Responding bluntly, Lienart, who was observing my expression, burst into a short laugh.

“Lady Roselia.”

“Yes?”

“…Would you dance with me for one song?”

“I’m sorry, Commander. I don’t dance.”

Lienart withdrew the hand he had extended towards me, muttering softly.

“It’s a pity.”

Suddenly feeling a gaze pouring down on my face, I carefully surveyed the surroundings.

Since today is the birthday celebration of the Duchess, many noble young ladies who attended this event to target Lienart, the Empire’s most eligible bachelor, were expected.

Even if it’s not me, someone here should have danced with Lienart, causing a stir among the entire gathering. But was Lienart indifferent to such things?

“Lienart, you’re here.”

Approaching Lienart and delivering the words was a woman who had been wandering around, glancing at the surroundings all the while.

“Miss Fontaine.”
Fontaine? It sounds familiar, but where have I heard it?

The woman in a conspicuously bright red dress fixed her gaze on Lienart and smiled lightly.

“I heard you went on a subjugation mission this time. Is your body okay?”

“Yes, thanks to your concern, I’m fine.”

While the two were exchanging a short conversation, young ladies who had been waiting for a chance to talk to Lienart gathered one by one.

“Lienart, did you return safely from the subjugation?”

“Lienart, you look even more handsome today.”

Naturally slipping away from them, I ascended the central staircase. From the second floor, looking down below, I could see Daisy and Edwin dancing in the center more clearly.

She said she would only dance one song, but isn’t this already the fourth?

Daisy and Edwin dancing while looking at each other. Even though I was watching with my own eyes, it was hard to believe.

Lately, there have been many times when I feel full even without eating.

There couldn’t be a more satisfying banquet than this. Thinking that, I descended to the first floor again and looked at the entrance of the banquet hall where people were still coming in.

It seems like more people are coming, should I go home soon?

“Lady, isn’t this place too noisy and chaotic?”

“Yes, it is…”

I stopped talking and quickly surveyed the man’s face. Somehow, the voice felt familiar, and when the green hair waving in the sight came into view, I burst into a dry laughter involuntarily.

He was Camilla’s fiancé, the second prince.

Was his name Enoch?

“I know a very quiet place. Would you like to take a rest with me there?”

Take a rest in a quiet place? Where is this pretense coming from?

“No, it’s okay.”

“But Lady’s complexion doesn’t seem good.”

“Thank you for your concern, but I’m fine.”

“Don’t decline and lean on my broad chest for a moment.”

Where exactly is it broad?

Although I wanted to retort with all my might, the other party was the second prince. Suppressing the anger that surged to the tip of my tongue, I answered with strength in my trembling lips.

“It’s really okay. It’s not that tiring.”

“If you knew who I am, you would want to go with me.”

Enoch, who leaned slightly towards me, whispered in a low voice. He even squinted his eyes while looking at me.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not very curious. Please rest alone.”

“Don’t say that…”

Enoch suddenly reached out his arm towards me and let out a scream.

“What, what! Who are you!”

Startled by the urgent voice, I quickly looked past him. The man standing with Enoch still holding his arm was…

“Klein?”

Why are you here?

Ian seemed to glance at me for a moment and then looked back at Enoch.

“What’s going on, Ian? Why are you here? Let go of this.”

Ian, leaning towards Enoch, spoke in a threatening voice as intense as his stern gaze.

“Before you make a more disgraceful appearance, it’s better to follow quietly, Enoch.”