Side Story - Chapter 4

Roman and Prillance stepped down from the podium and moved to the center of the hall.

They had another custom where the first dance in the Imperial Ball, was done by the Emperor, or the Crown Prince. Today, the Crown Prince and Roman would be performing the first dance together, instead of the emperor, who wasn’t feeling well. Lucio, the Crown Princess, Roman and Prillance were all standing poised at the centre, next to their respective partners. Soon, soft music began to play in the quiet ballroom. Then, the two couples started dancing. The two women’s chiffon dresses fluttered as they twirled around, like the tender petals of a blooming flower. The lilting melody and sprightly dance caught people’s attention at once.

But the person who stood out the most was Prillance. Her face glowed under the various lights, lips spreading to form a slight smile, which only grew after the beginning of the dance. Roman’s eyes gazed tenderly at her, an unknown feeling rising in him. The nobles in the ball who were looking at this scene even forgot the past that had been like an irritating mud stain.

And finally, with the end of that song, their dance ended as well.

This meant that she was done with her work as an official partner.

Feeling relieved, Prillance gave Roman a final greeting.

“Let’s dance to one more song,” Roman held her back, hands tightening. This was so unexpected that even the other party, Prillance, was surprised.

“One song is too less,” he said to her, while she blinked in surprise.

But he was the one who wanted more, not her. After a while, her hand gently rested on his hand again.

“Yes,”

He felt strangely nervous as her silence grew. It wasn’t normal for him to say such things, furthermore, to her. So, when her hand came up, Roman felt relieved.

The series of emotions forced him to admit his changed mind toward her.

“You asked me when I was going to choose, right?” Roman said as he began dancing again.

“I did,” she said to him. Back then she had been constantly trying to bridge the relationship between Ver and Cecia. Come to think of it, she’d been so busy that she forgot such things.

“Does choosing you give me the right to meddle?”

“Meddle?” Her light eyes shot up in surprise.

“Yes, about who you get to meet.”

Prillance bit her lip, recalling a situation she had encountered a few days ago.

“Are you saying that’s the reason why you’re deciding?”

Of course, if he chooses her as his fiance, he gets the right. But does it make sense to decide because of that?

“Isn’t that the most important thing?”

“But…”

Roman seemed too sure. And Prillance wasn’t the same, her mind was a mess.

A few days ago, back in the moment when she offered to enter the Imperial Ball as his partner, she would have accepted it. But right now, Ver had taken over her mind, she couldn’t think of anyone but him. The heart, his feelings, and his actions… he had delivered it to her, and the effects from then still lingered. Since that day, he had never left my mind for a single moment.

But she couldn’t accept his heart because she knew the story in the novel. The content of the novel may have changed, but the fact that Marquis Weiand is behind the incident does not change. Nevertheless, she hesitated. It was because of the wounds Ver received from her.

Contrary to what she wanted; making Ver happy, it hurt him greatly.

Whether or not she accepted, she knew one thing for sure, it would hurt him. She was agonizing over the two roads lying in front of her.

Prillance was thinking hard about something, her expression changing every minute. Since she wasn’t looking at the front, or at him, her head must be filled with other thoughts. He badly wanted to turn his eyes away from her.

“Later today, I’ll send an engagement letter to Marquis Weind.”

That line broke her out of her stupor, and her eyes turned to him.

“…You don’t have to do that.”

Under the changing lights of the colorful chandelier hung above her, her eyes shone, shocking him for a moment. The doe-like, light brown shade caught his attention almost immediately. It was then that a strange thought came to his mind, momentarily, it didn’t feel like the girl standing in front of him was Prillance.

And just in time, their dance was completed. But the two faced each other, remaining motionless, not willing to say a final goodbye. In fact, it didn’t matter to Prillance what reason Roman changed his mind. It was just that she didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
She wanted to try the love she had hoped for, in which, the person she liked, returned her feelings. Even if it was just once, the option was so good that she couldn’t help but want to be selfish.

“I… don’t want it,” Prillance blurted out, looking more surprised than Roman, even though she had said it herself.

Her pale fingers rushed to cover her mouth, slightly trembling. No more words came out.

“Excuse me,” Prillance, who offered an apology, quickly disappeared, holding her skirt. Her eyes searched for Ver, impatiently. She wanted to talk to him, wanted to see him. With urgent steps, she went on her way.

She couldn’t wait to convey this feeling, knowing she might regret it tomorrow. Prillance knew herself well enough to admit that if she didn’t express her mind now, she wouldn’t ever do it later.

Not being able to find him in the hall, she went outside, adrenaline rushing in her veins. However, she failed to take another step forward, her legs halting. Her light brown eyes fell on Ver, who was standing there, dressed smartly. But, he wasn’t alone, someone was with him.

Ralph, who came out of Royce’s mansion, had his hair styled elegantly and donned expensive clothes. He looked completely different in good clothes, sparkling from head to toe. Lastly, he put on tight gloves. The luscious silk of the gloves especially made for the Imperial Ball held onto his skin softly.

He climbed into Royce’s carriage, which was decorated in splendor. Soon after, he saw a shining palace in his sight.

“Ah, the Imperial Palace.” There was no particular emotion in his voice.

He then recalled Ben’s voice, who had constantly reminded him about something. Before getting out of the carriage, Ralph took out some medicine wrapped tightly in paper, from his pocket.

“Let’s go, shall we?” Ralph got off the carriage and headed for the colorful palace, feeling much better.