Chapter 75: Rondor’s Ball – 2

“It seems like you’re more excited than expected.”

Vivian snapped out of it at Lady Linne’s laugh-filled remark.

She had been looking at the various dresses made of velvet and countless accessories, trying to hide her embarrassment as she calmed herself down.

“Is that so?”

“Judging by the sparkle in your eyes.”

Lady Linne added.

In front of Vivian, numerous maids were helping her try on different outfits.

As the protagonist of the upcoming ball, she was desperately searching for the dress that would make her look the most beautiful.

Vivian was starting to realize something.

She enjoyed being adorned.

It felt like her hidden feminine instincts were finally surfacing.

Although embarrassed, she found the process oddly fun.

Thinking about the time she would share with her designated partner at the ball made her smile despite herself.

Perhaps it was because she had never truly had a proper rest until now.

“Today’s popular piece…”

Vivian’s thoughts were interrupted by Lady Linne.

“Anyway, since you’ll be the center of attention, it’s best to pick a beautiful outfit.”

“…Yes.”

“This red is lovely… and the one with the blue pattern isn’t bad either. Let’s exclude the green one, though. It looks too common.”

The maids moved busily at Lady Linne’s words.

Vivian stood still, watching the scene.

Thankfully, none of the dresses or accessories Lady Linne dismissed appealed to her.

As Lady Linne continued giving orders to the maids, she spoke to Vivian.

“Since it’s your big debut, you’ll need to make a lasting impression. Many men who might become your husband or elderly gentlemen wishing to offer you their sons will be there.”

“…Ah.”

“Also, you must steal the hearts of all those men while dancing. The reason you’ve been going through embarrassing lessons up until now is all for this moment. I’ve taught you how to captivate a man’s heart, haven’t I? Through dancing, let’s show just a bit of your charm. Even if the dress is a little… daring, it’s fine.”

Before Vivian could respond, Lady Linne was already maneuvering the maids with just her fingers.

It looked exactly like a puppet show using marionettes.

Vivian faintly wondered if she wasn’t also part of this puppet show herself.

Everything was happening without her say.

“I’m not planning to dance.”

Vivian suddenly blurted out, without thinking.

Lady Linne’s fingers froze at her words.

“…What?”

“I’m just going to make a good impression. This is my first time introducing myself, after all. If I were already flirting around with men, wouldn’t I be called a fallen woman?”

Lady Linne seemed flabbergasted by Vivian’s words.

“…It’s just a matter of degree. It’s not about acting like a fallen woman. Good heavens, Vivian, I’ve taught you the difference between a fallen woman and an attractive woman countless times…”

“Besides, if you were planning that, why on earth did you practice dancing so much?”

Vivian shrugged.

“…I can’t just not dance at the ball that I’m hosting, can I? I’ll dance, but when men propose a dance, I’ll politely decline.”

“I don’t quite understand. You’re saying you’ll dance, but you’ll reject their proposals? Are you saying you’ll choose just one person to dance with? Or will you dance alone?”

“Of course not. I have a useful tool for moments like this.”

Lady Linne’s face slowly changed from confusion to shock.

“A tool? Wait, surely you don’t mean…?”

Vivian raised one corner of her mouth in a slight smirk.

“If it’s Kailo Alan, no one will misunderstand our relationship. And I can still dance as the host and maintain my dignity.”

Lady Linne sighed heavily and clicked her tongue.

“…Think carefully. That Northern man is on a completely different level of refinement compared to you, Vivian. Even though Kailo Alan is the son of a noble family in the Eastern Kingdom, here, he’s just a lowly man who grew up mingling with commoners. Unlike you, who grew up receiving countless lessons, Kailo Alan has already developed poor habits that are hard to shake off. If you’re not careful, people might associate you with his level…! Of course, Kailo Alan has done a lot to protect you, and he’s useful, but at the ball…!”

“I’ll dance with Kailo. Just that one time. I have no intention of changing my mind, so there’s no need to give me advice again.”

Lady Linne lowered her head and turned her attention back to the dresses.

Her face was filled with regret, but it seemed she wasn’t going to push further, respecting Vivian’s decision.

For some time, in the awkward silence, Lady Linne continued with her task.

As the number of dresses narrowed down, her pace of choosing became slower.

Vivian, too, was contemplating.

She imagined herself wearing each dress and thought about the time she would share with Kailo at the ball.

What would suit her best?

Since it was such a rare occasion, she wanted to make the effort to look as perfect as possible.

Then, Lady Linne tried to dismiss another dress.

“…This black dress might make your image too sharp. Let’s exclude this one too—”

“Wait a minute.”

The maid, who had been about to remove the black dress, froze at Vivian’s words.

Madam Linne also stared at Vivian silently.

The black dress the maid was holding seemed to pull Vivian in with its strange allure.

For some reason, Vivian had always favored the color black the most.

Every time she saw that color, there was someone who came to mind.

“…I’ll go with that one.”

Vivian said.

Another outfit might suit her better, but considering that Kailo was standing so close by, the black dress was the best choice.

Madam Linne, frowning slightly, lightly scolded her.

“Isn’t it a bit too gloomy? Also, black can be imposing. With your appearance, Vivian, if you wear that, men might not even think of approaching you…”

“But didn’t I say that even if men approach me, I have no intention of accepting? Master, I’m only 17. All this talk about husbands and whatnot… it’s too early for all of that.”

“I know, but it’s not so unusual to marry before reaching adulthood. For someone like you, Vivian, having more support might be better, wouldn’t it?”

Madam Linne’s endless nagging was filled with affection.

Vivian, having understood this for years, no longer disliked her scolding.

It almost felt like the nagging of a mother who wasn’t there.

So, Vivian smiled and responded.

“I’m slowly increasing my own power. I understand your concern, but I’m fine. The purpose of this ball is just to make my presence known.”

With the mood slightly dropping, Vivian continued.

“I’ll let them know that Rondor isn’t dead… and that I’m still alive.”

With a small smile, Vivian shifted the atmosphere and spoke again.

“It would be great if I could also gain more allied families to help me.”

“That’s true.”

Vivian nodded and gave orders to the maids.

“Get it ready.”

Does Kailo know?

Does he know how much effort she’s putting into this for him?

Vivian couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

Just thinking about Kailo’s dumbfounded face, all of this felt too easy.

Vivian checked everything thoroughly as she was just as excited about the ball as she was about the preparations.

It wasn’t the guests she was eager to see, but rather how it would feel to dance with Kailo.

“Yes, the music should be fine by now.”

With Vivian’s permission, the musicians let out a sigh of relief.

Traveling from city to city, singing at cheap taverns, they were wandering minstrels.

But their skill was genuine, and they were perfect for filling the ball with beautiful music.

As long as their clothes and hair were taken care of, there wouldn’t be a problem.

Vivian smiled at Madam Linne as they moved to the next location.

“Is this the food menu?”

As Vivian checked the list prepared by the chef, she gently adjusted her hair.

The chef nodded and spoke.

“Ah, and we’ll prepare your own food separately, Vivian. Since you’re particular about certain things…”

Vivian nodded in acknowledgment.

“That’s fine. The food looks good. Just make sure to prepare more drinks. We don’t want the guests to feel disappointed.”

“Has the Delrum royal crest been prepared yet?”

As Vivian toured the grand hall where the ball would be held, she asked.

The hall was already decorated with numerous ornaments, and only the final touches remained.

Rondor’s large sun emblem had been placed everywhere, decorating the walls luxuriously, but the spot for the royal crest was still empty.

“I’ve heard it’ll be ready tomorrow.”

“Can you confirm that?”

“Yes, yes. Don’t worry.”

“Alright, thank you.”

The preparations for the ballroom were nearing completion.

Only the moment the guests arrived remained.

Vivian walked lightly, humming a tune without realizing it.

At the same time, she mentally went over her checklist, carefully confirming that nothing was forgotten.

“Ah.”

Now that she thought about it, there was one last thing to do.

Vivian turned around and spoke to Yanes, who had been guarding her.

“Yanes, could you call Kailo for me?”

“Kailo is gone down to the city, so he’ll only be back by dinner time…”

“Tell him to come now.”

“Yes, I’ll send someone.”

Vivian flashed a pleasant smile and continued walking.

The sunlight pouring through the window was gentle.

It was a moment when she wondered how long it had been since she felt such peace.

***

“You called for me?”

I entered Vivian’s room at her request.

She had been wearing a new necklace for some time now, and as if she knew I was coming, she naturally set it aside, not even looking at me, and spoke.

“Try it on.”

“What…?”

A neat outfit was placed in one corner of the room.

A combination of black and red, the outfit was not the flowing, extravagant clothes worn by nobles, but something more suitable for a soldier or knight, with a bit of armor incorporated.

“…What is this?”

“Your outfit for the ball.”

“…What?”

I couldn’t believe my ears.

“Why would I go to the ball?”

“Are you going to hide away in some corner of the inn while so many guests are coming? The heir of the Alan family?”

I clicked my tongue.

“It’s not a ball held in my hometown, it’s a ball held in the enemy kingdom. Why should I go? What’s the point but getting cursed at?”

“Don’t worry. They said the princess of the Eastern Kingdom will be attending. No one will dare to express hatred toward your family or the Eastern family.”

It was shocking news.

The people of the Eastern Kingdom…

I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d encountered one.

And if it’s the princess of the Eastern Kingdom…

“…Princess Reina is coming?”

At my weak whisper, Vivian froze.

She slowly turned her head to look at me.

Ignoring Vivian’s puzzled look, I fell into thought.

If I were to see her face, I’d feel quite pleased, I thought.

After all, my father had been close to the king, so I had met Princess Reina quite frequently.

I couldn’t say we were friends, though.

But I knew her face.

She probably recognized mine as well.

It felt strange to think I might meet someone I thought I would never see again, especially under such unexpected circumstances.

Come to think of it, this was the first time we’d met as individuals, not as families.

It was inevitable, given the situation.

“…Do you know her?”

Vivian asked.

“How could I not? Don’t you remember that the Alan family was a knightly family of the Eastern royal family? I’ve seen her face once in a while. She’s someone I almost served.”

Before the war broke out, my father always taught me loyalty to the royal family.

Of course, that didn’t mean I developed true loyalty.

I always thought knights were fools.

Sacrificing for others seemed stupid to me.

…But now, I was doing that foolish thing.

I never thought I’d do it for the enemy.

Vivian’s face darkened when I spoke.

She tapped her chest lightly and tilted her head.

“Why?”

Staring at me silently for a while, Vivian finally spoke casually.

“…Never mind. Anyway, just get dressed.”

“You’re not going to respect my wishes about attending the ball?”

“You are mine. My prisoner. Just follow what I say.”

At Vivian’s outburst, I raised an eyebrow.

Why was she suddenly so emotional?

Getting involved in such petty arguments only made things troublesome for me.

As these kinds of days continued, I started to understand why my father had lived through so many petty arguments with my mother.

It wasn’t that my father was nagged by her—he let her nag.

Even my father, who had the title of the Undefeated Knight, probably avoided annoying conflicts.

Truth be told, I did feel a bit annoyed about attending the ball, but on the other hand, I also kind of wanted to go.

It was Vivian’s opportunity to expand her connections.

…I was curious who she might meet here.

Maybe she’d meet a man, just like Lady Linne had said…

I gritted my teeth and shook my head.

Then, I touched the outfit Vivian had prepared for me.

It seemed to fit my body perfectly.

While adjusting the clothes, I asked,

“How did you know my measurements?”

Vivian calmed herself and answered quietly.

“…I just guessed.”

I nodded slightly, pursing my lips.

“It looks fine. I’ll just wear it on the night of the ball.”

“What? Kailo—”

“It’s annoying. I have to go back to the city now. When would I have time to take all this off and put it back on?”

Vivian sighed deeply, nodding as if she had given up.

“Alright, fine. Go ahead.”

I nodded at Vivian and left the room.

***

A few days later, a long procession of carriages arrived at Rondor Castle, each one headed to meet Vivian for the ball.

It was the night of the ball.

On the carriages entering the castle, various family crests were visible.

Some were familiar family crests, others completely unfamiliar…

Vivian and I were still overlooking them from the third floor of the castle, not yet having changed into our formal attire.

Vivian did not go down to greet them.

It was a bit awkward, though, because if she were to greet everyone individually, it would take too long.

It was better to appear last in the ballroom like the main host.

Thus, Lady Linne and the young ladies from the Dubois family, along with many of their vassals, were there to greet the guests in her stead.

Vivian, having lost all her family members, was likely hoping that the guests would understand such a small display of rudeness.

In the first place, Vivian was a feudal lord, almost at the level of a duke, ruling over a vast territory.

On the surface, she didn’t need to care about anyone’s opinion, except for the king and queen.

Even a prince had no authority over her.

Of course, now that her family had fallen and she was weak, she was considered inferior to even the prince, but still, there was no need for Vivian to personally greet each guest.

It was an issue of etiquette, not of duty.

“They’ve come in droves.”

I muttered.

Vivian, arms crossed as usual, had her head gently resting against my shoulder.

Perhaps she was nervous; she was unusually quiet today.

Just yesterday, she had looked so excited, but now, she seemed deep in thought.

“…They’re coming.”

Soon, a loud trumpet sounded, and a magnificent carriage entered, flanked by dazzling knights.

It was the Delrum Kingdom.

The prince of Delrum, whose name I didn’t know, and Princess Reina of the Eastern Kingdom were aboard the carriage.

“…Don’t do anything foolish today, just stay close to me.”

Vivian whispered at the sight of the carriage.

“What foolishness?”

“…Don’t go talking to people just because you’re meeting someone from your hometown.”

“Princess Reina?”

Vivian pulled her head off my shoulder and looked up at me.

“Can you stop calling her ‘Princess Reina’? She’s a princess, not a ‘Princess Reina’—she is a prisoner, not a ‘princess’ even.”

“Don’t make a big deal out of nothing.”

Vivian let out a deep sigh.

“Anyway, the princess is in talks with the prince. She’s not the same princess you knew. Don’t try to get close to her, alright?”

I scoffed at her words.

“…What’s the reward if I follow your instructions?”

Vivian, her stern expression softening, let out a small laugh at my joke.

“…Are you that desperate for my affection?”

I was momentarily speechless at her sharp remark.

Vivian smirked.

“I’ll give you a reward. So…”

She looked down at the many guests who had gathered.

She whispered again.

“…Don’t make a scene.”