Lamierre reviewed his plans once more.
“And the Third Prince? How is that progressing?”
“Yes, Your Highness. I received a report this evening. Preparations are nearly complete. We've thoroughly silenced everyone involved, so there should be no cause for concern.”
The greatest obstacle standing in Robert’s path—the Third Prince—would soon disappear from this world without a trace.
It was the kind of satisfying news that felt like finally pulling out an aching tooth.
The knot in Lamierre’s chest loosened slightly.
That's right. Things may have gone off course for a moment, but all I need to do is return everything to its proper track.
As long as Anneliese followed his wishes, everything that had happened today could still be undone.
“Robert intends to propose to Anneliese Solaritzen again tonight. Surely that girl wouldn't dare reject a proposal in front of His Majesty.”
Unless she somehow appeared with another fiancé in the next few days.
And that possibility was laughably small.
“Has Anneliese Solaritzen arrived at the ballroom yet?”
“No, Your Highness.”
“The moment she arrives, send her to me.”
Among imperial nobles, a marriage became official the instant the Emperor bestowed his blessing.
And once that happened, a divorce could only occur with the Emperor’s approval.
But would the Emperor ever permit such a thing?
Lamierre knew full well that His Majesty had long considered Anneliese a suitable daughter-in-law.
In other words, even if she didn't wish to marry the Crown Prince, there would be no escape.
Just as Lamierre finished dressing for the banquet—
“Your Highness Lamierre!”
The mercenary who had left only moments ago suddenly reappeared, knocking frantically on the window.
He looked visibly shaken, breathing unevenly as though he had run the entire way.
“Has Anneliese arrived?”
“N-No, Your Highness. A knight from the Grand Duke's household came. The Grand Duke will be attending tonight's ball.”
“What?”
Lamierre's eyes widened.
“The Grand Duke? He didn't return north immediately after that day?”
Then why was he still in the imperial capital?
For what reason?
Panic flickered across Lamierre’s face.
“That isn't all, Your Highness. Th-The Grand Duke also requested that the attendance list be updated.”
“Updated? Why?”
“He... he said he'll be bringing a dance partner.”
“A partner? Who?”
“A-Anneliese Solaritzen, daughter of Count Solaritzen.”
“What?”
The color drained from Lamierre’s face.
Anneliese remained perfectly still, quietly darting her eyes around.
Just moments before the Crown Prince had discovered her, someone had grabbed hold of her.
It's Grand Duke Aperhis.
They had met only once, yet she recognized him instantly.
Perhaps this was what people meant by presence.
Whenever he was nearby, the air felt noticeably colder.
Guess I wouldn't need a fan during summer if he were around.
The atmosphere also became heavier, almost suffocating.
My life has been far too relaxed. A little pressure like this is probably necessary.
For some reason, every thought she had regarding the Grand Duke automatically took a positive turn.
In any case, he had told her, "Shh."
So she obediently listened.
Holding her breath, she stayed hidden beneath the staircase.
The candlelight flickered against the wall, casting the Crown Prince's shadow.
Soon, he appeared.
Holding a candlestick, Robert began peering beneath the stairs.
Then a voice echoed through the corridor.
“Your Highness Robert! Where are you? The waltz is about to begin!”
It seemed the young ladies who had received the Crown Prince Strategy Guide were doing their jobs diligently.
The Crown Prince sucked in a frustrated breath.
Then he hurried down the opposite corridor.
You're the one who said no tree can resist being chopped down if struck enough times. Let's see how much you enjoy being the one getting chopped.
For the time being, she was safe.
Once the sound of footsteps faded completely—
The Grand Duke released her.
“Tha—”
“Your walking speed is slow.”
He cut off her gratitude with ruthless precision.
Anneliese had already grown accustomed to his rudeness.
So what if he never returned greetings?
He had saved her from the Crown Prince.
And he was the one person who could continue saving her in the future.
“—Thank you. And it's nice to see you again, Your Grace.”
“Hmm.”
After she went through the effort of greeting him, he barely paid attention, his gaze wandering elsewhere.
What is he looking at?
The Grand Duke stood with his arms crossed, head lowered.
Following his gaze, Anneliese looked down.
Below her dress, which she had lifted slightly with both hands while greeting him, were her pointed shoes.
There's nothing there except my feet.
The Grand Duke let out a scoffing laugh.
“I suppose that's understandable, considering how small your feet are.”
“Excuse me?”
Anneliese's feet were exactly average for an imperial woman.
It was such a shocking statement that she stared at him in disbelief.
My feet are small?
What kind of ridiculous claim was that?
“My feet are perfectly average for an adult woman.”
“Can you even walk properly?”
Now he was sincerely questioning her ability to walk.
“Of course I can. Look.”
Feeling offended, Anneliese thrust one leg forward so her foot would be clearly visible.
As if he's one to talk. How perfect are his feet supposed to be?
Her shoe ended up beside the Grand Duke's.
Naturally, the difference in size became impossible to ignore.
After comparing them several times, she swallowed her rebuttal.
Is every standard in this man's life based on himself?
Well... if I spent every day looking at feet that large, I suppose everything else would seem small.
Isaiah's words echoed in her mind.
"My lord has lived alone for a very long time. He has little interest in human etiquette or social boundaries."
That explained a lot.
“I could carry you to your destination.”
That explained—
“No.”
Anneliese answered firmly.
“I'll walk there myself.”
She immediately turned and began climbing the stairs.
As briskly and confidently as possible.
Just to make sure he wouldn't even consider carrying her.
“Hah.”
The Grand Duke lowered the arm he had unconsciously extended toward her.
In that short moment, she had already climbed halfway up.
Her golden hair swayed rhythmically with each step.
An irritating sight.
So irritating that he couldn't look away.
Watching her retreating figure, the Grand Duke quietly followed behind.
The northern tower corridor was very different from what Anneliese remembered.
At the end of the long hallway lay a pentagonal chamber.
Soft carpets covered the floor where tiles once had been.
It feels like a miniature ballroom. Minus the enormous chandelier.
The room was dim, illuminated only by candles mounted along the walls.
Hearing the rustle of fabric, Anneliese turned around.
The Grand Duke had removed his cloak.
Under the faint candlelight, his well-tailored uniform revealed the outline of a powerfully built body.
A physique worthy of a sculpture.
So beautiful it almost felt indecent.
Without realizing it, Anneliese found her eyes tracing every line of his form.
Then, suddenly embarrassed for reasons she couldn't explain, she looked away.
Fortunately, the Grand Duke didn't seem to notice her blatant staring.
“I dislike places crowded with people.”
As he spoke, he reached toward a nearby dresser.
An ornate music box clicked open.
A gentle three-four rhythm drifted through the silent corridor.
“Isaiah informed me that anyone who attends a ball is expected to dance. Humans truly are a troublesome species.”
Muttering to himself, the Grand Duke extended a hand.
“Dance with me.”
Anneliese stared blankly at the hand offered to her.
Of all people, she had never expected such a request from him.
So he doesn't understand social customs, but he can dance.
The realization surprised her.
And if we're dancing, that means he's willing to have a conversation with me too.
Not only that—he was apparently capable of carrying on elegant conversation while dancing.
“Can... can you actually dance?”
“Someone taught me when I was young.”
Contrary to her expectations, he didn't seem offended by the question.
Someone had taught the Grand Duke to dance.
That was difficult to imagine.
“How kind of them. Who was it?”
“Who knows? It was so long ago. I don't remember.”
Of course you don't. You're indifferent to everything, Your Grace.
“Are your questions finished?”
“Hmm. Just one more.”
Before taking his hand, she hesitated.
She had no objection to dancing.
But there was one thing bothering her.
Anneliese looked at the mask covering his face.
The Grand Duke tilted his head, and several strands of dark hair fell across his forehead.
Doesn't it get uncomfortable wearing that all the time? And according to Sir Isaiah, he doesn't need to wear it around me.
“Your Grace.”
She met his gaze.
“If you don't mind... would you remove your mask?”
Her voice softened.
“I'd like us to face each other properly while we dance.”
