After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 254

A gentle, sweet melody filled the ballroom, making the atmosphere feel lush and abundant.

Sebelia lifted her head slightly, sweeping her gaze across the crowd. It seemed that neither the Emperor nor the First Queen—tonight’s central figures—had appeared yet.

“Let’s move over there.”

Dehart said, guiding her toward the wall. Though the nobles hesitated, they couldn’t stop stealing glances at the two of them, but Sebelia and Dehart ignored them, keeping a polite distance.

“…Whew.”

“Nervous?”

Dehart had noticed how tightly her lips were pressed together. Sebelia, on edge and ready to leave at a moment’s notice, pressed her fingertips to her eyes and shook her head.

“It’s just that the stares are so blatant, I was a little startled. But I can handle it, so don’t overreact.”

“When it comes to your health, I should overreact.”

He left her with no argument. Sebelia looked up at him, finding his determined tone oddly unfamiliar and almost amusing. But Dehart only met her gaze calmly and ushered her into a seat.

“We haven’t greeted anyone yet—is this all right?”

“If anyone’s really desperate, they’ll come to us. I’ll get you some water. If anyone tries to talk to you, just ignore them.”

As if that’s possible, Sebelia thought, but she swallowed the words and watched him walk away. With Dehart gone, the stares from the crowd became even more obvious.

So this is what a capital banquet feels like…

She tried to mask her awkwardness as she took in the splendor of the hall: a blend of gold and white, opulent yet refined.

As she admired the glass centerpiece on her table, Sebelia noticed someone approaching, reflected in the pale blue surface. At first, she thought it must be Dehart, but the figure’s height and build were different.

Who…?

The blurry, distorted reflection made it hard to see, but the glint of reddish eyes gave her a hint. Still, with hair that wasn’t white, it probably wasn’t Shateian either.

Sebelia took a steadying breath, reminding herself of all the etiquette she’d practiced for just such a night.

Keep your shoulders relaxed but don’t slouch. Chin up, but not so much that it looks arrogant…

She reminded herself not to forget that she was, after all, a commoner now.

Just as she set a gentle smile on her lips, an unexpectedly warm voice reached her.

“That’s a beautiful vase, isn’t it?”

She turned to see Third Prince Hares Belkram.

“This blue glass vase is only made in East Rotureal, the homeland of the First Queen. Artists say the color is like bringing the sea itself indoors—it’s quite a collectible among painters.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I’m Bella Appenz.”

Sebelia tamped down her surprise and got up, offering a graceful curtsey. Hares chuckled and waved a hand.

“No need for all that. I wasn’t showing off my shallow knowledge just to get a formal greeting.”

Sebelia studied him quietly. With his gray hair and soft pink eyes, his whole presence was delicate and gentle.

If Shateian was striking, Hares was the type who could stand on a stage and still go unnoticed.

His reputation matches his impression.

The Third Prince was simple and gentle, more interested in the arts and nature than in power. But why was a prince like this approaching her? Even as the question crossed her mind, a young woman stepped out from behind Hares.

“Your Highness, aren’t you going to introduce me?”

“Ah, forgive me. Miss Bella, this is Miss Rosalyn Valerie, my partner for tonight.”

“Lovely to meet you.”

Rosalyn extended a hand, but Sebelia found herself frozen, blue eyes trembling ever so slightly.

Curved golden eyes, silky black hair tucked behind her ears, and sun-kissed skin—a kind of beauty not often seen in the capital. Yet for some reason, the look Rosalyn gave her, despite the friendly smile, was piercingly cold and sharp.

“Miss Bella?”

Rosalyn tilted her head, stepping closer, her gentle tone was a strange match to that chilly gaze. Sebelia felt a shiver down her spine.

Just then, Dehart came striding through the crowd, parting people as he approached.

“Is everything all right here?”

For a moment, Dehart and Rosalyn locked eyes. His golden irises brilliant as midday sun, hers cold as dawn’s mist. The tension lasted only a heartbeat before Dehart calmly looked away and draped an arm around Sebelia’s shoulders.

“Bella, is there a problem?”

“Ah, it’s just—”