Chapter 4: The Ball

“Do you like the dress?”

Liam asked with a tilt of his chin, the gesture arrogant. Just as Eden opened her mouth to reply, the carriage gave a violent jolt on the uneven road. Thrown off balance, Eden instinctively reached out and braced herself against his leg. Alarmed, she quickly tried to pull away, but Liam caught her wrist firmly.

Their gazes locked in the unsteady carriage, thick with tension. Eden froze, caught between embarrassment and discomfort.

As soon as the carriage steadied, Liam released her wrist without hesitation. Eden rubbed it a few times, the lingering heat from his touch burning against her skin.

Trying to break the awkward silence, Eden forced a cheerful tone into her voice.

“Yes. It’s not perfect, but I tried to incorporate my own ideas into it…”
“Your ideas, huh.”

Liam tapped his thigh with a single finger, the corner of his mouth curling up.

“Let’s not include your ideas in any future dresses.”

His words left Eden momentarily speechless. Her hand clenched into a fist before she realized it. The closed space of the carriage was a poor place to hide emotions.

Grinding her teeth, Eden swallowed her retort and asked instead,

“Then what kind of dresses do you like, Liam?”

She expected a swift answer, but none came even after a long pause.

‘So high and mighty. Let’s see how long you can keep that up.’

Liam simply looked at her askew, making no effort to answer. Eden turned her gaze to the window in silence.

In the distance, the manor from her memories came into view. Perhaps feeling stifled, Liam cracked the window slightly. As the cool air tempered the heat inside, his tightly pressed lips slowly relaxed.

The two exchanged no words until the carriage stopped and the escort opened the door.

Even then, Liam naturally reached for her waist to help her out. This time, Eden smoothly placed her hand on his shoulder and let herself be guided.

When Liam offered his arm, Eden lightly took it as they climbed the steps together.

“Nervous?” he asked, glancing down at her.

“A little.”
“You said you wouldn’t run. That you wouldn’t hide or let anything be taken from you. A bold vow. Have you already forgotten it?”

His voice was low, almost teasing. Eden sharply lifted her head to meet his eyes. His narrowed in response.

“I haven’t forgotten.”

They stepped onto the final stair and stood before the grand doors.

“His Majesty the Emperor and Lady Edenastie Okarman have arrived!”

As the doors opened, light poured out from the ballroom in a dazzling wave. Eden blinked against the brightness.

The crowd parted swiftly, bowing low. 

At the far end, glowing as if dressed in every sparkle the world had to offer, stood Rosaline in a brilliant crimson gown, alongside the Marquis. Eden’s expression cooled at the sight.

Liam leaned down and whispered in her ear. His breath brushed her nape, making her flinch. The familiar scent of him carried a peculiar heat.

“I’ll be watching.”

His voice was a low, almost sinister rumble, provoking her. But for some reason, Eden found his words oddly grounding.

“Raise your heads.”

Liam’s calm yet commanding voice cut through the ballroom. Though he hadn’t spoken loudly, the room had been so silent, and his presence so overwhelming that his words rang like a bell.

“I extend my congratulations to House Munach. I hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight.”

As Liam’s brief greeting ended, the music began to play. The long, festive night had begun.

“Lady Edenastie. May I have the honor of this dance?”
“The honor is mine, Your Majesty.”

Hand in hand, the two moved gracefully to the center of the floor. Every gaze followed them. Eden inwardly scoffed at the sharp or lingering glances sent her way.

As Liam placed his hand on her back, he paused. The back of her dress was cut lower than usual, and his hand had touched bare skin.

A flicker of surprise crossed his otherwise unreadable face. Eden watched, amused, as a crack appeared in the man who usually wore his expression like a steel mask.

‘So, he’s just a man after all.’

Only briefly unsettled, Liam soon took control and led her flawlessly. His movements were precise, without a single misstep. The two moved as if challenging each other for dominance, flowing with the rhythm.

Their matching attire made them appear almost like one being. Gasps of admiration echoed throughout the hall. Amidst the tension, their eyes locked in a silent clash.

Standing this close, Eden was struck anew by their difference in stature. Her neck began to ache from looking up at him. Liam chuckled, his voice teasing.

“You’ve improved. Hard to believe you used to stomp on my feet and bruise my toes.”
“That was ages ago…”
“By the way, it seems the Marquis’s daughter has been eyeing you quite fervently.”

Following his gaze, Eden turned toward Rosaline. Their eyes met. Rosaline quickly composed her expression, but the flicker of displeasure was unmistakable.

“So it seems.”

With a smile, Eden laid her hand on Liam’s shoulder, eyes gleaming. She could clearly imagine Rosaline and the Marquis’s contorted faces.

“She must be very interested in me.”

Eden whispered sweetly as she pulled Liam a little closer.

“A temptation?”

Liam responded in a low murmur, drawing her in by the waist. His languid smile made him dangerously charming.

But Eden, pressed close enough to breathe in his scent, felt her blood run cold. Every place he touched burned like the memories of their past life, when their flesh had once been so cruelly entangled.

“Who knows.”

Their eyes locked again, tension brimming.

“And if it were a temptation… would you fall for it?”

Eden whispered honeyed words at his ear, all while burying her loathing deep within.

Liam’s eyes narrowed. Amusement sparkled in his chilling red irises. In them, Eden appeared as if drenched in blood.

“No.”

He laughed, genuinely entertained. As the intense melody faded, the long dance came to an end.

“Try harder. Don’t just pretend.”

After exchanging formal bows, they cleared the floor for the Marquis and his daughter.

* * *

Once the dance ended, Liam was quickly swallowed by a crowd of nobles. He nodded coolly at their flattery, utterly at ease. Eden, by contrast, was left standing alone.

Young men hung back awkwardly, throwing sidelong glances, while the noble ladies clustered together, whispering behind fluttering fans.

Eden sighed quietly. It was a familiar scene.

As Okarman is the sole dukedom in the Empire of Cherott, none dared to openly challenge her. But everyone knew her power was nominal at best. She always partnered the Emperor for the opening dance but that was the extent of it.

If she could meet her past self, Eden thought, she’d slap her across the face. Fool. Naïve and pathetic.

She had no more patience to spare. No more reason to flee. She’d already died once, what more was there to fear? She’d return everything, piece by piece.

“It’s been so long.”

At the sound of the familiar voice behind her, Eden turned quickly.

“Rosaline.”

Clear green eyes met hers boldly. From the raised chin to the practiced sweep of her gaze, she was exactly as Eden remembered. Eden forced a polite smile.

“Congratulations on coming of age.”

Rosaline gave a slight curtsey, beaming.

“Thank you, My Lady. I heard you’d been quite ill, but you look well.”
“Yes. Thanks to certain people.”

Eden smiled, but the air between them was chilled.

“I’m really glad you came. Honestly, I didn’t expect it. You’re such a rare sight at social gatherings.”

Rosaline’s innocent tone had a sharp edge, mocking Eden’s known reluctance to engage in society. Soft laughter trickled from onlookers. Eden could feel the curious stares settling on them.

“Is that so.”

With a cool glance, Eden surveyed the snickering crowd. Their faces, hastily averted, were quietly seared into her memory.

Though she didn’t frown, rage, or blush, the chill radiating from her felt unfamiliar. The atmosphere grew tense.

No more tolerance. Eden quietly drew a line in her heart and sighed.

Rosaline’s brow furrowed slightly. Something felt off. Eden, who once would’ve wilted in embarrassment, now exuded a different energy. Rosaline’s gaze swept over her again.

“That dress… is a surprise. I didn’t expect it.”
“What do you mean?”

Eden tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing.

“Oh! I didn’t mean anything bad. You look beautiful. Just… it doesn’t align with the etiquette I learned.”
“Etiquette?”

Eden widened her eyes innocently.

“Yes, My Lady. Dresses that expose so much skin usually aren’t considered proper for a lady of virtue. And… they’re not exactly in fashion, either.”

Rosaline gave a graceful smile. Eden responded with an internal scoff.

Other than Liam, no one in Cherott dared speak to her like that. Yet she had never wielded her title to crush others. Her past tolerance had been pure indifference. Why fight people who meant nothing?

But now she understood she had misjudged. Even in this life, they meant nothing. Turning a blind eye cost her little. But this time, she’d learned a lesson.

“Apparently the customs of House Munach differ from what I know. Since when did a Marquis’s daughter teach etiquette to a Duke’s daughter?”

Some things weren’t meant to be endured, and they needed to be removed.

“You misunderstood me, My Lady. That’s not what I meant.”
“Not what you meant? Then what did you mean, exactly? Care to explain?”

Eden’s immediate retort made Rosaline flinch and scan the crowd. Those who had laughed earlier now avoided her eyes. Shame and panic colored her face red. She clenched her fists.

‘What is going on?! She used to freeze like a fool!’

Now, all eyes were on them. The hall fell into silence. As Eden glanced around, her gaze met Liam’s. Something flickered in his eyes.

— “Try harder. Don’t just pretend.”

Eden recalled his whisper.

She slowly blinked. Liam’s red eyes remained fixed on her, watching intently. Whatever he meant by ‘fun,’ he seemed to be enjoying this. Meeting his gaze, Eden spoke, her voice quiet but firm.

“I thought I’d been rather generous. But I’ve learned that excessive generosity becomes poison. So let me be clear.”

Turning from Liam, she continued in a resolute tone.

“I, Edenastie Okarman, will no longer tolerate or indulge anyone. I trust everyone here is refined enough to understand what I mean.”

Exhaustion swept over her. She closed her eyes briefly. Then, gently resting a hand on Rosaline’s frozen shoulder, she whispered in a springlike tone. 

“Once again, congratulations on your coming of age. I hope you enjoy the rest of tonight as if it were eternal.”

Eden escaped to the terrace, finally alone. She leaned against the balustrade and exhaled deeply. Only in the cold air did her breath come freely.

“Hoo…”

As she released a long sigh, she heard movement behind her. Startled, she turned to find a handsome man with soft brown hair and eyes, looking equally surprised.

“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to startle you. I realized you hadn’t noticed me and was trying to slip away quietly.”
“No need. It’s my fault for not noticing. Pardon me.”

Eden turned to leave, but the man gently blocked her with his arm, a breach of etiquette in Cherott. She said nothing, simply looking up at him.

“I doubt there’s any empty terrace left now. If my presence troubles you, I’ll go. But if you don’t mind, would you keep me company? I don’t know many people in Cherott.”

He likely wasn’t a citizen of Cherott. His slightly off accent confirmed it. Eden hesitated, then gave a small nod. His face lit up like a full moon.

“May I ask your name?”
“You must be the only one here who doesn’t know. I am Edenastie Okarman.”
“My apologies.”

He blushed at her half-joking response. Seeing him flustered made Eden relax a little. As she smiled, his face reddened even more. Eden chuckled softly.

“No need to apologize. And your name?”
“Carlos Id. But please, call me Carl.”

Eden briefly considered telling him that nicknames weren’t shared lightly in Cherott but instead, she nodded.

“All right, Carl. Then please call me by name as well.”
“As you wish, Edenastie.”
“I’d like to hear about you, Carl. Where are you from?”

Carlos smiled and began to speak. He was a natural storyteller. Their conversation flowed easily. Eden felt a little lighter with each passing moment. Eventually, she glanced toward the ballroom. The earlier tension seemed to have settled.

Just then, Carlos asked gently, “May I see you again?”

Eden blinked, surprised. He met her gaze with an open, warm smile, his interest clear. Her eyes trembled. His sincere gaze pierced deep into her guarded heart.

But before she could answer, a voice suddenly rang out from behind, and Eden gripped the railing tightly.

“Denied.”