Chapter 36
Chapter 36
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: The Prince's Celebration Ball
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Before long, the day of the ball had arrived.
Since it was an event that all nobles in the kingdom had to attend, the marquis's household was bustling with preparations today—even the marquis himself was getting ready to go.
I, too, was busy getting myself dolled up after such a long time. It wasn't because I was headed to the imperial palace; it was a celebration for Darsi, so I wanted to prepare perfectly.
I elegantly twisted up my wavy hair and adorned it with pins. I'd been letting it hang loose at home, so exposing my neck felt awkward.
Around my neck, I wore a pearl necklace that contrasted sharply with my dark hair. The dress was a beige shade tinged with yellow.
I loved how it softly flared out from the waist. The maids fretted that I should wear something more glamorous, but why bother? I wasn't the star of the show.
Above all, I liked how I looked right now.
It was definitely different from the flashy trends of high society, but I didn't care.
I'd shown perfect courtesy for Darsi!
I'd even prepared a gift to commemorate the occasion. It was a large box brimming with magic crystals.
We weren't bound by contract anymore, but magic crystals were still perfect materials for him to use.
He could make something new with them, or use them for his inventions.
And there was another reason for giving them. I, Marso, had gotten somewhat familiar with people and chatted with them, but I'd rarely gifted magic crystals to anyone.
Magic crystals were my most cherished possession and a symbol of the marquis's house.
To people who could turn their backs on me at any moment, I'd give expensive gifts if needed—but never magic crystals.
I knew that was the easiest way to maintain smooth relations with them, yet I hadn't done it.
Because I wanted relationships born from genuine human affection, not material favors.
I'd thought that was the way to change Marso Etwar's reputation.
So, for me to gift magic crystals carried two meanings.
First, people would realize how much I valued Darsi. Those supporting the newly revealed prince would naturally see me as his ally.
Our relationship wasn't romantic, but I had no intention of opposing him. Especially not when Ryan was on the other side.
I still didn't know if Darsi wanted the crown prince position or revenge—whatever it was, I'd follow him.
To ensure that, it was best to publicly nail down that I was on Darsi's side. So the marquis couldn't back out later if he changed his mind.
Second, they'd harbor hope that they, too, might one day receive magic crystals from me.
Seeing me do something I'd never done before, they might think they needed to get closer to me.
It might be superficial... but as long as people didn't treat me carelessly, that was fine.
"Are the preparations complete?"
Marquis Etwar arrived right after I'd instructed the maids to load the gift box into the back compartment of the carriage.
Dressed up after so long, the marquis was his usual curt self. But the way his gaze lingered on me was a bit different from usual.
The last time we'd faced each other like this... let's see, it was when he forced me to dine with Ryan.
Was he feeling guilty for sending me somewhere I hated? No, that couldn't be it.
Before the marquis could speak, I opened my mouth first.
"Yes. Shall we go?"
We were a couple with nothing to lean on or expect from each other.
The marquis, who had been opening and closing his mouth at my words, nodded.
We headed to the carriage in silence. Gazing at his back, I imagined.
If the marquis had cared for Marso even a little more, would my situation be different now?
Lost in futile hypotheticals, I followed him into the carriage.
It was a pointless thought. A relationship unchanged until now had no reason to suddenly improve.
Still, the idea crossed my mind.
That man would live his whole life without realizing his daughter had become an entirely different person.
Wasn't that the burden borne by a father who'd been emotionally neglectful toward her?
The closer we got to the imperial palace, the more carriages filled the same road. With them lined up bumper to bumper, it was like a highway jammed with traffic.
"...The imperial family really is something."
Seeing all these people heading to meet Darsi.
Of course, I knew this official event wasn't born of goodwill.
It was probably more about mockery. The tight timeline—barely enough to prepare properly—hinted at that.
And he was a prince who appeared out of nowhere. Even a fool could tell he wasn't legitimate.
Everyone would gossip about his birth.
But that could only happen behind his back.
I knew better than anyone how captivating Darsi's confidence was.
He'd surely win over even those hostile to him.
'It's been a while since I've seen him.'
Had he given proper thought to my words? Or did he still need time?
Lost in thought, I finally stepped out of the carriage. I could feel the gazes of nobles alighting one after another landing on me.
They all looked shocked. It had been ages since I'd shown up to an event like this.
I pictured Darsi's face. What would you do in a moment like this? The imagination was brief, but my actions flowed as naturally as water.
A gentle smile curved my lips.
"Long time no see."
My steady voice pleased even me. I returned their greetings one by one before heading inside.
As I passed the corridor toward the end, I glanced back and saw Resuan stepping down from a just-arrived carriage.
Resuan, with her bright smile, was still beautiful.
But...
'She looks thinner than before.'
She was smiling, but was that wistful air around her just my imagination?
No. This was a wicked, selfish fantasy born from hoping she hadn't been well since our argument.
Shaking off thoughts of Resuan, I resumed walking toward the hall where the ball was held—when a shadow fell in front of me.
...Had Darsi come out to greet me? Lifting my head with pleasant anticipation, I froze.
"Long time no see."
There stood Ryan.
Even at an official event like this, his sharply dressed figure had a princely air. But with my standards raised by Darsi, he was just so-so.
Above all, with my favor toward him in the gutter, how could he look handsome? Even his voice grated. I wanted to wash my ears out.
"Long time no see, Your Highness the Prince. It looked like Lady Resuan just arrived."
The fastest way to send him off was probably telling him where Resuan was.
As I took the initiative, Ryan stared at me with an enigmatic expression.
It wasn't his usual hatred-laced glare, which sent chills down my spine.
...What? Something felt off.
"I have something to discuss with you."
"Then please make it quick, Your Highness. There are eyes everywhere here..."
"It might take a while. Let's go into a room."
Why? I wanted to refuse outright, but Ryan showed no sign of backing down.
"Or we could talk another time..."
"Would you prefer to do it here?"
What if people saw? Resuan was coming right behind us, too?
I was tired of being scolded for meddling between Resuan and Ryan.
"Very well. Will this room do?"
"I've prepared it."
As if he'd been waiting, Ryan led me to a room off the corridor. I followed him inside.
After closing the door, I spoke without even sitting on the sofa.
"Your Highness, are you dying soon or something?"
"...What?"
The invitation had been suspicious from the start. They said humans turn into monsters when they die—right now, Ryan looked just like that.
No other reason came to mind. Was he regretting past mistakes on his deathbed? Apparently not.
My attempt to wrap this up quickly had failed. How disappointing.
In a glum tone, I said,
"If not, never mind. I'm curious what you wanted to talk about."
Honestly, I was more curious why he'd suddenly become so compliant... but I didn't want to drag out the conversation by asking.
"I've decided to believe you've changed."
...Now, of all times?
"No matter how much I thought about it, I realized I'd been too harsh. Especially about how I acted the last time we met—I should apologize for that."
It wasn't even the next day after spying on me—he was only saying this now. That said one thing.
Ryan saw me as a sucker.
He thought this implausible explanation would make me cave immediately, no matter what he said.
And he'd have reason to, since I'd spent the last year suppressing my temper. I wanted to show through actions that I'd changed, accepting whatever he said.
To Ryan, I was still the 'Marso who loves Ryan.'
'Why go out of his way to acknowledge that now?'
Even if I asked, Ryan wouldn't tell the truth. I had to figure out the reason myself.
The me he knew would be thrilled if he said he believed in me.
Did he want me to keep liking him? Why?
Was there some recent benefit to him if I did?
Darsi's face flashed through my mind.
Ah, it was because of Darsi.
So far, I was the only one known to be close to him.
Even before rumors spread in society, Ryan had known about my connection to Darsi.
And he'd decided to use it.