One of the nobles, who had been nervously muttering, spoke as if letting out a sigh. Ophelia turned her head at the mention of the Duke’s face.

‘Is this…’

“…It’s even better than I expected…”

Unconsciously, Ophelia murmured her thoughts aloud.

Of course, she had anticipated it. She expected that at this ball, Idel, who was more beautiful than anyone else, would capture the attention of many nobles.

Duke Elios, coming forward to rescue you first… It seems he really fell for you at first sight, just as the rumors say.

…

Quick-witted and clever, Ophelia bit the soft flesh inside her mouth as she observed the Duke’s changing expression. It hurt. So, this spectacle she was witnessing right now was not a dream but reality.

‘I didn’t believe it…’

Honestly, Ophelia didn’t completely believe that the Duke had fallen for Idel until she saw it with her own eyes.

Duke Elios took the initiative to rescue you… It seems he really fell for you at first sight.

…

Noticing that Idel hesitated at her words while discussing the reasons for the Duke and Idel’s marriage, Ophelia caught the momentary glimpse of complex emotions passing through Idel’s eyes.

Although it was a brief moment, seeing the dark emotions passing over Idel’s eyes, Ophelia realized that there was a story that Idel couldn’t fully disclose.

If the marriage was not based on mutual affection between a man and a woman, the possibility of a strategic marriage based on mutual conditions was high. Despite the external appearance, Ophelia speculated that the relationship between the Duke and the Duchess might not be as it was publicly known.

‘But… it’s sincere, right? That man.’

So far, the Duke Ophelia had seen was always consistently cold and indifferent, with a poker face. Occasionally, the emotions he displayed were just annoying enough to be considered irritating… he was a man who never showed any intense emotional changes.

‘The Duke should have seen his face directly.’

Perhaps that man wouldn’t know. How many diverse expressions he had shown during this short moment until he faced Idel. He was intensely focused on Idel, losing his composure to the point where internal psychological changes were clearly visible.
“Clearly the face of a man in love…”

However, when asked about the fact that the Duke fell in love at first sight, Idel showed a negative reaction, suggesting that the arrogant man clearly did not acknowledge his feelings.

“How foolish…”

No one has experienced love, so it’s understandable that they might not acknowledge the emotion called love that has come to them. Or perhaps they don’t even know if it’s love…

On the other hand, Idel was different. Last time, Ophelia asked Idel, who was diligently researching women’s rights improvements in Upieter.

Idel, I have something I want to ask you.

Yes, please go ahead.

You are known to be highly interested in establishing women’s rights in Upieter… Why are you so passionate about it? In fact, there aren’t many in Upieter who would support you in this. Surely… it will be a difficult path.

That’s right. In Upieter’s noble society, many harbor resentment toward my actions. Especially, factions restraining the Ducal family have criticized and attacked my actions.

I see… it must be difficult.

However, if women’s rights in Upieter progress, they will lose grounds to attack the Ducal family. This is also my struggle to protect Duke Elios.

…!

I want to be by the Duke’s side in my own way, protecting him and being a strength for him.

Idel’s resolute expression as if making a commitment was still vivid in Ophelia’s mind. Her unwavering gaze revealed the density and depth of strong and solid affection toward the Duke.

‘To a man who doesn’t even properly realize his own emotions, he doesn’t even deserve such noble affection!’

Even now, Idel’s face, looking at only the Duke, overflowed with pure and genuine affection.

‘If he doesn’t realize it, I’ll have to stimulate him even more until he does.’

Ophelia’s eyes sparkled with determination. She interjected into the Duke’s couple and opened her mouth.

“Oh my! You look unwell. It would be better for the Duke to take a break at the table over there.”

“Yes. Do as Princess Ophelia suggests.”

Pointing to a table on one side of the ballroom, Ophelia suggested, and Idel, concurring, advised Kairon to take a break. Idel, who seemed quite uncomfortable somewhere, was now worried about the sudden change in his complexion.

“Well then, Your Grace, take a break, and Duchess, would you like to enjoy the ball with my chosen partner? You must take the first step into the Lisandro social circles formally!”

“……!”

Smiling brightly and making the proposal, Ophelia’s words surprised both Kairon and Idel simultaneously. Kairon’s forehead was severely wrinkled, and Idel, flustered, bit his lips.

Despite the reactions of the two, Ophelia, with an imperturbable expression, lightly tapped her lower lip with her index finger and soon continued speaking.

“Now, the first dance partner for the Duchess is…”

No matter how much she looked around, Ophelia concluded that there was only one person here who could match the Duke. Her index finger pointed straight in one direction.

“Prince Rainian!”

(Note: The last sentence refers to Prince Rainian as the chosen dance partner for the Duchess in the context of the story.)