Chapter 57
Curious what happens next? Read more here
“Would you allow me the honor of escorting you tonight, Commander?”
It was the sort of polite, formal request that young nobles made at every ball—a tired bit of etiquette Adrien had always found boring. Until this moment, she’d never understood why people got so flustered or excited over such meaningless words.
But tonight was different.
Hidden behind her gloved hand, Adrien quietly bit her lip, her heart pounding so loudly she wondered if Samuel could hear it. It was strange; his green eyes were like a sweet, inescapable poison, pulling her in again and again.
The truth was, she didn’t even want to try to resist.
“I would be delighted to accept your invitation.”
Adrien smiled as she placed her hand in his. Samuel’s eyes flickered, and he swallowed hard before bringing her hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to her glove.
Adrien closed her eyes for a moment. In retrospect, maybe wearing gloves was a mistake.
* * *
Elegant music, the fragrance of flowers and perfume, and a swirl of vibrant colors filled the grand ballroom—a world entirely foreign to Samuel. Still, he fought the urge to look around like a lost country boy.
“This is the most entertaining of all the annual balls.”
Adrien whispered, sliding her hand naturally into the crook of Samuel’s arm. Under the chandelier’s light, her ruby-red eyes seemed made for this dazzling scene.
“It’s called the Night of Youth. Only nobles who’ve come of age can attend. Once you’re married or inherit a title, you’re not invited back.”
“Are you sure it’s okay for you to bring me?”
“As long as you’re not married or a titled heir, you can bring anyone you want. It’s less strict than other balls when it comes to etiquette.”
Just then, laughter erupted nearby. Samuel glanced over to see young nobles dressed in expensive gowns and tuxedos, talking and laughing loudly—behavior that would be frowned upon anywhere else.
“So don’t worry. Just relax and have fun.”
“Do you come here often?”
“No.”
Adrien said with a wry smile.
“I’m not really interested in these things. They’re not that fun.”
“Then why…”
“Most people love it—the dressing up, the music, the dancing under the chandeliers.”
“…”
“I thought maybe you’d like it, so I decided to come.”
Samuel felt his face heat up. There was no mistaking why Adrien had brought him tonight. It was all for him. But why?
“Oh my, Lady Adrien!”
“It’s been ages since we’ve seen you here!”
Before Samuel could ask, they were surrounded by curious onlookers, all eyes lighting up at Adrien’s rare appearance.
“And who is this?”
“This is Ensign Samuel Norah of the Security Guard—he’s under my command.”
“So he’s a Guide?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
The nobles’ interest visibly sharpened—clearly thinking he might become Adrien’s official exclusive guide.
Samuel himself wasn’t immune to the thought. After all, their compatibility score had been revealed as an extraordinary 98%, and now he was at the ball by her side. Who wouldn’t be hopeful?
‘Still, I shouldn’t get my hopes up too much.’
He knew all too well how easily inflated hopes could collapse.
“There’s no way the Light of Justice would choose a Guide who’s not Gold-level!”
Actually, that was the first obstacle.
“No, I’m just a Silver-level Guide.”
“Oh… Silver?”
The young man in the grey suit looked surprised, blinking rapidly.
“Alright, that’s enough. This is Ensign Samuel’s first time at a ball. Please be considerate.”
“Oh, of course!”
“Ensign, you have an impressive build. At first, I thought you might be an Esper.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
The conversation soon drifted elsewhere, but a few nobles still watched Samuel with thinly disguised doubt. He couldn’t help but notice.
“Ensign.”
Adrien’s gentle call pushed his thoughts away.
“They’re about to start the first dance.”
“…May I have this dance?”
“If you want to, Ensign.”
She smiled, placing her hand in his as they stepped onto the dance floor, prompting gasps from all around.
“You’re lucky, Ensign—Lady Adrien rarely dances at these events.”
That single comment lifted Samuel’s mood from the dregs to the heights of the chandelier.
With Adrien, his pride always felt so fragile. But one simple gesture from her, even if it meant nothing, could transform him from a nobody into someone precious, like gold.
He didn’t know if this was a blessing or a curse from the Light of Justice. Either way, if it meant holding Adrien’s hand right now, he was ready to accept it all.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.