Tubug, tubug.
Oliver strode steadily inside, dressed handsomely in a tailcoat uniform. He took his place next to his father, Emperor Howard.
Everyone stopped breathing. So did Amanda. She knew Oliver was attractive from the moment they met, but today he seemed to overwhelm the room. His cold blue eyes showed no signs of apprehension despite the attention of the nobles on him, and his expressionless face and proud arrogance only further served to stir the hearts of women. Soon the numerous nobles spoke in unison.
“Hail the Crown Prince.”
Emperor Howard looked proudly at his son then turned to address the room again.
“Everyone, please enjoy the ball!”
The music and conversation resumed, and Amanda caught sight of Emperor Howard introducing Oliver to the highest ranked nobles. The prince seemed a little different when viewed at this distance. Amanda soon caught snatches of gossip from other parts of the room.
“I didn’t know the Crown Prince would be so handsome.”
“I know, I could swoon.”
“Don’t you know the prophecy about the Crown Prince? The first woman to marry him will be miserable for the rest of her life. “
“That’s why I’ll be his second wife, pig.”
All the young woman clamored together to babble over Oliver, and Amanda could not help but feel a little strange about his popularity. It wasn’t just the other women. Amelia had a dazed expression on her face as well.
“Wow, I expected the Crown Prince to be like a prince in the fairy tale, but…he really is very handsome.”
Amanda nodded stiffly at Amelia’s admiring words. Oliver was more popular than she expected. But aside from that, Amanda was quite relieved.
‘…Thank God.’
In her last life, Oliver was assassinated before the ball. The grieved Howard welcomed the nobles in a very different way than he did now, and informed them he would not join in the revelry. She remembered Amelia’s disappointment. Now, however, Oliver was here and had the attention of the everyone. She felt a little hopeful at experiencing a future she changed herself.
Vivian, who was nearby, approached Amanda again.
“There are many gentlemen today who would like to be introduced to you tonight. Shall we head to the dance floor? I assure you the men come from good families.”
Building personal connections were a must in aristocratic society. Amanda knew that Vivian’s intentions were well, but she felt uncomfortable leaving Amelia by herself. Vivian spoke again with a smile, perhaps noticing her hesitance.
“The dance will begin soon, and we should find our partners.”
Many times ballroom partners often turned into lovers later. And the more times a lady was asked to dance, the more people paid attention to her. Amanda recollected that she was asked to dance by one or two men in her previous life, but again she refused as she didn’t want to leave her sister alone.
Amelia seemed to know what Amanda was thinking and pushed her forward.
“Go on, sister! I’ll be watching from here.”
“But–”
She was about to speak when, suddenly, Vivian’s and Amelia’s eyes widened in surprise. They were not the only ones. Everyone in the vicinity turned to her with a stunned expression.
“…?”
Amanda was about to ask what was happening, when all of a sudden everyone bowed in unison.
“It’s the Crown Prince!”
She whirled around and saw Oliver standing tall behind her.
“Ah…”
Amanda was frozen as a statue.
Oliver looked at the beautiful young woman before him, then offered out his hand towards her.
“Would you like to dance?”
“…Huh?”
Amanda was surprised at his unexpected request. Even more surprised were Amelia and Vivian, their eyes looking as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. Amanda quickly pulled herself together and took Oliver’s proffered hand.
“Yes, Your Highness. It would be an honor.”
And so they made their way to the center of the ballroom. It was still a little early to dance, but the music changed as soon as Oliver and Amanda exchanged bows.
The dance between Oliver and Amanda began in full view of the room. Amanda was taught the court dances when she was young, but Oliver had quite the aptitude for a man who spent his life on the battlefield. Oliver drew Amanda’s waist closer to him and he whispered in her ear.
“I thought you would’ve been taken from me if I was too late.”
“Of course not…”
Even if she danced with another man, it would be an exaggeration to say that she was taken. Ballroom dances were fully enjoyed even by married people.
“I’ll tell you in advance. If another man dances with you, he will not have a good life in the future.”
“…Why?”
Oliver replied with a sly smile.
“Just keep it in mind.”
The two figures swayed beneath the great chandelier as if in a painting. The other nobles soon stepped in with their partners and began dance as well. Soon, the center of the ballroom was filled with waltzing men and women, however…
Among the constellation of splendored nobles, the most breathtaking were Amanda and Oliver. Everyone was blinded by the beauty of the couple.