Suddenly, when Ophelia called his name, Rainian’s eyes widened. He flashed an awkward smile at the unexpected situation.

In fact, Rainian, too, felt a complex emotion as he watched the nobles gathering around Ophelia like clouds with Idel’s appearance.

Sure enough, standing nearby, the Duke’s stifled laughter could be faintly heard. Turning his head to look at the Duke, it was evident that he wore an unusual expression. The back of his hand, holding a wine glass, had prominent veins, as if the glass might shatter.

“Duke…”

Seeing the Duke, who seemed on the verge of exploding, Rainian called out with a voice mixed with concern. However, the Duke, after forcefully placing down the wine glass he held, did not answer Rainian’s call but moved directly toward where Idel was.

Crossing the ballroom with remarkably long strides… Rainian, too, hurriedly followed behind Kairon.

After stepping back to observe the situation, Rainian, who had watched Ophelia gather the attention of the nobles to choose Idel’s dance partner, understood her intention well.

‘She must be trying to make the Duke realize his feelings.’

Just as he had provoked the Duke, who didn’t realize his feelings for Idel… Of course, the methods were different, but Ophelia, too, undoubtedly tried to deliberately provoke the Duke for Idel.

‘I wonder if she thinks I’m her twin.’

Rainian chuckled lightly, tilting his head as if he couldn’t help it. Although Ophelia had chosen him as the arrow to pierce the Duke’s heart, he willingly accepted that role.

“If you dance the first dance with the Duchess, it will be an unparalleled honor. Would you please grant me that opportunity?”

Stepping forward, Rainian approached Idel, extending his hand and politely inquiring about her intentions. Although Ophelia had already chosen Idel’s dance partner, he still wanted explicit permission from Idel.

‘Mr. Rainian…’

Idel looked at Rainian, who had been chosen as the first dance partner, with a gaze filled with relief. Compared to the noble attendants from Lisandro who would approach her, Rainian, a friend, was much more comfortable.

“It is an honor for me as well.”

Idel replied with a courteous nod, carefully holding Rainian’s extended hand.

‘If it’s Mr. Rainian, it’s even better.’

Since they were already at the ball, avoiding dancing was inevitable. Just as Ophelia explained, in Lisandro, it was customary to dance at least twice at a ball. Moreover, for herself, who was experiencing the Lisandro social circles for the first time through this ball, she knew very well how much Ophelia had cared for her.

‘I must carry out the ball successfully.’

Idel inwardly pledged as he gently exerted pressure on the hand he held with Rainian. It was at that moment, as they were about to move toward the center of the ballroom to dance.

“Wait a moment…!”

Without a chance to react, when Idel’s first dance partner was decided as Rainian, Kairon, with a worried face, hastily called them over.

“Oh my, are you perhaps trying to oppose the Duchess’s first dance right now?”

Standing next to Kairon, Ophelia whispered in a voice low enough for only him to hear.

“If you don’t dance the first and last dances with the designated partner, it will be awkward for the Duchess. Will you please escort her for the dances?”

“……!”

With a sly smile, Ophelia gave Kairon a meaningful look. In response to Ophelia’s words, Kairon’s eyelids stiffened.

As it had been before… she still didn’t like this princess.

“Your Grace…? Is there something you wish to say?”
Idel looked at Kairon, who had called her with an puzzled expression. Seeing her innocent eyes that seemed to know nothing, Kairon felt frustrated and forcibly parted his lips.

“…No. Dance well and come back.”

“Yes, I’ll be back. Your Grace, please take a short rest.”

“…Sure.”

As Idel and Rainian walked hand in hand, their figures gradually moved away. Kairon, clenching his trembling fists, watched them with a sense of impulse to rush over and separate the two, but he forcefully suppressed it.

As the rhythm of the waltz began with the orchestral melody, Idel and Rainian took their positions, facing each other. When Rainian wrapped his arm around her slender waist, Kairon’s body trembled. Due to the rising anger, he gritted his teeth.

With a tense expression, Kairon stared at the Duke, who was only watching Idel and Rainian with burning eyes, and a satisfying smile crossed Ophelia’s lips. Seeing the Duke, who was scrutinizing Idel and Rainian with a fiery gaze, Ophelia casually asked, glancing at the Duke.

“What do you think?”

“…What are you talking about?”

“The Duchess’s dance. She mentioned being nervous because it’s her first time. But isn’t she doing exceptionally well?”

Idel’s first dance at the ball… Every time she elegantly spun around, her hair and the hem of her dress waved like a blooming flower. The more radiant her appearance became, the darker the Duke’s face.