EVHE 41

Chapter 41

With that forceful command, I had no choice in the matter.

‘See you later.’

I mouthed the words silently to Calix. He didn’t stop me. Or rather, it seemed like he couldn’t.

“Smile, brother.”

Luchel seized the opportunity and sneered.

“It’s a good day, isn’t it?”

It was the Founding Festival, so yes, technically a good day—but Luchel clearly meant something else entirely.

‘Don’t you dare start a fight here!’

If the two of them got into it, the whole ball would fall into chaos.

But Calix didn’t respond at all. As if he was used to such situations, he turned his back and walked away.

“What were you two talking about?” Luchel asked.

“Just exchanged greetings.”

I placed my hand in the one Luchel offered.

His lips came close to the back of my hand, but in the end, he didn’t kiss it. His golden eyes slowly raked over me.

His white uniform was decorated with red fabric embroidered in gold. Standing next to him, anyone would think we had coordinated outfits.

…If only not for his golden accessories. They were starkly different from my silver ones adorned with diamonds.

The music reached its end and a new song began. As we walked to the center of the hall, countless eyes followed us.

“I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for the day you’d wear my gift and stand before everyone.”

Luchel pulled me sharply toward him, more forcefully than any opening pose would require. Then he held my waist with one arm and gently took my wrist with the other.

“But I must say, it was a clever move on your part.”

His whisper above my head was smooth and low.

“Did you do this on purpose to provoke me?”

The bracelet on my wrist slipped off as he gently rubbed it, falling to the floor. Luchel nudged it away with the tip of his shoe, sending it skidding into the distance.

I must have miscalculated. If I’d known Calix would react so coldly, I would’ve worn both of Luchel’s gifts!

“It’s just how I feel.”

I pouted slightly, but Luchel looked pleased, as if he found even that adorable.

Before I could argue more, he began leading me with the music. As expected from the so-called perfect prince, his dance was flawless.

I spun slowly in tune with his movements. The deep red dress fluttered with each step.

When I returned to the original position, the view previously blocked by Luchel came into sight.

A striking presence in a yellow dress—Olivia. And standing beside her—

Calix.

It was a strange and surreal sight I’d never witnessed with my own eyes before.

I used to fear that Calix would lose interest in me after meeting Olivia.

But now, that fear seemed so trivial. The two of them looked perfectly suited for each other.

“Lily.”

The moment I glanced away, Luchel noticed and called my name.

“Focus.”

My steps faltered slightly. And I knew—he didn’t just mean the dance.

“You’re like a ghost.”

It wasn’t an idiom that made sense in this world, but no phrase could have been more fitting.

Luchel raised an eyebrow at my incomprehensible comment.

Thankfully, nothing happened until the end of the dance.

As Lake had suggested, practicing ahead of time made dancing with a man far more comfortable.

Sure, my skill had improved through intense training, but still.

“I didn’t know you danced so well.”

“This is nothing.”

I couldn’t help but puff up with pride at the unexpected compliment.

Even though my teacher had insisted I wasn’t ready in the last lesson, judging by Luchel’s reaction, maybe I wasn’t so bad after all.

“Haha.”

Luchel suddenly burst out laughing as he looked at me.

“See? That smile suits you best.”

His expression clearly showed how pleased he was.

“Not those fake smiles you’ve been giving me.”

How did he know I’d been forcing my smiles all this time?

The song ended and changed again. Now, it was time to either change partners or step off the floor.

“Well then, I’ll…”

As I started to step away, Luchel grabbed my hand.

“Just for today, I want you all to myself.”

He whispered near my ear, his breath brushing my skin.

“Even for me, is that asking too much?”

The bright smile on his face held an unmistakable intent.

At balls like this, it was common to dance with many partners. It was part of socializing, building connections, and exchanging light conversation.

So in practice, the identity of your partner didn’t matter much. Although, for someone like Luchel, no one would complain if he kept the same partner all night…

“Are you serious?”

I didn’t dislike Luchel. And tonight’s main character was Olivia, not him. So maybe it’d be okay to stay by his side.

But I couldn’t be sure. The original story had already begun to fall apart. It seemed safest to stay far from the main characters and blend in with the crowd.

“I won’t force you.”

At those words, I pulled my hand away, and Luchel let go without resistance.

But I couldn’t move away right away.

The doors to the ballroom suddenly opened.

Everyone’s attention, including mine, turned to the entrance. The music stopped abruptly.

My shoulders flinched, trembling. My body reacted before my mind could. Instinctively, I hid behind Luchel.

It’s finally here.

The one who entered the ballroom—

Was Nox.

Hair darker than the night sky. Eyes like the abyss.

No one else could feel it, but a suffocating chill swept through the room.

My heart pounded violently. I closed my eyes tightly, then opened them again.

It’s okay. Nothing will happen.

So far, he had never harmed me. And now wasn’t the time or place for it, either.

It’s okay.

Even as cold sweat dripped down, I reassured myself. I was no longer a helpless girl.

And I wasn’t alone anymore. In this ballroom, at least three people could protect me.

Nox began walking toward us. It was natural—after all, Luchel and Calix were the highest-ranking nobles here.

“Anyone would think you were the guest of honor,” Luchel remarked.

“I was delayed carrying out His Highness’s orders.”

His tone was far too arrogant for someone speaking to a prince and a duke.

“Still, the fact that you came in person… it seems you didn’t quite understand what I meant earlier.”

“I’m so dense that if you don’t say things plainly, I won’t catch on.”

Though Luchel was no easy opponent, Nox didn’t back down.

They weren’t exactly friendly in the original story either. But showing such open hostility in front of everyone wasn’t wise.

Thankfully, Luchel wore a pleasant smile, masking his sharp words, so those farther away probably wouldn’t catch on.

“Then please, do enjoy the ball.”

As soon as Luchel finished his formal parting words, Nox turned and walked away—toward Calix and Olivia.

Phew.

Only then did I exhale the breath I’d been holding. Thank goodness he hadn’t even looked my way.

Weren’t Nox and Calix supposed to be friends?

I barely recalled what Olivia had told me earlier.

The heroine caught between the male lead and the second lead… That triangle’s about to explode too.

The tense scene I remembered from the novel flashed before my eyes.

“I’ll be here all night. Come find me if you feel like it.”

Luchel smiled brightly, as if he’d never once been displeased.

“Alright.”

I gave him a brief farewell and approached the nearest man I could find.

Whether Luchel was glaring or not, the poor guy was drenched in sweat. But it would’ve been rude to refuse, so he accepted my invitation and danced with me.

I moved from partner to partner, sharing light conversation and dancing.

Honestly, I wanted to show everyone how amazing I’d become—but there was a problem.

I was running out of stamina.

Just one more dance, then I’ll step out for some air.

Too tired to care who it was, I grabbed the closest hand.

But the strength in the hand I held was familiar. The height, the atmosphere—it was someone I knew.

“Sir Lake!”

“It’s been a while, my lady.”

That gentle voice—how I’d missed it.

His brown hair was brushed more neatly than usual, and his green eyes paired well with his dark grey formal uniform.

“I’ve been looking forward to today more than you could imagine.”

“Well, I’m confident in my dancing now. You can look forward to it!”

I hadn’t made a single mistake all night. It was time to show Lake how much I’d improved.

“You’re so popular, I didn’t think I’d get a chance to see you tonight.”

“Not at all.”

I’d seen plenty of noble ladies crowding around him earlier.

As a knight of the Holy Order, unmarried, and heir to a count’s family—of course many would be interested in him.

“I was more worried I wouldn’t get a chance to approach you. I’m honored to be chosen as your partner.”

“I’m very happy too.”

Lake noticeably flinched at my casual reply.

“I wanted to show you that what you saw in the garden wasn’t my true ability.”

I quickly added that, worried he might misunderstand.

I simply wanted to show him how naturally I could dance now. Lake seemed to understand my intent.