MTIC32

 Chapter 32

Just then, the music changed. It was a tempo suitable for light dancing, and Revina immediately took Miel’s hand and headed toward the center of the ballroom.

“Miel, let’s dance together.”

At her smile, Miel had no choice but to follow. What did it matter that she couldn’t dance? In this moment, the princess was asking her to join.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The two held hands, laughing cheerfully as they began to dance lightly.

Saek and Troy watched them warmly. Of course, the gaze of both men was focused entirely on Miel.

Before long, both men became aware of each other. Their eyes met — for less than a second.

But they both quickly turned their heads and went their separate ways.

Troy moved toward the group of nobles calling for him, and Jade headed toward the Emperor, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time.

With long strides, Jade reached the Emperor and gave a greeting with proper etiquette — well, not perfectly formal like a noble, but polite enough.

But who could say anything to that? Even the Emperor didn’t care whether he followed every rule. He was simply pleased that Saek had come and didn’t mind the formality.

“It’s been a while, Tower Master.”

“Have you been well, Your Majesty?”

At Jade’s appearance, the corners of Emperor Karot’s lips rose high in a smile.

“Haha, I’ve been as usual. I’m always surprised whenever I receive reports on the Tower’s achievements these days. Especially, I’m grateful you healed Revina’s body.”

“Well, it was something that had to be done — though our mages did go through some trouble.”

“Haha, right. That’s why I specially gave you a reward, didn’t I?”

Jade simply smiled. It was a silent message — that he expected more. And the Emperor, understanding that, changed the subject.

“Have you heard about the trial that must be taken to become Emperor?”

“You mean the test the current Crown Prince must give to the next Crown Prince?”

At Jade’s reply, Karot nodded and continued.

“Yes. Recently, I gave Troy a trial — particularly, to get closer to the mages.”

“With us? What kind of trial is it?”

Jade’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Haha, no need to be so wary. This time, the task is simple — Troy must obtain a handwritten letter of recommendation from the Grand Sage.”

To get information about the Grand Sage, Troy would obviously have to visit the Magic Tower. That was the Emperor’s intention behind the trial.

Upon hearing this, Jade laughed to himself. And even outwardly, he smiled.

‘That brat won’t ever become Emperor.’

As Jade thought so, the Emperor asked,

“By the way, do you happen to know where the Grand Sage is now?”

“We don’t know either.”

Jade smiled as if he had been expecting the question.

“Looks like my son will have a tough time.”

The Emperor laughed heartily. The two continued talking — about the empire and the Magic Tower.

Meanwhile, as their conversation was ending, Miel was catching her breath and drinking water in a corner of the ballroom.

‘Her Highness Revina really regained her strength — her stamina is no joke.’

Revina had danced three songs with Miel and only let her go when she saw how tired Miel had become.

She parted reluctantly due to the many nobles seeking her attention.

At that moment, Troy’s gaze landed on Miel, who was now alone.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Troy immediately slipped away from the nobles and approached Miel. In fact, Troy had wanted to propose to Miel the moment he saw her today.

Of course, he hadn’t actually intended to try it.

When he saw her dancing, she looked like a fairy bathed in moonlight.

“Miel.”

Troy smiled as he approached. Miel, gulping her drink, replied,

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“Would you honor me with a dance?”

Troy extended his hand in a gentlemanly manner, just like other nobles would when inviting someone to dance. It was hard to turn down such a formal invitation.

‘What do I do? I don’t know how to dance at all.’

Miel looked troubled. Just as she was about to extend her hand to accept—

A large hand took her hand instead.

“At a ball, isn’t it proper manners to dance with your own partner?”

Jade said this with a smirk as he looked at Troy. Naturally, he placed Miel’s hand on his shoulder.

“You should be dancing with me, my student.”

“Master, I really can’t dance.”

Miel replied, but Jade just smiled.

Still, he led her to the dance floor. And since what Jade said was technically true, Troy couldn’t stop them.

All he could do was clench his fists tightly and watch them.

Soft music flowed, and Jade smiled gently at Miel. He guided her to lightly place one hand on his waist and gently held her other hand.

“Just move slowly and lightly.”

At his words, Miel looked up at him with a face that clearly said, How do I even do that?

Maybe that’s why — not long after they began dancing, Miel accidentally stepped on Jade’s foot. Quite hard, in fact.

But Jade didn’t flinch. He kept smiling the whole time.

“I’m sorry, Master.”

“No need to apologize. It didn’t hurt.”

Jade was simply enjoying the moment. He had attended the party with no particular expectations, but it had turned out to be more enjoyable than he imagined.

And it wasn’t just enjoyment. Though Jade hadn’t realized it yet—

Thump. Thump. A pleasant heartbeat echoed within him.

About 30 minutes after the dance, Jade was chatting with nobles who often visited the Tower or requested commissions.

Miel was catching up on unfinished conversation with Revina.

Then, Jade came to her.

“Shall we head back?”

Truthfully, Jade could have stayed at the ball longer. But he had noticed that Miel looked uncomfortable in her heels.

Even while talking to nobles, he had kept her in his line of sight.

“Ah, yes. Your Highness, I’ll take my leave now. See you again.”

“Aww, don’t go just yet.”

“Truly, happy birthday.”

Miel hugged Rvina, said goodbye, and followed Jade.

“Does your foot hurt a lot?”

Jade asked as they walked toward the carriage that had been prepared in advance. Miel looked a little surprised.

How did he know?

“It’s not very painful. Just a bit uncomfortable.”

The two got into the carriage. Jade sat across from her and extended his hand. When Miel looked at him with curious eyes, he quietly said,

“Your foot.”

“Sorry?”

“I’ll heal it. Trust me.”

“Ah…”

Only then did Miel carefully lift her foot. Jade’s hand trembled slightly without her noticing.

He gently took her shoe off and lightly supported her ankle.

He looked at the injury.

The heel of her right foot was scraped. Jade frowned slightly. Did I make her wear heels that were too high?

Fwoosh—

A green light radiated from his hand, softly wrapping around her foot. It was a simple healing spell, but her wound healed instantly.

He gently placed her foot back down.

“What about the other one?”

“Oh, that one’s fine.”

Jade looked at her for a moment, then said,

“Somehow, I feel guilty — like it’s my fault you got hurt.”

At his unexpected apology, Miel recalled what she had thought a few days ago.

Yup, my master has definitely gone crazy.

Miel stared at him for a moment and replied,

“It’s okay. It’s just because I’m not used to it.”

She tried to reassure Jade. But really, she was just telling the truth.

After saying that, she turned her head to look out the window.

And Jade naturally gazed at her.

Bright moonlight poured through the window. Her silver hair, bathed in the light, sparkled softly.

Thump. Thump. His heart pounded once more.