Chapter 05
Several young ladies in not-so-fancy dresses were looking at Azrael with curious eyes.
Azrael smiled gently. It was the kind of smile she had perfected after becoming the Crown Princess, elegant and polite.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you before,” she said.
From the way she spoke to Princess Angela and the jewelry she wore, the girls guessed Azrael must be from a very high-ranking family. They quickly introduced themselves first.
“I’m Luna from the Hamilton Viscount family.”
“I’m Sordin, daughter of Baron Tristan.”
They didn’t have special looks or high titles. Angela, like Azrael, was also a princess, but her family’s status had declined, so the ladies around her weren’t from great families either.
Still, Azrael never judged people by their status only by their character.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Azrael of House Nocturne. You all look lovely tonight.”
She smiled brightly on purpose. She had plans to win over the girls around Angela to isolate her later.
“Thank you, Lady Azrael! But really, you’re the one who looks stunning!”
“Even more beautiful up close!”
The two girls sparkled with admiration as they complimented her.
Azrael looked at them again their innocent eyes glowing next to Angela.
“Well, see you next time. Have fun tonight, Angela.”
She turned around with a bright smile. But once she turned away, the smile completely vanished.
The two girls wanted to keep talking to Azrael, but she was already gone.
“It’s my first time seeing Lady Azrael, but she’s really beautiful.”
The three girls watched Azrael walk away Luna and Sordin with admiration, Angela with jealousy. But no one noticed Angela’s bitter gaze.
Azrael felt their eyes on her and calmly placed the smile back on her face. She had returned after three years, fake smiles like this came naturally now.
She quietly stood beside the Duchess of Nocturne, who was surrounded by other noblewomen. The duchess proudly introduced her, and the women gasped at Azrael’s beauty, praising her without holding back.
Then, a servant at the entrance shouted,
“His and Her Majesty, Emperor, and Empress of the Esperando Empire! His Highness the Crown Prince and the Second Prince are entering!”
All the nobles stopped chatting and stepped back, making a path in the center.
The emperor, in a golden uniform, entered with the empress in a red dress on his arm. Though rumors said he was gravely ill, his face looked better than before still pale, but his strong build hid the weakness.
Following them were Crown Prince Patrick with black hair slicked back and light brown eyes and Prince Leonard, who had darker black hair and red eyes.
The nobles knelt and bowed their heads until the emperor and empress sat on the stage at the end of the ballroom.
Then the emperor raised his hand and spoke,
“Everyone, raise your heads.”
They stood up and looked toward the emperor. Behind him, the two princes stood tall, their handsome appearances making the young ladies sigh quietly.
The emperor looked around Garnet Hall and said,
“Congratulations to all the young ladies on your debutante day.”
After his words, a servant began calling the names of the noble daughters, starting from the highest-ranking families. Each girl walked forward to greet the emperor and empress.
Azrael’s name was called first.
She stepped forward, holding the duchess’s hand, and bowed gracefully.
“I am Azrael of House Nocturne.”
“Yes. You’re very beautiful—just like the duchess.”
The emperor and empress smiled as they praised her beauty. The Crown Prince and Prince also looked at her.
Azrael felt their gazes, but pretending to be shy, she looked away. Then, calmly, she stepped back.
Next came Angela’s name.
Azrael quietly watched her. She saw Angela and Crown Prince Patrick exchange subtle, lingering looks.
“So they did know each other before.”
It hadn’t been clear before. But now, she was sure something was going on between them.
Angela’s dress was much fancier than usual.
“A secret relationship, huh? Figures.”
Azrael let out a quiet laugh tired and bitter.
Seeing it with her own eyes confirmed the guild’s report that the two had met before the debutante event.
“I had eyes and ears, but I didn’t see anything. I was blinded by love.”
She had been a fool so in love, she couldn’t see the truth.
If she had realized earlier, she would never have accepted Patrick’s proposal. Her family might never have been accused of treason.
But regret came too late. Thankfully, the gods had given her a second chance to live again and fix everything.
Azrael noticed the debut greetings were coming to an end and straightened her back.
In her past life, Patrick had asked her for the first dance. He’d said he fell in love at first sight. Maybe he just is not in true love.
“He might have fallen for me at first sight. I just wasn’t his first love.”
Azrael waited as the emperor gave the next command.
“Let the Crown Prince begin the first dance.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Patrick bowed and looked across the room. The girls eagerly watched, hoping he’d pick them. Angela too looked excited.
But when Patrick spotted Azrael, he walked straight toward her.
Everyone turned to see which girl he’d choose.
Azrael didn’t want to dance with him. She turned slightly and lowered her head, hoping he would pass by.
But in front of her lowered eyes, a large pale hand appeared.
Then came his soft, gentle voice.
“My lady, may I have the honor of the first dance?”
She wanted to say no. But no one could refuse the Crown Prince.
Feeling all the stares jealous and admiring Azrael forced herself to smile and took his hand.
“It would be my honor, Your Highness.”
He led her to the center stage. Azrael kept her smile up, aware of everyone watching.
As they stepped onto the floor, the emperor signaled the musicians. A soft waltz began to play.
Patrick’s hand touched Azrael’s back. She placed one hand on his shoulder and the other on his as they began to dance.
He looked at her kindly just like the old Patrick she used to love.
Even though she had sworn to take revenge, part of her heart still remembered the love.
She almost thought what she saw at his execution in her past life was just a bad dream.
She had loved him with everything. That kindness shook her for a moment.
But when her eyes met Angela’s across the room, she snapped out of it.
How could she still waver after all that had happened? She felt disgusted with herself.
She reminded herself:
That soft smile was fake.
That man was the enemy of her family.
Then, Patrick leaned in and softly whispered in her ear.
