“Tia, you look absolutely stunning! The dress I gave you looks amazing on you,” I complimented her.
“Thank you so much, Lord Cecil,” she replied.
Following the graduation ceremony earlier that day, we arrived at the evening party. The venue’s entrance hall was buzzing with couples like us, who had planned to meet here. Hand in hand, they formed a line, eagerly waiting for their turn to enter.
Bertia and I stood near the doors of the grand hall where the graduation party would take place. Members of the high school student council were also close by.
Seeing Bertia in the dress brought me immense satisfaction. Her maid mentioned that she had wrestled with the choice of whether to wear the dress I gifted her, but in the end, she chose to wear it for the evening.
The dress I had chosen for her was inspired by the moon floating in the night sky. It was made of dark navy silk, reminiscent of the night, with golden embroidery stitched in various places—similar to the embroidery on the jacket I wore.
The design closely followed her curves, highlighting Bertia’s graceful silhouette, while the necklace I gifted her shimmered at her neckline. The skirt featured a layer of gold lace atop the navy fabric, adorned with scattered gems in matching hues.
It was a rather sophisticated dress for the typically lively and exuberant Bertia, yet it was glamorous and perfectly suited her.
… Well, since I designed it for her, it was only natural that it fit her so perfectly.
As I couldn’t help but smile, Bertia offered a slightly awkward grin.
“Ah, Lord Cecil, about today…”
Bertia’s eyes flickered as she started to speak, but I softly pressed my index finger against her cherry-red lips to silence her.
Surprised by my gesture, her eyes opened wider. I gave her a comforting smile.
“Shh, quiet now. We’re about to go in. Once we’re inside, the student council members need to be on stage. You might feel a little lonely for a bit, but please wait there with Miss Silica and the others, okay?”
I’m not open to any disagreements or complaints, am I?
I don’t want to hear anything from you that might push me away.
It’s okay. Everything will definitely turn out fine.
I will eliminate any future tonight that could cause you unhappiness or rob me of my happiness.
So, can you please not stir my emotions anymore?
… I sense that something dark might awaken inside me.
At that moment, as if on cue, music started to play from inside the venue.
—Indeed, I had arrived just in time to avoid hearing any of her objections, just before the party started.
“It’s time to enter,” a student guide announced.
I reached out to Bertia. After a moment of hesitation, she shyly placed her small hand in mine.
I faced forward, attempting to shift my gaze away from Bertia.
“Lord Cecil…” she whispered.
“What’s the matter?” I inquired. She swallowed hard, gripping my hand tighter. After a moment of decision, she started to speak.
“… Lord Cecil, what do you think of me?” Bertia asked, her voice shaking and surprising me completely.
Her intense gaze searched for the truth in my eyes. I had not expected such a question at this moment. “Tia?” I leaned in closer, trying to read her expression to understand her intent. She flinched, her shoulders trembling slightly as if frightened.
Silence hung in the air for a moment, and I noticed faint tears welling up in Bertia’s eyes. Seeing her lips tightly pressed together ignited an urgent need within me to respond.
“Tia, I think you’re absolutely adorable. You’re just so cute and…”
“Graduates, please enter!”
Just as I was about to express how precious and dear she is to me as my fiancée, the call for the graduates interrupted me. At that moment, the grand doors to the hall swung open with a loud thud. My time was up.
I leaned in closer to Bertia’s ear and whispered, “We’ll continue this later,” before turning my gaze forward.
Just before stepping into the venue, I took a final glance at Bertia. She wore a delicate, solitary smile, gazing back at me in a way that truly tugged at my heartstrings. However, time was pressing, and I had to start moving.
As a prince and the president of Halm Academy’s student council, it was essential for me to act with dignity in public, serving as a role model for my fellow students. Even though I cared deeply about Bertia, I couldn’t let her needs override my responsibilities at this time.
Before we entered, there had been more opportunities to talk with her. I regretted interrupting our conversation, reluctant to hear anything negative—a remorse that lingered slightly as we walked into the hall.