Chapter 7

The greeting from the host, the princess, was over, and the waltz for the first dance began to flow smoothly.

In the dance hall where the noble people, connected to the royal family, danced elegantly, the scene of Olvia being there was truly as beautiful as a dream, but it seemed terribly unrealistic.

Would Olvia really end up marrying the prince?

No matter how much I recalled, the sister I knew was a frail girl who spent most of her day in bed.

She had a certain longing for the outside world and would often overdo it by attending balls, only to fall ill.

"There's never a time when I don't feel bad. If I'm going to feel bad anyway, I don't think it's so bad to do what I want and feel bad. Father is just exaggerating."

Though it could be taken as selfish, I understood the feelings of my sister, who sought freedom, all too well.

But being chosen by the prince and dancing in a glittering ballroom—was that really what Olvia had wanted?

While I was lost in thought, the music ended.

As I clapped along with everyone else, Sadieus's body beside me moved smoothly.

"Amarie, you see, I'm actually quite a homebody, and I haven't danced in front of people for a long time, so I might be a poor dancer and embarrass you..."

After a long preamble, Sadieus extended his hand with a smooth motion, contrary to his words.

"Would you do me the honor of a dance?"

Of course, the answer was already decided.

"Yes, I would be delighted."

With the sound of the elegant string instruments, I stepped into the dance hall as if being led.

My silver hair reflected the chandelier's light, like silk.

I might be more nervous than when I was a debutante.

"Um, Lord Sadieus..."

"What is it?"

"I might be a poor dancer and embarrass you too."

"Even though you can do anything well?"

"Well, I've always thought of dancing as an obligation, so I never tried to get better..."

Sadieus's eyebrows furrowed.

"Do you dislike dancing?"

"...I don't know."

As I answered honestly, I felt my body lift slightly.

Sadieus had taken my waist and spun me halfway to the music.

"Kyaa!"

My vision spun, and I felt the strength of Sadieus's arms.

I was gently set back on the floor and pulled again.

My feet moved almost unconsciously, perfectly matching his movements.

From then on, we danced without a word, enjoying it innocently.

Through our connected hands, I could feel that Sadieus wanted me to enjoy this moment.

It was as if we had become one being, understanding each other's movements without thinking, and knowing how to move.

It was a very mysterious and happy time.

After happiness, unhappiness follows.

I don't believe in such superstitions, but reality often turns out that way.

After the dance with Sadieus ended, and I was in a dreamlike state, I was met by my father with a stern expression.

"Father..."

Like being doused with cold water, a deep-seated fear rose from my feet.

I thought I would be scolded.

Sadieus's hand on my waist sensed my tension and stiffened.

But my father smiled calmly and thanked Sadieus for escorting me.

"Amarie, you look even more beautiful tonight."

"Thank you, Father."

"Your beauty is different from Olvia's, and everyone noticed it tonight."

That's right.

Father is that kind of person.

He is outwardly good and can smoothly say things that sound like a good father.

"The Duke of Tres looks like a different person. The last time I met you, you looked so pitiful, but tonight you are the subject of women's gossip."

"It's thanks to Miss Amarie."

"As a father, I am honored that my daughter could be of service. By the way..."

Father's gaze turned to me.

Just that made my body stiffen easily.

Why am I so spineless?

"There are people who want to introduce themselves to my daughter. May I borrow her?"

You're not even her fiancé, I heard the spite in his words.

Sadieus glared at my father for a while but, being at a disadvantage, reluctantly nodded.

"Of course."

Father's hand reached out and took me from Sadieus.

Sadieus's hand held mine until the last moment, but then let go helplessly.

I smiled to show him that I was fine, but his golden eyes remained worried.

"Many people asked if you and the Duke of Tres were engaged, but I answered that you were not."

Father spoke in a gentle, caring voice.

"The Duke is a bad person. To call an unmarried daughter for his own sake and have her escort him at such a large ball. What if rumors start?"

"The Duke is not that kind of person."

"You are naive to think so."

Why does Father, who knows nothing about Sadieus's character, say such terrible things?

I thought, but I knew it would be futile to say it out loud.

I just had to endure it quietly.

As always.

Just like before.

Holding my breath, waiting for the storm to pass.

So, I was led by my father and met several nobles. Some were relatives, some were new faces, and so on.

"My daughter Amarie is wise and takes care of her sister. Perhaps because of that, she is somewhat neglectful of herself, and as a parent, I want to find her a good match."

Because of Olvia, we were often stopped and engaged in conversation.

"Olvia looks a lot like her mother. But unfortunately, my daughter Amarie takes after me... No, I'm not that bad-looking."

I didn't need to speak, so I just smiled beside my father.

"I want Amarie to marry and continue the Adler family. We want to pass on as much as we can to her. And to live with a kind husband and have cute children. That's what happiness is."

The time seemed to stretch, and it was boring and maddening.

"Compared to my wife and Olvia, she lacks sincerity... She sometimes opposes what I say. I should be happy that she is a girl of her age, but..."

"Is that so at the Adler family too! Our daughter is obsessed with new dresses and jewels, and if we scold her a little, she talks back!"

"Maybe that's good. Our Amarie lacks a sense of beauty and wears the same dress all the time, so we have to give her good things and polish her..."

"Ah, Duke, is there something wrong with her dress? I praised it earlier, saying it goes well with her chestnut hair."

When his voice cut into the conversation between my father and the relatives, I snapped back to reality.

It was like being woken up by the sound of a beautiful bell after listening to unpleasant music.

"Umm, Duke of Tres... No, we weren't having a serious conversation..."

Perhaps because the content of the conversation was not flattering to me, my father averted his eyes awkwardly.

"Ah, I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation. I just wanted to be near Amarie as much as possible since I had the chance to escort her, so I came to fetch her."

"That's very kind of you, but..."

"May I borrow Amarie?"

This time, it seemed that Sadieus had the upper hand.

He took me from my father as if snatching me away and walked briskly.

His profile was clearly angry.

"Really, your father is so rude! Amarie is sincere, and it's you who lacks a sense of beauty in front of such a beautiful girl!"

Perhaps because I was taken aback by the suddenness or because Sadieus's anger was funny, I suddenly burst out laughing and looked down.

He noticed my sudden downward gaze and stopped, peering at me anxiously.

"Sorry, Amarie. Did I upset you?"

"Why? I was trying so hard not to laugh!"

I pressed my lips, and Sadieus exhaled in relief.

"No matter how rude he is, he is your father... I tried to show respect, but I couldn't hold back because it was too much."

"No, if you hadn't come, it would have gone on forever."

"Is it always like that?"

Asked hesitantly, I smiled ambiguously.

"You've been through this all along and have been holding back your anger?"

"I just ignore it, so it's fine."

If I didn't, I would keep thinking about the hurtful words and be hurt every time.

I am aware that I am easily hurt by words.

So, I just hear them as meaningless sounds.

Even though I said it was fine, Sadieus looked sad.

"Sadieus?"

"...Sorry, I was feeling a bit self-loathing."

Self-loathing?

Why would Sadieus feel self-loathing?

Did I do something wrong?

The thought of being disliked by Sadieus was painful.

Just as I was panicking and grabbing the hem of his clothes,

A silent cheer rose from the center of the hall.

Turning to see what was happening, I saw Gilbert, the prince, kneeling in front of Olvia in an open space.

There was only one thing he could be doing in such a public setting.

A proposal.

Yet, Olvia's face showed only confusion.

"Olvia"

The hall fell silent at the prince's words.

Everyone held their breath, watching the proposal.

"From the moment I saw you, I wanted to protect you. Please become my wife and give me the right to protect you for life."

Come on, nod.

The prince looked up at Olvia with feverish eyes.

But Olvia...

I had a terrible feeling.

"I am very grateful for your kindness, Your Highness."

Her delicate, shell-like lips slowly formed the words.

Though her voice was barely audible, it echoed clearly in the silent hall.

"But I... cannot return your feelings. I am not a suitable wife for Your Highness."

Gasps of surprise rose from all around.

Olvia bowed her head quickly to the prince, who seemed to not understand what was said.

"I'm sorry!"

She almost shouted and turned to run.

And she fled from the scene.