Chapter 14
“Cassel, hold on. Your collar is a little crooked.”
Blair gently reached up and fussed with Cassel’s perfectly fine collar for no real reason. As soon as she did—
‘I knew it.’
A new wave of murmuring swept through the crowd like rippling waves. The sound of fans snapping open here and there filled the air in a flurry.
Thinking about it, countless women must have tried every trick to claim the golden apple standing next to her. But this indifferent man, who never cared for marriage, had probably treated them as nothing more than passing acquaintances.
‘This could be fun.’
A banquet dull enough to put her to sleep—now she’d found her amusement. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. They’d started it by acting petty first. Blair suddenly downed her glass of champagne in one shot.
“Cassel, I think I drank too much champagne. I feel a little tipsy.”
Then, swaying like a reed in the wind, she gently rested her head on Cassel’s shoulder.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m so drunk… Ahh, I feel dizzy.”
“There’s no way you’re drunk from just that. Get off.”
But Cassel only gave a quiet, incredulous snort and pushed her head back with a long finger.
Blair bit her lip but didn’t back down—she pushed her head firmly back onto Cassel’s shoulder. She pressed so hard that his shoulder tensed, and his fingers bent under the force.
“Come on! Why are you being so stubborn when you’re usually so quick-witted? Just stay like this for a second—I have a plan.”
“What on earth are you planning—”
“This is all for the sake of ‘maintaining a harmonious marriage,’ so please cooperate.”
Blair whispered under her breath. Cassel froze for a moment, then let out a light sigh and reluctantly let her rest against him.
“Only for a moment.”
“Of course. Just until this music ends.”
‘When the music changes, I’ll drag him out to dance.’
It would be a lie to say she had no personal motives. But it was the perfect chance to mark their legendary love—crossing social classes—and get back at those petty people at the same time. Blair hid her smile behind her fan.
Meanwhile, Cassel’s mind had long since drifted away from the banquet. His focus was entirely on the warmth resting on his left shoulder. Blair, who could outdrink most men, was now pretending to be drunk and leaning on him—he felt frozen.
‘What’s her scheme this time?’
The unfamiliar warmth on his shoulder made Cassel uneasy. It was unfamiliar, yet he didn’t understand why he hadn’t pushed her away more firmly. Maintaining a harmonious marriage, she’d said—using her strange words to persuade him again, and he’d surrendered.
‘I feel like I’m getting wrapped around her finger.’
It was like magic—how easily she made him go along with her. Maybe it was the sweet floral scent wafting from her hair. In this hall, full of strong perfumes and the smell of alcohol, it felt like a breath of fresh air.
The beautiful melody built to its climax and slowly came to an end. It was time to separate, as promised. But suddenly, Blair grabbed his hand.
“All right, shall we go dance now?”
Smiling as brightly as a summer field, she pulled him into the dazzling lights.
“Wait—what are you—”
The well-built Cassel found himself helplessly dragged along by Blair, who was hardly bigger than his arm.
“The Emperor and Empress are entering!”
The servant’s voice boomed like thunder through the hall. The Emperor and Empress appeared on the dais, and the room fell dead silent.
“All hail His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress!”
Everyone in the hall bowed low to their sovereigns.
“Rise.”
The Emperor’s voice had a slight metallic edge.
‘So that’s Ivan Lergh Bayern, the Emperor.’
Blair slowly straightened and looked at the Emperor.
The man who, seven years ago, had conquered the neighboring kingdoms of Cardia and Tarsen and declared the Bayern Empire. With keen political instincts and shrewd diplomacy, he’d led the nation to prosperity and earned a decent reputation, despite being a conqueror.
His graying hair and beard, the deep lines around his eyes, and the sharp, eagle-like gaze, undulled by age, all marked him as a true conqueror.
“This banquet celebrates the successful completion of the knights’ joint training. I hope you all enjoy it freely.”
With that short but weighty greeting, the banquet truly began. Music filled the hall again, and the air came alive once more.
And so, instead of dancing, Blair and Cassel had no choice but to step forward to greet the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, greetings from the House of Hermann. May Katra, the god of prosperity, always be with you both.”
Standing side by side before the Emperor, Cassel and Blair bowed politely according to etiquette.
Meeting nobles was one thing—but standing before the Emperor felt different altogether. Just standing in front of him made his authority palpable.
‘My knees feel weak. Get it together.’
“It’s a good day. Marquis, this must be the first time I’ve seen your wife. I’ve heard about her from you. Belated congratulations on your marriage.”
His greeting was formal and restrained. He had surely opposed the marriage, yet his voice and expression gave nothing away.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Blair curtsied lightly in response.
‘Is this really going to pass by smoothly?’ she wondered for a moment.
“…An old fool tried to arrange a match for you, it seems. When you already had such a beautiful bride, why would you settle for a princess you didn’t want?”
Of course—there it was. His tone wasn’t mocking, but his words had a hidden edge.
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. It would be absurd to compare myself to someone as noble as the princess. My husband simply isn’t one to desire things beyond his place—that’s why he chose someone as lacking as me.”
Better to keep her head down.
“Beyond his place…”
“Everything he’s gained comes from Your Majesty’s grace. How could he want more? Besides, loyalty shines brightest when it is pure.”
“Haha, I didn’t mean it as a rebuke. So don’t be so tense.”
The Emperor chuckled lightly and looked down at her. Did he like her answer?
“Yes, Your Majesty. We shall continue to serve you and the Imperial family with all our hearts.”
“Now I can see why the Marquis chose you.”
The Emperor’s eyes grew thoughtful.
“…Since this is your first banquet, enjoy it to the fullest.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We are honored.”
With that nerve-racking exchange behind her, Blair’s true debutante ball had officially begun.
＊＊＊
Before long, the music turned soft and sweet. Couples began to gather at the center of the hall, stirring a new buzz of whispers. Among them were Cassel and Blair.
“Isn’t the Marquis terrible at dancing?”
“I’ve never seen him dance with anyone before.”
“Marriage has changed him completely. What’s gotten into him?”
Some clicked their tongues, while others peeked at them as if watching some rare spectacle.
Cassel and Blair bowed politely to each other, then stepped closer. Cassel’s hand settled around her waist, and their hands joined slowly.
A few women snapped their fans shut with irritated flicks and left their seats. Among fan signals, that particular snap meant I hate you.
‘Serves them right for provoking someone who was minding her own business.’
A satisfied smile tugged at Blair’s lips. The thought of topping off her cute little revenge made her dopamine levels spike.
“You do know how to dance, don’t you? You did drag me out here.”
Cassel still looked doubtful as he let her lead him out.
“Don’t worry. I learned a bit here and there. Dancing is all about the feeling anyway. Just be gentle, look at each other, and go with the moment. If you get lost, I’ll show you.”
“Show me? You’ll teach me?”
Cassel let out a short, incredulous laugh at her confident expression.
“Yes. What? Are you looking down on me just because I’ve only been learning for a month? You’ve never danced at a banquet either, have you?”
“How did you know?”
“See? I knew it. You can tell just by looking at your face—there’s not a hint of dance in it. Don’t say anything—just trust me and follow my lead for now.”
