Chapter 50: Dottricia's Radiant Dream part 2

‘Hmph!’

Dott ignored their chatter.

‘Fine, Morgana. Go ahead and prance around near my Sillas all you want. It won’t make a difference. Even that half-blood foreign prince by your side is too good for you.’

She scoffed internally, mocking Morgana in her thoughts.

‘Well… if you two just get married and leave for somewhere far away, maybe I’ll consider sparing your life.’

But of course, that wasn’t an option. Any potential threats had to be eliminated to secure peace of mind.

She kept her face composed, but her heart was filled with venomous resolve.

‘Hmph, if the Crown Prince truly favors you, then it will be all the more satisfying when he personally takes your life. Unlike you, I am intelligent, capable, and destined for greatness. You’ll see. Your end won’t be in the dirt this time, but on a grand execution stage. A slight improvement from your previous pathetic demise, I suppose?’

“Hmm….”

The steward, reviewing the guest list, was given a nod by the chief attendant.

“Proceed. Most guests have arrived, and it’s time.”

“Yes.”

As expected, Dott’s first dance partner was the Crown Prince.

For a moment, she forgot about the insolent girl who had dared to appear where she had no right to be, the one who called herself Lady Morgana.

She gazed at the Crown Prince’s handsome face over and over, stepping lightly, executing every movement flawlessly without breaking a sweat, and trying to entice him with a soft sigh. Even so, she maintained her composure, never losing her demure demeanor or the shy, girlish smile on her lips.

‘It’s done. I’ve succeeded.’

At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if the imperial Crown Prince fell completely for her.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable for him to be unable to resist the spring fever and place a light kiss on her forehead. Ah…

But throughout the dance, Sillas showed no signs of personal interest beyond his polite attentiveness to Lady Klein.

“You danced beautifully, my lady.”

The first dance had passed far too quickly. It was a shame to see the musicians lower their bows and instruments all at once. Still, she couldn’t afford to appear like a girl hopelessly ensnared by a man’s charm. She had to act like a proper noblewoman.

“Not at all. It was an honor to dance with Your Highness. I only hope that my lack of skill did not cause you any discomfort.”

“You were excellent.”

Sillas offered a courteous smile, one that barely touched his lips.

Dott was on the verge of bursting with joy, but she only responded with a demure smile as if slightly embarrassed. Even without any further physical contact, things were progressing smoothly.

If she made such a public display, her instructors, her mother, and her father would all be too busy showering her with praise. Not to mention the staff of the Duchy. 

Those people were all beneath her now. They would have to spend the rest of their lives watching her every move!

‘Ah, Your Highness, quickly now, give me a reason to meet again.’

Dott eagerly awaited his next words, hoping for a promise of another dance.

“…”

“Then, you must be tired. Please rest well.”

The Crown Prince, ever polite, escorted her to a seat before returning to the emperor’s side.

“Ah… yes.”

She felt dazed. It was good, but… something was missing.

Why hadn’t he invited her for another dance? Did he think she was already too tired?

He could have simply suggested dancing again during the third set instead of the second.

Caught off guard, she looked up, but the Crown Prince was already walking straight toward the emperor, his back turned to her without a hint of hesitation. Left alone, Dott soon found herself approached by Duchess Klein, who hurried over.

“You did wonderfully, Tiana! My lovely girl, my precious treasure.”

“Ah… yes….”

“Everyone knows that His Highness came all the way to the Duchy to personally escort you. The dance was flawless. You did splendidly. Now, take a little break before receiving your congratulatory greetings as a proper lady.”

“Yes, but….”

“First, have some water. Do you need a fan? Quickly, cool Tiana down and check her feet!”

What about His Highness? Mother, this isn’t the end, is it? He must have made plans to see me again. Please, tell me what they are.

Dott was dying to ask, but with so many eyes on her, she had no choice but to swallow her words. Taking the cup of water, she tried to catch a glimpse of Sillas, but the approaching crowd blocked her view.

He had come all the way to the Duchy to escort her, had danced the first dance with her, and yet… if this was all, it felt far too underwhelming.

She was a noble lady – the only noble lady of the empire! Surely, there had to be more…?

Dott’s ambition knew no bounds.

Once she finished her water, the Duchess dismissed the servants and began introducing the guests one by one.

“Hoho, greet them properly. You must already know her, yes? Lady Klein, our beloved Tiana. Now, then…”

“Greetings. I am Tiana Marietta Klein. A pleasure to meet you.”

Forcing a smile, Dott went through the motions – greeting her family, receiving endless praise as the most beautiful noblewoman, and exchanging pleasantries in an endless loop.

After two rounds of greetings, she was already exhausted.

This was tedious! Even the most pleasant songs became dull when repeated too often, and these people had the creativity of parrots, repeating the same lines over and over.

As the crowd gathered, their conversation shifted into murmured gossip.

“At last, His Highness has graced a ball with his presence. It’s truly moving. Simply being in the same space as him fills me with joy as a citizen of the empire.”