Chapter 38

---

"…………"

I looked straight ahead. I had returned to the banquet hall once again.

I stopped at the entrance for a moment and opened the 'Black Fan' that Clifford had returned to me before I came here. I needed to get ready!

I had already put on the golden mask.

Under the mask, my makeup was freshly redone and perfect! The redness in my eyes was a bit noticeable, but that was part of the charm. I doubted anyone would guess I had been crying my eyes out just by looking at me! Wow, impressive.

I had enjoyed the skills of the makeup specialists provided by the venue! I used to think that Sasha and the maids of the royal castle were the best in this regard, but it was hard to say who was better.

I felt I understood why 'Heavenly Paradise' was so popular. Of course, it was also due to Lady Rosa's excellent management!

In that room, I cried and felt relieved. It's true that tears have a cleansing effect!

Alright, let's start over! I need to meet Rust!

---

But as I looked at my face in the mirror in the room, I was taken aback.

My face clearly showed that I had been crying! Yeah, it was worse than I imagined.

I couldn't even return to the venue, let alone meet Rust.

I needed to redo my makeup! I needed to rearm myself!

If this were the royal castle, I would have asked Sasha and the others, but this was 'Heavenly Paradise.'

While some female guests bring their favorite maids for various reasons, most of the invited guests rely on the venue's staff.

The covert battles within the semi-ball often escalate, and it's not uncommon for drinks to spill on clothes or faces, or for lace on dresses to tear. The venue's staff are well-versed in makeup touch-ups, stain removal from dresses, and repairs of tears.

Moreover, they handle everything calmly, without rushing or gossiping. If the staff were to leak any information, it would be a matter of trust and could ruin their business. Fewer people would rent the venue!

These services are also used by those of high status. By using them, it also shows that you trust the organizer's management skills.

This time, several female servants helped me redo my makeup.

--- They were surprised when they realized I was the one who had called them, especially since it was clear I had been crying. Their expressions changed for just a moment, but they didn't ask any questions and helped me rearm myself with great care.

--- However, they were so attentive that Clifford also had to change out of his guard's uniform.

I don't think he actually blew his nose on someone else's uniform... probably! He did have a runny nose! After all, I'm human! Crying beautifully is impossible! Even if there was no snot, the fabric, though thick, still absorbed the moisture from my tears, creating a noticeable discomfort that anyone could see. Especially for those whose job is to help with personal grooming.

Of course, the female servants at the venue wouldn't have missed it.

At a semi-ball, appearance is super important. Not just for the guests themselves, but also for those who accompany them.

Drying Clifford's uniform—there were no fans or dryers in this world.

So, there was only one option left.

"…I'm sorry, Clifford. I caused you so much trouble. It was my lack of foresight."

I had borrowed his chest to cry, but I hadn't thought about what would happen afterward!

I apologized again to Clifford, who had changed into a different outfit.

Clifford was now wearing a white formal suit, but it was also designed for security purposes. When requested, the venue provides this uniform to the royal guards.

"There will be no problem as long as it doesn't hinder your movement."

"But... I hope it's not a problem..."

The last part slipped out as I looked at Clifford. The female servants had debated quite a bit about which replacement outfit to choose. This was the result.

It had golden buttons and was designed to prioritize appearance even more than the guard's uniform. Clifford in white was the opposite of his usual image, but he wore it with the grace of a top-tier model. The female servants nodding in approval made sense.

"…Is there something wrong with it?"

Clifford asked, noticing my gaze.

"It just looks good on you."

"Is that so?"

He replied with a slight smile.

"Sir Guard... and this one too."

A young man who had been distributing masks at the entrance called out. He handed a new mask to Clifford. The pause after "Sir Guard" might have been because Clifford had just changed.

The first time, Clifford had received a black mask, but this time it was a white and gold one.

Clifford put it on.

---

Now, there was no reason to stop at the entrance, and I needed to go in.

But the tension was much higher than the first time. I felt like I needed some encouragement.

"---Clifford, can you escort me to the banquet hall?"

I said, looking straight ahead.

"Here, my hand."

I placed my hand on his outstretched one.

---

I wasn't sure if Rust was still in the banquet hall, but this was the place where he was most likely to be.

Rust had accepted my invitation and appeared.

But when I saw his face, I changed my attitude.

If someone leaves a dance so abruptly, especially when they seem to have a reason to stay, it would be noticeable.

So, I thought he might still be in the banquet hall.

If he wasn't, I would think of another way. Back at the castle, there was his brother Elair, who served as a soldier. I could also talk to Hugh, who had been the messenger for Rust.

Wearing my mask, I looked at the dancing people—Rust was not among them.

My gaze was drawn to the wall.

--- There he was.

A figure I couldn't forget, blending into the surroundings, leaning against the wall with a glass in hand.

He noticed me too and raised his glass, probably in my direction.

At that moment, I was gripping Clifford's hand tightly.

--- I scolded myself for almost faltering!

"That's enough. Thank you."

I let go of his hand after getting close to Rust. I felt a bit lonely as soon as I did, but it was just my imagination.

"---I'm sorry to interrupt."

Rust was talking to two male guests. The masks made it hard to recognize them, but they weren't people I knew.

But they were from Kangina? The circular ear decorations on their left ears were a traditional style of Kangina. In the past, when the relationship between the two countries was tense, a Kangina nobleman had worn these to an Esphia ball, causing a concentrated attack and leading to the outbreak of war. There were various theories about whether Kangina had intentionally provoked it or if Esphia had found an excuse for war.

I wanted to talk to Rust alone, but I didn't want to give a bad impression to the Kangina guests...

Holding my fan in both hands, I smiled.

"Welcome to our country from Kangina. May I join the conversation?"

"Sir... no, it's fine."

"We are the ones who are intruding."

Even with the masks, they knew who I was. They politely excused themselves and left.

"---Did I interrupt a pleasant conversation?"

"It was a boring one, so don't worry."

Rust stood up from the wall.

His voice... I thought it didn't sound like the young man's. It wasn't him.

Still, the issue was the relationship between the young man and Rust.

His appearance... I had decided to face him, but his face was still hidden by the mask, which might be why I could remain calm.

"You said you wanted to be alone. Is that still the case?"

"I'm done."

"That's good to hear."

"I thought you were waiting for me too."

"You approached me through your brother, didn't you?"

"…You also have something to tell me, don't you?"

Rust fell silent. Behind the mask, his amber eyes seemed to be observing me. We both had something to say.

But it was too crowded to have a serious conversation.

"---Shall we change the location?"

---

I put on an air of confidence and invited Rust.

It seemed he also didn't want to continue the conversation in the banquet hall, as he agreed.

We left the hall, two of us going in, and three of us coming out.

Rust kept his mask on. I didn't say anything because I also wanted to delay facing his face.

Additionally, none of the guests we passed seemed to recognize my face without the mask, so the makeup touch-up had been perfect.

I was relieved---but also in a bind.

I had suggested changing the location to Rust. I had a destination in mind, but where should we go?

While walking down the corridor, I was desperately thinking about where we could talk without being seen.

That's right! I was so focused on confronting Rust again that I hadn't thought about where to go...

The VIP room could be reserved, but it was probably being used by other guests, so I would have to ask them to leave.

One of the private rooms I had been in earlier.

Going back there didn't seem right... It would have a different meaning if I went there alone versus bringing Rust directly.

We had already been seen by many guests as we left the banquet hall with Rust and Clifford.

For now, I was avoiding the area with the private rooms and had reached a corridor overlooking the garden.

The semi-ball had been going on for a while, and it was already dusk outside.

The garden, a famous feature of 'Heavenly Paradise,' was bathed in orange light, and the corner lamps were being lit to match.

It was beautiful, but the garden was large and easy to get lost in if you were directionally challenged.

...But what about inside the garden?

I had been there with Alec before. There was a cute pavilion. It was a hidden gem where we could take a break.

Yes, let's go there!

Which direction was the pavilion? Hmm, straight from where the garden security was standing...

I stopped and looked left and right from the corridor.

...Where are the security guards?

"Is something wrong? Is there something you're concerned about?"

Shaking my head at Rust's question.

"No, there's a pavilion in the garden. Let's talk there."

"…Of all places, the garden?"

Rust seemed to react strangely. Of all places? But I couldn't think of a better spot... Let's go!

"Alright? ---Follow me."

I was worried about getting lost without the security guards, but I successfully found the pavilion where Alec and I had discovered it! I was very relieved inside.

Passing through the flower arch, we reached the wooden pavilion with a hexagonal roof, lit by the corner lamps. As expected, there was no one around.

Rust and I sat on the chairs facing each other. Clifford stood behind me. ...I started the conversation.

"Can you take off that mask?"

"---If it's an order from the princess."

Rust removed the mask matter-of-factly and placed it quietly on the table.

Last time, I was taken aback and my mind went blank. This time, I was prepared. My body still trembled, but not to the point where I couldn't think.

"…………"

I stared intently at the face that appeared.

--- Except for the bruise, it was the same as the young man's. Golden hair. Amber eyes. But upon closer inspection, the aura was different. The young man had a deliberate human quality. Rust didn't have that.

"I am the second person to be startled by your face. I would like to know... Princess Octavia, who do I resemble?"

Rust doesn't know who he resembles?

...Second person? I was startled by Rust's appearance because he looked exactly like the young man. But in this world, there shouldn't be anyone else who knows the young man...

Or is there a possibility that someone else knows?

I opened my fan and gripped the handle tightly.

We were probably still feeling each other out. I was at a disadvantage for having run away first.

"---Then, why not ask the first person?"

Rust smiled arrogantly and slowly opened his mouth.

"King, your father?"

...The first person is my father?