Moreover, Viscount stepped on the wide hem of Ru’s dress. Fortunately, Ru quickly regained balance, pulled out her dress, and was relieved. Was the dress so cumbersome? No, it was easy to handle when she was alone or when she danced with Hayden.

‘… He did that on purpose.’

Ru decided to stop the action of reaching across Viscount’s shoulder.

It is inevitable that she cannot look away from the gaze of a topic that must be supported by the other party in this part. Ru realized the need to firmly push away with her hands and draw a clear line that should not be crossed. She always had to be like a sharp knight, serving only as an existence to the Emperor. She could do it. Ru has been like that since she was very young.

She quickly pulled the dress away before Viscount stepped on it again.

“Yeonga’s appearance will be memorable to everyone.”

Boring. So, Ru didn’t pay much attention to Viscount’s loud words.

Ru heard it with one ear and let it out with the other. It was all meaningless talk anyway. When her father accepted the man’s dance request, he showed an expression that said, ‘What can I do?’ It meant that it was a safe and manageable partner even if Ru refused.

It seems I’ve reached this point, huh? To meet a man of a higher class than this, I need to lower myself. The laws of this fierce social circle were read by her as well. Wherever people lived, whether in Caleta or Perzeta, it was all quite similar.
Ru casually responded to Viscount’s words and twirled around once again. Then, she naturally met Hayden’s gaze once more. He happened to be looking at the Treasurer while watching her.

‘Is he really still looking at me?’

The Emperor pretending to look at the Treasurer is just a disguise. Hayden was still focused on Ru.

His gray eyes slightly narrowed. Even when with other men, he did not leave her alone. He constantly emphasized his powerful presence.

Or perhaps Ru was overly conscious. Now it was becoming confusing. It wasn’t good to constantly compare him to other men.

‘I should forget about it.’

Ru tried to find some merits in Viscount. But regardless, talking to him was terribly uninteresting. Even forcing a smile was difficult. It was entirely different from Hayden, who danced gracefully, spoke eloquently, and was different from others.

Could a person be this uninteresting? It seemed like Viscount was making an effort and looked pitiful.

“I’m sorry.”

And her dress was stepped on again. Now she was leading Viscount out. That’s why people need to build muscles in their bodies. He didn’t have the ability to balance himself. She thought dancing was supposed to be interesting, but it turned out to be so boring and annoying.

Still, Hayden didn’t look towards the stage. His entire gaze was already captivated by her.

“Thank you.”

As soon as the music ended, Ru didn’t express any gratitude, but made a formal greeting and quickly distanced herself from Viscount. If all men were like him, it would be better to stay single.

‘No, what am I saying!’

Am I going crazy? Is now the time to think about a man? No, I should start with revenge!

He occupies your mind too much, and I can’t find an opportunity to intervene.

A few minutes ago, when Hayden said goodbye, Ru was startled, and unknowingly looked towards the throne.

He was still looking at her. Not making it noticeable to others, but when she looked at him, he clearly met her gaze and then smiled quietly.

Gosh, a stifled cheering sound made Ru doubt her ears. Gosh? Gosh, really? Are they all in their right minds?

“What do I do, he’s so handsome…!”

But everyone was in their right minds. It was admiration for the most outstanding man at this banquet.

Ru covered her mouth with gloved hands, looked at the sparkling young ladies, and burst into laughter. There were so many pretty and cute young ladies, and it was probably just her illusion that Hayden was looking at her.

There’s no way. He probably smiled looking at those young ladies.

Shaking her head, Ru, with an effort to keep a bright face, turned back to her father.