No Evil Lady in the World (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 205

While Meiana, struck speechless by sheer disbelief, stood dumbfounded with her lips parted, Sediloi gave a sharp laugh and spun around once while holding Ariante in his arms.

“It seems you were right after all. Isn’t that so, Ariante?”

Ariante glanced quickly at Meiana and then giggled openly.

“That’s right! Father looks just like a prince, so Meiana keeps staring at him—because she likes him so much!”

Meiana let out an exasperated chuckle. But why? Unlike usual, no clever retort immediately came to mind. Instead, the silhouette of Sediloi, holding Ariante and swaying gently as if dancing while whispering something, flickered before her eyes like a lingering afterimage.

As they walked toward the hall where the ball was being held, Meiana’s expression kept shifting. At first she seemed calm, but as the dazzling lights and music drew nearer, her face grew paler by the second, as if she might faint.

Sediloi walked ahead, while Meiana and Ariante followed behind, holding hands. Whispers from passersby in the corridor about the trio never ceased.

Meiana felt Ariante’s fingers slowly tighten in her grip. Snapping out of her daze—she’d been walking as if entranced by the lights—Meiana lowered her gaze.

“My lady, what’s wrong? Are you unwell?”

Ariante started to shake her head but stopped, blinking only as if suddenly remembering the tiara atop her head. Her lips parted slightly, unsure where to direct her eyes. She looked exactly like a nervous child.

“I’m fine.”

Ariante spoke in a tiny voice—so soft it seemed almost whispered, no… nearly squeezed out with effort.

I need to pull myself together, Meiana thought. She herself felt her chest tightening with nerves, but it was nothing compared to Ariante’s state. Considering what thoughts might be swirling in that little head and how full it must be of unspoken fears, this was no time for her to lose focus.

Meiana paused briefly and lowered herself to Ariante’s eye level.

Without asking why, Ariante simply turned her head and stared blankly at Meiana. Her fingertips were icy cold. There was no trace of the rosy flush typical of a child on her cheeks. Her breathing was quick and shallow.

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