[Chapter 84] Why You!

As expected, Diane, whom Neris considered the cutest in the world, felt a sense of camaraderie in that moment.

"Yeah, I make that expression often too! I've felt that way too! Neris's face, happy about things she didn't even realize she liked, while claiming there's nothing she won't eat, when she really enjoys a dish, she makes that exact expression!"

She tries not to show it, but if you keep watching, you'll know! That she likes it! And that's what's cute about it!

Most of the time, the feeling of finding someone cute comes from goodwill. Diane called this 'good' cuteness love.

It's the same kind of warmth that family gives, and it's precious and tender even the flaws of the other person, an absolute force of attraction that makes you look at them unknowingly.

Diane was relieved. There are limits to affection. And now, the Duke with that terrible reputation didn't need to prove anything.

Bran whispered to Diane, "Wait. They're from the Student Council."

Indeed, the music slowly stopped. Not only Diane and Bran but also the other couples dancing on the floor stopped moving.

Princess Ijette, who had just entered with Valentine Elendria, was wearing a rich dress shining in silver. The dress, reminiscent of royal attire, bared the shoulders and cinched the waist tightly, with sleeves and skirts billowing like waves.

The skirt had a subtle sheen of fabric woven with silver threads. The solemn face of the girl with her dark hair tightly pinned at the back.

Now, the graduated prince and Princess Ijette were both direct descendants of the royal family. Attire woven with gold thread was worn by those above 'Your Highness,' and attire woven with silver thread was worn by those above 'Your Excellency.'

Her dignified attire and strong demeanor displayed the majesty of the Vista royal family. The nobles cleared the way for Ijette, respectfully bowing their heads in admiration.

Neris also watched Ijette as she walked with her head held high.

The people seated at the tables also rose according to etiquette, bowing to the princess. Neris, standing behind the tall Cladwyn, could freely glance at Ijette and Valentine following behind.

Ijette, standing on the dais set up on one side of the ballroom, coldly commanded, "Rise."

Following her words, the nobles slowly straightened their waists. Neris stood behind Ijette, not missing the joyful expression on Valentine's face.

She must be thinking of the people she will rule in the future.

Neris understood Valentine's mindset. As Valentine grew older, she was gradually becoming more like the last arrogant face Neris remembered from her previous life. It was only natural.

But this time, it wouldn't go as it did before.

Never.

***

After the formal opening ceremony, the main event of Part 2 of the graduation ball began.

Most students attending the graduation ball already had a designated dance partner. The seniors especially had clear groups they would dance with.

Students with partners, as well as groups of friends, had already paired off and started dancing.

At the students' ball, slow and fast dance tunes alternated. The first official dance at the ball was always the Cotillon, where four couples performed a dance together, but the following songs followed different rules.

Slow dances were mainly for couples, but fast dances didn't feel awkward even when friends danced together. When a slow song played, Diane went to the floor with Bran, but when a fast dance was on, she returned to the table.

After a few songs, Diane chuckled and asked, "Aren't you dancing? Is that what everyone's talking about?"

Though she used 'you,' her gaze was fixed on Neris. Neris, who was engrossed in conversation with Cladwyn and lost track of time, was slightly taken aback.

The content of their conversation was mundane. Since it was a public setting where others could listen, it mostly revolved around everyday topics.

The affairs of the nobility, how people in the Duke's circle were faring, how those around Neris were doing, and similar topics.

Of course, to others, these discussions seemed distant and inexplicable. However, to the two who knew the context, these topics were important.

The conversation hinted skillfully at how the Duke's circle and the Elendria family were faring.

"Dance?"

They were at the ball, so they could dance, but Neris wasn't particularly interested. As Neris furrowed her brow, Cladwyn reached out his hand to her.

"You should dance at least once."

"Sure, why not."

There was no particular reason to refuse. Neris took Cladwyn's hand and stood up. The warmth she felt from his hand, which she faintly sensed when they got off the carriage, was quite high.

All eyes were on the two as they moved towards the dance floor.

The deep, resonant sound of the cello gripped the air in the ballroom, making it tremble. Cladwyn's steps were light and lively.

One hand on the partner's shoulder, the other holding the partner's hand.

It was a basic posture for a social dance, but Neris couldn't help but feel a suspicion that she and Cladwyn were too close.

She knew it was an unreasonable question.

Everyone else was dancing like this, but why did it feel like there was a world between him and her?

No one else existed.

One hand on the partner's waist, the other holding the partner's hand.

Cladwyn, in the classic posture of a social dance, looked into Neris's eyes.

His eyes were a deep color.

He sent an amethyst, thinking it was the color closest to her eyes that needed jewels in her dress. But the actual color of her eyes was different. They were deep, round, and emitted a variety of colors.

Despite their different thoughts, the two danced smoothly, like slipping, and their perfect dance was like a painting. Just as Alekto came out to dance at the same turn, his face twisted in annoyance.

"Hey, Albert Rishem. Hold me properly. I almost tripped."

Albert, who danced with Alekto at Megara's request, felt unjustly accused. He was dancing in a proper posture.

"What did I do?"

"Anyway!"

As Alekto was about to say something, he saw Megara coming out onto the floor. Holding Colin's hand, Megara had a radiant smile on her face.

Megara, dancing and naturally approaching, Alexto twisted his smile. Albert pondered seriously. He wanted to stop dancing, but how should he do it?

The violin's high notes rang cheerfully. All pairs on the floor turned gracefully to the music.

Neris and Cladwyn's dance circle was textbook elegant. The precise shapes and range idealized in dance textbooks. Enchanting to the eyes...

But just before the circle was completed, it fell apart.

"Ouch!"

Thud. Megara, who collided heavily with Cladwyn's back, let out a small cry.

Cladwyn, Neris, Megara, and Colin. The two pairs' dance came to a halt.

"Ow... I'm sorry, Your Grace."

Megara, rubbing her arm that had hit Cladwyn's back hard, pitifully apologized. She looked up at Cladwyn and choked up.

Long and beautiful eyelashes and moist eyes. Witnessing it right before her eyes, Neris suddenly recalled past events, sending a chill down her spine.

The day Megara seduced Prince Abelus was the day Neris and Abelus held their wedding. Abelus, who had danced with Neris only once at the congratulatory reception, was now lying in state, and Megara actively approached him.

Natasha's eyes were still wide open, but in Neris's memory, it was clear who the winner was. Moreover, Megara was engaged at the time.

Yes, right there, standing foolishly, Colin Ganielo.

All the pieces overlapped. Now, where Abelus once stood, Cladwyn stood.

"You again."

The words rose to Neris's throat. She couldn't even express what she felt about the emotions brewing within her. Anger was natural. But this was something much greater and more intense.

"And what will you say in response?"

Neris felt all the affectionate words Megara had said to her during her marriage to Abelus rise up. And that too, in front of the prince's wife.

"You are more beautiful than anyone, Meg. I'm sorry, Meg. I was wrong not to prove my love enough for you, Meg. I'll do whatever you want, Meg. You are my true love. There is no other woman."

...She was breathless.

What would this man say? Could she expect a different answer from him?

Regardless, had anyone not succumbed to Megara?

Even Cladwyn and Neris were not faithful lovers. So, even if he showed interest in Megara now, Neris had no right to interfere.

But the wait for a response was too long.

An overwhelming surge of emotions choked her, and Neris couldn't even look at Cladwyn.

Megara's face was so pitiful that any man with a heart would empathize. But... Cladwyn coldly replied to her.

"Yes."

No ordinary social niceties like 'It's okay' or 'Are you okay?' followed. 'Yes.' As if Megara should be the one apologizing. He ended the conversation decisively.

Neris unknowingly looked up at Cladwyn.

He wasn't even looking at Megara. Instead, his gray eyes were fixed on Neris's face.

Entirely on Neris's face.

"Your complexion doesn't look good, are you surprised? Wouldn't it be better to have a drink, even a simple one? Or should we go outside to get some fresh air?"

Who collided with whom, who are you worried about? And so affectionately? Megara's face contorted.

Ironically, Neris felt that Cladwyn's eyes looking at her were more suffocating than anything she had experienced so far. What was this emotion?

Something never felt before.

It was akin to sadness, yet... it didn't fall into the negative category.

With everything in her world shaking so intensely, Neris needed a moment to respond.

"...Let's go outside... to get some fresh air. That would be good."

Why!

Why!