Chapter 10 Part 5
Somehow, Hyle’s smile seems a bit looser than before… hmm, is it just my imagination?
Anyway, after a short fake cough, I passed by the popular Hyle and took a seat at a small tea table in the corner of the party hall.
It was quite a prime location for such a small space, as it offered a diagonal view of the entire party hall.
Hyle, separated from me, was alone, yet not alone.
Just because I disappeared, such a crowd flocked to him.
“…So I really was the culprit ruining Hyle’s social life.”
When I was around, no one would even look at Hyle, but the moment I vanish, he instantly becomes Mr. Popular? How does that make sense?
Even the women are stealing glances at him!
What did I ever do to them… As I started to complain, all the misdeeds from past parties began to surface in detail.
The memories from before my regression were truly the epitome of embarrassing history. A complete Pandora’s box.
Never open it. Don’t think about the past…
While quietly observing the hall and drinking the tea placed on the table, I sensed someone’s presence beside me.
Without turning around, I knew who it was.
“If you wander around alone like that, your partner will feel neglected.”
“Rosiel, the same could be said for you.”
Abel was alone—who knows where he had left Hertiana.
At my carelessly thrown words, Abel stood beside me with a gentle smile.
“Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I sent my partner away.”
“Then we’re exactly the same. I sent mine away too. Lady Brissel has moved to a separate table at Lady Artine’s invitation.”
…Celi invited Hertiana? Are they close enough to arrange a private meeting? As far as I know, Tia didn’t have any notable female friends in the original story…
It seems the changes to the original story have affected even minor details. Well, it doesn’t seem like a major change, so I suppose it doesn’t matter.
Swallowing my curiosity, I took another sip of the warm tea.
As the sweet aroma touched the tip of my nose, I suddenly remembered the subtle rose scent I used to feel whenever I got close to Abel.
But now, even with him right beside me, I felt nothing… was it just my imagination?
As I was lost in thought while drinking tea, the tempo of the music changed.
The new melody, more elegant than the previous lively one, was closer to perfect classical music.
Abel naturally approached me, gently bowing at the waist.
His hand, confidently extended toward me, looked as steady as when he had led Hertiana earlier.
“Would you honor me with the first dance?”
Now I realized it was time for formal dance requests. Ugh, I completely forgot. I hadn’t thought about dancing at all, so I didn’t manage to avoid it.
I really don’t feel like matching steps to music right now…
Besides, the dance time at House Artine’s parties was excessively traditional.
Paired men and women dancing to predetermined choreography with the music, and even the dances weren’t particularly trendy. It was more like awkwardly moving your body according to dance instructor steps.
In short, it was an old-fashioned event. Of course, in the original story, the author probably wanted to show the leads’ sweet moments.
Still, it’s said to be quite popular among the younger crowd. Anyway, as things stood, I couldn’t ignore Abel’s outstretched hand.
With no way to escape, I had no choice…
Finally, I took Abel’s hand.
While having no excuse to decline played a part, the bigger reason was that I had no idea what Abel might do if I rejected his hand.
I can’t confidently say I’m of entirely sound mind, but from my perspective, Abel was even less sane.
Ever since he gained power, he had really started to go off the rails.
The Emperor, who looked on approvingly, was the biggest problem.
He would beam with pride whenever his Crown Prince, Abel, tried to show off his abilities.
Abel led me naturally to the center of the hall. People made way for us as if by agreement.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Us dancing together.”
A hint of joy lingered behind his quiet voice. Instead of answering, I nodded slightly, and Abel slowly raised my hand that he was holding.
And then…
“…What—”
He opened my palm and placed a brief kiss in the center of it.
His cold, soft lips pressed ever so slightly, yet lingeringly, before slowly pulling away.
Startled by his sudden action, I tried to pull my hand back when I heard people murmuring.
“That’s…! The palm kiss given to an unfaithful lover. It’s an intense expression of dissatisfaction and jealousy.”
“It seems Lady Laté has deeply disappointed His Highness the Crown Prince. Such a poignant hand kiss.”
What… what’s this? A mere kiss contained such profound meaning?
Abel de Lascio… the more I learn about him, the more sinister he seems…
Where on earth did he learn such things? He should be doing this with his partner, Hertiana.
The opening melody of the music filled the air. Abel skillfully wrapped his arm around my waist.
From the close distance, he bent down and whispered in my ear.
“You heard that just now, didn’t you? What this means.”
“I wonder. Nothing at all.”
I had heard, but didn’t want to admit it. It wasn’t something I particularly wanted to remember.
Despite my indifferent response, Abel continued to smile freshly.
“It means I’m jealous of you right now.”
His violet eyes, like amethysts, fixed on me with piercing intensity. This is exactly why I hate dance time.
You have to unnecessarily press your bodies together. If I had to do this, I’d rather it be with Hyle.
Abel doesn’t provide any life force I can absorb, so it’s just a waste of time.
I tried my best not to coordinate with Abel, but years of experience couldn’t be ignored.
After all, I had countless experiences dancing with Abel from long ago.
It was natural. Since our engagement, Abel and I had attended dozens of parties together.
Because of this, my body remembered the music and was attuned to Abel, as was he to me.
“Those two truly are the perfect couple.”
“Indeed. How can they match so well…”
The onlookers watching our dance could only express admiration.
I had absolutely no desire to dance earnestly… but because my body was so accustomed to it, I was automatically performing a perfect dance with Abel.
Still, I was determined to avoid the final finishing move—falling into his embrace. …But no sooner had I thought this than I found myself in Abel’s arms.
“Rosiel, your dancing skills remain impeccable. I’m pleased that you’re still in sync with me.”
…Is this what they mean by the frightening power of habit? I naturally fell into his embrace without even realizing it…
My intentions were completely ignored, but it was undeniably a perfect finish…
The dance time ended along with the music.
With a pale face, I hastily moved away from Abel and looked around for Hyle.
Surely Hyle must have seen me dancing with Abel. Yet he was nowhere to be seen… had he gone outside?
While scanning the hall, I made eye contact with Celi. But something felt off. It was hard to explain exactly, but my instincts were definitely sending warning signals.
I had the feeling I shouldn’t be with Celi right now. But before I could act on it, Celi quickly approached me with a welcoming face.
“Lady Laté, I just watched your dance. You’re as skilled as ever. Still the queen of high society!”
“Thanks for the kind words.”
I tried to leave after briefly expressing my gratitude, but unfortunately, Celi wouldn’t let me go.
“Lady Laté, remember that friend I promised to introduce you to? As luck would have it, they’re attending this party today. You might have already met, but would you like a proper introduction?”
As I listened to Celi, I spotted Hyle in the distance conversing with someone.
He looked busy… would it be alright to pass the time meeting Celi’s friend?
Without Celi, I’d just be sitting alone at a table watching people, like before.
No man would want to approach me—a woman whose dance partner was the Crown Prince and whose escort was the Marquis of Feros.
“Why not.”
As soon as I answered indifferently, that ominous feeling surfaced again.
While wondering what was causing this feeling, the unwelcome reason came into view.
“Ah, here she comes! Lady Brissel, over here!”
…Huh? Lady who?
As I doubted my ears, a familiar blonde woman was approaching.
Face to face with that dazzling radiance, I slowly stepped back.
Don’t tell me the friend Celi said would “get along well with me” was Hertiana?
If I’d known, I would never have agreed to the introduction! I just want to stop getting entangled with Hertiana, so why does she keep appearing in front of me…
“Um, Celi. I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling well. It would be better to meet later.”
“What? Oh, that’s… Well, it can’t be helped then.”
After telling the best lie I could manage, I quickly distanced myself from Celi and Hertiana.
The party was nearly over anyway. It seemed like a good time to leave.
I noticed earlier that Hyle looked quite busy… what should I do? Should I wait for him?
“Rosiel.”
“…Gah! What? When did you get here?”
Startled by Hyle’s voice suddenly coming from behind me, I hurriedly turned around.
There stood Hyle, looking down at me with a somewhat serious expression.
“Let’s escape.”
“Huh?”
A stupid question escaped my lips before I knew it. Suddenly suggesting we escape, what did he mean…
“No time to explain, for now.”
Hyle grabbed my wrist and carefully headed toward the exit.
An odd feeling made me look back, and somehow the hall seemed more chaotic than before.
Not only that, but something was running wildly across the spacious party hall… Wait, what is that? …Frogs? Suddenly frogs!?
What… what happened? The party venue was in complete disarray due to the sudden appearance of a swarm of frogs.
Given that we’re fleeing in this situation, it can’t be good, but what on earth did he do!?
“Sorry, but being an accomplice isn’t my style.”
As soon as we got outside, the dawn air—cooler than before—greeted us.
After catching my breath for a moment, I casually addressed Hyle, who was still holding my wrist.
“…Don’t get any weird ideas, it’s not like that.”
“Then why are we running? The Marquis of Feros himself, fleeing.”
As Hyle mumbled and avoided answering my question, he finally, reluctantly opened his mouth after my persistent interrogation.
“They were saying terrible things, calling you an adulteress. I just… had a little conversation with them.”
“What? Then those frogs are…”
“Those drunk nobles from earlier? At my small inquiry, Hyle nodded slightly.
Unbelievable, to think I’d witness such a mischievous prank from the proper and impossibly strait-laced Hyle…!
“I thought spiritual power was only for good deeds.”
“It was a good deed.”
At Hyle’s utterly shameless response, I finally burst out laughing.
Ah, really… because of this hopeless man, my precious laughter has become far too loosely given.
