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Chapter 11
The Emperor behaved exactly as expected, so I accepted it with satisfaction.
Then the introductions of the young ladies and young lords continued for quite a while.
At some point, the tedious introductions finally ended, and it was time for the debutantes and debutant boys to have their first dance.
Grand Duke Matteo approached me and extended his hand.
“Lady, would you grant me the honor of your first dance?”
I took his hand and smiled beautifully.
“It is an honor to share my first dance with Your Grace.”
Escorted by Grand Duke Matteo, I walked toward the dance hall.
All eyes in the ballroom were fixed on us.
As the music began, he skillfully led me.
During my idol days, I had learned every genre of dance for year-end special stages, so I had experience with waltz—and I followed his lead easily. Very gracefully, at that.
Perhaps intent on maintaining his public image, Matteo spoke gently.
“This must be your first ball. You dance quite well. You must have been taught by a good instructor.”
“An instructor? I wasn’t in any environment where I could learn such things. Surely you know that.”
For a moment, his eyes turned cold—but quickly returned to their usual calmness.
“I asked a foolish question. I only meant that your conduct is quite different, and wondered if your household is unlike other noble families. Please disregard it.”
“Lewin is not different. I am the one who is different, Your Grace.”
I met his eyes directly.
‘Not Lewin—me. I’m the one useful to you. So take an interest in me. Please.’
Matteo slowly raised one eyebrow and looked at me.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I intend to enjoy everything the House of Lewin offers.”
At my bold gaze, a faint smile appeared on Grand Duke Matteo’s face for a brief moment. Seeing my chance, I quickly continued.
“I would like to join Your Grace’s equestrian club.”
The equestrian club made up of Matteo’s supporters.
It included nobles of all ages and genders who disliked the Emperor’s incompetence.
If I could enter that circle, my plans would proceed much more smoothly.
I held his gaze without flinching, showing a challenging look.
His eyes were sharp—as if testing me.
“I will send you an invitation.”
“It is an honor.”
When the music stopped, he spoke with a fairly relaxed expression.
“Will you still need an escort?”
“No. I cannot take up more of Your Grace’s time. I am satisfied just receiving the invitation.”
At that, Grand Duke Matteo suddenly laughed.
“Haha! That sounds as if you’ve obtained what you wanted and are done here.”
It sounded like he had read my intentions, so I quickly bowed politely in case he withdrew the invitation.
“If I offended you, I apologize. That was not my intention. I simply thought I was taking up too much of your time.”
“In that case, I will escort you until the end. It is no trouble at all, so do not worry.”
“…Pardon?”
I still had many people to greet today.
My plans were slightly disrupted, but I couldn’t afford to upset Matteo, my main target, so I simply smiled brightly.
Like an idiot.
And I didn’t realize then that because of Grand Duke Matteo, I had drawn the attention of two people.
Meanwhile
Baran’s gaze followed Arabella.
Although he had long interacted with the House of Lewin, this was the first time he had seen Arabella in person.
And it was also the first time he had seen Grand Duke Matteo—who lived like an ascetic—talking so much with a woman at a party, or even smiling.
Matteo genuinely looked amused.
‘Strange.’
Baran naturally turned his gaze to Evelyn seated ahead.
Evelyn was speaking with the Emperor while smiling, but her eyes were clearly observing Matteo.
Her expression shifted repeatedly—angry, sorrowful—but she quickly changed it back into a loving gaze toward the Emperor.
Even that fleeting, raw emotion was something Baran had never seen from her before.
‘This is complicated. Could Blake’s suspicion be correct?’
A feeling that something disastrous would soon strike the Empire made his mood sink.
He also recalled a message from his younger sister Delia, the wielder of fire, saying something strange was happening with the monsters.
Delia, who lived only to kill monsters, never contacted anyone during expeditions.
For her to reach out meant something serious was happening.
Conflicting thoughts warned him of danger, but nothing connected clearly.
Eventually, Baran excused himself and headed to a quiet terrace.
As he felt the night wind, he fell into deep thought.
Four Months Earlier
On a night so dark that nothing could be seen ahead, a small ship silently docked in a corner of the Perlin Empire’s port.
A man wearing a deep black hood stepped off without making a sound.
Another man soon appeared in front of him.
The hooded man studied him carefully.
The man had silver hair and navy eyes—Baran, head of the Duke of Courtois, the house of fire.
After confirming Baran’s identity, the hooded man removed his covering.
Bright blond hair and striking violet eyes were revealed, along with a handsome face.
Baran could only stare in silence, unable to speak.
The blond man then lifted one corner of his lips.
That crooked smile was dangerously charming—enough to make anyone’s heart tremble.
Enough to make someone fall for him instantly… if they were of the opposite sex—or if they didn’t know his personality.
“Baran, have you forgotten your friend’s face?”
“Is it really you?”
Baran still looked unconvinced.
The man before him looked like a completely different person from the one he remembered.
Black hair and red eyes had become blond hair and violet eyes—but the confident gaze and captivating smile remained unchanged.
Overjoyed, Baran hugged his friend immediately.
Because Blake was taller, it looked as if Baran was the one being hugged.
“Is it truly you, Blake?”
“It is. But could you let go? It’s good to see you, but oddly unpleasant.”
“It really is you. Your appearance has changed, but you’re still the same inside.”
Baran laughed awkwardly and stepped back.
Relieved to see his friend healthy, he continued.
“I knew the magic of the Berkin Empire was impressive, but this much? Who would recognize you? Even I was fooled. It’s perfect.”
“That is precisely why I came here myself.”
Baran continued observing him in amazement.
“Baran, are you going to keep me standing here forever?”
“Ah—right. The carriage is ready.”
They boarded a rather shabby carriage despite their striking appearances and traveled in silence.
After a long ride, they reached a village of commoners.
Their destination was a two-story house with a small garden—perfect for someone disguising himself as a wealthy commoner.
“Can you live here?”
“Of course. I’m about to lose the most important thing in my life—this is nothing.”
Baran looked at him with a heavy expression.
“Baran. Are you going to keep me standing here?”
“Ah, sorry.”
Inside, however, the house was far more luxurious than its exterior suggested.
Baran had clearly prepared it with great care.
They finally sat in a comfortable reception room and began speaking.
“The workers will arrive tomorrow. They are trustworthy.”
“As expected of you. Did you investigate what I asked?”
Baran looked troubled.
“Those who tried to harm you in the Berkin Empire… Blake, your suspicion was correct.”
Blake nodded as if he had expected it.
No change in expression.
“That old fool… the Emperor.”
“Lady Evelyn likely played a role.”
“Whether she did or not, the fact remains. A father willing to harm his own child because of political influence…
Blake leaned back into the sofa, his lips curling slightly into his habitual crooked smile.
