Chapter 76: Rondor’s Ball – 3

I stood guard outside her door while Vivian changed clothes.

I could hear the castle growing more and more noisy.

The guests entering the hall of Rondor Castle seemed to be exchanging greetings.

I could hear an incomprehensible murmur spreading from all directions.

The soft sound of music drifted in the air, and the sky was filled with the hues of the late evening sunset.

A cool breeze brought with it the fragrant smell of food.

The ball was steadily beginning.

“Aren’t you going to change?”

Valon asked from beside me.

“I’ll change after Vivian comes out in her dress. It won’t take long anyway.”

I was still wearing the usual clothes I always wear.

The clothes of the Punishment Unit, stained and of poor quality.

It was a popular topic today.

The name ‘Punishment Unit’ was no longer used, so it was probably about time to improve such attire.

I reflected on that thought as I stood idly.

Then, Martin spoke.

“Food, I wonder how delicious it is. I wonder how beautiful the people are.”

With a sigh at Valon’s words, Martin asked,

“Kailo, I heard a rumor, tell me if it’s true. They say that at such balls, if two people make eye contact, they often have secret meetings. Is that true?”

As he spoke the word ‘secret meeting,’ Martin grabbed the air and wiggled his hips.

I chuckled lightly.

Such vulgarity was becoming familiar to me.

Maybe that’s why Lady Linne always expresses disgust whenever she sees me.

I replied,

“I wouldn’t know. It’s my first time too. But I did hear the maids cleaned up the small infirmaries in the west tower.”

“Did they make space for it there?”

“…Probably.”

Vivian, while preparing for the ball, had planned even the parts that ordinary people would never consider.

It seemed like Lady Linne had been a big help with that, but in any case, they wanted everyone who visited to have a good time.

Since it was a space where men and women gathered, it was inevitable that some mischief would happen.

I suppose Vivian also prepared such a space, accepting that.

I wasn’t exactly sure.

Maybe she cleared up the infirmaries just in case there were injuries.

However, I suspected that place might become a shelter for the noblemen to indulge in secret affairs.

Just then, Vivian’s door, which had been closed, opened, and the maids came out in a rush.

Serena was with them.

Vivian had given Serena so many punishments, yet she kept her close by.

It was as if she wanted to keep a close watch on her actions.

Because of that, Serena no longer looked at me these days.

I was somewhat relieved by that.

It was better if we didn’t cause any discomfort with each other.

Among the maids leaving the room, one of them spoke to me.

“Master Kailo, Lady Vivian is ready to come in. You should change inside.”

I nodded and moved away from the wall.

Then, I entered the room and closed the door behind me.

-Thud.

“Why are you taking so long? It’s time to go.”

As I lifted my head and spoke, my mouth froze in an instant.

When I turned around and saw Vivian, my heart seemed to stop.

Her hair flowed smoothly like a river, glowing with a soft shine.

Part of her hair was braided, making her look like she was wearing a crown.

The black dress she wore, annoyingly, accentuated her perfect figure.

Perhaps the fabric was lacking, because the area around her back was completely bare, exposing her clean skin.

If we were to have relations, would I see that back if I was from behind?

Blood rushed to my lower body in an instant.

Vivian moved on her own in the frozen moment.

She slowly turned to face me.

“…Why are you standing still?”

I couldn’t tell what she had done to her face.

She was already beautiful, but I never thought she could become even more beautiful.

Her lips were as red as her eyes, and her gaze seemed even deeper.

I never imagined I would find her so beautiful.

I struggled to release my frozen body and walked forward.

Vivian, seeing me approach, said nothing.

I unknowingly placed my hand on her shoulder.

Then, I leaned in to kiss her lips.

-Slap.

Vivian lightly hit my cheek with the back of her hand.

“…Get a hold of yourself. What are you doing, disgusting?”

She whispered with a mocking laugh.

Only then did I come back to my senses. I blinked, realizing what I was about to do.

It was as if my body had moved like a curse.

Vivian, who had been laughing softly, then looked down at me as if surveying me.

“…Well, at least it’s a relief. It seems like you do have feelings for me. Guess we suit each other.”

This time, I conceded to her.

“We do suit each other.”

Vivian didn’t respond to that.

Her smile faded, and her face became more serious.

Whether it was from makeup or natural flush, her slightly reddened cheeks glowed as she nodded as if she understood.

“You should change too.”

Vivian ordered.

My clothes were still prepared in the corner of the room.

I nodded, picked up my clothes, and went behind the prepared tent to change.

***

While Kailo was changing, Vivian found his reaction to be quite amusing.

His approach, as if blinded, so close to her.

Now, he was clearly expressing his feelings, making it more comfortable for her.

She could now clearly distinguish his favor.

‘Am I really that appealing?’

Vivian wondered.

He kept providing strange pleasure as if he was in heat because of her.

It was disgusting and funny, but at the same time, her heart raced like it was running.

If there were anyone in this world who would love her, it would be Kailo.

The atmosphere was different from usual, and the schedule was different from usual.

It felt like everything was a form of indulgence, and Vivian found it amusing from the start.

It seemed like she would be able to wrap up the ball quite enjoyably tonight.

Kailo wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off her, so she was relieved.

“…It’s a bit awkward.”

Had he dressed himself?

Kailo mumbled from beyond the tent.

Kailo, who had always worn armor or the dirty clothes of the punishment unit, must have found the ball gown uncomfortable.

His movements would be restricted.

If he exerted too much force, the clothes might tear.

In fact, the light armor he wore was more for decoration than protection.

“Stop mumbling and come out once you’re done.”

Vivian urged him.

Though she had chosen his clothes to match her own, she didn’t expect much since she had seen him in his usual attire.

Kailo stepped out.

Vivian, who had intended to mock him, found herself staring blankly, her expression softening.

A black outfit.

However, the clothes retained the strictness typical of a knight.

Delicate red embroidery ran along his shoulders, and the red accents on the collar and sleeves gave a strong impression.

The waist cincher accentuated his muscular build even more.

Had he applied the scented oil she had brought for him?

His forehead, which was usually hidden, was now exposed, making his strong facial features more distinct.

• Thump… Thump… Thump…

Vivian’s heartbeat quickened as she looked at him.

Her breath became shallow.

…Why did it fit so well?

He was supposed to be the person she hated most, but why did he look so beautiful?

If she lost control, she might allow him to kiss her again when he tried.

She felt like she might end up mixing tongues, showing her disgust, but still yielding.

Vivian unconsciously swallowed.

Her body tingled, and she fidgeted with her hands and feet.

She shook her head, trying to regain control of her thoughts.

She needed to hate him.

She needed to push him away.

She shouldn’t hold him dear.

“Do you think it’s good enough?”

Kailo asked.

Vivian, at the sound of his question, raised her head and looked directly at him.

Thump!

Thump!

Finally, as if her racing heart could no longer contain her emotions, Vivian walked toward Kailo.

She struggled for words before speaking to him.

“…The, the helmet.”

“…What?”

Vivian stammered unintentionally.

It wasn’t something that could be corrected so easily.

It felt like she had returned to being 13 years old again.

“Th-the helmet. Um, your face… it’s… ugly, so it won’t do.”

“…What nonsense is that?”

Vivian was firm.

If Kailo looked like this, flies would be swarming around him.

Vivian couldn’t bear the thought of flies touching her belongings, even lightly.

“Cover your face. Hurry, obey the command.”

Suddenly anxious, she grasped Kailo’s clothes tightly.

It was only now that she realized just how handsome he was.

He had every strength, and on top of that, his face was perfect.

She couldn’t stand it.

Vivian reached out and began to mess with his hair.

Kailo quickly brushed her hand away.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“No one told you to fix your hair! Ah, no. Just bring the helmet first.”

“Vivian…!”

Kailo grabbed Vivian’s shoulders and shook her.

Vivian, being tossed around by his strength, blinked in surprise.

“Get a grip on yourself. What’s going on, suddenly?”

Only then did Vivian realize that she had acted madly.

After a long pause, Kailo finally let go of her shoulders, and Vivian pressed her hand to her chest, trying to suppress her emotions.

Right.

If she thought about it, just a moment ago, Kailo had been desperate to kiss her.

The Kailo from earlier and the one standing before her were the same person.

There was no reason to feel so impatient.

Vivian gave Kailo a small nod.

Both of them took a deep breath, trying to calm the situation.

As awkward as it was, they acted as if nothing had happened.

Vivian exhaled deeply and raised her right hand to Kailo.

Kailo briefly glanced at her hand before taking it, then stood beside her, placing her hand on his arm as they began walking.

“…I told you, Kailo, don’t do anything reckless.”

Vivian warned for the last time.

Kailo nodded.

“I won’t. So… prepare a good reward.”

Vivian crossed her arms, standing by the door to the hall, taking a few deep breaths.

Her tension was palpable, and it transmitted to him.

Most likely, there were many people inside she needed to impress.

…He found it a bit annoying.

Who exactly was she trying so hard to impress?

What would she even do if she impressed them?

She had done well on her own…

Her beauty only made his feelings more intense.

Whoever it was, if they got too close to Vivian, he would have to throw a cold bucket of water on them.

Despite telling Kailo not to do anything reckless, it was Vivian who told him to stay close.

He had fought dragons before, and southern young lords didn’t bother him in the slightest.

“When will the preparation be done?”

He asked, feeling her slightly trembling hand.

Vivian, lost in her thoughts, startled at his question, then stretched her neck and answered.

“..Ready.”

As she said, the preparations were nearly complete.

Lady Linne approached us, and upon seeing me, she advised Vivian.

“…Vivian, at least when you first enter, it’s better to be alone-”

“I told you I wouldn’t listen.”

Lady Linne nodded and then adjusted Vivian’s outfit.

She fiddled with her clothes and fixed her hair before speaking again.

“Let’s go.”

At the same time, the door suddenly opened.

The hall, where Vivian and I always ate together, was filled with people.

It was a place that had only been used by the two of us since Vivian was 13, now crowded with people.

Vivian and I burst into light laughter at the same time.

We exchanged a look, sharing the same sense of wonder, the same smile.

Then, we both stiffened our expressions and began walking again.

Being together like this was a political move in itself.

As the prince of the Delrum Kingdom and the Princess of the Eastern Kingdom were in talks for marriage to bring peace, our actions, coming from two families that had once been enemies, would give even more power to the cause.

It seemed everyone understood that.

They looked at us with expressions that seemed to say,

‘They are forced to be together.’

I could tell from the looks of pity directed at Vivian.

Perhaps the influence of the Dubois family was involved.

They must have spread rumors about how much Vivian hated me.

I looked around.

The prince and princess were still nowhere to be seen.

Still, out of respect, they were probably waiting somewhere else.

Among the looks of pity directed at Vivian, I could also detect curiosity aimed at me.

It seemed the blue ribbon around my neck, the proof that I had caught the dragon, was particularly provoking them.

I caught the eyes of several women.

It was clear that, as nobility, they all had striking appearances.

But what bothered me more was the expressions of the men looking at Vivian.

There were several of them, dumbstruck by her beauty.

Just as I was starting to feel irritated, Vivian muttered in a voice that only I could hear.

“…Annoying bitches, they’re all staring at you.”

I chuckled softly and muttered back.

“…It’s strange. I was thinking the same thing.”

“Don’t get your hopes up, Kailo. I’m not just going to sit back and watch you be happy. No matter who comes near, I’ll step on them. If the Dubois family had done their job right, no woman would even think of approaching you…”

Vivian realized that the prince and princess were still missing, and so she headed toward the center of the hall.

I followed her for a while before letting go of her arm.

Vivian stood in front of the crowd and said,

“…I am Vivian Rondor. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. We’ve prepared a lot, so I hope you enjoy the time here. Now then.”

The people, who had been frozen in awe of her beauty, suddenly burst into applause.

After showing everyone her sharp, cold demeanor, Vivian approached me again.

“…Arm.”

Vivian gave a short command.

I opened my arm again.

As if finding her place, Vivian placed her hand on my arm again and whispered quietly.

“…It’s just the beginning, Kailo.”

I nodded.

I could see the nobles, their eyes gleaming.

Vivian took a deep breath and walked toward them.