In a state of disbelief, Maiana, who was left speechless, just stared blankly, her lips slightly parted. In the midst of this, Cediloy chuckled and, with Arianthe in his arms, spun around.

“It seems like your words are correct. Don’t you think so, Arianthe?”

Arianthe, glancing at Maiana, exposed her and chuckled mischievously.

“That’s right! Because Father looks like a prince, Maiana keeps staring at him. She likes it so much!”

Maiana let out an awkward laugh, but for some reason, usual words didn’t come to her mind. Instead, the silhouette of Cediloy, who held Arianthe and moved slowly as if dancing, whispering something, lingered in her vision like a lasting impression.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

While walking towards the hall where the ball was being held, Maiana’s expression went through various changes. At first, she seemed composed, but as the brilliant lights and music drew near, her complexion worsened as if she might faint.

Cediloy was in front, and Maiana and Arianthe were holding hands following behind him. The sound of people in the corridor gossiping about the three continued incessantly.

Arianthe’s fingers, interlocked with Maiana’s, gradually tightened. Maiana, who had been walking dazedly as if enchanted by the lights, suddenly snapped back to reality and looked down.

“Lady, why are you like this? Is something uncomfortable?”

Arianthe shook her head, but as if realizing the tiara on top of her head, she blinked her eyes. She slightly parted her lips, unsure where to direct her gaze. She was a visibly tense young lady.

“I’m fine.”

Arianthe said. It was a small voice, almost a whisper.

Get a hold of yourself, Maiana thought. She was also feeling a tightness in her chest and nervousness, but she couldn’t compare with Arianthe. What thoughts could be going through that small head, how much fear of not being able to speak, she wondered. It wasn’t the time for her to be lost in thought.

Maiana, who had stopped walking for a moment, lowered her body to match Arianthe’s eye level.

Arianthe, without questioning why, simply turned her head and looked at Maiana. Maiana felt a slow pressure on the fingers held by Arianthe. Realizing Arianthe’s gaze, who seemed to regain consciousness, Maiana lowered her gaze.

“Lady, may I embrace you?”

As Maiana asked, Arianthe blinked her eyes as if questioning what she meant.

“Why?”

“Just because. Lady, you seem very nervous.”

Arianthe wrinkled her nose with a puzzled expression.

“No. I’m fine.”

“Still. May I embrace you just once?”

As if checking the surroundings, Arianthe, for a moment, rolled her eyes and then nodded cautiously. With a slightly awkward posture, Maiana embraced the uncertain girl. The whispers of people around continued, but they paid no attention.
Maiana, who had released Arianthe from her embrace, spoke.

“Don’t worry, milady. There’s nothing to worry about. Lord Maroda is here, and I’m here too. Milady, just enjoy the spectacle, have some delicious food… That’s all you need to do.”

For a moment, Arianthe fidgeted with her fingertips without giving an immediate response.

“What if people find out that I’m not my father’s daughter?”

“Who would dare to say that you’re not Lord Maroda’s daughter?”

Even with an immediate response, there was no sign of reassurance on Arianthe’s face. Maiana tenderly held her cold little hand and continued speaking.

“Milady, your father and mother who gave birth to you are indeed your parents… But if someone raised a child, that person is also a parent. And most importantly, it’s what Lord Maroda thinks. Has Lord Maroda ever said to you, even once, that you are not his daughter?”

“No, he hasn’t.”

Maiana smiled faintly.

“There you go. So you don’t have to worry too much. If anyone dares to say something rude to you, I’ll step on their toes.”

As she made a slightly threatening expression, Arianthe lowered her head and chuckled. Some warmth returned to her cold fingertips little by little.

“Then can I step on them too? Next to Maiana?”

Maiana nodded enthusiastically.

“Of course. I’ll step on the right, and milady can step on the left.”

Arianthe laughed heartily. Her face blushed, and the trembling in her hands that seemed endless finally found stability. Maiana, reassured, stood up.

The herald guarding the wide-open door to the hall spoke.

“Lord Maroda of Valtminster and Lady Arianthe of Valtminster have arrived!”

With a sound of the stick hitting the floor and the herald’s voice echoing, the gazes of the nobles gathered in the hall were all focused on the three. Some approached with welcoming faces upon seeing Cediloy, but most stayed back, sending curious glances.

“Welcome, Lord Maroda of Valtminster. It’s been a while.”

A graceful lady greeted them with a wide smile. Maiana, holding Arianthe’s hand, carefully observed Cediloy’s expression. Fortunately, as if they were very close, he was smiling comfortably.

“It’s been a while indeed. Arianthe, come forward and greet. This is Marolda Marquis. Does similar work to your father.”

Arianthe let go of Maiana’s hand and cautiously stepped forward.