Chapter 60
Helena, unable to suppress her resentment, waited only for Ephinia to arrive. This ball was the kind that didn’t strictly observe formalities, so it irritated her that the names of arriving nobles were not announced.
“…Have you heard? They say His Highness the Crown Prince has come to this ball!”
What?
Bill Caneze, who had been standing beside his daughter waiting only for Ephinia, was startled. Of all things, the Crown Prince had come to this very ball where Ephinia was coming!
‘Surely he didn’t come with her?’
If that were the case, all of their plans would have to be abandoned. The Crown Prince was a frightening man. He had humiliated Ephinia before, so it seemed unlikely, but… it left him uneasy.
“I don’t know what’s going on. Surely he didn’t come as that girl’s partner.”
“That can’t be. She’s not clever enough to cause such a feat.”
If Ephinia had been that shrewd, she would have known how to flatter Helena as well. Helena bit her lip and looked around the ballroom.
* * *
The imperial carriage caused a commotion even before it came to a stop in the front courtyard of the Marquis’s estate. Since the residence belonged to a noble of the imperial faction, the gatekeeper recognized from the carriage alone that it belonged to the Crown Prince and immediately informed his master. Naturally, the Marquis and Marchioness, who were hosting the ball, hurried out to greet them.
“It is an honor, Your Highness. We are overwhelmed that you have come in person…”
“I heard Baroness Linier was attending the ball, so I came along. If my Guide is going to a ball, how could I allow someone else to become her partner?”
At Kasselard’s words, Ephinia immediately regretted bringing him to this ball. In truth, it had been Meredith who strongly convinced her that she should take him as her partner.
Somehow, Meredith had learned about what happened while she was passing by the administrative palace. To prevent anything like that from happening again, she said it would be necessary for Ephinia to attend at least two banquets or balls with the Crown Prince.
Ephinia had thought long and hard about it. If things went wrong, it might send the Empress the message that the relationship between the two of them had improved.
But on the other hand, she had already accepted the Empress’s deal, and the Empress also knew that Ephinia was guiding Kasselard.
So she thought attending a ball together wouldn’t cause any misunderstanding, but…
‘A misunderstanding definitely sprouted!’
The Marchioness Deacon glanced at Ephinia with a favorable look as she replied. She seemed convinced that Ephinia had firmly captured the Crown Prince’s heart.
“You are absolutely right. Thanks to her, we have been fortunate enough to receive Your Highness’s visit. We must thank Baroness Linier.”
As she subtly-led the conversation, Kasselard’s eyes lit up with satisfaction. It seemed he judged the Marchioness to be perceptive.
“You should. Anyone who treats my Guide carelessly is no different from showing disrespect to me. How could I not take such a thing to heart?”
It sounded like he was saying he would mark them and remember it for future retaliation, though he phrased it quite indirectly. Hearing this, the Marchioness Deacon felt relieved that her family had been the first to send Baroness Linier an invitation. That decision had come after persuasion from her married daughter.
After all, her daughter served as a maid to the Empress. She had warned that relationships between Transcenders and Guides could change at any time.
I knew she must have known something!
“Of course. She is a person of great importance, so we will treat her accordingly.”
When she went a step further and said this, Kasselard smiled faintly and looked at Ephinia, who now seemed slightly burdened.
‘Oh ho!’
The Marquis and Marchioness immediately realized that the Crown Prince was in the position of courting his Guide. What had happened at the previous ball must be the obstacle between them.
The Marchioness thought Ephinia was somewhat naive, but she didn’t blame her. The incident had been enough to leave lingering resentment. Besides, hadn’t she captured the Crown Prince’s heart in one stroke and brought such distinction to this ball?
“A new dance has begun. There are nobles I would like to introduce to Baroness Linier, but…”
“I’ll go with you.”
Kasselard had no intention of leaving Ephinia’s side at this ball. Since she had been placed in a difficult position in high society because of him, it was only natural.
Unless rumors spread even beyond the capital that he was completely devoted to her, he had not the slightest intention of letting her out of his sight.
Discussion
1 CommentIlina