When Estelle stepped into the ballroom of the embassy with Arcrayne, she was subjected to stares from every direction.
When she’d brought down the dragon, she’d earned the valiant nickname of Princess Dragon Exterminator—this was probably the reason for the looks she now got. Estelle shook at the sight of the various emotions in the mana all around her, like curiosity and malice.
Estelle felt Arcrayne place his large hand over her hand where it rested on his arm. When she looked up at the prince beside her, he gazed back down at her encouragingly with his deep blue eyes. On top of that, his bright, voluminous mana enveloped her.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Estelle was happy for how he showed with his whole body that he intended to protect her. No matter what emotions other people directed at her, she need not be intimidated as long as the prince was by her side.
Regardless of the terrible gossip, she had unconditional allies with her. It wasn’t only Arcrayne protecting her today, but also members of the Royal Guard from the Libra Palace, as well as May.
They can say whatever they please, Estelle told herself and straightened her back. She then looked around the ballroom, endeavoring to carry herself with the confidence befitting the fiancée of this country’s first prince.
That was when she saw the host of the soiree coming their way with his wife. It was Count Giscard, the Francien ambassador.
In many countries located in the western part of the Heredian continent, including Rosalia, it was considered a breach of etiquette to start a conversation with someone of higher status than you. This was why Arcrayne was the one to start a conversation with them.
He addressed the ambassador in fluent Francien, with clear pronunciation. “I am pleased to meet you on this fine night, Lord Giscard.”
“Allow me to extend my greetings, Your Highness, the young sun of Rosalia,” intoned the ambassador. “I am Gérard Giscard, and this is my wife, Marie.”
“Marie Giscard, at your service. It is a pleasure to meet you on this fine night, Your Highness.”
The ambassador and his wife replied in Rosalian. As he was a diplomat, it was no surprise that the count’s Rosalian was on the level of a native speaker.
Estelle had heard that his wife wasn’t very good at it, and indeed, hers was somewhat awkward.
The two bowed, then looked at Estelle, at which point Arcrayne introduced her, speaking Francien.
“This is my fiancée, Estelle. I believe this is your first time seeing each other?”
“Pleased to meet you. My name is Estelle Flozeth.”
Arcrayne was probably speaking Francien out of consideration for the ambassador’s wife, so Estelle had followed his example.
At that point, the two’s mana slightly clouded over. Was it because of Estelle’s reputation? However, as they were a diplomat and his wife, they showed no outward sign of discomfort and directed friendly smiles at her instead.
“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Estelle.”
“It truly is. I only wish we’d gotten to meet you sooner, as we shall be returning to Franciel next week.”
Everybody wore a mask in high society. It wasn’t the slightest bit unusual for people to hide their true feelings behind a smile. So Estelle put a mask on too. Standing by Arcrayne’s side, she presented them with a sociable smile and bowed gracefully.
Estelle was here today to fulfill the role of Arcrayne’s dance partner. And if any difficult topics came up, she would take a step back to avoid spoiling the mood and become merely a beautiful flower. A smile was a weapon wielded for that purpose.
✦ ✦ ✦
The opening quadrille was a square dance, which involved four pairs of dancers. Eight people made a square and swapped their partners while dancing in tune with the calm music.
“Would you like to accompany me for the next dance?” asked Arcrayne once the quadrille was over.
Estelle nodded. “If that would be all right with you, then by all means.”
According to the program handed out beforehand, the next dance was to be a waltz.
The ambassador and his wife seemed intent on continuing to dance too. With Arcrayne leading her by the hand, Estelle came close to them.
When they were locked in a hold, Estelle’s heart pounded from the close proximity. Arcrayne gazed at her from up close with his handsome face.
Long ago, it had been frowned upon for men and women to come too close during a dance. Estelle felt like she understood why. Merely imagining Arcrayne dancing with another woman made jealousy well up in her.
But despite being his fiancée, she couldn’t monopolize him. Since he was the first prince, there would surely be plenty of situations in high society where he wouldn’t be able to refuse a dance. Estelle couldn’t tell him not to dance with others, no matter how much she wished to do so. Her pride wouldn’t allow it.
All she could do was attend events as his partner as frequently as possible and reduce the number of opportunities for other women to dance with him.
A popular piece of dance music began. Estelle adjusted to Arcrayne’s pace as she danced.
Ever since she’d moved to the Libra Palace, she’d practiced dancing with skilled male employees of the palace, like the guards and Haoran, but it was exceptionally easy to dance with the prince.
This was Estelle’s first time dancing in public like this since the ball at Marquess Rogell’s mansion, which had led to her engagement. But her mental state was completely different now.
Back then, she’d been too awed and nervous to enjoy it from the bottom of her heart. But now...
With his sweet gaze directed at her, it felt like she was in a dream.
Frankly, Estelle couldn’t tell if Arcrayne was acting or being genuine, but there was no doubt that they were special to each other as members of the opposite sex, especially after they’d slept together so many times.
As she entrusted herself to Arcrayne’s lead, Estelle felt as though they were the only people in the world, dancing as one.
Ever since she’d gotten a fever due to her injury, Arcrayne hadn’t laid a finger on her, despite sleeping in the same shared bedroom. It was probably out of consideration for her health, but as a result, Estelle hadn’t been this close to him in a really long time. She loved the heat where their bodies touched.
Their eyes met. Estelle wasn’t the only one who felt differently from before—Arcrayne’s attitude had changed too.
When they’d first danced at the ball at Marquess Rogell’s mansion, he must’ve found it bothersome. His mana had been dark. Now, it was radiating silver light, which further enhanced his dazzling looks.
The music is about to end... Estelle reluctantly realized, growing sad. She’d wanted to dance some more.
As the orchestra played the final note, Arcrayne pulled away from Estelle.
She bowed, suppressing the pain she felt on the inside.
“Do you want to go on?” asked the prince, for the orchestra was about to start up again.
Estelle shook her head. “I wish I could, but I am out of breath.”
She was bitter about having significantly less stamina than she used to.
“Let’s take a moment to rest,” said Arcrayne with a gentle smile, and he held out his hand to her once again.