YWMD 13

Chapter 13

Because There Is No Turning Back (2)

“……”

“Don’t be too upset. I’m not only talking to Lady Are. What’s the difference between you and the others here, really?”

Her indifferent eyes shifted to the group standing behind her. It was a cluster of people around her age—those she had once often socialized with as her “friends.” Every single one of them had also turned away when she needed help the most. Trust was always the first emotion to collapse.

“You’ve probably heard about my engagement. Or maybe you attended the ceremony. I suppose I should start living with a proper sense of my place now. It’s only natural that similar people associate with each other, don’t you think?”

“……”

“Could you pass my message along to the others as well? Spreading stories about me has always been your specialty, Lady Are.”

Veronica crumpled the letter once more and smiled sweetly. Then she glanced again at the group behind her. Those who had been secretly watching the situation flinched and averted their eyes. Even while sensing the tense atmosphere, they were still prioritizing their own interests.

Nothing had changed at all.

That realization only confirmed what she already knew—there was nothing left. Veronica turned her back on the rotten connections. Whispering broke out behind her, but she ignored it.

When she returned to her original spot, Harry was waiting for her.

“Did you talk things out properly?”

“Yes, very well. Fortunately, they all listened.”

Unaware of the situation, Harry smiled in relief.

At the banquet hall, the procession of nobles waiting to be granted an audience with the Emperor continued. But since they could not wait indefinitely, once enough people had gathered, the music in the ballroom changed.

First, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess stepped into the center of the hall. After exchanging formal greetings, they began to dance to the music. Once their dance ended, it was the princes’ turn. With many royals present, multiple groups performed together.

After the princes finished, it was supposed to be the nobles’ turn.

However, no one dared step into the center of the ballroom. The silence was so heavy that even the music felt muted.

The reason was simple—the most important figures had not yet taken the floor.

Countless glances darted around. Confusion spread. Murmurs quickly grew chaotic, and judgmental gazes filled the hall.

Among the sea of spectators, Veronica stood alone.

There had been times when she had been so afraid of situations like this that she had fled, unable to breathe under the pressure.

But now, she felt nothing.

She took a slow step forward toward the man who would share her despair.

The sound of her heels echoed sharply as she met the eyes of the man who had instinctively lifted his head.

“Prince Cassian.”

Cassian immediately frowned, clearly displeased at hearing his name called. Veronica smiled brightly.

“You wouldn’t treat your fiancée so coldly here, would you?”

She extended her gloved hand. Cassian looked down at it sharply.

“There are many eyes watching, Your Highness. You should maintain decorum.”

“…Are you even capable of dancing properly?”

“Of course I am.”

“……”

“Take my hand. His Majesty is watching as well.”

At that, Cassian clenched and released his fist once before finally reaching out.

But he only grasped her fingertips, as though afraid of contamination.

Veronica let out a disbelieving laugh at his blatant rudeness. Cassian still looked as though touching her was unbearable.

They stepped into the center of the ballroom.

After exchanging formal greetings, they closed the distance. Cassian took her hand again—still only at the fingertips.

“Are you telling me to fall in front of everyone?”

“How are we supposed to dance like this? Hold properly.”

At her calm demand, Cassian sighed.

Finally, his hand opened fully and wrapped around hers, fingers interlacing carefully. His other hand settled lightly at her waist and pulled her closer.

Their bodies met. A faint warmth lingered between them—slightly hot, slightly ticklish.

Veronica lifted her head and looked up at his stiff face.

Wasn’t it said that dancing worked best between people who had affection for each other?

Of course, his expression was far from one of love.

Whispers spread around them. Someone even bet on how she would fall this time.

Veronica lowered her gaze.

The music changed.

She moved.

One step to the right, one to the left, shifting her weight smoothly, extending her arm before returning to her partner’s hand. Every movement flowed like a single line—no hesitation, no excess. There was even a strange ease to it.

Veronica had once been a terrible dancer.

Her social debut was infamous. Her instructor had once begged her to simply remember: be elegant, be graceful, never lose your smile even if you make mistakes. Eventually, they had given up entirely, telling her only not to fall.

But now—

She danced perfectly.

The instructor who had once despaired over her would have been desperate to teach her again if they saw her now.

Veronica displayed everything she had once been taught: elegance, beauty, and a constant smile.

As she turned, she met Cassian’s gaze. He looked slightly surprised, as if expecting her to trip at any moment.

“Did you know we haven’t seen each other for half a year?”

“…Is that so.”

“I sent you letters. You never replied. I waited.”

“…I see.”

What an infuriating man.

Veronica smiled sweetly.

“I missed you.”

“……”

Cassian ignored her words as though chewing them and turned his head away, focusing entirely on the dance instead.

From then on, they danced in silence.

There were only two dancers in the center, yet the movements were smooth and steady. Veronica occasionally checked Cassian’s expression—focused, composed.

Even she could tell he was skilled. He guided her path gently while following her movements precisely. It was a textbook performance.

With Asar, it had felt like following a lead. With Cassian, it felt like coordination—like two people adjusting to each other.

His grip tightened slightly as he guided her. Not forceful—just enough to feel steady.

Dance was about harmony between partners.

She hadn’t understood that before. But now, she thought she might.

When Cassian glanced at her, Veronica smiled instantly. He quickly looked away again, face stiff and rigid.

She smiled even brighter.

The final note played.

The music ended.

Applause followed—formal, polite, but clearly laced with gossip.

Now it was the nobles’ turn.

Veronica, uninterested in dancing further, reached out toward Cassian.

Or rather, she tried to.

He deliberately walked past her without acknowledging her hand.

Veronica smiled brightly and moved quickly.

She stumbled slightly on purpose and grabbed his arm.

“Oops, how rude of me.”

Without letting go, she leaned comfortably against him.

“I feel a little dizzy. Would you support me?”

“…Fine.”

Cassian answered through gritted teeth, clearly wanting to throw her off—but unable to act because of the watching crowd.

Veronica smirked.

Harry approached them.

“Veronica, are you unwell?”

“Just a bit dizzy. I think I’m nervous.”

“Should I take you outside for a moment?”

“It’s alright, Father. Prince Cassian will accompany me, won’t you?”

She smiled at Cassian.

He looked like he wanted to refuse—but after glancing at Harry, he reluctantly nodded.

Leaving Harry behind, they walked toward the ballroom exit.

Eyes followed them everywhere.

Veronica politely excused herself whenever someone tried to speak, blaming her condition.

Cassian’s expression remained rigid.

“Smile, Your Highness. You look like you’re being dragged to an execution.”

“That’s not far from how I feel.”

“Could you at least relax that terrifying expression?”

“No.”