Chapter 26

As we approached the grand hall of the "Paradise in the Sky," where the semi-ball was being held, Clifford and Sir Sil escorted me into the building.

Once I stepped in, the tension began to dissipate, and I gained more confidence. With each step, I felt more at ease. Despite the time lost due to the unexpected encounter with Sir Sil, it was fortunate that we had left the castle earlier than planned. The final delay wasn't significant.

Thanks to this, we could walk hand in hand without rushing, taking our time.

In other words, the situation was perfect for stirring up a maiden's heart.

After all, this was, in a sense, the dream position for a romantic maiden—walking with both hands held by two incomparably handsome men. It was a true heroine experience! This was the essence of being a princess, a princess's delight!

...If only I could ignore the stark reality that lay before me.

Clifford was simply performing his duty as a guard knight, and Sir Sil was only taking emergency measures due to the irregular situation! There was not a shred of sweetness between us. If I could erase that fact from my mind!

Yes, it's important to deceive oneself!

As we approached the grand hall, the number of people and the number of gazes increased. I decided to embrace the heroine feeling and greeted the welcoming crowd with a smile. After all, it would be unbecoming of a royal to have a sullen face in such a social setting! A smile always leaves a good impression.

However, something was amiss on the side where I held Sir Sil's hand. The contrast was stark because I felt no unease or tension from Clifford on the other side. As we walked, Sir Sil's movements became more awkward, and his entire body stiffened. He was on the verge of looking unnatural.

This had to be addressed...

Sir Sil was, for better or worse, a celebrity. His presence drew a lot of attention, but not all of the gazes were friendly. As the lover of the prince's brother, he received both benefits and hostility. This was especially evident at a semi-ball like this, and today, the prince was not by his side.

I was the one there!

...No matter how much I thought about it, the prince had been a shield for Sir Sil in many ways, probably psychologically as well.

"Are you feeling intimidated?"

While still smiling at the surroundings, I whispered, and Sir Sil turned to me as if startled.

"Would you like to run back to the prince? It's fine if you do."

I pressed on, knowing that provocation and encouragement were a fine line.

"—I have no intention of going back."

Vitality returned to Sir Sil's hazel eyes, and a social smile, though not entirely natural, formed on his stiffened lips.

"Yes, that's the spirit."

Sir Sil's eyes widened slightly, and a smile bloomed on his face.

"Thank you."

Indeed, he was the protagonist! His genuine smile was so powerful, it could rival the angelic smile of Alek. How terrifying, Sir Sil...!

Hiding my unease, I quickly turned my attention forward. We ascended the grand staircase leading to the main entrance and entered the central corridor lined with red carpet.

We stopped halfway down the corridor.

A person was approaching us, slightly out of breath.

At the same time, Clifford moved silently. The warmth of his hand on my left side disappeared as he stepped in front of me, blocking the approach.

"—What do you intend?"

The person questioned Clifford.

"I cannot allow anyone carrying a weapon to approach the prince without permission. —No matter who they are."

Clifford's calm response showed no sign of backing down... Wait, a weapon? He has one?

I peeked around his broad back. The person was dressed in a well-tailored formal suit, a pure-blooded noble, and had the air of a high-ranking noble.

A wry smile appeared on his handsome face as he was confronted.

"I apologize. I had no such intention. I do carry a weapon, but it's for self-defense. These are dangerous times, and one can't be too careful."

"...Do you have the permission of Lord Rendleton?"

"Of course. Like the knight guarding Princess Octavia, I am an exception."

His smooth response was directed at me.

At any formal event, such as a ball or semi-ball, weapons are generally prohibited. Instead, the organizers provide fully armed security at key points. This time, "Paradise in the Sky" was supposed to have a carefully selected security system. Trust was paramount.

However, it was undesirable for armed individuals to slip in among the guests. To prevent such incidents, where a guest might be mistaken for a thief and apprehended, only the security personnel could enter the venue with weapons. They would be thoroughly checked to ensure they didn't bring anything dangerous inside.

However, the guests themselves were not subjected to such rigorous inspections. Before entering the grounds, their carriages would be stopped at the gate to confirm their identities. If a guest were to bring a hidden weapon and cause an incident, it would be the end of their life. Therefore, guests were trusted to act with good judgment. It was a matter of trusting human nature!

Ah, and knights guarding the royal family were exceptions. The royals were treated specially, and armed guards were allowed at semi-balls to protect them.

—If they had permission, guests could also bring weapons.

A suffocating silence had settled around us. In a public setting, it was Clifford's duty to be cautious of anyone approaching the protected individual with a hidden weapon, regardless of who they were.

However, the person in question was someone of high standing.

Everyone around us was holding their breath, watching the situation unfold. A different kind of tension was emanating from Sir Sil's hand.

I spoke up.

"—Clifford, he's fine."

Probably!

"But... still..."

Clifford's blue eyes met mine.

"If you see anyone suspicious, please let me know. I'll be careful."

I, too, lived by trusting human nature! Unless someone was obviously suspicious or radiated hostility, my danger sensors wouldn't activate! I wouldn't be able to detect a guest with a hidden weapon! I would rely on any warnings and make judgments accordingly! I'll do my best! Please, Clifford!

"As you wish, Your Highness."

Clifford bowed and stepped back as if nothing had happened, returning to his original position. I placed my hand on the outstretched right hand again, feeling a sense of relief. A natural smile appeared on my face. Maybe it was because Clifford was usually so composed, giving me a sense of security?

"Being treated as a suspicious person is hurtful. I thought I was on better terms with Princess Octavia."

With Clifford out of the way, the person approached.

"Being on better terms" could lead to misunderstandings...

"—I apologize, Lord Derek. However, my knight is very competent. He noticed the weapon you were hiding."

The insight of a 'servant'? I was grateful that Clifford was on my side. He would be terrifying as an enemy.

"Like Princess Octavia, who is known for her weapon detection skills?"

No, that's not it! Clifford noticed it, but I didn't at all!

But correcting him would be awkward... So, it's fine.

Stopping the princess and addressing her—such actions were permissible for a noble with the right status and backing. He bowed gracefully.

"—Princess Octavia, it is an honor to meet you."

A noble young man with brown hair and black eyes, dressed in a formal suit. Despite his unassuming appearance, his handsome face and high status made him very popular among noble ladies. ...And possibly among noble gentlemen as well. The latter group might even be larger.

—Derek Knightley, a friend of my brother.

While my brother was a perfect but somewhat distant figure, Derek had a refreshing and likable aura. We had known each other since childhood, and he was probably a pure-blooded noble?

Hearing that the royal carriage had arrived with Sir Sil and me, he had rushed over. As a friend of my brother, he would think such a situation was impossible.

It was impossible, so he wouldn't believe it until he saw it with his own eyes. Everything.

The moment he saw Sir Sil and me walking together, the formal expression that all high-ranking nobles wore crumbled.

However, the expression that appeared—"Seriously? Spare me!"—was... well, I wasn't sure.

Derek was the son of an elderly noble, and while we had known each other since childhood, we were merely acquaintances.

"Yes, it has been a while."

I responded with a smile, observing his reaction.

But that moment of crumbling expression seemed like an illusion. Derek's face now showed no hint of his inner thoughts. As the future duke, he was skilled at hiding his true feelings. He would naturally prioritize greeting me, the princess, even if he wanted to speak to Sir Sil first.

He appeared to be a refined noble guest, but he was also carrying a hidden weapon.

Based on what I knew about Sir Sil and my brother, Derek was definitely on Sir Sil's side... but for me, it was a bit more complicated.

I didn't think he would attack me, which was why I had asked Clifford to step back.

—People who supported Sir Sil and my brother often viewed me with disdain!

I couldn't let my guard down.

"Do you have something to ask me?"

I mentally prepared to counter any sophisticated verbal attacks from Derek. Bring it on! ...Or not, that would be fine too!

"Yes, I came to escort you on behalf of Prince Serius. I was worried when your knight blocked me."

Clifford remained expressionless, letting the sarcasm slide.

"—May I have the honor of accompanying you to the grand hall, Princess Octavia?"

The unexpected verbal attack came from an unexpected direction.

A "huh?" atmosphere spread among the onlookers, but Derek himself seemed unfazed.

"...My brother's?"

"Oh, have you forgotten?"

Have you forgotten?

"I remember that Prince Serius used to escort Princess Octavia."

Have you forgotten that?

"...What a nostalgic story."

Back when I was a terrible dancer, my brother used to escort me. Later, it became the knight's duty, and after Alek grew up, he took over the role at balls.

"I have been ordered by Prince Serius to act as his proxy at the semi-ball when he is absent. It seems that today, after all these years, I finally have the opportunity to fulfill this duty."

Derek smiled triumphantly, placing his hand on his chest and bowing.

His statement was suspicious! Suspicious, yet he looked every bit the noble prince.

He captivated the crowd with his charm.

"Please allow me to act as your escort in place of my brother."

...I decline!

Ah, I've found a kindred spirit.

A trio of a decorated noble lady and two handsome young nobles, like childhood friends?

In a typical scenario, the two young men would vie for the lady's affection.

In Esphia, it's like this!

The two young men are both in love, and the red-haired lady is thinking, "Just get together already! But I won't meddle in it!" with a deadpan expression and a strained, hollow smile!

I want to be friends with her.

"—Those two seem to be in the midst of a blossoming spring."

Derek, noticing my intense gaze, commented.

"...You're well-informed."

"Information is important. Even a simple love story can lead to significant changes."

"Oh, is Lord Derek in love?"

"Unfortunately, I am not."

Some of the audience sighed in disappointment.

—Why was I having this conversation with Derek?

I couldn't just say "I decline!" because my escort had increased to three people!

Such a public invitation was a form of friendly gesture.

Unless you wanted to emphasize a bad relationship, it was polite to accept.

Derek was the future duke and a friend of my brother. Inviting me was not out of place for his position...!

Moreover, bringing up such an old story involving my brother made it hard to refuse.

Declining would be like declaring a bad relationship with both Derek and my brother. The timing of the invitation, while Sir Sil was escorting me, made the effect of a refusal even more significant.

In short, the answer was already a yes from the moment the invitation was made.

With three people, one hand would be left free. The "two handsome men on each arm" strategy had to be adjusted. We ended up walking with both sides occupied.

...It felt like being escorted. The princess feeling was fading!

On my left was Clifford, and on my right were Derek and Sir Sil, with Sir Sil on the outside due to his status. As the eldest son of a ducal family and the third son of a baronial family, Derek took precedence.

We had to maintain a pleasant atmosphere as we walked to the grand hall, having accepted the friendly gesture.

However, Sir Sil remained silent, and Clifford only spoke when necessary.

The conversation fell to me and Derek.

We exchanged polite smiles and engaged in conversation for the benefit of the onlookers.

"Princess Octavia, your attire today is different from usual."

"Oh, I'm glad you noticed."

He seemed to understand, and the topics he brought up were safe and inoffensive.

The most pressing matter.

He didn't mention why Sir Sil and I were together. It was understandable, given the attention and gazes we were receiving. In fact, the number of gazes increased even more after Derek joined us! The corridor was crowded with people who had moved to get a better view.

Truly, Derek Knightley was a highly sought-after bachelor! His declaration of being single only increased his value! Clifford, too, was receiving intense gazes from both men and women. The excitement around him seemed to have intensified after the scene with Derek...!

Sir Sil, despite being the prince's lover, was also receiving heated gazes from some (male) admirers who were undeterred by his status...!

...What about me?

Yes, I could feel intense gazes from the opposite sex, as if I were a rival in love! I hoped it was just my imagination! Maybe it was just intense admiration for me!

"Thank you for the compliment... but I doubt anyone missed it. Your attire today is quite different from usual."

"Change is necessary in everything. How do I look to you, Lord Derek?"

"You are captivating. ...Almost frighteningly so."

...Frighteningly so? A compliment? An insult?

Talking to Derek made me realize how conversations with nobles could be so... nuanced!

I suppressed the urge to question and smiled.

I needed to steer the conversation... something we could talk about without much effort... I had an idea!

Your father!

My voice naturally brightened.

"He is well. He seems almost indestructible."

"Such a harsh way to put it."

"Understand it as a sign of his health. He is so enthusiastic about daily cleaning."

Cleaning, huh.

"Even in this venue, he might start cleaning."

"—I would prefer if he didn't."

"But it's so like him, isn't it?"

My uncle was a neat freak and, unusually for a noble, did his own cleaning. "I prefer doing it myself. When you leave it to others, important spots are often overlooked. Sometimes, I even discover hidden nests that were previously ignored." I, too, had a commoner's habit of starting to clean my room, so I could relate to this!

"I look forward to seeing him."

My primary goal was to find a suitable gentleman to pretend to be my lover, but I hadn't forgotten about meeting my uncle. If he were single and twenty... ten years younger! I would have definitely asked him to be my pretend lover... No, even if it wasn't just a role...! No! I loved my uncle, the duchess-loving noble!

"...Your appreciation of my father's cleaning habits and your continued fondness for him are quite evident, Princess Octavia."

Derek's tone suggested he wasn't trying to hide it. There was a hint of exasperation, as if he was saying, "What a strange taste." How sad...! He was his father's son, yet he didn't understand. Not at all, Derek Knightley!

"Of course, he is a wonderful person."

As a devoted husband, my uncle stood out in the noble society of Esphia, shining like a diamond. He was the Duke of Knightley! His love for cleaning, from a commoner's perspective, made him seem more domestic! While it might be a negative trait for a noble, it was a positive for me!

"If I were to choose a husband, someone like the Duke of Knightley would be the best."

"Then, is your lover someone like my father?"

A high-ranking noble's essential social skill. Derek, with a perfect smile that hid his true feelings, asked casually.

"Well..."

Suddenly, the topic of my lover was brought up! An assassin! "Well..." was all I could say! We were having a nice conversation about my uncle, and now I felt at a disadvantage. I needed to regain my composure! What should I say...

I fanned my face with my fan, buying time.

This also allowed me to gauge the reactions of nearby people to my fan, the "Black Fan" made from Rev bird feathers. Incidentally, Sir Sil was completely unaffected by the "Black Fan." He didn't even seem to be pretending. Maybe he didn't believe in superstitions? There was a high possibility of converting him to appreciate the beauty of Rev bird feathers!

How about Derek? Even when the "Black Fan" moved close to his vision, he showed no negative emotions, but that could be