I moved my gaze busily around the main hall, leaving Daisy behind.

Why didn’t I think Daisy could come? It would be good if Edwin could build a relationship with Daisy here…

The striking red hair that usually stood out was nowhere to be seen.

Could he not have come?

“Good evening, my lady.”

Someone approached as I was looking around and extended their hand.

“Yes, hello.”

I extended my hand in a perfunctory reply, and the man deeply pressed his lips to the back of my hand.

No, who greets like this…

With a moist feeling, I twitched my eyebrows, and into my sight came a man with brown hair and a rather average face.

“I apologize for the late introduction. I am the eldest son of Baron Collin, David Collin.”

“Ahh, yes. I’m Rosebelia Winters. Excuse me then…”

As I lightly brushed off David’s hand and turned away, a sticky palm wrapped around my wrist.

“Lady Winters?”

“What are you doing…”

“Don’t you know me?”

The man asked with a desperate voice.

“You introduced yourself as David Collin just now.”

“Yes, I did.”

“That’s all I know.”

As I shook off my wrist lightly, David’s hand fell weakly.

David tried to conceal his confusion by pulling his mouth into a big smile.

“Haha, this is something. It seems the Countess did not tell you.”

The Countess? Olivia?

Finally, did Olivia plot something?

“I’m not aware of anything that my mother discussed with you.”

“I was asked to attend today’s event and be Lady Rosebelia’s dance partner.”

You like dance partners, don’t you?

Rosebelia had never danced with anyone at a party.

If Rosebelia were to dance with someone, it would be an issue in society itself, bound to turn into a scandal no matter who the partner was.

“I don’t need a dance partner. I’m not going to dance.”

“What?”

Olivia probably wanted to match this man with me.

I looked David Collin up and down. If he was to Olivia’s taste, he couldn’t be a good match.

The eldest son of a baron might not be a bad choice, but if he had some flaws, she would try to match him with me.

“I think you should find another lady to be your dance partner.”

“But I…”

Noticing something on the man’s sleeve, I flashed a thin smile.
“Suppose it’s someone you just kissed a while ago. What would you think then?”

David was suddenly startled, wiping his lips vigorously. It looked as if there was something like lipstick smeared on his sleeve, and glancing at it quickly, his reaction seemed to confirm my suspicion.

“Ki, kissing? With whom have I…….”

“You would know better, wouldn’t you, Sir David Collin? Since it seems you’ve already chosen a partner, I will step aside.”

I turned to leave, but David let out an exasperated chuckle.

“Heh, truly. I’ve heard about knights of the White Knights Order, but you’re certainly different from the timid noble ladies.”

What is this incomprehensible thing talking about now?

“What did you say?”

“Actually, I wasn’t very pleased that such a lovely lady had the profession of a knight. But I gladly accepted you as a partner because of your stunning beauty; honestly, it’s bewildering.”

From what I saw through Rosebelia’s memories, women in the Phoennes Empire had somewhat lower rights.

Only a few decades ago, being a knight was a privilege only men could have, so the perception and treatment of female knights needed a lot of improvement.

Even at the ball, many approached with curious eyes, asking if they could really handle a sword.

“What bewilders you?”

“If you’re a lady, you should be gentle, not like a real knight…….”

I didn’t hear the rest. Whether David had mumbled it, or my ears had judged it unworthy of listening, I couldn’t tell.

Like a real knight? So does that mean Rosebelia is a fake knight?

I had anticipated such an occurrence, but experiencing it firsthand was not a slight discomfort.

Rosebelia took great pride in being a knight! Besides, she’s a Swordmaster!

I was tempted to show off my aura right then and flatten his nose, but I consoled myself.

Yes, there’s no need to stain the dress I dressed up in.

“I’m really relieved.”

“Excuse me?”

“You said you didn’t like that I’m a knight. Actually, I don’t like Sir David Collin either. Since neither of us likes each other, there couldn’t be a cleaner ending.”

Listening to my words, David let out a dumb groan. Looking at his gaping lips, he seemed unable to accept my words.

“I, I don’t like? This David Collin?”

“Enjoy your time since you’ve come.”

Not wanting to engage further, I quickly turned away. At that moment, a sweaty palm grabbed my wrist again.

“No, lady. It will be difficult for me if you leave like this.”

“Let go when I ask nicely? Or like before…….”

David’s hand fell away without me doing anything. I retracted my gaze from David writhing on the floor and looked up at the person who had intervened between us.

It seemed like this person had pulled David away, but could it be someone I know?

Judging by the appearance, it was definitely a man, but with a mask on, I couldn’t tell who it was.

It’s not even the end of the first part, so there’s no need to wear a mask yet…….

As I was about to ask who it was, a gentle sensation pulled my hand.

“I apologize for being late, my lady.”

Wait, this voice?

While I stood stunned, a warm and soft touch landed on the back of my hand.