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Chapter 39
“Are you saying I’m not an elf? Then how is that possible?”
- There is one rare possibility.
“What is it?”
Undine leaned close to Joohee’s ear and whispered softly.
- When an elf and a human have a child together.
Her eyes widened at those words.
“Then… am I one of those cases?”
- I don’t know. There is an elf-like energy flowing through you… but it could also just be a special constitution. However, real elves can be clearly distinguished.
“……”
- But Joohee, in such cases, because two opposing energies collide, the child cannot live long. As far as I know, the longest-lived child only reached ten years. And I haven’t heard of such a child being born for decades.
“…I see.”
She had called Undine to clear her curiosity, but instead her mind felt even more complicated.
Undine continued muttering for a while before disappearing, and Joohee came out of the bathroom.
“Special constitution…”
That phrase kept echoing in her head.
After changing clothes and packing a book to go to the library, she left her room.
She told the maid guarding the door that she was going to the library, then moved her feet.
When she arrived at the library and opened the door, the first person she saw was Ian.
He noticed her and stood up with a bright smile.
“Hello. Are you here to return books?”
“Yes.”
“Please give them to me.”
Joohee walked closer and handed him the book.
He reached out and took it from her hand.
At that moment, whether by accident or on purpose, Ian’s fingers lightly brushed against hers before pulling away.
She looked up at him, but Ian only smiled innocently as if nothing had happened.
Joohee recalled where books about other races were placed and walked toward the bookshelf.
But the books she wanted were not there.
One of them even contained harsh criticism about other races, so she closed it without finishing it.
In the end, she left the library with nothing gained.
Before leaving, Ian’s gaze felt strangely unsettling, but Joohee decided not to care since she wouldn’t need to meet him again anyway.
Elizabeth looked at the man and woman in front of her with a satisfied smile.
After clearing her throat, she spoke excitedly and approached them.
“I’m so glad His Majesty agreed to help with dance practice! I was worried because I’d be limited in taking the male role and might need to bring someone else… Anyway, it’s perfect that you’ll have your first dance with His Majesty.”
She continued praising them endlessly, saying they were a perfect match.
Joohee looked a little tired, and Rowan caught it immediately, giving Elizabeth a subtle signal.
Elizabeth understood and closed her mouth like a clam, then gestured to the orchestra.
“Rowen, this is only your second lesson, so you might step on my feet.”
“It’s okay. Just follow my lead.”
Joohee carefully took Rowan’s hand and placed her other hand on his shoulder.
Rowan smiled faintly and held her waist firmly.
At Elizabeth’s signal, the orchestra began playing, and Joohee slowly started stepping in rhythm.
It was strange. When she danced alone, it felt awkward and difficult, but with Rowan, it felt easy.
“Here, like this.”
She got confused at parts she had learned before, but Rowan guided her smoothly.
She followed his movements.
It was true that if the partner was skilled, half of it was already done.
Before she knew it, the song ended.
“Goodness, His Majesty is truly excellent! Still, since this is your first time with the latter part, let’s go over it again.”
Whenever Joohee made mistakes, Rowan guided her gently, making it easier than before.
Then she cautiously asked, worried.
“Rowan, am I taking too much of your time? You didn’t need to help me…”
“It’s better with two than alone. Besides…”
Rowan trailed off.
Joohee tilted her head, but he only smiled.
Elizabeth’s earlier words bothered him deeply.
Bringing someone else instead of him?
That was unacceptable.
Now that he was her partner, he could not allow anyone else to hold her hand.
As they danced, Rowan kept looking at Joohee’s face.
Her focused expression was adorable.
Even if she stepped on his foot, he wouldn’t mind—but she was trying so hard not to, which made her even cuter.
He wanted to attend the ball with her.
But knowing her personality, she would never go.
So, a little underhandedly, he had influenced Lady Roberto.
And he had no intention of ever telling Joohee.
Only he and his knight knew.
She must never know.
At that moment, Joohee lost her step and stepped on Rowan’s foot.
“Ah—s-sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose. Are you okay?”
She looked flustered, which was rare.
Rowan liked how her attention was suddenly on him.
So he pretended it hurt, even though it didn’t.
“Ah… it hurts a little. I think you put too much strength.”
“You must be nervous. I’m sorry. Can you still walk?”
He almost laughed, but held it back.
Instead, he leaned slightly on her, pretending his foot hurt.
“We’ll stop here for today. See you next time.”
Elizabeth quickly excused herself and left with the orchestra.
Soon, only Joohee and Rowan remained in the large hall.
Joohee stiffened as he leaned on her.
It wasn’t heavy, but it was awkward.
“Uh… Rowan?”
“My foot hurts, so I’ll stay like this for a moment.”
Rowan turned his head and buried his face near her neck.
Because she had tied her hair up for dancing, her white neck was exposed.
A faint, unique scent drifted from her.
She trembled slightly at the ticklish breath but did not push him away.
Rowan intertwined his fingers with hers, holding her hand tightly but not painfully.
He smiled in satisfaction.
After a few minutes, he slowly lifted his head.
He had suppressed the earlier desire.
“Alright, I’m fine now. Since the lesson is over, shall we go back?”
“…Yes.”
Joohee replied slightly awkwardly and held his hand.
She felt like something had been strange earlier, but it seemed fine now.
‘Maybe I imagined it.’
It felt a bit unsettling, but nothing had actually happened, so she pushed the thought away.
A month later, Lilia came to the palace for a fitting, bringing the dress.
She wore a very satisfied smile.
“I guarantee this is the best dress I’ve ever made.”
She proudly lifted the cloth covering the mannequin.
A beautiful dress appeared.
“Wow… it’s beautiful.”
Joohee’s eyes widened.
It was truly beautiful.
No excessive decorations or frills, but delicate embroidery made it elegant.
White flowers bloomed along the hem, and small jewels sparkled.
Joohee walked closer, entranced.
“This dress’s biggest surprise is the back.”
“….”
“The front is modest and fully covered, but the back is open down to the waist, making it very seductive. I assure you it suits you perfectly.”
Joohee stared at the back of the dress with an empty expression.
“…Can you cover it?”
“Oh my, what a scary joke.”
Lilia laughed.
Before Joohee could respond, Lilia clapped her hands.
“Alright, time to change!”
Maid servants rushed in and dressed her quickly before she could refuse.
The dress fit perfectly.
Lilia looked at her in awe.
“I knew it… you’re stunning. Since I started this job, I’ve only been this satisfied with His Majesty before you.”
Joohee couldn’t refuse her enthusiasm.
She was led to a mirror as Lilia adjusted small details.
“You can walk, right?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s see…”
After a while, Lilia finally smiled brightly.
“Try walking.”
“Yes.”
Joohee slowly moved.
