“I need to get one of those masks myself.”

The room was abuzz with conversations about the Baltazar siblings.

After a round of greetings, Klaus finally managed to grab a glass of champagne.

Watching Closet, still surrounded and smiling, Klaus wore a bittersweet smile.

He found it both amazing and strange to see his little sister, whom he’d always thought of as a child, now grown into a graceful lady.

Then someone approached him, seemingly familiar.

“You made it despite being busy.”

Initially thinking it to be some nosy noble, Klaus was surprised to recognize the voice.

“Antonio?”

His gaze fell on a petite man in a dark blue evening suit wearing a simple mask covering the entire face.

Observing him, Klaus let out an uncharacteristic chuckle.

“You’re well hidden, I see.”

“Well, the stars tonight are Lady Closet and the Duke.”

“Me?”

“You are the master of the Baltazar Dukedom and Lady Closet’s brother. People naturally expected your presence.”

Pondering her words, Klaus paused before replying.

“Is that so…….”

“If you hadn’t shown up, it would have been embarrassing for Lady Closet.”

Klaus fell silent, seemingly deep in thought.

Observing him, Roselia internally scoffed, seeing Closet trying to maintain her composure, her cheeks flushed with relief.

Closet was evidently relieved by Klaus’s presence, despite her outward indifference.

Klaus, looking at Closet, appeared to make a decision and turned to speak to Roselia.
“Antonio, I think I was too angry that time……”

Before Klaus could finish, someone abruptly grabbed Roselia’s arm.

Startled, Roselia turned to see the woman who had grabbed her.

“Jucid… Lady…?”

Recognizing Jucid’s mask from her earlier conversation with Closet, Roselia easily identified her.

“Is it really you, Antonio?”

“How did you recognize me?”

“I heard your voice while you were talking with the Duke. But more importantly… could we talk for a moment?”

Glancing at Closet, Roselia saw she was engrossed in conversation with other nobles. Looking back at Klaus, he seemed to have more to ask but reluctantly let it go.

Nodding to Jucid, Roselia suggested, “Let’s go somewhere quieter.”

Her intention was to mitigate any potential disruptions during Closet’s debutante ball.

Determined to keep an eye on Jucid, Roselia accompanied her, accepting a glass of champagne offered by a passing servant.

Roselia scrutinized Jucid’s mask, frustrated at not being able to read her expression.

“You don’t know how relieved I am to have someone to talk to at this ball.”

What about the Viscount she came with?

Roselia discreetly observed the Viscount, who was now ingratiating himself with Klaus. Klaus, meanwhile, maintained a firm distance.

While sipping champagne, Roselia noticed Jucid suddenly sway and lean on her.

“Ah, sorry… I feel dizzy… could you take me to a lounge to rest?”

Despite feeling uncomfortable with Jucid’s flushed, panting appearance, Roselia reluctantly agreed, glancing at Closet before proceeding.

Fortunately, the lounge was empty.

After escorting Jucid to the sofa, Roselia stood up.

“Rest here for a while, then you can rejoin the party.”

As Roselia turned to leave, Jucid grabbed her garment.

Roselia looked down at her with a puzzled expression.

Jucid gazed up at her, her face a mixture of desperation and longing.

“Can you stay a bit longer?”

Oh no, not this…

As a woman, Roselia recognized the implications of such a request and instinctively stepped back.

“I… I have duties to attend to…”

“Nonsense. You’re wearing an evening gown, not a servant’s attire. You’re clearly a guest, not a servant.”

“If that’s the case… I have no reason to stay here…”

“What?”

Jucid’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, prompting Roselia to calmly continue.

“If I’m not a servant, then I have no obligation to stay here at your command.”