TDSFE 16

Chapter 16

 The Love Triangle Only Tesia Doesn’t Know

Rowenhart had completed his preparations.
He wore a navy suit with a blue bow tie, his cuffs adorned with deep green cufflinks reminiscent of Tesia’s eyes. His hair was neatly slicked back, and a woody fragrance lingered on his wrist where he had applied cologne.
The moment had come for the man who once stood at the peak of Tirnaban Kingdom’s high society to make his debut in the Empire.

“Hmm.”

Rowenhart nodded in satisfaction at his perfectly polished appearance.
It was his very first time showing his face at the Estonian Empire’s high society. Today, it was important not only to cement his relationship with Princess Tesia but also to leave an unforgettable impression on the Empire. Having resolved to leave Tirnaban and settle here, his debut had to be a success. In that sense, being chosen as Princess Tesia’s partner was a tremendous advantage.

“Weren’t there supposed to be other fiancé candidates today too?”

The son of a noble who had amassed wealth through trade, the third prince of a certain kingdom, and even a young marquis of the Empire who had just returned from years of study abroad. Altogether, there were nearly ten candidates considered for Princess Tesia’s hand.
It wasn’t even marriage yet, just engagement—such a long list! It was proof once again of how dearly the Emperor loved his daughter.

But Rowenhart was confident he would come out on top. After all, he had already spent a night with Princess Tesia. He had stood close to her as her knight, and even the Emperor was favorable toward him. Winning people’s favor came naturally to him. In Tirnaban it had been a desperate struggle to survive, but here, it would become his wings.

At the appointed time, the butler prepared the carriage. With a bouquet ready as a gift for Tesia, Rowenhart set off for House Cloris to escort her. Soon, the carriage arrived at its destination, where Tesia waited for him in the lobby.

“Such a beautiful evening, Your Highness.”

“Hello, Hart! Oh, what’s this bouquet?”

“It’s our first ball together. My gift to you.”

Tesia beamed as she received it. With the bouquet of white and blue hyacinths in her arms, she looked like a fairy of the forest. Just as Rowenhart had imagined.

Except for one thing.

The dress Rowenhart had prepared for her was a pure white gown trimmed with pale blue ribbons, designed to match his own attire. But today Tesia wore a soft pink dress. With its pleated design, it bloomed like a flower in full blossom. Unlike the Empire’s standard ball gowns, it seemed comfortable and unburdened by excess ornamentation. The dress suited her well.

But it was not the one Rowenhart had gifted her.

He was disappointed but did not show it. Tesia was free to choose what she wanted to wear. At least she had chosen to wear the necklace and bracelet he had given her. If he complained about the dress, he would only look petty.

“Most likely from Duke Cloris or Emperor Helios.”

Rowenhart quickly concluded. Tesia usually wore a uniform to balls, so she certainly hadn’t prepared it herself. The possibility that it was a gift from another fiancé candidate never crossed his mind.

He smiled radiantly.
“Your Highness, you look truly beautiful tonight.”

“Haha, and you’ve dressed splendidly yourself, Hart.”

Her wearing his accessories was enough. Winning her heart mattered more than seeing her in his dress. His smile deepened.

“Since I have the honor of being Your Highness’s partner. May I escort you?”

Without hesitation, Tesia took his hand. Whatever other candidates might attend, her partner tonight was Rowenhart—and in his mind, it would always remain so. He had no doubt that today would be perfect.

The ball, organized by the Empress and fueled by the Emperor’s passion, was more extravagant than any before. It celebrated the Valkyrie Order’s victory and welcomed new members of the Empire. After a long winter, it was also the first ball of spring, drawing nobles from every corner of the realm. The hall overflowed with people.

Tesia sighed.

“This is why I hate balls.”

Leading soldiers into battle was far easier than surviving among nobles. There was a reason society was nicknamed “the jungle.” This too was a battlefield of its own.

Everyone knew how much the Emperor adored his daughter. That made Princess Tesia the first target for those wishing to win imperial favor. They assumed that as a knight who spent most of her time on battlefields, she would be ignorant of society’s ways. The result was an endless line of people pestering her whenever she attended.

But tonight was different.

“Princess Tesia, I’ve been preparing an ambitious business venture. May I tell you about it? You see—”

“Oh, that reminds me. Did you know Tirnaban has some excellent business opportunities as well?”

“Really? What kind…?”

“This isn’t something I tell just anyone. But since you are the esteemed guest of His Majesty and the Princess… perhaps I can give you a hint.”

Whenever nobles tried to corner Tesia, Rowenhart stepped in, blocking them and dazzling them with his eloquence. Even those annoyed at first were eventually disarmed by his smooth words—and his princely good looks.

Thanks to him, Tesia could finally enjoy a ball in peace.

“So he’s not just good at healing magic… he has other talents too.”

She nibbled on finger food he had brought her, feeling pleased.

“I really chose the right partner.”

No need to deal with those clingy nobles herself!
Of course, Rowenhart’s true goal was to build connections with the Empire’s grand nobles as her partner. But Tesia had no idea.

“He didn’t even complain about the dress.”

Truthfully, Tesia had worried when she chose the gown Redford had given her. But in her mind, it was best to wear what suited her taste. After all, she had received dresses from three different men. In society, a petty man could have made a scene over such a choice. But since Rowenhart said nothing, she felt at ease.

Maybe she felt too at ease.

“Tesia, here you are.”

“Didi.”

Redford, invited as Young Lord Umberto, approached. He wore a dark brown suit, perfectly matching his soft brown hair. When he realized she was wearing his gift, his face lit up.

“You look so beautiful tonight. You wore the dress I sent you. I knew it would suit you.”

Rowenhart froze mid-conversation with other nobles.
What? A dress from him? He had assumed it was prepared by Duke Cloris or the Emperor. This revelation struck him like a bomb. Excusing himself, he left the group and walked over. Tesia was happily chatting with this stranger.

“Yes, it’s much more comfortable than the others. Not too cumbersome either.”

“Of course. No one knows you better than I do. I knew you’d like it.”

“You look nice yourself, Didi.”

“Of course—I made sure, since tonight I’ll be dancing with you.”

“Twice, you said?”

“Yes, twice. Or even three times.”

“Haha, three might be too much for me!”

Tesia’s laughter was carefree, full of joy.

Rowenhart’s mind raced. Dancing? Tonight she was supposed to dance with him. He was her partner. That bond had to last forever. Tonight was his chance to outshine every other candidate.

He stepped between them.
“Your Highness.”

“Oh, Hart! Didi, I told you, this is Hart—Rowenhart Tirnaban. And Hart, this is—”

“Young Lord Redford Umberto, I presume.”

Rowenhart lifted one corner of his mouth. The brooch on Redford’s attire revealed his family. He had researched such details long before coming to the Empire. House Umberto—the Empire’s founding heroes. And this young man, their only son.

“So this is the one who studied abroad and just returned.”

Rowenhart’s gaze swept over him before he smiled socially.
“A pleasure. I am Rowenhart Tirnaban, Princess Tesia’s partner.”

“…Redford Umberto.”

They shook hands.

“Tch.”

Rowenhart clicked his tongue inwardly. Redford squeezed so tightly it nearly cut off circulation. The meaning was obvious: challenge, jealousy.

Rowenhart’s smile wavered ever so slightly. Redford spoke in a kind voice, though his eyes gleamed.
“I heard from Tesia. She was overjoyed that such a remarkable healing mage joined the Order.”

Rowenhart caught the emphasis. Healing mage. Not fiancé material—merely a soldier.

“Cunning bastard.”

His smile sharpened. After dealing only with straightforward knights, facing someone who wielded words like hidden blades thrilled him. Almost like being back in Tirnaban.

Without arrogance, but with firm confidence, he replied:
“As the one who will serve closest to the Princess, it’s only natural I give my all. Her concerns are mine as well.”

“Hart…! How admirable!”

“Your Highness, my thoughts are always only of you.”

Tesia looked touched. Rowenhart smiled triumphantly. Redford’s lips tightened.

“I see. If Prince Tirnaban dedicates himself so to the Empire, the Valkyrie Order will certainly repay such devotion. As Tesia’s closest friend, I welcome you to the Empire.”

“Haha, thank you for the warm welcome.”

Their eyes and lips smiled, but the air between them crackled.

Between the two men, sparks flared—sparks that Tesia would never notice.