was truly beautiful.
A beauty not just on the provincial level, but the national level… no, a top-ranked beauty on the entire continent.
It was an expression borrowed from a joke, but could any other words fit so well?
Although she was merely a sub-heroine.
Among them, she boasted outstanding combat power.
In terms of specs alone, she wasn't far behind my favorite character, the princess.
So there was no need to force anything.
Simply entrusting my body to my instincts was enough.
You have to enjoy things when you can.
I couldn't act stiff now, could I?
She must have been eagerly awaiting this moment.
Dancing half-heartedly would be a discourtesy to Her Highness.
Since she was showing her sincerity, it was my duty to respond with all my heart and soul.
Perhaps because my efforts paid off.
In that short time, the Imperial Princess’s expression melted completely.
*Ugh, I’m so happy!*
*This is exactly what I wanted!*
She seemed to be losing her mind in that way.
She looked half-dazed, yet she executed the steps perfectly.
A state where the body and mind move separately.
If that was a talent, it was quite a talent indeed.
Once we finished the entire dance, she let out a faint breath.
Dancing, by its nature, consumes a fair amount of stamina.
I was fine even after three consecutive dances, but things were different for the Imperial Princess.
Due to her heightened excitement, it seemed she had used up all her energy in just one dance.
“Well then… shall we return to our seats?”
“…”
The Imperial Princess reflexively shook her head.
Then, she looked at me with eyes that desperately longed for something.
*Huh? You want to dance again? No way!*
There was a high probability that Ceria’s anger gauge would fill up.
She might overlook her lover’s deviation, but the risk was just too great.
She seemed to know she was being greedy, as she put aside her disappointment and smiled brightly.
“That was a truly wonderful experience. This blissful feeling… I think I’ll cherish it for the rest of my life.”
“…”
She revealed a heart-wrenching sorrow.
For a moment, I almost embraced her without thinking.
“I will pray for your well-being, Sir Hero. May you achieve all that you desire…”
Her gaze, and even her voice, changed completely.
She exuded the dignity of an Imperial Princess as she blessed my future.
Her earnest wish made my body move on its own.
I couldn't accept her feelings, but it wasn't difficult to place a kiss on the back of her hand.
“I will be sure to return as a more gallant man.”
“Yes, and I will become more beautiful. Enough to make you fall for me, Sir Hero.”
“—??”
She smiled playfully and added that she was joking.
*Hmm, no matter how I look at it, it doesn’t seem like she was just kidding, though?*
In any case, I had successfully navigated another hurdle.
I probably wouldn't have to worry about the Imperial Family’s favorability anymore.
With this, the ball event was almost over, but my heart was still pounding.
The main event was yet to come.
The secret display of affection between lovers…
Unlike the unexpected actions of the others, Ceria’s unexpected actions were always welcome.