Elara Astoria II

After the dance with Cecilia came to an end, we bowed to each other, and the general dancing began for everyone. I turned back to see Rachel, Seraphina, and Rose all watching me with anticipation.

'Who should I choose?' I pondered.

Choosing Rose was risky. I didn't want to validate her feelings when I didn't reciprocate them, and I doubted she wanted me to, either—her hope seemed to lean more towards expectation, something I wasn't ready to foster. Seraphina was in a similar situation. It would be best to avoid giving anyone the wrong idea.

The safest choice would have been Rachel. But, instead, I decided to take a different approach.

'I'll go for someone else,' I decided, shifting my gaze towards Elara.

Currently, there were no engagement talks between Crown Prince Valerian and Elara. However, him dancing with her at Cecilia's sixteenth birthday would be enough to ignite those discussions, and I couldn't let that happen. Not if I wanted to change her fate.

First, I would ask her to dance. Then, I'd find a way to make sure the Crown Prince was occupied, unable to approach her.

I approached Elara, who stood off to the side, her soft lavender eyes watching the other dancers with a gentle curiosity. She seemed content where she was, away from the attention of the crowd.

"Lady Elara," I said, offering her a polite smile as I stepped into her line of sight. Her gaze shifted to me, a look of mild surprise flashing across her features.

"Arthur," she said softly, her lips curving into a smile. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"I was wondering if I might have the honor of a dance," I replied, extending my hand towards her.

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, I saw hesitation. She glanced around as if unsure, her gaze flickering towards the raised platform where the Imperial Family sat. But then she looked back at me, and there was a glimmer of something in her eyes—perhaps gratitude.

"Of course," she said, her voice barely audible over the music, as she placed her hand in mine.

I led her to the center of the dance floor, feeling the curious gazes of those around us as we took our positions. I could sense Rachel's surprised expression and the subtle nods of approval from my friends. Most importantly, though, I noticed Valerian's narrowed eyes from across the room, his gaze fixed on us.

Elara seemed a little nervous, her grip on my hand just a touch firmer than necessary. I gave her a reassuring smile as I placed my hand on her waist.

"Just follow my lead," I said gently.

She nodded, and as the music swelled, we began to move. Her steps were light, almost hesitant at first, but as we continued, she relaxed, her eyes meeting mine. I could see a faint smile forming on her lips, and for a moment, the tension around us seemed to dissolve.

"You dance very well," I said, my tone casual as we twirled across the floor.

Elara blushed slightly, her eyes lowering. "Thank you, Arthur. I'm not very experienced."

"You're doing wonderfully," I assured her.

She looked up, her lavender eyes warm. "It's kind of you to say that. I wasn't expecting to dance tonight."

"Neither was I," I admitted with a small smile, "but sometimes, unexpected moments turn out to be the best."

Elara's smile widened, and I could sense her relaxing even more. We continued to glide across the floor, the music guiding our movements, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Not only was I enjoying the dance, but I was also ensuring that the Crown Prince wouldn't have the chance to make his move.

Of course, this was a risky move.

It wasn't just the Crown Prince who wanted the engagement; the Emperor himself supported it. While Cecilia might be able to dissuade her brother, she couldn't stand against the Emperor's will.

That was why I needed the second part of my plan to fall into place tonight—targeting the man who had arrived unexpectedly.

Magnus Draykor, the Martial King.

He was the piece I needed to make this work in the short term.

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Elara Astoria, Rank 5 of Slatemark Academy, was renowned for her unmatched support magic at her age.

Support magic was considered almost a relic of an older era, yet it was the type of magic she had dedicated herself to mastering. Her affinity with the elements of light, earth, wind, water, and space allowed her to fully focus on support and defensive spells. Offensive magic, on the other hand, was her weak point—her talent for attack spells was practically nonexistent.

Yet, her incredible aptitude for support and defensive spells was enough to earn her a spot as Rank 5 in Slatemark Academy, often regarded as the greatest academy after Mythos Academy.

Elara was exceptionally kind-hearted. She grew up loved and protected by her father, who cherished her deeply, especially after her mother passed away during childbirth. Though she wasn't spoiled, her father's unwavering protection left her somewhat naive. She had no experience navigating the intricacies of social dynamics and tended to trust others easily, her gentle nature leaving her vulnerable.

From her place near the edge of the ballroom, Elara watched the dancing couples with quiet curiosity. She often found herself fascinated by the way people interacted so confidently, how they navigated conversations and social expectations with such ease. It was something she struggled with, and the sheer grandness of occasions like this often made her feel small and out of place.

But tonight was different.

When Arthur approached her and extended his hand, she was taken aback. The offer to dance caught her off guard, and for a moment, she hesitated, her gaze flickering towards the Imperial Family. The Crown Prince was watching, and she knew what the implications of her actions could be.

Yet, as she looked back at Arthur, something in his expression made her want to trust him. It wasn't a demand or an expectation—just a gentle invitation. She smiled softly and placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.

As they moved in sync with the music, Elara felt her initial nervousness slowly dissolve. Arthur's calm presence was reassuring, and his words were kind, making her feel at ease. It was a feeling she wasn't accustomed to—a sense of safety in the midst of the grand, overwhelming world of nobility.

"You dance very well," Arthur had said, and she couldn't help but blush at the compliment. She wasn't sure if she believed him, but the sincerity in his voice made her want to try her best.

For the first time that night, Elara allowed herself to relax, to enjoy the moment. The way Arthur guided her through the dance made her feel like she could belong, like she wasn't just a naive girl trying to find her place.

She caught a glimpse of the Crown Prince watching them from afar, his expression unreadable, and a flicker of anxiety touched her heart. But she pushed it aside, focusing instead on Arthur's steady gaze and the warmth of his smile. It was just a dance, she told herself—a single moment in the midst of a long night.

And for now, that moment was enough.