episode_0076

The hall became extremely quiet due to the appearance of a couple with an overwhelming presence in the distance.

As if by calculation, even the musicians’ music becomes so calm that even the sound of light footsteps can be heard clearly.

‘W-what… that bastard…!’

Esteban was astonished.

Who on earth is this?

An inexplicable feeling of déjà vu suddenly tightened my heart. Brilliantly shining blonde hair. Blue eyes. He looked prettier than any Yeongsik I had ever seen. even.

I’m smiling. Lady Marian was smiling as brightly as a flower she had never seen before.

Esteban wasn’t the only one who was embarrassed.

“Why is Count Aeneas coming with Princess Marian?”

“Was the rumor that you two were dating true?”

“Oh, no… please tell me it was a dream.”

“Count Cecil…”

Some ladies took out handkerchiefs and put them in their mouths.

‘Count Cecil…?’

The Aines family knows. Zhuangzi went crazy with gambling and went bankrupt… It’s a count he doesn’t know. Are you a noble who bought a title?

When our eyes met, even the grinning smile felt like déjà vu.

I didn’t feel like he was particularly better looking than me. In fact, it even feels similar. But why can’t he stand there? Esteban bit his lip and clenched his fists.

“Ouch.”

A pain-filled groan escaped Yuri’s mouth.

“Mi, I’m sorry, young lady.”

Only then did Esteban come to his senses and relax. Even though he was slightly frowning, Yuri’s face was beautiful. It would be nice if you could literally make it your own rain. I thought so.

Even though I tried not to pay attention, my head automatically turned.

While Yuri saved her innocence, Princess Marian openly showed off her wealth. The gold thread that wrapped around the pure white dress was made of real gold, and the jewelry was made of only three types of diamonds, gold, and pink diamonds.

The last is a tiara with a large pink diamond. There is a lot of meaning here.

The only ones who can wear tiaras in official situations are princesses, royals, and princesses.

In other words, there are currently only two people in this empire who can wear the tiara: Maria Arzein and Marian Arzein.

Although the outfit was flashy and bold enough to embarrass her, her carefully trimmed hair and fluttering skirt became a part of her and made her look stand out.

‘shit…’

Esteban suddenly felt shabby about Yuri’s innocence.

“Wow. By the way, this is the necklace that Princess Marian wore. Isn’t it that pink diamond!?”

“That’s right! Plus, the bracelet and earrings look like pink diamonds!”

As the ladies said, the pink jewels on her neck and wrists gave off a soft glow, making her pretty eyes stand out even more.

“You have great confidence.”

Compared to other ladies who were lavishly decorated from head to toe and even had makeup on, Princess Marian boasted pure white skin without any blemishes, even though her face was devoid of any makeup.

“It has to be that way.”

Pink Diamond was not the only one in the world. But there is only one person who owns Pink Diamond. A symbol of the Duke of Arjaine’s affection for his daughter.

The story that the Arjane family monopolized the pink diamond once it was released was a story known to anyone interested in jewelry.

The moment a rare gem comes up for sale, I buy it at any price. So there were only a few nobles who saw the real thing. Not a single diamond like that…

The ladies naturally looked at each other. Colorful jewels embroidered on the dress, sparkling hairpins. Even if you add it all up, it was nothing compared to the value of a single pink diamond embedded in that necklace.

“Besides, that tiara…”

“That’s right.”

“I’ve never even heard of a pink diamond that size.”

“Still…”

“It suits you well…”

Even though they didn’t say much, they understood each other’s feelings.

The appearance of the man and woman, with a white base and pink colors, seemed like angels descending from heaven.

* * *

‘After all, women are pink!’

I glanced sideways at Cecilia and felt proud. Just looking at it makes me smile.

It’s even prettier because it’s already decorated by a pretty girl.

Her and my outfits were white with pink accents, so if we stood side by side, anyone could tell at a glance that we were a couple.

Although it was a little embarrassing, I somehow wanted to do this when I thought of the ladies who clung to Cecilia.

As I hear the whispering, my eyes fall on my wrist.

This jewel, which my father had given me since I was a child, was one of the few rare items in the empire, and to be honest, I liked it more than other jewels. When my father noticed it, he almost monopolized it, but I feel tickled when I think of it as my father’s love. I never hated it.

‘The price has risen tremendously.’

I fiddled with my necklace. At the time, it felt cold, but now it was warm. My dad handcrafted it into a half-moon shape, so it is a kind of hot pack that is warm rather than cold.

I don’t want to sell it either.

“Marian?”

Cecilia gently pulled my hand.

“Huh?”

Naturally, my eyes went to her.

It’s really pretty… Feeling somewhat embarrassed, I wiggled my hands a little and Cecilia smiled and tickled my palm.

“Shall we sing one song?”

“Yes.”

We moved our bodies to the music, ignoring the gaze of those around us.

One song.

Two songs.

From gentle dances to fast dances. Even when the music changed, we danced three songs in a row without stopping.

“Marian. Isn’t it hard? Tell me as soon as possible.”

“It’s okay!”

I spoke energetically and increased my steps in a sweetly whispering voice.

ㅡHow tall is he to think he’s this big?

‘Did you say he was over 170cm?’

Long limbs, model-like body, angelic pretty face, and her scent is in the air as she spins around and exchanges positions.

I pouted my lips as I looked at her holding my hand. Even though I was wearing high heels, she was looking down at me.

“ㅡUgh.”

A small sigh comes out.

I heard a small chuckle overhead. I slowly raised my head and looked at Cecilia.

“ㅡWhy?”

Somehow, my voice came out.

“Aren’t you paying attention to your height?”

“Oh, no!”

“Marianne is pretty and cute no matter how big or small she is.”

“… … … … !”

I couldn’t even mutter any more and just opened my mouth.

‘… Boy, there’s nothing he can’t do.’

Suddenly, I looked around and saw that we were the only ones dancing.

The prom hasn’t even started yet. I felt embarrassed, but I shamelessly held my head high.

Then Cecilia buried her face deep into my shoulder.

“ㅡWhy?”

“Just.”

My chest tickled at the sight of a puppy-like face coming towards me.

‘–That’s just it. Yeah, there’s nothing special about us. Smelling each other’s scent and holding each other like love dolls. It was something I was all too familiar with. When I breathe, I can smell her scent.

It’s been a while, but I feel at ease with the familiar feeling.

It was then.

“Meriaaaan!”

“… Sister?”

Maria shouted at me to leave and hugged me as if she was snatching me up.

*

After rubbing her cheek against Marian’s for a while, Maria glanced at Cecilia.

Cecilia smiled, raising her hands as if in surrender.

“This is my first time seeing the Chairman shout like that.”

“The rumor that you care about your younger brother is true.”

Even though she heard whispering, Maria didn’t care.

“Maria. I’m Marian’s partner.”

“I’m Marian’s older sister!”

Maria stuck out her tongue, held Marian’s hand, and walked to the center.

“Marian! Let’s dance with my sister too!”

“Huh?”

When Marian tilted her head, Maria slumped her shoulders.

“I don’t like it?”

“… No?”

When Maria gestured, the stopped band started playing.

The sisters twirled around and danced as they wanted.

After some time had passed, Maria, with a satisfied face, handed my hand to Cecilia.

I blinked my eyes at the subtle atmosphere.

“Thank you.”

“Heung!”

Maria frowned at Cecilia’s greeting. Maria seemed to have been reluctant to meet Cecilia for some time.

‘… Why? Such a pretty and kind girl.’

It was when I tilted my head.

The dean appeared as if he had been waiting.

“Thank you to all the ladies and gentlemen who graced this occasion. Not only current students but also graduates of our school… … ”

People’s expressions darkened. I can’t believe I got to hear the principal’s lecture even at the party. Just that kind of reaction.

After a while.

“The old man made too much noise while young people were playing. Well, I hope you enjoy it.”

People’s reactions were so funny that I laughed inadvertently.

“Marian, are you happy?”

Cecilia smiled sweetly. If you are happy, I am happy too. Why does it sound like that?

“Yes. Have fun.”

Emilia was the one who taught me how to dance, but this was the first time I danced officially. But we danced several songs in a row.

“Cecil.”

“Yes.”

“… Today is my first time dancing.”

For some reason, I wanted to say something.

“It’s an honor.”

More and more couples, both graduates and current students, were filling the hall.

“Shall we dance a little more?”

Cecilia tickled the back of my hand.

“Yes.”

As we danced, the central light shined brightly and illuminated the spotlight, but we didn’t care and just looked at each other.

At the same time, a rain of colorful flowers fell. The Cherry Blossom Ball, one of the highlights of the festival, announced the opening.

“It’s gorgeous no matter how many times I see it.”

“This is really fantasy magic.”

“… Would you like to sing a song, young lady?”

“Like.”

Couples who had been watching the two for a while also began to surrender themselves to the music.