episode_0016

The slow waltz, signaling their entrance, was gradually nearing its end.

As the rhythm slowed down bit by bit, as they moved towards the final sequence.

Mixed with the melody of the waltz, a peculiar tension filled the hall deeply.

Being the highlight of the Debutante Ball, the ladies of the Beauregard family were the most prestigious trophy that the gentlemen of the Galatea Empire could present.

Of course, there were unmarried noblewomen even more distinguished than them.

Even Princess Dominique herself was still unwed.

The Duchess of Verbriz in the North was in a similar situation, and among the ladies from families with mere baronial titles, there were quite a few unmarried maidens.

However, the princess and the duchess were part of the royal family.

As women for whom marriage was a diplomatic tool, they were not easily overlooked.

Although the Beauregard family held the title of viscount, it was merely a check against excessive power concentration.

Their influence and assets were unparalleled compared to any noble family in the empire.

Especially since the disbandment of the mercenaries, this trend had intensified even further.

There were many men who would eagerly pursue them based solely on the power of their illustrious family.

Moreover, Eleanor, who had unwittingly become prey to both men and women, stood still for a moment holding Albreis’s hand in front of the firmly closed doors of the hall.

Soon, a handsomely dressed usher approached and inquired, “Are you Viscount Albreis Beauregard and Viscountess Eleanor Beauregard?”

“That’s correct,” Albreis replied, sounding somewhat annoyed.

Eleanor simply smiled faintly without saying a word.

If they were only going to ask for their names, what was the point of confirming? But Eleanor didn’t show any reaction.

And then, slowly, the heavy door blocking the siblings’ path began to open.

Through the gradually widening gap in the door, the slow waltz melody and the lively chatter inside the hall flowed through seamlessly.

At the rather loud noise, Eleanor furrowed her eyebrows.

Soon, an even louder announcement came from behind.

“Viscount Eleanor Arène de Beauregard and Viscount Albreis Raoul de Beauregard are entering.”

Feeling the tremor in the hand she held, Albreis turned his head to look at his sister’s face. He asked silently through his expression if she was okay, as Eleanor’s platinum blonde hair swayed gently, Albreis took her hand firmly and began to walk across the long carpet.

Albreis’s steps escorting Eleanor to the slow waltz rhythm were noticeably slower than usual.

He wanted to showcase his beautiful sister’s figure to the people in the hall.

He also wanted to boast to others about having such a lovely sister.

Whatever Albreis’s intentions were,

Eleanor felt fortunate for her brother’s slower pace than usual.

Surely Olivia and Sophie had said not to worry since the heels of their shoes were low.

Eleanor had thought the same when she saw the heels of her shoes.

However, once she actually wore the shoes, it felt different.

Not having worn even the slightest heel lift, the less than 5-centimeter heel of the shoe felt incredibly precarious.

As a result, a lot of effort went into her swaying hips and stepping calves.

Unintentionally, Eleanor walked across the carpet in a more graceful and feminine manner than anyone else present in this place.

The eldest son and youngest daughter of the Beaureng family stood at the center of the hall, capturing the attention of the people.

The waltz that had enveloped the siblings’ slow steps came to an end.

As Eleanor entered, the once bustling hall quieted down gradually.

In the now hushed hall, Albrice stood before his younger sister.

He knelt down, extending his hand to Eleanor in a pose reminiscent of illustrations from a fairy tale.

“Miss, may I have this dance?” he asked with a solemn expression.

Amidst the numerous gazes, Eleanor’s stiff demeanor softened into a playful smile at her brother’s seriousness.

“What’s this, such a bold confession. Sir Albrice, am I allowed to decline?”

“If you refuse, I might just die of embarrassment in front of Father.”

“Oh. I wouldn’t mind witnessing that scene.”

With a chuckle, Eleanor gently placed her hand in Albrice’s.

Her small, white hand, encased in lace gloves, rested on the large, rough hand of the man.

“Don’t worry about bruises; you won’t hear any complaints later!”

“Just step on my foot as much as you like, Miss.”

Albrice whispered to Eleanor as he cautiously rose from his seat.

#.

The violin’s rapid melody began to slow down gradually.

Beneath the busy movements of the dresses, the silver shoes could finally ease their pace.

Eventually, with the conductor’s grand gesture, the first dance piece came to an end.

Eleanor could finally catch her breath, which had been held tight up to her throat.

Phew. Huff. I really need to exercise more.

After catching her breath for a while, time began to flow again.

Perhaps due to the atmosphere of the hall, the waltz was much faster-paced than the piano rhythm practiced at the mansion.

Following the accelerated tempo, Eleanor stepped frantically in line with her brother’s lead.

Thanks to the frantic movement, she focused solely on the steps, allowing the surroundings to engulf her once forgotten senses.

As loud applause filled her ears, Eleanor furrowed her brow.

Feeling overwhelmed by her partner’s intense gaze, she quickly turned her head away.

“Good job, Eli,” her brother said as she grasped his firm hand, feeling the strength within.

Eleanor replied in a composed voice, “You did well too, Brother. You danced better than I expected.”

“My dance instructor was quite intimidating. It’s a different story from Lady Lorsua.”

“Oh. If you were to learn from Lady Lorsua, you wouldn’t say that!”

At her sister’s teasing tone, Albrice let out a light laugh.

He then straightened up, bowed to his lovely sister and partner, and asked, “But it seems like I stepped on your foot a few times. Are you okay?”

“I told you. If it’s Eleanor stepping on me, I can endure it no matter how many times.”

Though her brother’s statement made her cringe, Eleanor, not entirely displeased, delicately lifted the hem of her skirt and gave her response to her first dance partner.

And so, the first dance piece came to an end.

The belles who adorned the stage brightly momentarily vacated their positions.

Other ladies led the gentlemen onto the floor, while Eleanor stood by the terrace window, catching her breath.

Just moments ago, her diligent parents, who had been looking after her, were now surrounded by numerous guests, their faces obscured from view.

Her first dance partner had been whisked away by friends to some unknown location.

Thanks to the crowd, Eleanor was able to escape and cool off her overheated body near the window in a secluded corner of the hall terrace.

“Miss, would you like something to drink?” A waiter approached Eleanor, holding a tray.

“Yes, please, but not alcohol,” Eleanor replied.

The waiter handed her a transparent triangular glass. “Here, it’s lime juice.”

“Thank you.” Eleanor thanked him as the waiter nodded lightly and moved on to another spot.

Eleanor brought the glass to her lips. The elegant gesture of her delicate white neck moistening slightly sent a mysterious aura swirling around her.

Today, despite what others might say, Eleanor, the youngest daughter of the Beauregard family, was the star of this ball. While the other noble ladies present might nod in disagreement, deep down, they acknowledged this fact.

However, no brave man had yet stepped forward to approach her first. Rumors of Beauregard’s obsession with his youngest daughter had already spread throughout the capital.

Beauregard proudly showcased his daughter to everyone he met. It was the same with his son, who bore a striking resemblance to him.

Currently, Beauregard, the doting father, and Albrice were surrounded by people. There was no need for anyone to be the first to approach.

It wasn’t just that reason why men hesitated to step forward. The innocence emanating from Eleanor in her pure white dress seemed to push away the intentions of those with impure thoughts.

As men lingered near Eleanor, cautiously watching each other, a silver-haired man in a pristine white suit approached her side.

“Lady Eleanor, it has been a while.” Eleanor, gazing at the dark garden beyond the terrace, felt her heart skip a beat upon hearing that voice.

Just the sound of that voice ringing in her ears made her heart race. She couldn’t understand why her chest was pounding so fiercely or why her breath quickened at just a few words.

At that moment, Eleanor couldn’t fathom why she was reacting this way to a man she had just met. It would take her a while to realize that her reaction was mirrored in the eyes of the man before her.

Eleanor carefully placed the glass back on the table and turned her head to look at the owner of the voice.

In this fantasy world, the variety of hair colors people possessed was vast. From common black and brown to shades of golden blonde and platinum blonde that resembled the hair of a princess, the spectrum was wide.

This encounter with a silver-haired man was a first for Eleanor. The man approached her so closely that they could hear each other breathe.

Finally, the man knelt down, bowed deeply, and gently took Eleanor’s right hand, covered in lace gloves, under the sleeve of his white tailored jacket. As his long fingers touched her hand, something warm and soft brushed against the lace.

Even the slight wrinkles on the soft lips were vividly conveyed through the thin fabric. The touch of their lips on her hand felt like it was set on fire by the man’s warm breath.

Eleanor was bewildered, not knowing what to do.

Her sky-blue eyes wandered aimlessly, lost.

It was due in part to the sudden kiss on her hand.

Also, it was because of her restless heart, regardless of her own chair.

And it was also because of the jealous gazes around her, watching the handsome man who had kissed her hand.

“I was worried since there was no reply to the letters I sent, my dear.”

Unlike Eleanor, the man before her didn’t even flinch.

He simply gazed at Eleanor’s perplexed face through his crimson eyes.

The corners of the man’s lips, as red as a well-dressed lady, curved slightly upwards.

Caught in that smile the man offered, Eleanor stuttered, “Uh… I-I’m sorry. I seem to have lost my memory and can’t recall who you are…”

“Yulian.”

Then, with a deep, low voice that weighed heavily on Eleanor’s heart, he continued, “I am Yulian de la Vallatier, my dear.”

The name she had vaguely associated with silver hair and crimson eyes finally spilled past the man’s lips.

It was him.

The protagonist of this novel.

Her future husband.

And the man somehow connected to her death.

Releasing Eleanor’s clenched white hand gently, Yulian spoke again, “Seeing you now, my dear, it seems like you’ve recovered quite well.”

Placing her hand on his broad chest, Eleanor felt as though Yulian could hear her heart pounding beneath her thin dress.

Trying to regain her composure by steadying her breath, she corrected one thought that had lingered during her confusion.

Maybe weakness wasn’t just limited to the popular girls…

Even these alpha males are a handful…

“Thank you for your concern. I apologize for not responding to your invitation.”

“No, my dear. I was merely worried that something might have happened to you.”

At Yulian’s smile, Eleanor’s heart sank once more.

No! Pull yourself together, Eleanor!

Even if you’re in a woman’s body right now! You’ve lived as a man for 21 years! Don’t crumble so easily!

“My dear, if you’re feeling up to it, I would be honored to share the second dance with you-”

“T-The second dance is reserved for us. No, I mean, we promised to dance with our father. I-I’m sorry!”

In the brink of surrender, Eleanor chose to escape.

Leaning over her exposed chest, Eleanor placed her hand on it and curtseyed before quickly turning away from those crimson eyes.

Yulian watched her retreating figure with an intrigued expression, leaving behind the endearing title of “father.”

“What’s this? The great Yulian being rejected by a woman.”

Despite his friend’s teasing remark, Yulian’s crimson eyes were still fixed on the hem of the pure white dress.

“Ernst, something’s off about Eleanor. Assign someone to watch over Baron Beaumont and Eleanor.”

In his somber tone, Yulian’s request was met with Ernst’s emotionless response, “Your Highness, ever since your return to the capital, people have already been assigned around Eleanor. I will increase the number.”