THJDM 36

chapter 36

Normally, if there was a group praising a notable person, there would also be a group criticizing them.

But today was different.

Everyone was united, fervently praising Elion, the empire’s only Grand Duke.

People were very favorable toward the war hero attending the capital’s social event for the first time.

“By the way, I already knew the Grand Duke was handsome and Lady Payson was beautiful, but seeing them side by side, they both look even more impressive. Amazing!”

“Maybe it’s because they’re truly meant for each other?”

“Oh my! Meant for each other?”

Hohoho, the chatter about Elion and Rubiana went on endlessly.

Rubiana truly felt like disappearing right then and there.

‘This is too much! We’re not animals trapped in a zoo!’

Rubiana wasn’t used to being the center of attention, so it was exhausting.

‘Being the focus of everyone’s gaze isn’t going to be easy.’

‘I can’t help it. If we’re going to play the perfect couple… I’ll stay close to His Highness.’

‘Yeah. I’ll do my best too.’

Recalling the conversation with Elion in the carriage, Rubiana lifted her chin again.

She couldn’t afford to be intimidated. She had to be confident. They were real. They were a genuine couple.

Rubiana repeated this mantra of self-brainwashing several times.

She exhaled with a sigh, and at the same moment, she heard a sigh from beside her.

Rubiana and Elion’s eyes met in midair.

‘Ah… His Highness must be tired of all this attention too.’

‘Lady seems exhausted as well.’

In that shared glance, they felt a sense of camaraderie.

And just as they had sighed together, they simultaneously chuckled softly.

It was as if they could see right into each other’s minds.

Then it happened.

“His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince and the Saintess are entering.”

At the butler’s loud announcement, the surrounding crowd instantly fell silent.

The next moment, everyone’s wide-eyed gaze turned toward the entrance.

“I didn’t hear the Crown Prince would attend! And with the Saintess too!”

“The Saintess usually never attends social parties. Why is she here today?”

It had already been impressive to see Duke Klitzmann at the party, but to see both the Crown Prince and the Saintess!

This party was destined to be remembered as the best of the year.

People felt honored to witness this historic moment with their own eyes.

Eyes filled with anticipation sparkled brilliantly.

Soon, the heavy doors opened, and Crown Prince Phyllis Blaye and Saintess Florencia Miren entered the banquet hall together.

“Wow!”

“Oh my!”

Exclamations escaped from the crowd.

Florencia wore a simple white dress, minimally decorated with lace and jewels, yet it showcased her elegant and sacred beauty far more than any extravagant gown.

The Crown Prince’s appearance also drew considerable attention.

Though he had turned eighteen this year, he had always retained a youthful, boyish impression.

But today was different.

Escorting the Saintess, the Crown Prince exuded the stature of a mature and gallant adult.

Everyone agreed that the Crown Prince and the Saintess made a remarkably fitting pair.

Thus, the Empress’s strategy had worked perfectly.

The gazes that had been focused on Elion and Rubiana instantly shifted to the Crown Prince and the Saintess.

Thanks to this, Rubiana and Elion could finally breathe comfortably.

There was no need to force a smile by tensing their facial muscles.

‘The Empress must have applied some pressure.’

Watching the Crown Prince and the Saintess greet the surrounding nobles, Rubiana thought:

‘Elion probably didn’t want all the attention at the party. That’s why he suggested inviting the Crown Prince and the Saintess. They had no choice but to follow the Empress’s orders.’

Rubiana, now pushed toward a corner, whispered into Elion’s ear:

“We’re in luck.”

“I think so too.”

They had feared the intense attention would continue for at least an hour, but it ended in just ten minutes—thankfully.

It was all thanks to the Crown Prince and the Saintess.

Or perhaps, the Empress?

Rubiana and Elion exchanged smiles and clinked their champagne glasses.

It felt like a shared victory after a minor battle, a warm sense of camaraderie blossoming.

Seeing Elion’s eyes narrow slightly in a smile, Rubiana paused for a moment.

‘Is it okay to laugh so comfortably with him? Camaraderie… this doesn’t make sense.’

Whatever existed between her and Elion, it was only temporary.

Someday, it would vanish without a trace.

Eventually, she would have to distance herself from him.

‘But… whatever. For now, he’s my partner.’

Overcoming the immediate obstacle was what mattered.

Focusing on the present and doing her best was what mattered.

‘Yeah. Let’s just enjoy today.’

Rubiana took a long sip of her sweet cocktail, reaffirming her resolve.

“Wouldn’t just staying close together today be enough to sustain our magic?”

“We’re on the same wavelength. I was just thinking the same thing.”

“I had the same thought.”

The ability to read each other’s thoughts so clearly—if that isn’t camaraderie, what is?

Rubiana and Elion’s gazes met, pleasantly entwined.

Meanwhile, even though everyone’s attention had shifted to the Crown Prince and the Saintess, Count Payson and his wife still focused on their daughter and her lover.

They didn’t miss Rubiana and Elion whispering to each other and smiling while looking into each other’s eyes.

Linden confidently whispered into his wife’s ear:

“Now it’s clear. Our Rubi is in love!”

“See? I told you so.”

A satisfied smile spread across Virginia’s face.

Chad, who had been glancing at Rubiana throughout the party, finally seized the opportunity to approach her.

“Rubiana, may I join you for the third dance?”

“Ah, Chad!”

Startled by Chad’s sudden appearance, Rubiana widened her eyes.

When he extended his hand toward her, she smiled warmly and took it.

“Hmm?”

“Of course.”

Elion was busy greeting other nobles, so there was no harm in dancing the third dance with a childhood friend instead of her romantic partner.

Even though he knew Rubiana was dating Elion, she was grateful that Chad had taken the initiative.

At the same time, she felt a twinge of guilt.

“Chad, I’m sorry. Just wait a little. Once I’m fully myself again, I’ll come to you.”

As they waltzed to the lively music, Chad teased her in a mischievous tone:

“You two look so perfect together, I got a little jealous.”

Chad’s clear green eyes gleamed with playful mischief.

Rubiana chuckled lightly at her childhood friend’s teasing.

She responded playfully:

“Little jealous? I don’t think so.”

“Caught me. I was really quite jealous.”

Watching Chad grin cheekily as he playfully bantered, Rubiana’s heart lifted.

So this was what his cheerful personality felt like.

Seeing the male lead of this world smile at her, Rubiana felt as though the world itself was smiling back at her.

It was an incredibly positive and hopeful feeling.

Chad winked one eye and teased again:

“At the next party, my partner and I will draw even more attention. Just wait, Rubiana.”

“Go ahead and try. I’m confident I won’t lose.”

Rubiana lifted her chin and laughed lightly.

The playful conversation between childhood friends made her heart feel as light as a feather.

‘Ah, this really is my place. Comfortable and fitting perfectly, with no awkwardness or unease.’

Clearly, Chad was her destined partner.

Meanwhile, Elion watched the two dance from afar, his blue-green eyes flashing.

‘I’ve never seen her laugh like that before.’

Their mischievous smiles, pouting lips, and winks were all visible to him.

‘I knew they knew each other already, but…’

He hadn’t realized they were so close.

Strangely, a sense of unease settled in his chest.

‘I don’t like this.’