TCBCVF 46

~Chapter 46~

Gregory gently placed his hand on Seraphina’s delicate shoulder.

“You’re trembling like this.”

“…Gregory.”

“How could I let someone as fragile as you face that arrogant Larit all alone?”

Gregory smiled generously, as if he were a gentleman being considerate of a lady.

Seraphina narrowed her eyes sharply at him.

But only for a moment.

“Mm, thank you.”

Outwardly, she smiled sweetly as if truly grateful, but inside she was boiling.

‘Ugh, how can he be so clueless?’

Honestly, she hated it.

Yes, at the Gusto family’s party, being with Gregory had strategic value since he was a family member.

But at the Ansi family’s party?

‘Do I really need to drag him around like an accessory?’

She would’ve been freer if she went alone.

“Seraphina?”
“Ah, yeah. Let’s go.”

Pushing down her growing frustration, she took Gregory’s arm and headed out of the ballroom.

A cheerful waltz began to play.

It was one of the most popular songs in the Empire right now—and for good reason.

‘Isn’t this a bit… close?’

This waltz included many movements that brought dancers very close together.

‘I absolutely can’t make a mistake.’

Her mouth went dry.

‘What if I step on the Duke’s foot… oh no…’

Just imagining it made her dizzy.

As she nervously moved through the steps, she glanced at the Duke.

Unlike her, who was tense and careful even with her breathing, he looked completely relaxed.

‘I’m dancing with the male lead even before Seraphina.’

‘It’s… surreal.’

“Thank you so much for coming to our party, Your Grace.”

She cautiously asked,

“Did the princess… ask you to attend?”

A flash of exhaustion crossed the Duke’s face.

“Well, I can’t say she didn’t.”

‘Oh… how much did he get pestered?’

She tensed up even more.

But the fatigue quickly disappeared from his expression.

“Still…”

Under the chandelier’s soft glow, his blue eyes sparkled with amusement.

Leaning in a little, he spoke gently.

“This isn’t something Lady Ansi needs to worry about.”
“Even if Eva pestered me, I wouldn’t have come if I didn’t want to.”
“What I’m saying is—I came because I wanted to.”

She caught her breath.

Surrounded by beautiful ladies and their elegant partners, the Duke still stood out.

Swish.

His long leg brushed lightly against her dress.

Each touch made her body tense up.

The hand on her waist, his direct gaze—it was all part of the dance.

She knew it wasn’t romantic, just part of etiquette.

But still…

‘I keep being conscious of him.’

Then suddenly, she stumbled.

“Ah!”

The edge of her dress got caught on her sharp shoe tip.

Thankfully, she didn’t fall.

“Are you alright?”

The Duke had quickly wrapped an arm around her waist.

With his support, she straightened up gracefully.

It was handled so smoothly that no one noticed her stumble.

“Lady Ansi?”
“…Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.”

Like a pebble tossed into a calm lake…

Her heart rippled wildly.

Meanwhile, Seraphina and Gregory arrived at the Ansi estate.

The party was already in full swing.

Ladies and gentlemen danced in the ballroom, while older nobles chatted and sipped wine.

Seeing the scene, Seraphina was shocked.

‘Why… why isn’t anyone greeting me?’

She was used to being the center of attention.

Especially when Gregory had been shielding her in southern high society.

But now—

‘No one is looking at me.’

She clenched her jaw.

Then—

‘Wait a minute.’

She looked up and saw a familiar figure at the center of the ballroom.

Elegant black hair pinned up beautifully.

A voluminous dress flowing smoothly over a slim waist.

Perfect posture.

‘Larit?!’

Seraphina was stunned.

“Lady Ansi is playing the perfect hostess today.”
“She’s actually quite lovely when she’s properly dressed.”
“I don’t know why she used to look so gloomy.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen her smile so brightly.”

Larit’s face was bright and free of shadows.

‘This can’t be real…’

‘Larit looks like… the star of the ball.’

What truly shocked Seraphina though, was the man across from Larit.

“I can’t believe he asked her to dance.”

Seraphina followed their gaze.

The man holding Larit’s hand had dazzling platinum hair and deep blue eyes.

He resembled the glamorous Princess Claudius—but even more striking.

‘The Duke?!’

Seraphina’s eyes widened.

‘How is this possible?!’

She had tried everything to get close to the Claudius siblings.

She’d longed to be friends with the princess.

She’d dreamed of dancing with the Duke.

But all of that—what she worked so hard for—Larit had gained effortlessly.

‘No. This isn’t right.’

Her emerald eyes were clouded with emotions.

Most clearly—jealousy.

‘This is all a lie. A cruel joke!’

Her head swirled with confusion.

She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.

‘Larit, someone like you could never surpass me!’

Larit was supposed to exist beneath her.

To act as a dull backdrop so Seraphina could shine brighter.

Larit should’ve remained in the shadows, not smiling happily under chandeliers!

So caught up in her rage and envy, Seraphina didn’t notice—

That Gregory was staring at Larit too.

Completely transfixed.

“Larit?”

He whispered her name, his voice shaking.

He had always believed Larit would stay by his side.

No matter how cruel he was, she’d smile and take it.

‘How… how could you do this to me?’

Gregory clenched his fists.

His eyes were full of betrayal.

Larit had always been there.

Like air, like water—taken for granted.

But now…

…Larit seemed impossibly far away.