ILTDAMH |CHAPTER 64

Chapter 64

When We Meet Again, Let’s Reveal Our Faces Then

After parting ways with Zelda, Marican returned home.

“Woof, woof!”

“Ruan, were you waiting for me? You hardly go out these days… Don’t tell me you’ve been guarding me in Ruan’s place?”

“Woof, woof, woof!”

“Thank you, Ruan. I’m so glad I have you.”

***

Two days later, on the final day of the festival, the schedule was more packed than ever.

“The masquerade ball and the fireworks display—that’s the grand finale,” Zelda explained.

“Right, I meant to ask before but forgot. What is a fireworks display?” Marican tilted her head.

Zelda gave her a look of disbelief.

“Rosaline, every time you say things like that, you really do sound like you came from some backwater where no one lives. Normally fireworks are made with gunpowder. But here, it’s special—the mages use their magical artifacts to create them. So it’s far more spectacular than ordinary fireworks.”

“Magic? I can’t wait to see that!” Marican gasped in awe.

“That happens after the ball. But first things first—we need to get your mask ready.”

“My… mask?”

“Of course! It’s a masquerade ball. You have to wear one. I got you a beautiful fox mask.”

“A fox mask?”

“Here, come with me.”

Zelda led her into a mask shop, pulled out a white fox mask, and placed it over Marican’s face.

“See? I knew it would suit you. And with this wig, you’ll look absolutely stunning.”

Marican glanced in the mirror—and couldn’t help a small gasp.

With silver hair flowing beneath a white fox mask, she looked like a completely different person.

“My goodness… I’ve never worn a mask before. I don’t even look like myself.”

“That’s the magic of the masquerade. Now, let’s pick out your dress.”

“A dress?”

“Yes, one that matches perfectly. I’ve already prepared something special.”

But as Zelda was about to leave, Marican tugged at her sleeve.

“Wait—what about your mask, Zelda?”

“Me? How about this black cat? Suits me, doesn’t it?”

Zelda slipped on a sleek black cat mask.

“Oh! It really does. Will you wear a wig too?”

“Of course. Black waves to match the mask. How do I look?”

With the black wig and the feline mask, Zelda was the very image of a graceful, aloof cat.

“Wow. You look amazing.”

“Then it’s settled. Let’s get you dressed.”

She led Marican into a boutique where a shimmering silver-gray gown hung—its neckline and sleeves adorned with strings of pearls.

“How about this one? Gorgeous, isn’t it? It’ll look perfect on you.”

Wait… I know this dress.

It had been so long since Marican had seen anything this fine. 

She reached out and brushed the fabric. 

Just from the touch, she could tell it was made from an expensive, exquisite material.

She sighed softly.

“Zelda… this dress? It’s beautiful, but isn’t it too much? And it looks very expensive.”

Of course it is. 

Something like this doesn’t even exist in the countryside.

Zelda, remembering how Ruan had ordered it specially from the capital, muttered inwardly, The Duke really does go all out for Rosaline.

“Too much? You’ve no idea how long I searched for this. The moment I saw it, I thought, this is Rosaline’s dress.”

Marican almost laughed—knowing Zelda was fibbing—but let it slide, her fingers tracing the fabric.

“Still… isn’t it too extravagant for just one night of dancing?”

“Rosaline, really? You’re one of the wealthiest people in Phenomenon Village, and you’re worried about the cost of a dress? Hmph. I was even going to have you buy mine along with yours.”

“Your dress?”

“Yes. That black one.”

Zelda pulled out a stunning black gown.

“See? With you in silver and me in black, we’ll steal everyone’s attention.”

It’s beautiful… but isn’t it a little too much?

The dress clung to every curve, its back cut daringly low.

“Zelda, that seems a bit… revealing. And how are you supposed to dance in it?”

“It’s the last night of the festival. Isn’t it the perfect chance for a little indulgence?”

Despite Marican’s doubts, Zelda’s eyes sparkled with delight.

“Well… if you like it, that’s what matters.”

“Exactly. Now let’s get changed.”

Marican nodded, and soon both of them emerged in their gowns—perfect transformations.

“Rosaline, you’re breathtaking. Truly.”

Marican twirled slightly, surprised at how perfectly the gown fit.

“Zelda, you too. You look like… a regal black cat.”

Zelda smirked at her reflection. 

The Duke certainly has fine taste.

When they stepped outside, all eyes turned toward them. 

Marican, uncomfortable under the stares, whispered,

“Zelda, everyone’s looking at us.”

“Good. Enjoy it! It’s just one night, and with masks, no one knows who we are anyway. Come on.”

Hand in hand, they made their way to the lakeside.

***

The lake shimmered with lantern light, and already the masked crowd had gathered. 

Among them all, Marican and Zelda shone the brightest.

When the time came, the host raised his voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen! The masquerade begins! The rules are simple. A gentleman presents a flower to the lady of his choice. If she accepts, they dance. If she refuses, the gentleman must respect her answer. Understood?”

“Yes!”

Music swelled, and immediately men approached with flowers, offering them eagerly to both Marican and Zelda.

Flustered, Marican hesitated—until a man wearing the same fox mask stepped forward and held out a flower.

“They say foxes love only one mate for life. What do you think, my lady?”

The familiar voice made Marican smile. 

She accepted the flower.

“Well… I wouldn’t know. I haven’t met my mate yet.”

“How tragic, that no one has yet won the heart of such a beauty.”

“Ruan… How are you here? And this dress, this mask—when did you prepare all this?”

“I realized I’ve never once danced with my wife. I couldn’t let the chance pass me by.”

“But… isn’t there something more urgent?” she whispered, unable to say rebellion aloud.

“Don’t worry. I’ve already made arrangements. Tonight, I have plenty of time to dance with you. By the way, what gave me away?”

Marican touched her gown.

“This dress. There’s only one place in the Empire where it can be found.”

“Ah. Do you like it?”

“I do. Very much.”

“Good. Clea and my aunt chose it carefully.”

“No wonder. I couldn’t imagine you picking something like this.” She smiled softly, then glanced around. “But… where’s Zelda?”

“Tonight, my wife, your only concern is me.”

He drew her into his arms, leading her gracefully across the floor.

Whether it was her hour of practice with Zelda or simply Ruan’s perfect lead, Marican found herself smiling, the dance effortless and joyful.

Even masked, Ruan drew every gaze.

So dazzling… even among so many, he stands out the most, Zelda thought, watching the fox-masked Duke.

Just then, someone approached her and offered a flower.

“A graceful cat, indeed. May I have this dance?”

Zelda looked at the man in the matching black cat mask. 

Something about him felt strangely familiar.

“Very well. Just one dance.”

But one became two, then three—until they had danced five songs together.

“Wow… it’s been ages since I danced so much,” Zelda said breathlessly.

“You’re far more skilled than I expected,” the man replied with a smile.

When he reached to remove his mask, Zelda stopped him.

“No. The charm of the masquerade lies in parting like this.”

“You’re not curious to see my face?”

“Curious, yes. But… sometimes, a little mystery makes life sweeter. Tell you what—if we meet again, next year or the year after, then we’ll reveal our faces. How about that?”

The man tilted his head, amused, then nodded.

“Very well. Next time, then, I’ll see your face.”

He bowed gracefully, and Zelda returned the gesture before slipping back into the crowd.

That summer night, beneath masks and magic, both Marican and Ruan, Zelda and her mysterious partner, made memories they would never forget.