Chapter 56
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“Is this your first time at a ball, Ensign?”
“Yes. Honestly, I’m a commoner, so…”
“Don’t worry about anything. Our staff will make sure you’re perfectly prepared.”
“Whatever you think is best, I’m in your hands.”
Before he knew it, Samuel was shown into the room where he’d be getting ready. He bowed politely, and the butler gave him a warm, knowing smile.
“In that case, you’d better brace yourself.”
He didn’t have time to wonder what the butler meant.
Suddenly, a crowd of servants burst into the room, so energetic and determined that Samuel, from the Macas Mountain brigade, felt himself a little overwhelmed. The look in their eyes was so fierce that even he was nearly intimidated.
And so, Samuel found himself stripped of all his clothes and led off to the bath first.
* * *
“I bet even ordinary noble ladies would do just fine in basic training.”
Adrien muttered this while slipping on a pair of high heels.
“You always say that whenever you put on your shoes, Miss.”
“I mean, just think about it—smiling and dancing in these torture devices? You’d have to have the patience of a saint. I’m sure they’d put up with all sorts of hardships without complaint.”
Adrien was quite serious, but her maids took it differently. They all burst into laughter as they gave her outfit a final touch.
When Adrien looked in the mirror, she saw herself transformed into the very image of a noble lady.
Her soft peach-colored gown made her look more gentle than usual, and her short hair was braided to one side and elegantly pinned up.
As she took in her reflection, Adrien imagined how Samuel would look standing at her side. She thought they’d make a good picture together.
“All that’s left now is to choose your jewelry, Miss.”
“This one.”
Adrien picked a set of green emeralds without hesitation—they reminded her of Samuel’s eyes. The maids exchanged meaningful glances. Choosing jewels to match your partner’s eyes could only mean one thing.
“My, you look as fresh and lovely as a spring garden!”
“Enough with the ticklish compliments.”
“But we mean it, Miss!”
Adrien just grinned as she tightened her gloves. She was ready; all that was left was Samuel. She was sure he’d still be getting ready—she always finished before anyone else, no matter the occasion, and this was Samuel’s first ball.
So when she opened the door and found herself staring straight into a broad chest, she didn’t even realize it was Samuel at first.
She looked up with her usual stern gaze.
“…Oh.”
She froze in surprise.
“Ah…”
It was definitely Samuel, letting out a soft sigh.
His messy hair was neatly swept back to show off his smooth forehead and thick brows, with just a bit of fringe left to keep his boyish charm. But there was nothing childish about him now.
Adrien realized she’d been subconsciously thinking of Samuel as much younger—maybe because of the age gap or his status as a new subordinate.
But tonight, he wasn’t a boy at all. Even the dazed look on his face made her think dangerous thoughts.
She imagined pulling him onto a bed, undressing him, running her hands down his body, listening to him gasp and moan as he guided her with that same helpless expression…
“Commander?”
Startled by her own indecent thoughts, Adrien instinctively took a step back.
Samuel, worried by her reaction, bent to look at her. Adrien reflexively ducked her head even lower.
“…Is something wrong? Do you not like it?”
“No, no, it’s not that.”
She shook her head and gave his chest a little push—thank goodness for the silk gloves embroidered with climbing roses.
“I just wasn’t expecting you to be standing right here.”
“….”
“…You look good, Ensign Samuel.”
She forced out the compliment, fighting to keep her composure as heat bubbled up inside her. Samuel’s face was bright red, but he couldn’t look away from her.
“Is there something you want to say?”
“It’s just…”
“Just?”
“It’s strange—when a fantasy becomes real, I guess it feels like this.”
His dreamy voice and expression made Adrien burst out laughing. The maids, who’d been nervously biting their lips in the background, couldn’t help but giggle as well.
Samuel, his face even redder, nervously played with his lips. He didn’t dare touch his hair for fear of ruining the style.
“So, shall we go?”
“Wait—there’s one more thing I have to do.”
Taking a deep breath, Samuel suddenly knelt on one knee.
Adrien’s eyes widened as she looked down at him, realizing what was happening.
Samuel carefully reached out his hand.
“…The butler told me this was the proper etiquette for a ball partner.”
“Ah.”
Adrien finally caught on and covered her mouth with her hand, laughing. Samuel’s face was bright red as he tried to wet his dry lips.
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