episode_0018

Under the night sky filled with stars, the party venue where the grand party was held was shining brightly in golden light.

Flowers displayed along the walls emit rare fragrances, and a sparkling crystal chandelier decorates the space by pouring soft light over the marble floor.

The nobles gathered here and there, adorned with luxuries such as jewels, laugh and chat lightly.

However, that doesn’t mean it was a place where people could just enjoy parties.

This party venue was not simply a space for exchange, but a political stage where people confirmed each other’s status and honor and shared secret messages.

A social gathering held regularly by the imperial family.

It was a place of exchange in which invited young noble children and nobles working in the imperial court had no choice but to participate.

“There are definitely a lot of people.”

John took a sip of wine. He knew he shouldn’t drink too much, so he took only one sip.

“Ah, John, this was your first time attending a social gathering held at the Imperial Palace, right?”

“Yes. I guess I don’t get invited to places like this… … .”

A party attended only by high-ranking nobles.

The lowest rank here is the count.

Of course, a title of nobility doesn’t tell you everything about status.

“Haha. Don’t worry. Johan is my lover, so no one can easily touch him.”

Since the last den reconnaissance mission, it has become common knowledge that Johan and Princess Perbache are lovers.

No one can touch Johan, who has the support of the Duke of Perbace, one of the four great families.

It might be different for a group that doesn’t care about titles like royal officials, but at least here, they have no choice but to watch out for Francia.

Even if it has an overwhelming status like that of a crown prince.

“… It feels strange to think that I am protected by Francia.”

“Originally, lovers protect each other.”

Francia said that and giggled.

John asked, tilting his head slightly.

“But, is it okay if you don’t greet the children of other great families? Since this is your position, you’ll probably have to go around here and there.”

There is one reason why the Imperial Court regularly opens these silent battlefields of power.

To provide experience to the nobles who will become the future of the empire and to weed out the incompetent.

Even Francia wasn’t in the mood to be this relaxed right now.

“That’s right. At least I should greet the Four Great Families and have a useless chat. Phew.”

She lowered her head and slumped her shoulders as if she was frustrated.

“Have a nice day. I won’t go anywhere and will wait here.”

“Yes. Oh, you shouldn’t drink too much? You shouldn’t drink in front of women either.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

When John smiled faintly, Francia nodded a few times as if relieved and then started walking.

“I’ll be back.”

So Francia leaves to have a petty conversation with the children of other great families.

John opened his eyes shallowly and scanned the party venue. It was to check on Cassis and Fedelian.

“… … .”

As planned, the two attended the party with partners that Johan knew. Rudela Bismark and Violet Latalen… … .

John’s eyebrows furrowed subtly.

‘Violet, what the hell is that?’

He wondered if she wanted him, but when the party actually came, he partnered with Cassis as if nothing had happened.

‘Did you intend to use it?’

A woman’s jealousy operation, is that it? John couldn’t figure out her intentions, but he didn’t care much. After all, Violet wasn’t that threatening at the moment.

‘Fedelian is… … .’

He was partnered with Rudela Bismark. He had a kind smile on his face, but Johan’s eyes could not be fooled.

The mouth was smiling, but the eyes were not smiling. They were boring eyes that looked like they were bothered by this place.

‘You sly little brat. You’re probably thinking about it again.’

He always wears a mask, and he is a person with a different front and back. Cassis is also a bad guy, but he cannot overcome Fedelian’s characteristic gloominess.

‘Well, it seems like you have no intention of approaching Francia so far.’

With some free time on his hands, John took another sip of wine.

“Oh my, Harsen Youngshik! Long time no see!”

At that moment, a rather welcome voice was heard.

“Lady Barodo. Long time no see.”

Previously, it was the daughter of the Marquis Barodo, Jessie Barodo, who had personally invited John to the party.

“I didn’t know I’d see Harsen’s spirit here.”

“Me too.”

John laughed lightly. Jessie tilted her head slightly and asked.

“Don’t you have a partner?”

“I am currently away.”

“Oh my, you had a partner. Too bad.”

Jessie pouted, her pink lips slightly protruding.

“I don’t have a partner, so I came with my own escort. If I had known this would happen, I should have asked Harsen Youngshik?”

“Haha, that would have been an honor. But since I came with my lover, I don’t think I would have been able to accept Youngae’s request right away.”

Jessie’s eyes widened at the word lover.

“Hey, do you have a lover? Harsen Youngsik, have you ever had a lover?”

“That’s how it happened.”

“No, there was someone in the academy who had never dated before… ….”

Jessie shook her head as if it wasn’t important and continued speaking.

“Who are you? When did you meet?”

“This is Princess Pervace.”

“Huh, really…?”

“That’s right.”

As John laughed awkwardly, Jessie staggered, holding her head.

“Oh my god, I’m playing cupid. Harsen Youngshik was aiming for me too… … .”

Although he unconsciously said something absurd, John didn’t pay much attention to it because he already knew.

The reason why John didn’t distance himself from Jessica Barodo, even though she was after him, was simple.

‘Because it’s so fluffy.’

Because they are honest and don’t pick fights, they are easy to deal with, and because they don’t leave any lasting effects, you won’t get tired of getting involved.

“That’s too bad. How did we meet?”

“That’s… ….”

John explained what had happened, trying to avoid provocative content as much as possible.

“Is it real?”

“It’s really salty.”

“Uhh… … .”

Jessica grabbed her head again. For a moment, the thought crossed her mind, “If I had known this would happen, I would have done the same.”

“Good, have a nice meeting… … .”

I decided to give up. It was already too late.

“Thank you.”

Jessie’s heart pounded when she saw Johan’s smile, but she had no choice but to retreat. What should she do when he says he has a lover…?

So Jessia Barodo left to say hello to the others, and John turned his gaze back to Francia.

Francia seemed to have had all the necessary conversation, and was slowly approaching me.

“Fran─”

Just as John was about to call her, a servant who had not been paying attention spilled wine on Francia’s dress.

“Ah…! I’m so sorry! I’m so embarrassed!”

“Oh… … .”

Francia, who had spilled wine, blinked blankly. Johan hurriedly ran over and handed her a handkerchief.

“Are you hurt?”

“Yes. It’s okay. Thank you for the handkerchief.”

Francia smiled fondly at the servant who kept bending down to wipe away the wine with the handkerchief Johan had handed her.

“It’s okay, go ahead. I’ve prepared a change of clothes for you to change into.”

“I’m really sorry… ! I’m sorry… !”

The servant repeatedly bent and straightened her waist at the speed of light for a while. After Francia’s persuasion, she left.

“I’ll go change my clothes. Can’t you drink too much?”

“I know.”

John waved as he watched Francia’s back as she headed to the break room with her servant.

At that time.

“John?”

A familiar voice was heard. Johan naturally turned his head toward it. As expected, Violet was there.

“What’s going on?”

“Can’t we even talk now?”

“Where did Prince Lenokhonen go?”

“He left me alone, saying he had something to do for a moment. Leaving your partner alone, really. Isn’t that too much?”

Violet chuckled and placed a hand on Johan’s shoulder.

“How about a drink with someone whose partner is away?”

“You shouldn’t drink too much today.”

“Let’s have a drink together. Okay?”

Violet raises her glass, squinting one eye.

“… … .”

John looked at her and thought about it. It wouldn’t be good if the conversation dragged on unnecessarily. It would be better to just grant her one request and let her go.

“Just one drink. Instead, promise to go somewhere else right away.”

“Hehe, do you hate me that much? Or is it because you don’t want to betray your lover?”

“Both.”

“Okay. Okay.”

After hearing the story, Johan immediately drank the glass in his hand. In one go. His face felt hot, but he didn’t show it because he was in front of Violet.

“Is it done now?”

“You don’t even give me salt. This is too much.”

Violet puffed out her cheeks and drank from the glass in her hand.

“Okay, now go. A promise is a promise.”

“Okay.”

The moment she took a step, crunch. The back of her shoe broke.

“… !”

John instinctively pulled Violet’s waist and wrapped his arms around her.

“Oh my… ?”

Violet felt the arms wrapped around her waist. The volume of his muscles was firmer than it looked.

And the blue, jewel-like eyes that we see are as deep and calm as a lake, making the viewer fall in love with them.

Violet’s heart pounded.

“… What the heck is this?”

“… … I didn’t know it would be like this?”

Violet smiled awkwardly and naturally placed her hand on Johan’s shoulder and hugged him.

“What should I do? My shoe is broken, and there’s no one to take me to sit down. And I can’t walk around the party barefoot.”

She tilted her head awkwardly, then widened her eyes at John.

“Huh? Yohan? What a stroke of luck! Please?”

“… … .”

Although John was trembling at the shamelessness, several eyes were focused in his direction.

If we leave this troubled woman alone, it will harm the reputation of the society.

There are already many people gnashing their teeth because of Francia’s lover.

Rather than giving them something to nitpick about, I’d rather hang out with them once.

‘Whenever I think about the social gatherings, I get so tired of them.’

John sighed.

“Whew. Just this once.”

Soon he lifted Violet into his princess arms and led her towards the chair.

“Now call the servant and do as you wish. I’m going.”

“Wait a minute.”

Violet grabbed John by the collar.

“Are you going to leave me alone? I’m lonely.”

“Don’t make useless puns.”

“Haha, you’re a bit harsh.”

Violet’s hand, which had been on John’s shoulder, moved down and stroked his chest.

“John seems to dislike me in particular. What is the reason?”

“Do you really have to ask that to find out?”

“Of course. I don’t know because I’ve always been loved.”

Violet tilted her head wryly. Her red lips formed a curve.

“I have a lover. I can’t help but be wary of you approaching me without hesitation.”

“Is that really all?”

“What does it mean?”

When John asked with narrowed eyes, Violet smiled sinisterly.

“No. I wonder if there is another reason?”

“There is no other reason. That’s all I said before.”

“Huh, lie.”

Violet laughed lightly and added.

“Actually, I really liked Yohan. His face, his personality, and the way he tried to be with his lover.”

She touched her lips with her fingers.

“I like men like you. Someone who constantly works hard for their lover. And yet, protects their lover desperately, right?”

At that moment, Violet suddenly poked her head in. Her red lips moved to John’s ear.

“How about spending a forbidden night with me without telling my lover?”

“What─”

“I’ll keep it a secret. Have an affair with me without anyone knowing.”

Violet whispered in John’s ear in a sticky voice.

“I’ll give you my virginity.”