Chapter 83

It was true that ladies who couldn't dance even once because no one asked them would often become the target of ridicule. Gentlemen who were rejected by every partner they asked and couldn't dance even once before returning home were also mocked.

'Actually, married people are free from such gossip...'

The moment Altair extended his hand to me, I could feel all the surrounding nobles' eyes sparkling as they focused on us. They wanted to see the newcomer to the capital's social scene, Lord Eilsford, dance.

'I can't let Altair be seen as a poor gentleman who was rejected by his wife.'

"A man who doesn't dance at such an event will be ridiculed too."

"Then my wife will have to save me."

I was nervous, but I tried to force a gentle smile and took Altair's hand, advancing to the center of the grand ballroom. The music ringing in my ears, the murmurs of the crowd, and the piercing gazes all around me felt like a disaster to my timid self.

'Just look at Altair. Only Altair!'

I fixed my gaze on Altair's face, blurring out the surroundings, which calmed me down. In social dances, the man's role in leading the woman is crucial. I thought Altair, being unfamiliar with social dances, would struggle a bit, but he moved surprisingly smoothly, leading me.

"Why are you so good at this? Did you practice?"

I whispered, half in disbelief, and he sighed with a somewhat exasperated look.

"Before coming to the capital, Maria gave me strict instructions."

"Really... Just because she told you, you could become this good?"

"I did image training while reading a social dance guide. It's a method I often use when learning new sword techniques."

"Sword techniques..."

So, this was more like martial arts than dancing...? The thought made me giggle, and Altair's large hand gently brushed my back.

"You're finally smiling."

His voice sounded relieved, and I shivered, feeling as if I had been caught in a compromising position.

"Ah, I've been smiling the whole time."

"That was a fake smile. This is the real one."

Altair glanced at the corners of my mouth. I had been trying to act as if I was familiar with the social scene and enjoying the party, but it seemed I couldn't escape Altair's sharp senses. I blushed and moved closer to him, as it made it easier to hide my flushed face.

"Today, I realized... I'm not one of the charming ladies of the capital. I'm sorry."

"What do you mean by 'charming ladies of the capital'?"

"Just what it sounds like. Charming ladies."

There was a common fantasy about the ladies of the capital: they were skilled in social activities, enjoyed parties, and had many friends. If that was what defined a charming lady of the capital, I was far from it. In Eilsford, where social events were rare, my shortcomings were not so noticeable, but in the capital, where social activities were central, my awkwardness would inevitably show.

'Especially Melissa, who was always close and a constant point of comparison...'

I subtly turned my head to follow Melissa's movements with my eyes. She was laughing joyfully among the young nobles, leading the atmosphere. Both men and women appreciated her straightforward personality, which was rare among social ladies. My uncle would often drag me to parties against my will, comparing me to Melissa and ranting about how inadequate 'Nadia Vain' was as a companion. Of course, he would wrap his criticism in a seemingly caring reason like 'I'm worried about my lacking niece...'

Altair followed my gaze to Melissa and let out a hollow laugh.

"Surely, she's not what you mean by a charming lady of the capital?"

"Everyone says so."

"Is someone else's evaluation the standard for being a charming lady?"

Altair's slight tilt of the head, as if he didn't understand, revealed a confidence that only someone with self-assurance could have. People like him wouldn't be swayed by others' opinions.

'Actually, I wanted to be someone like this more than a charming lady of the capital.'

A person with a straight and unshakable heart. Unable to respond, I remained silent, and Altair spoke up.

"You're amazing."

"I don't need your sympathy."

"Would I offer insincere sympathy? I say what I think. If you're amazing, I say you're amazing. If not, I say you're not."

I looked up at Altair, and he was looking at me with a steady expression. It was impossible to think that someone with such an expression could be insincere. I couldn't hold back and bowed my head. I could feel Altair's confusion as he examined my face.

"Didn't I just compliment you?"

"You did. That's why I'm like this. Because you said I'm amazing, I'm... embarrassed."

I could feel my face turning red.

"...Amazing."

"Stop it."

"You're really amazing, Nadia."

"Why, why do you keep saying that!"

As I protested and lifted my head, Altair had a slight smile on his face, which seemed out of place.

"Are you teasing me?"

"No. I meant it. Your reaction is just... cute."

"Cute...?"

Altair stopped speaking and clamped his mouth shut. Whatever he was about to say, he seemed to doubt himself. I waited for him to continue, but he avoided my gaze and cleared his throat softly.

"There's no reason to be embarrassed about the truth. You feel this way because you're not used to it. So, I'll keep telling you until you get used to it. You're amazing, Nadia."

When he said "amazing" for the last time, our gazes met again. The overwhelming emotion that washed over me made me feel as if I were floating in the sky. My steps, moving to the music, felt incredibly light, almost surreal.

The gazes and voices of the people around me, which I had been trying to ignore, had long since faded away. If someone as confident as this called me amazing...

'I want to believe it.'

That I am truly amazing. At least to this person. Overwhelmed by his kind words, I smiled genuinely and looked at Altair. Altair, who met my smile head-on, froze in surprise. The music ended, and the dancers returned to their original positions, leaving only Altair and me.

"...Altair?"

I asked cautiously, and Altair finally regained his composure and started to move, though his steps were awkward and uncoordinated.

'Why?'

Altair suddenly seemed to malfunction. Had he suddenly felt unwell? No, Altair was strong and wouldn't get sick like that. As I pondered the reason, a group of men approached.

"Madam, if you don't mind, may I borrow Lord Eilsford for a moment? There are many things I'd like to discuss."

Now the real socializing began. The gentlemen had things to discuss, so I had to let Altair go.

'Well, Altair suddenly seemed off, so I'm a bit worried...'

I glanced at him, and he was already back to his usual calm self. As expected, there was no need to worry about him.

"Of course. I wouldn't want to interfere with the gentlemen's conversation."

I bowed politely and stepped back.

'This is to give Altair a chance to socialize, not because I'm running away.'

Yes, that's right. But the thought of finally escaping the crowded center brought a sigh of relief.

However, the thought of "Finally, I can escape!" was a big mistake.

"Oh, Lady Eilsford! Come over here and join us in conversation?"

"Right! Talk with us!"

Unlike before, when I was barely noticed, now that I was the subject of much gossip, everyone was paying attention to me. Sneaking away to a quiet spot was impossible...

"Of course..."

I swallowed my tears and walked over to the group of ladies.

***

Altair took a sip of the champagne offered by the servant, feeling the scrutinizing gazes of the nobles. People often think that the competition among ladies is fierce, but the rivalry among men is no less intense. Is this person above me, below me, or not even worth being in this group? This hierarchy is often established when meeting someone for the first time.

'Of course, I've never been at the bottom of such a competition.'

Altair was relaxed. Although he might have the lowest title in the room, hierarchy isn't determined solely by titles. His presence, which only those at the top can exude, made the gentlemen who were sizing him up slightly intimidated. Just as everyone was sizing each other up, one man cautiously stepped forward.

"Ahem. So, Lord Eilsford, this is your first time attending a ball hosted by the Emperor?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"You'll be a regular face here from now on."

"Yes, I suppose so."

"Of course. Given your connections with His Majesty and Duke Bioskes, it's only natural..."

There was a moment of silence as the man mentioned Altair's connections. It seemed they were reminded of the newcomer's unique position. In such situations, there's always someone who tries to bring the other person down by finding a weakness, and there was such a person in the room.

"Still, it must be quite disappointing. If you had known this would happen, you might have delayed your marriage."

The tone was clearly mocking, and Altair's eyebrow twitched, causing the others to hold their breath. It was due to his intimidating presence. However, the man who had opened his mouth to provoke Altair was too focused on his goal to notice.

"Isn't that right? No matter how high-born your wife is, she's a distant relative with limited influence... Even if the current Duke cares for her as a niece, there are limits. You can't rely on her family."

"..."

"I heard you married hastily due to the heir issue. If you had known this would happen, you could have chosen a better wife. And with no news of an heir yet, it seems your original goal..."

Crack! The champagne glass in Altair's hand shattered loudly, and blood dripped from his hand. Despite the pain, Altair calmly stared at the man who had been talking.

"Ah!"

The man stumbled back in fear, and Altair shrugged, smiling at the shocked crowd.

"The glass is too fragile. Maybe it's defective."

The royal champagne glasses were never defective! They were the finest, crafted by the best artisans!

'So, he just crushed it with his hand...'

The faces of the people around him turned pale.