Lloyd Ludwig was helping with Cain’s business as the heir to the Ludwig viscount family.

He was a key figure in Hayes Trading Company, also involved in core technology research for the railway business.

He was similar to Cain in many ways, most notably in being handsome.

With his tall stature noticeable even from afar, silver hair that seemed to flutter gently at the slightest breeze, smooth skin, and overall distinct features, he stirred the hearts of women.

He was the same age as Cain, and likewise unmarried, having missed the usual age for marriage.

Along with Cain, he was a prime target for women.

However, unlike Cain, he had little interest in women.

What he loved was technology. He experienced thrilling ecstasy every time his ideas were realized. So he had no need to be wrapped up in women’s skirts.

Of course, the Ludwig viscount family was in an uproar, demanding he marry immediately.

They even pestered him to bring home a child like Cain had, though they would likely be upset if he actually did so.

“It’s this year. If you don’t bring a woman to marry by the end of this year, you’ll be kicked out of the family, you hear!”

The Viscountess Ludwig had threatened.

Whether getting married or being expelled, neither was likely to happen, but he attended the Carelina count family’s ball to at least pretend to make an effort.

As expected, it was boring and tedious. The women who appeared beautiful to others all looked the same to him.

Today too, he planned to have a few drinks and then coax Cain into going to the gentlemen’s club.

While he didn’t like women, he enjoyed playing card games with Cain.

It was while he was killing time boringly like this. Just as there seemed to be a commotion at the door, a woman entered.

“Ah…”

Lloyd unknowingly let out an exclamation.

As befitting a person who revered academics, Lloyd didn’t believe in things that couldn’t be proven. For example, things like love at first sight or eloping for love.

But just now, by becoming evidence himself, he accepted it.

So it is possible to fall in love at first sight.

That’s right!

He was instantly captivated by the woman in the purple dress with an upright posture.

‘My mother would like her.’

Lloyd watched her intently, forgetting even to drink the champagne in his hand.

He wasn’t the only one interested in her. There was a commotion here and there at her appearance.

Lloyd learned a few facts from others’ words. Things like her name, her family’s background and reason for decline, and the circumstances of her return here.

While he had been holed up in his laboratory, there had been tremendous changes for Cain.

It was surprising. And the surprising points were not just one.

‘She was Cain’s fiancée?’

The two men who had met while studying abroad didn’t know much about each other’s pasts. Cain was reluctant to talk about it, and Lloyd didn’t like prying into personal matters.

The questions continued.

‘Cain is rekindling an already broken relationship?’

Cain didn’t like reversing decisions.

‘There must be a story here.’

Lloyd concluded that it wasn’t for emotional reasons.

Because Cain didn’t even glance at her despite knowing of her arrival.

Then that means I might have a chance too.

Even if that wasn’t the case, he wanted to talk with Jane.

After observing for a while, it became clear that although for different reasons, she was also alone like himself.

To Lloyd, the Whitney incident wasn’t important. If he had cared about his reputation and life as a noble, he wouldn’t have chosen the life of a researcher.

So he approached and spoke to her.

“…May I interrupt your contemplation?”

As her gaze, which had been staring into space, turned towards him, Lloyd gripped his champagne glass tightly, feeling a thrill.

“May the goddess’s glory be with you. I am Lloyd Ludwig.”

He introduced himself as a gentleman before Jane could speak.

She seemed to think for a moment, then smiled faintly. It was an elegant and beautiful smile, like a daffodil blooming by the water.

“The Ludwig viscount family, I’ve heard they’re greatly contributing to the kingdom’s development. It’s an honor to meet you. May the goddess’s blessings be upon you. I’m Jane Whitney.”

The moment he heard Jane’s voice, Lloyd thought:

‘This is trouble. I like her too much.’

“You know of me?”

When he spoke with delight, Jane’s eyebrows slightly raised and lowered.

“Did I pretend to know too much?”

“No, it’s an honor. For a beautiful woman to know me, that is.”

“I should have said it first. It’s an honor for a gentleman to speak to me.”

The two continued various conversations. Though the talk had no substance, Lloyd enjoyed it.

Absorbed in the conversation, Lloyd didn’t notice the sharp gaze watching the two of them.

“You’re a debutante? I see! I’ve been missing something important.”

Lloyd extended his hand to Jane.

“Though I’m inadequate, may I be your dance partner, miss?”

Jane, who had been calm throughout, showed a slight sign of bewilderment. Lloyd interpreted this as shyness.

“If you share my first dance, you’ll have to go on a date too. That would be too much trouble for you, Lord Lloyd. Your partner would be displeased as well.”

“Oh my, should I have mentioned it first? I came alone today. No partner, no lover, no fiancée, and certainly no one I’m seeing. I’m full of nothings.”

He joked to put Jane at ease, but it was also true.

However, Lloyd became embarrassed after saying this because he had unconsciously considered Cain.

Jane burst out laughing. Seeing that laugh made Lloyd’s whole body tingle.

“I’m sorry. You spoke so desperately. What’s the big deal about dancing? I should be the one asking you instead.”

Jane raised and shook her wrist. An empty dance card dangled.

“I should thank the gods today. All the men at the ball must be fools, giving me this opportunity.”

Lloyd grasped the dance card hanging from Jane’s wrist.

At that moment, a large shadow fell behind him.

“Jane.”

Cain approached. He was looking at Jane with a piercing gaze.

“Cain! It’s been a while.”

Lloyd turned his head and greeted him cheerfully.

“You looked too busy to even talk to. We’ll chat later. I was about to do something very important right now.”

“Something important?”

“Dancing with Miss Jane Whitney.”

Cain’s eyebrows raised.

“What’s going on here, Jane?”

Cain looked back and forth between Lloyd and Jane. Jane flinched but quickly put on a smile.

Recalling that Lloyd was a key figure in Hayes Trading Company, she didn’t want to create an uncomfortable situation.

“Lord Lloyd has been telling me many interesting stories so I wouldn’t be bored. When he found out my dance card was empty, he kindly offered to dance with me too. Since you’re busy…”

“So you’re going to have your debutante’s first dance with another man, right in front of your fiancé?”

Cain seemed very displeased. The smile also faded from Lloyd’s face as he held Jane’s dance card.

“Since you’re busy…”

Jane repeated, flustered as Cain seemed to be getting angry. The word ‘fiancé’ stuck in her throat.

“You’re not trying to make me look like someone with no manners, are you? Give me the dance card.”

Cain held out his hand to Lloyd. When Lloyd didn’t readily hand over the dance card, he took it almost forcibly.

Then he filled the dance card completely with his own name.

Now if anyone else wanted to dance with her, they would have to find tiny spaces between his name to squeeze in their own.

Since no one would go to such lengths to dance with Jane, her dance with Cain would be the first and last.

“Come here.”

Cain held out his hand.

“Thank you for the offer, Lord Lloyd. For that precious thought, I should…”

Before Jane could finish speaking, Cain pulled her hand.

“The music’s started. See you later, Lloyd.”

Jane and Cain moved away.

‘This is a bit strange.’

Lloyd tilted his head.

It seemed very odd that after treating Jane like wallpaper throughout the ball, he now took her away like snatching prey.

Above all, he had just gotten angry at Lloyd.

While a debutante’s first dance was important, there was no law saying it had to be with one’s fiancé.

If circumstances didn’t allow, they even danced with family or old friends.

Of course, one date had to be kept, but still.

Why get so upset over that?

‘Is he in love?’

Lloyd shook his head at his own question.

If he loved her, he wouldn’t act so rudely.

Considering Cain’s past, he could be certain that Cain had no feelings for her.

Cain was kind even to women he merely passed by.

So if he were in love, how much better would he treat her?

Lloyd quickly threw away the uneasy feeling. He took a sip of the champagne he had been holding all along and frowned.

“It’s gone lukewarm.”

A slight irritation arose.

* * *

Cain’s firm hand supported Jane’s back. Jane hesitantly placed her hand on Cain’s arm.

It was the waltz she had practiced so hard alone. The music had already been playing for a while, so the floor was crowded with people.

Women glanced at Jane and Cain whenever they had the chance, even while dancing with other men.

Whether due to the pressure of having to do well, or the gazes that stung her skin as they watched, or simply because her partner was Cain, Jane was extremely nervous.

Suddenly raising her head, she met a dry gaze.

“You have less patience than I thought.”

Cain immediately criticized Jane. Jane’s eyes narrowed. He seemed to be in a very bad mood, but she couldn’t even guess the reason.

Seeing him angry at her, it seemed she had made some mistake.

“If I’ve done something wrong, tell me. I’ll fix it.”

“How do you fix being two-faced? It’s your nature. Being duplicitous, I mean.”

“Cain, you’re being too harsh.”

It was her debut. A dream-like day for every woman. She didn’t want to argue with him on a day that should be full of anticipation and excitement.

“I didn’t know you were capable of getting hurt.”

Cain sneered. The atmosphere surrounding him grew even colder.