Though Bliteus’s words seemed as if he would lead the future of the empire, no one voiced any objections. While listening to the subsequent Empress’s speech, Lina asked Beligé.

“By the way, why isn’t the Emperor attending?”

“The Emperor is not well enough to move.”

With those words, the story of the Emperor collapsing due to a stroke crossed her mind.

‘Then they should quickly decide on the Crown Prince.’
Why was she still contemplating the successor at that time?

Suddenly, the surroundings became noisy.

“…I greet Second Prince.”

When did he come all the way here?

Beligé and Lina, who were now next to him, bowed as they saw Bliteus, who had somehow come close.

“You look exceptionally beautiful today, Miss Lina.”

“…You flatter me, Your Highness.”

“Then.”

Bliteus extended his hand towards Lina.

“May I have the honor of taking the first dance with you, my lady?”

If it had been Beligé who said those words, it would have been thrilling and joyous. However, Lina, hearing these words from the Second Prince, wore a bitter smile. Then, she glanced at Beligé standing beside her.

‘Is he okay?’

Even though she had heard him say he was fine several times, her heart wasn’t at ease, as if it were merely blowing in the wind.

Perhaps noticing Lina’s feelings, Beligé placed his hand on her shoulder.

“I’ll be waiting here.”

As if telling her not to worry, he even smiled slightly.

“I’ll be back.”

As soon as she turned away, she steeled her face, although she couldn’t see it.

However, unaware of that, Lina, with all eyes on her, walked to the center with Bliteus.

Since it was customary for the winner of the hunting competition to dance the first dance at the Hoya Festival, there was no one on the stage except for the two.

Now, at this moment, the two were the protagonists of this stage.

When the music started, Bliteus placed his hand on Lina’s waist and began stepping.

“You seem to be unwell recently.”

“How did you…”

Surprised, Lina asked with round eyes, and he chuckled.

“Your complexion just didn’t look good.”

“Ah.”

Again, what am I saying?

Even if he were the Second Prince, it was an absurd thought that he wouldn’t know why his body wasn’t well. Feeling ridiculous, Lina let out a short breath.

“Be more careful on days like today. There are many watching eyes.”

“…Yes?”

Before she could finish her sentence, Bliteus suddenly lifted her waist and brought her back down.

‘I heard he didn’t engage much in social activities.’

Lina, still not used to dancing, looked at the man leading her with curious eyes.

‘What exactly is this man’s identity?’

He was like a puzzle.

Despite being a definite prince, there was a strange feeling that his true self might be something else.

After a while, looking at the man’s red eyes, Lina cautiously spoke.

“By the way, Your Highness, have you ever met me before?”

It was an unreasonable question. There was no way she had met him, the imperial prince. However, for some reason…

Somehow, there was a premonition that an entirely unexpected answer might come from this man’s mouth.

“If I have.”

He suddenly whispered with a face that had lost all traces of a smile.

“If I say I’ve met you before, could it change something between us?”
With an inscrutable gaze.

In an instant, while Lina was absent-minded, the music seemed to signal the end of their time. Unlike Lina, who had stiffened, Bliteus, without a hint of hesitation, took a step back.

“That necklace.”

Looking at Lina’s neck.

“It suits you very well.”

He kissed the back of her hand. Just like that day in the garden where red roses were in full bloom.

Persistently and firmly.

“Well, then [dash].”

After bidding farewell, the man distanced himself from her, but Lina merely stared quietly at the man’s retreating figure.

“Lina, what’s wrong?”

Beligé, who found her behavior strange, approached. Lina’s gaze shifted only after hearing his voice, as if coming to her senses.

“…Nothing, really.”

It was when Lina, feeling strange, was absentmindedly fidgeting with the necklace mentioned by the Second Prince.

After the winner’s stage ended, and others came out to dance, Beligé pulled Lina into his arms.

“You seem unwell; let’s return to the mansion now.”

“No, I danced with the Second Prince, and if I don’t dance with my fiancé, the Duke, what kind of rumors will spread?”

Already, various speculations were rampant just from dancing the first dance with the Second Prince. If she didn’t dance with her fiancé, what kind of rumors would circulate was quite obvious.

“I’m fine. You know how much I practiced not to step on the Duke’s feet.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Beligé, tilting his head as if conceding that Lina’s stubbornness was unbeatable, extended his hand to her.

“Well, would you dance with me, Lady Lina?”

Smiling at Beligé, Lina took his hand.

“As much as you like.”

As a gentle waltz that echoed throughout the Eclipse Hall began, Lina entrusted herself to Beligé with a feeling of comfort and joy, different from just a while ago.