The ball was like an extension of the hunting festival.
It was like a celebration held by the imperial family to commemorate the successful conclusion of the hunting festival.
Indeed, I wondered what gift the emperor would give.
As someone who pursues practicality over honor, I hoped it would be something of monetary value.
No, that’s not right.
Actually, I don’t really care what he gives. What I’m really looking forward to isn’t the emperor’s gift.
I was excited to see Dante receiving the gift bestowed by the emperor, me receiving it from Dante, and the distorted faces of the nobles watching all of this intently.
Today, there was only shock, but tomorrow, there would likely be some sullen faces mixed in.
Hehehe.
“Are you that happy?”
Dante carefully asked about the smile I couldn’t hide.
“Of course. I’m definitely happy. All the nobles in the empire now know how amazing you are.”
I answered without hesitation and smiled even more brightly.
“Congratulations on your victory once again.”
[This is the timeline separator]The next day.
As Serpina had anticipated, the ball was in a commotion with news of “Dante’s victory.”
Yesterday they were just surprised, but the more they thought about it, the more unbelievable it seemed.
After all, wasn’t the Richter family originally not very interested in the hunting festival?
To the extent that plausible rumors spread that ‘they might actually lack confidence in hunting.’
There were quite a few people who believed these rumors.
Although he was called ‘the monster duke, the beast hunter, the strongest man in the empire,’ some thought there might be some exaggeration mixed in since they hadn’t seen it directly.
However, they confirmed with their own eyes yesterday that this was an absurd assumption.
The bear that died somewhat peacefully spoke to how excellent the Duke Richter’s hunting skills were.
After all, the more skilled one is, the more likely they are to dispatch an animal in one shot.
Moreover, looking at the bear of such an immense size…
“…Just the thought of entering and leaving a forest with such a bear makes my spine shiver.”
Yes. Even though the bear was already dead, it was enough to make one’s body tremble involuntarily.
If a bear could inspire such fear, what about magical beasts?
The bear that Dante had brought became an occasion for nobles who had never seen a magical beast directly to reconsider the terror of such creatures.
At the same time, it became an opportunity to realize the importance of the Richter family.
“Without a doubt, the protagonists of this hunting festival are the Duke and Duchess Richter.”
No one objected to someone’s murmur.
Soon after, the protagonists they spoke of appeared.
Dressed in unusually bright and colorful clothes, the two stood out even among the many people present.
Amidst the pouring gazes, Serpina showed a winner’s smile.
However, as time passed, Serpina couldn’t help but become increasingly perplexed.
Her confusion reached its peak when the emperor, who had slowly made his appearance, called Dante to bestow the award.
‘…What’s with this atmosphere?’
It was strange. Something was off.
What she had expected were faces twisted with shock, but…
Somehow, people’s expressions, while dazed, were not contorted.
Rather, it seemed like some people were even admiring and acknowledging.
The only one showing the expression Serpina wanted was Crown Prince Isaac, who was named the runner-up of the hunting festival.
While she was bewildered by this unfamiliar atmosphere, Serpina’s name was mentioned as the ‘Lady of the Year.’
Right. Surprise is surprise, but one must do what needs to be done.
With a pounding heart, Serpina ascended to the platform where Dante was standing.
Hmm. It was a bit nerve-wracking.
It was certainly heart-racing to receive the attention of people all at once from such a high place.
And one more thing.
“Serpina.”
Her heart also raced at the sight of Dante reaching out his hand while softly calling her name.
With his hair half-swept back and wearing a white jacket, he looked different from usual.
Should I say he had a bit of a boyish charm added?
…Really. His face is a weapon. No joke.
Serpina clicked her tongue and approached him, taking his hand.
Dante carefully slipped a bracelet onto Serpina’s wrist.
It was a bracelet called ‘The Promise of Flowers,’ bestowed by the emperor, a unique and rare item with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds set like flowers.
After marveling at the bracelet sparkling on her wrist for a moment.
“Ho ho. What a well-matched pair.”
Hearing the voice from above, Serpina quickly bowed her head.
“We are grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”
Although he was an emperor she didn’t particularly like, she had to show proper courtesy.
The emperor laughed heartily, seeming satisfied.
“I’ve heard that you two get along well. They say your relationship is very good? Ho ho ho. How delightful this is. Now, if you just produce an heir, there would be nothing more to wish for.”
I don’t understand why he’s so sincere about another family’s lineage.
He should worry about his own children’s marriages.
Serpina had to be careful not to twist her expression at the blatant talk of heirs.
Talk of heirs, second generation, and children.
The congratulatory remarks, only changing in wording, continued for quite some time.
“Oh my. I’ve kept you two standing for too long. Now, go down and enjoy the ball.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you.”
They quickly bowed their heads and turned their backs, lest he change his mind.
…Wow. That’s exhausting.
Somehow, dealing with the emperor alone seemed more tiring than dealing with 100 other people.
“Shall I support you?”
“Yes, please.”
Serpina smiled soullessly and leaned on Dante’s arm as she stepped down the stairs.
And then, the next moment.
“…Huh?”
With a single exclamation, Serpina’s body stiffened.
Dante, who had been walking in step with her, also had to stop midway down the stairs.
“Serpina?”
Even at the soft call, Serpina didn’t move a muscle.
Her face, staring blankly at something, only turned a bit pale.
What is it? Why is she acting like this?
Dante slowly followed her gaze.
‘…It seems like she’s looking at someone.’
However, he couldn’t tell exactly who her gaze was directed at.
Because there were so many nobles present in the ballroom.
Inevitably, Dante had no choice but to call Serpina once again.
“Ah. Oh. Yes. S-sorry.”
Serpina’s gaze trembled as she answered with parched lips.
The hand gripping his arm was also quivering finely.
‘This is…’
Dante was not unfamiliar with this behavior from Serpina.
After all, she always looked like this in the early days of their marriage.
Fear.
Serpina was afraid of something right now.
What on earth did she see?
His chilly gaze once again swept over the crowd.
Murderous intent filled his ominous eyes.
[This is the timeline separator]Why didn’t I anticipate this?
Why didn’t I think of it?
Voices echoed loudly in my head.
It took only an instant for the forgotten criticisms to awaken.
Was I this weak?
Was I so weak that just seeing those faces again made my hands and feet go cold and my whole body tremble?
Barely swallowing the faintly vibrating breath, I glanced down again from the corner of my eye.
Even among the crowd, the three people were still clearly visible.
Count Adeline and his wife.
And Laura.
The unforgettable faces were smiling at me with a sardonic grin.
“Are you alright? You’re breaking out in a cold sweat.”
As soon as we came down from the platform, Dante supported me and took me to a corner.
He looked quite urgent as he took out a handkerchief and wiped my forehead.
…It seems he’s noticed that I’m completely shaken.
“I’m fine.”
A hollow laugh followed the words I barely managed to utter.
It was just a bit funny to be like this.
When I was living boisterously with everyone at the Richter mansion, I thought the painful past would have no effect on me.
Even if it still remained somewhere in my memory, I thought that would be all.
I had childhood memories, memories of my past life, and the happy daily life I spent at the Richter mansion.
But when actually faced with it…
“…I guess people are weaker than they think.”
My body reacted on its own.
The moment I discovered those three people.
I reverted back to Serpina Adeline living in misery, not Serpina Richter.
“Serpina.”
“Just, hold my hand for a moment. Just for a moment.”
I reached out my hand at his worried call.
Dante took my hand without asking anything more.
That was enough.
I kept repeating to myself endlessly.
Serpina Richter.
My newly acquired name.
The fact that the nightmare was just the past, not reality.
I repeated it over and over again.
______
In This Life, I Won’t Be Foolish To Lose You Again (Female-dominant)
When Shen Yuan encountered Su Jin again in his previous life, she had already become the Prime Minister of the current dynasty. As for him, the former top young master of the capital, he had long since fallen into the abyss, becoming a singer on a pleasure boat.
After a song ended, he was redeemed and sent to the Su Residence.
Su Jin respected and cherished him, gave him a roof over his head, and bestowed him with warmth. Shen Yuan fell deeper and deeper, but before he could express his feelings, Su Jin passed away.
Shen Yuan died to follow her in death, but instead, he returned to when he was fifteen years old.
At that time, he was not yet engaged, and Su Jin was just a poor scholar.
Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, casting aside all his pride, and thought of ways to coax and entice her every day.
The colder and more indifferent Su Jin was towards him, the more proactive Shen Yuan became.
He was not afraid of being mocked by the world, only wanting to marry his Wife-master early, to hold her hand and never let go for a lifetime.
[Note: This story will not specifically point out the male lead’s reincarnation time point; it’s all in the details. Whenever you feel that the male lead is acting strangely, he has most likely been reincarnated.]
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