“It’s a rare ball, and I’d feel sorry if you couldn’t enjoy it because of me. Even though they are maids, they’re also students from the same academy as me.”

“Is that so?”

How kind. How considerate. The princess, who expected such compliments, was at a loss for words due to William’s blunt response.

Moreover, even though he asked if she brought a shawl, he seemed to know that she was feeling cold, yet he didn’t offer to take off his coat.

‘… Is he being sarcastic?’

The princess pondered for a moment. She couldn’t grasp how to seduce him. Since there was ultimately no common topic between the two except Larisa, the princess brought up Larisa’s story again.

“Miss Larisa is really amazing. Do you know she filled her dance card within 30 minutes of entering?”

“… Is that so?”

William’s face subtly stiffened.

“Yes, usually young ladies take a break after dancing about three songs, but Miss Larisa, confident in her stamina, didn’t miss a single slot…”

Suddenly, William sighed. The princess stopped talking and observed William’s reaction.

“Do you dislike it?”

“What?”

“No, you look uncomfortable. Are you worried as an older brother?”
William answered with a furrowed brow.

“… It seems so.”

She filled every slot on the dance card, you say? William gritted his teeth. He arrived a bit late, and in that time, already…

“I heard rumors that Miss Larisa’s dowry is enormous. I’m worried if that might attract some undesirable people.”

The princess spoke cautiously. Unconsciously, William nodded.

“Surely, even now, there must be male students eager to dance with her, hoping for her dowry. As a friend, I’m concerned, but I couldn’t stop Larisa because she seemed so excited.”

“…Is she fond of you?”

“Yes, she was so thrilled that she arranged the dance cards for the boys in a first-come, first-served basis…”

“Ha.”

The princess closed her mouth again at William’s sigh.

‘It seems like he’s feeling hot.’

The princess observed William’s expression in the intense atmosphere. It was more strained than expected. If she were to take care of Larisa instead, would he like that? The princess smiled and said,

“Don’t worry. Since Larisa is still young, there shouldn’t be any dangerous situations. But if you’re concerned, I’ll keep an eye on her for you.”

“I would appreciate that.”

“As a friend, it’s the least I can do.”

During the conversation about Larisa, they had already reached the gazebo. The princess stopped and said with a regretful expression,

“Could you wait here for a moment? I’ll bring a handkerchief.”

“Sure.”
The princess stood in the gazebo of the Star Palace’s garden, looking at William with a hesitant gaze. William, stroking his face, asked.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Oh, no, it just suddenly reminded me of that day.”

“…….”

“That day, I thought I was going to die. William appeared, like magic.”

The princess said shyly, covering her face with a modest gesture.

“Thank you for saving me. I wanted to greet you properly.”

I just did what I had to do. I expected such an answer to come back. However, the princess couldn’t hide the awkward feeling in response.

“Oh, that day. I was so distracted because of Larisa that I couldn’t even greet Your Highness properly.”

The princess blinked quietly.

‘Doesn’t this man read the atmosphere?’

He had been talking about Larisa all day long. The princess felt irritated and turned away.

“I’ll bring the handkerchief right away.”

Alone in the garden, William looked at the blooming flowers in the moonlight and sighed.

‘… He must have asked at least five times by now.’

Still, couldn’t he leave at least one space for him? He had already said in advance that he would attend the ball. It was quite frustrating.

“Did you wait a lot?”

“Not at all.”

“Here, thank you.”

The handkerchief the princess brought back smelled of flowers. It was the scent of lilacs. Because of Larisa, who liked flowers, William knew the meaning of lilac flowers.

‘First love.’
The princess blushed. William, looking silently at the name embroidered by Larisa on his handkerchief, sighed again.

“… By any chance, do you dislike perfume?”

“Oh, excuse me. I had a brief different thought. Well, it’s cold, so please go inside. I’ll join you.”

William hurriedly greeted and excused himself. The princess, having exchanged greetings, stared blankly at the disappearing figure of William.

‘It’s not easy.’

It was the first time she encountered someone who didn’t say a word while dancing. Despite being obviously uninteresting and frustrating, that aspect somehow annoyed her. The princess let out a long sigh.