GDPSW 9

⟡Chapter 9⟡

Lamier reviewed his plan once again.

“And what about the Third Prince? How is it going?”

“Yes. I received a report this evening. Preparations are nearly complete. We’ve also thoroughly silenced everyone involved, so there shouldn’t be any issues.”

The greatest obstacle blocking Robert’s path—the Third Prince—was about to be cleanly erased from this world.

It was news as refreshing as having a long-aching tooth pulled out.

For a moment, the suffocating tension in his chest eased.

Right. Things may have faltered briefly, but as long as we get back on track, that’s all that matters.

If only Anneliese would follow his will, everything could be undone today.

“Robert plans to propose to Anneliese Solaritzen again today. That girl wouldn’t dare refuse in front of His Majesty the Emperor.”

Unless, of course, she somehow appeared with another fiancé in just a few days.

But that possibility was extremely slim.

“Has Anneliese Solaritzen not yet arrived at the banquet hall?”

“No, she hasn’t.”

“The moment she arrives, send her to me immediately.”

Among imperial nobles, a marriage became official the instant it received the Emperor’s blessing.

And once it was official, divorce required the Emperor’s permission.

But would the Emperor ever grant it? Lamier knew well that the Emperor had already taken a liking to Anneliese as a potential daughter-in-law.

In other words, even if she didn’t want to marry the Crown Prince, there would be no way out.

Just as Lamier finished dressing for the banquet—

“Your Highness Lamier!”

The mercenary who had left not long ago suddenly reappeared, knocking on the window.

He looked visibly flustered, his breathing uneven as if he had rushed over.

“Has Anneliese arrived?”

“No, Your Highness. A knight of the Grand Duke has come. He said the Grand Duke will also attend the ball tonight.”

“What? The Grand Duke? Didn’t he return north that very day?”

Why was he still in the imperial capital? For what reason?

Lamier was greatly shaken.

“That’s not all, Your Highness. The Grand Duke also requested that the attendance list be revised—he’ll be bringing a partner to the ball.”

“A partner? Who is it?”

“L-Lady Anneliese Solaritzen.”

“What?”

Lamier’s face turned deathly pale.

Anneliese quietly held her breath and darted her eyes around.

The man who had grabbed her just before she was discovered by the Crown Prince—

It’s the Grand Duke Aferhis.

They had only met once, but she recognized him instantly.

Was this what people meant by presence?

Whenever he was nearby, the air felt colder than usual.

Guess I won’t need a fan in the summer.

The air grew heavier, and the pressure made it hard to breathe.

Well, I suppose this level of tension is necessary for my otherwise easygoing life.

For some reason, every thought related to the Grand Duke automatically ran through a positive filter.

Anyway, since the Grand Duke had told her, “Shh,” Anneliese obediently followed.

She stayed hidden beneath the stairs, holding her breath.

The candlelight flickered against the wall, casting the Crown Prince’s shadow.

Soon, he appeared.

Just as he raised the candlestick and was about to look beneath the stairs—

“Your Highness Robert! Where are you? The waltz is about to begin!”

Voices echoed from the corridor.

It seemed the young ladies who had received the “Crown Prince攻略 guide” were diligently doing their part.

The Crown Prince inhaled sharply at the voices calling for him, then hurried off down the opposite corridor.

You’re the one who said no tree can withstand ten strikes. Let’s see how well you endure it yourself.

For now, she was safe.

Once the sound of footsteps completely faded—

The Grand Duke released her.

“Tha—”

“You’re slow.”

He cut off her thanks without hesitation.

Anneliese was already used to his rudeness.

So what if he didn’t accept her thanks? He had saved her from the Crown Prince—and could very well keep doing so.

“—nk you. And it’s nice to see you again, Your Highness.”

“Hm.”

She went out of her way to greet him, yet he barely paid attention, looking elsewhere instead.

What was he even looking at?

The Grand Duke stood with his arms crossed, head lowered.

Anneliese followed his gaze.

Beneath the dress she had lifted slightly while greeting him, a pair of pointed shoes came into view.

That’s just… my feet.

He let out a scoff at the sight of her shoes.

“Well, with such small feet, it’s no wonder.”

“…Excuse me?”

Anneliese’s feet were exactly average for women in the Empire.

Hearing such a ridiculous statement for the first time in her life, she was stunned.

My feet are small?

What kind of nonsense was that?

“They’re the perfectly average size for an adult woman.”

“Can you even walk properly?”

Now he was genuinely questioning her ability to walk.

“Look. I walk just fine.”

Flustered, Anneliese stepped forward, extending her leg so the size of her foot would be clearly visible.

As if yours are so perfect.

Her shoe ended up right beside his.

Naturally, the difference in size became obvious.

She looked back and forth between his shoes and hers—and swallowed her rebuttal.

Does this man measure everything by his own standards?

If you’re used to seeing feet like that, everything else probably does look small.

Isaiah’s words echoed in her mind:

[My lord has lived alone for a long time, so he is indifferent to human etiquette and social boundaries.]

Well… that made sense.

“I could carry you to your destination.”

That made sense—

“No.”

Anneliese answered firmly.

“I’ll walk on my own.”

She immediately turned around and started walking.

Before he could even consider carrying her, she strode up the stairs as confidently as possible.

“…Hah.”

The Grand Duke lowered the arm he had half-extended, looking unconvinced.

In that brief moment, she was already halfway up the stairs.

With each step, her golden hair swayed in a steady rhythm.

It was… an oddly irritating sight.

So irritating that he couldn’t look away.

Watching her, the Grand Duke followed behind.

The corridor of the northern tower was quite different from what Anneliese remembered.

At the end of the long hallway was a pentagonal space, now covered in a soft carpet instead of tiles.

It feels like a small ballroom… except for the lack of a grand chandelier.

The room was dim, with only faint candlelight illuminating the darkness from the walls.

At the sound of fabric rustling, Anneliese turned her head.

The Grand Duke had removed his long cloak.

Under the dim light, his well-fitted uniform revealed the solid outline of his body.

A physique as flawless as a sculpture—

So beautiful it almost felt indecent.

Without realizing it, Anneliese’s gaze traced over his form.

Then, suddenly aware of herself, she flushed and quickly looked away.

Fortunately, the Grand Duke didn’t seem to notice her blatant staring.

“I don’t like being around large groups of people.”

As he spoke, he reached toward a drawer.

An ornately crafted music box on top of it opened.

A waltz in 3/4 time began to fill the quiet corridor.

“But Isaiah says that if one attends a ball, one must dance. Humans are truly bothersome creatures.”

Muttering to himself, the Grand Duke extended his hand.

“Let’s have a dance.”

Anneliese stared blankly at the hand offered to her.

She had never expected such a request—from the Grand Duke of all people.

So he may not understand social customs, but he does know how to dance.

Even knowing it was slightly rude, she felt a bit surprised.

And he’s planning to talk while dancing, too.

“That is quite an advanced skill…”

“Can you… dance?”

“Someone taught me when I was young.”

Contrary to her concern that he might be offended, he answered casually.

To think someone had taught him how to dance.

“That must have been a kind person. Who taught you?”

“I don’t remember. It was too long ago.”

Of course. His Highness, who’s indifferent to everything.

“Are you done with your questions?”

“…Hmm. Just a moment.”

She hesitated before taking his hand.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t dance. But something still bothered her.

Anneliese looked at the mask covering his face.

At the slight tilt of his head, a few strands of dark, chestnut-colored hair fell over his forehead.

Doesn’t it feel suffocating to always wear that? And if Isaiah is right… he can take it off in front of me.

“Your Highness… if it’s alright with you, could you remove your mask? I’d like to dance while seeing your face.”