Chapter 11 – I Possessed the Villain’s Daughter
Being chosen for the first dance is a tremendous honor—especially if it’s by a member of the imperial family.
And yet, I had just rejected that honor and declared I would have my first dance with my brother, Eddie.
I already knew that the previous Laila had been obsessed with the First Prince. She would chase away the young ladies who tried to approach him. Of course, that behavior was probably fueled by Lady Lupe and her group, but regardless, everyone knew her attitude—so their surprise was understandable.
“I’m excited about the idea of dancing with the First Prince too, but as a noble, I can’t break a promise I made to my brother. Of course, I’m also looking forward to dancing with my handsome older brothers.”
The other young ladies’ eyes immediately filled with envy. And I understood how they felt.
After all, I had two brothers so handsome they seemed plucked from a fairytale, a father who was charming, capable, and kind even in his later years, and the immense wealth and power of the House of Roschahill. To them, I must have looked like a princess born under a lucky star.
“You’re saying you’re going to reject the First Prince’s offer for the first dance?”
It was Lupe who broke the silence.
I was briefly startled. Her gaze was so piercing it felt like she could see right through me. A little scary, honestly. I clicked my tongue inwardly and replied.
“Yes.”
Lupe widened her eyes and stared at me for a long moment.
“…That’s truly surprising. Didn’t you used to long for the opportunity to dance or even meet the First Prince?”
“Well, people’s feelings can change.”
I feigned ignorance and shrugged nonchalantly.
“Perhaps Lady Lupe would like to dance the first dance with him?”
Lupe’s face instantly flushed. It was an awkward situation—whether she admitted it or not, either option was compromising.
‘Even if I’m offered, I reject it. But you’ve never even had the chance, have you?’
Realizing what I meant, Lupe clenched her jaw and glared at me. Her face, bright red, looked as though it might catch fire. The other girls around us remained silent, watching the situation nervously.
‘That’s enough for now.’
I glanced around and decided to let things go. I still didn’t like the way Lupe looked at me, but she was just a kid. It felt a little wrong to keep picking on her.
“If that’s how you feel, I’ll cheer you on,” I said brightly.
Her followers looked at me in surprise, as if they hadn’t expected that response.
The problem came next. Angered, Lady Lupe needed a new target to vent on—and chose someone else.
“Come to think of it, isn’t Lady Sern here as well? The one who was escorted by the First Prince?”
“…?”
She dragged Lady Sern, who had been chatting with other noble girls, into our group. Sern looked confused at first but changed expressions upon seeing me.
“Ah… Lady Laila, greetings.”
I couldn’t help but frown subtly. From what I had learned, Lupe used to manipulate the old Laila into bullying other ladies who showed interest in the First Prince. Lady Sern had definitely been one of those victims. Not knowing I’d lost my memories, Lupe was clearly trying to send a warning.
It was too late to pretend otherwise.
So this was her message?
But unlike the previous Laila, I felt neither guilt nor resentment toward Lady Sern.
“Hello, Lady Sern.”
I greeted her with a bright smile. Her anxious face relaxed slightly in response. But Lupe pressed on, speaking rapidly.
“Lady Sern, you’re aware the First Prince will attend this banquet, right? You must be happy. It’s a chance to see him again.”
“W-What…?”
“There’s no need to hide it. It’s just us girls.”
She continued to pressure Sern. Her eyes darted nervously, clearly overwhelmed.
“I remember how delighted you were when the First Prince escorted you last time. So, you must have feelings for him too, don’t you?”
“How lucky, Lady Sern… I wish I could be escorted by him too. What did it feel like?”
Lupe’s entourage, caught between our verbal clash, suddenly found their moment and jumped in to corner Lady Sern like a pack of hyenas circling prey.
Poor Sern looked like she was on the verge of tears, her face red and trembling.
She was surrounded—by Lupe, the clique, and me. No one was going to step up for her.
Except, of course—
Me.
“That’s enough.”
My firm voice immediately silenced them.
Lady Sern looked lost.
Lupe and her group may have only been a bunch of young noble girls, but ganging up on someone like that was brutal.
I continued quickly.
“Lady Sern didn’t become the First Prince’s escort by her own will. She was simply chosen. Isn’t that right, Lady Sern?”
“Y-Yes. That’s… right.”
“And trying to probe her feelings like this—don’t you think it’s incredibly rude?”
Lady Sern looked like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Lupe, on the other hand, looked furious.
“…Are you really saying you don’t mind Lady Sern being escorted by the First Prince?”
I nodded calmly.
It was obvious why they were picking on her. Not only was she shy and had been escorted by the Prince…
But she was also, very, stunningly, blindingly beautiful.
Midnight blue hair, amethyst eyes like gemstones, porcelain skin—there was a reason the young noblemen had gathered around her. She was breathtakingly elegant.
And she was a count’s daughter. Lupe was a marquis’ daughter. So for someone of lower rank to be chosen over her must’ve triggered deep insecurities.
When I nodded, Lupe looked at me in disbelief. Her eyes were filled with the same suspicion from when I said I would refuse the First Prince’s first dance.
“T-That’s true,” said another girl awkwardly.
“Now that I think about it, we were rude to Lady Sern, weren’t we, Lady Lupe?”
“Yes, I think it would be best if you apologized to her.”
“Lady Laila, you’re so kindhearted. I truly admire you.”
“You’re incredible.”
“….”
Lupe was silent. The atmosphere had completely shifted. Now, she was isolated. The others subtly turned on her and pressured her to apologize. It was clear she had little support—proof of her lack of popularity.
Eventually, she couldn’t endure the pressure any longer.
“…I was thoughtless. I apologize, Lady Sern.”
“…!”
Lady Sern’s eyes widened in disbelief. She rushed to respond.
“I-It’s okay, Lady Lupe.”
“…Thank you for your understanding, Lady Sern.”
As the atmosphere softened with mutual apologies, I smiled.
Lady Sern turned to me, stammering.
“Lady Laila… thank you.”
She stared at me as though seeing a miracle.
Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks rosy. So different from earlier. She seemed genuinely grateful that I had stood up for her.
She gazed at me for a long time.
I just smiled and turned to Lupe.
Maybe she’s learned something from this? I thought.
But…
“…Whoa.”
Lupe’s bowed face was twisted in fury. The other girls had fallen silent, gauging the mood.
A moment later, Lupe quietly lifted her head and spoke.
“Lady Laila. Thank you for guiding someone as immature as me.”
“Oh, not at all.”
“I suppose my admiration for the First Prince got the better of me. I’ve reflected on my actions.”
What is she planning? Her expression didn’t look remorseful at all.
I tilted my head slightly as Lupe went on.
“I wholeheartedly agree with you, Lady Laila. So, could you please say this one thing? That the First Prince… belongs to everyone.”
I tilted my head again. The atmosphere had gone still.
Something felt… off. But…
It’s not hard to say.
Was she suggesting that I was only pretending to reject the Prince to act superior?
Without thinking too much, I opened my mouth.
“Of course. The First Prince belongs to everyone—not to any one person.”
The room became even quieter.
Even the music had stopped.
Feeling something strange, I turned my head—
And that’s when it happened.
“I see.”
I met eyes with him.
Golden hair like thickly brushed paint. Golden eyes. Perfectly tailored black uniform. I was left gaping.
When had he arrived?
“I’ll take that as a compliment. That I’m a fair and impartial prince.”
He spoke lightly, but his gaze was icy.
The First Prince, Altheo Ulysses, had arrived.
