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Chapter 6
“You look so beautiful, Miss!”
Masha clasped her hands together and shouted with emotion. Her reaction was not exaggerated at all.
Half of Elina’s pink hair, flowing down to her waist, was elegantly tied up and decorated with a flower-shaped accessory.
Her smooth shoulders were revealed by a light cream-colored dress, which highlighted her figure even more.
The dress, embroidered with small sparkling jewels, looked exactly like it did in her memory.
After finishing her look with the diamond necklace her parents had given her, Masha smiled in satisfaction.
Until the end of the banquet, no man would be able to take his eyes off her.
“What is all this…?”
Elina stepped out of her room and looked down at the hall, unable to close her mouth in shock.
The birthday banquets held every year were never small—
but this year, it looked like a grand ball held in the imperial palace.
Beautiful spring flowers sparkled like jewels under the chandelier lights.
Even the orchestra—one that only performed at royal-level banquets—was present.
Even decorations in places people would hardly notice were of the highest quality.
The old Elina would have been happy, thinking this year’s celebration was special.
But now—
she was confused.
‘Why is it different?’
After thinking for a while while looking down at the hall, she came to a conclusion and headed downstairs.
‘If the present has changed… the future can change too.’
Of course, that thought didn’t completely remove her confusion.
But she needed to focus now.
The banquet was about to begin.
Although the official time was seven, nobles who wanted to be noticed had already started arriving early.
The Duke and Duchess welcomed them with smiles.
‘Is Sir Kaian not here yet?’
As she thanked the guests who praised her beauty, Elina looked around.
Then, hearing noise at the entrance, she started walking toward it.
‘He’s here!’
In the past, every time Kaian entered, Verdin would look annoyed at the noise.
Because of that memory, she was sure.
Elina walked gracefully toward the entrance to greet him—
but her expression froze.
“Welcome, Your Highness.”
The one who had arrived—
was not Kaian,
but Verdin.
For a moment, her tone became stiff, though she quickly put on a polite expression because many were watching.
‘I didn’t even send him an invitation for this reason.’
Even though they were not officially anything, everyone already knew about their relationship.
All eyes were on them.
“Happy 20th birthday, Elina.”
Verdin smiled like a gentle angel, pretending to be kind in front of others.
He bent slightly and kissed the hand she hadn’t even offered.
Then he looked into her eyes.
His gaze followed her even when she pulled her hand away, making her feel sick.
His exaggerated affection was clearly a warning.
She knew Verdin was possessive—
but she didn’t expect him to act as if their conversation had never happened.
Now she understood what Masha had meant.
His lips were smiling—
but his eyes were cold.
The terrifying smile overlapped with the memory of him before her death.
“Lady Elina.”
Another voice reached her ears.
She turned her head toward the calm, deep voice—
and saw Kaian walking toward her, dressed in a black tailcoat that matched his dark hair.
As soon as he appeared, all attention shifted to him.
Whispers spread, and noblewomen gasped in admiration.
Even Elina, who was used to beauty, couldn’t look away.
His black hair made his pale skin stand out even more.
His sharp blue eyes looked like a summer lake.
Though properly dressed, his strong build gave off a powerful presence.
His cold appearance only made him more attractive.
Elina quickly regained her composure and smiled brightly as she extended her hand.
“Thank you for coming, Sir Kaian.”
Kaian bowed and kissed the back of her hand politely.
“Why is Sir Kaian here?”
“Thank you for your congratulations, Your Highness. Sir Kaian is here as my partner.”
Elina answered instead of Kaian.
The hall became even noisier.
Verdin’s face stiffened for a moment—
but he quickly returned to a calm expression.
“I see. I was a step too late this year. Enjoy your time, Elina.”
He left naturally—
but did not greet Kaian at all, showing his displeasure.
“I’m sorry, Sir Kaian. I didn’t even send him an invitation…”
“I’m fine. You don’t need to worry.”
He answered calmly, but Elina still felt uneasy.
‘He must be upset.’
In the past, she would get angry just seeing Verdin dance with another woman.
Even though she knew it was normal—
she couldn’t control her emotions.
Verdin always danced with other women—
but never allowed her to dance with other men.
Once, during her debut, she accepted a few dance requests.
After that—
He said women who danced with many men looked cheap.
Thinking about it now—
‘He was crazy.’
But back then, she wanted his approval, so she never danced with another man again.
While she was lost in her thoughts, the banquet officially began with applause.
The orchestra filled the hall with music.
Couples began stepping forward for the first dance.
Even then, everyone’s attention remained on them.
“May I have the honor of your first dance, Lady?”
“Yes, of course.”
Elina smiled and took Kaian’s hand, feeling relieved.
She had been worried she might have to ask him first—
but he acted perfectly.
Unlike before, when he seemed cold and distant.
‘Has he finally gained confidence?’
Maybe it was because he saw how she treated Verdin differently.
‘It was a good decision to invite him.’
Even though asking him to be her partner right after breaking the engagement could seem rude—
it was worth it.
Kaian’s strong hand held her waist as he led the dance.
It felt different from Verdin—
who was overly experienced.
But she liked it more.
Even though it was their first time dancing together—
it felt natural.
As if they had danced together for a long time.
The first song ended.
They were about to continue—
when a familiar, unpleasant voice interrupted.
“May I have the honor of dancing with the Lady?”
Verdin stepped between them and asked politely.
It was a line she hadn’t heard since her debut.
Because before—
Dancing with him had always been considered natural.
“Sorry, Your Highness. I already have a partner.”
“There is no rule that says you can only dance with your partner.”
His shameless reply made her bite the inside of her lip.
The nobles had completely stopped dancing and were watching.
She didn’t want to ruin the banquet her parents had prepared—
but she hated the idea of touching him even more.
“I don’t mind. Please go ahead and dance, Lady Elina.”
Kaian spoke calmly.
Since her partner allowed it, she had no reason to refuse anymore.
Reluctantly, she took Verdin’s hand.
A chill ran through her body.
Unlike Kaian’s warm, firm hand—
Verdin’s was delicate and cold.
Even her gloves couldn’t block the discomfort.
They had danced countless times before—
but now, it felt unfamiliar.
The second song began.
Verdin led smoothly as always—
then whispered into her ear.
“Shall we stop here? I think you’ve already achieved what you wanted.”
