<b>34.</b>
As soon as Erce, Sierra and J entered the hall, their mouths were agape. The hall was so crowded that the voice of a person talking waspletely buried in the noise. J clicked her tongue. “At this rate, will we be able to see his face?”
“You might not be able to even greet him.”
“That won’t do! I’m really curious about him.”
Erce felt the same too, but she didn’t think she could push through so many people.<i> It would be better to find him after the first half of the banquet, around the beginning of the second half.</i> Erce suggested, “Let’s goter when there’s no one.”
J rebutted, “There will be no such time. Sierra?”
“Yes, J?”
“Let’s go.”
Erce stared nkly at the two in disbelief, then sent them away with a rough wave of her hand. She had to see Caron and her mother first.
Her heartless friends left first without looking back even once. Just then, Erce was startled by a touch on her shoulder. She turned around and recognized the face, “Lady diam!”
It was Eirene diam, Caron’s fiancée. Erce’s face looked happier than ever.
“Oh, dear! We’re going to be a family soon, so please just call me older sister.”
Erce nodded and continued with a smile, “Congrattions on your marriage in advance. Thank you for epting mycking brother.”
“In what way is hecking? He looks perfect in my eyes.”
“… If you say so.” Erce answered vaguely, but Eirene couldn’t understand what Erce meant. Eirene only cared about her soon-to-be happiness and kept beaming.
“Did you just arrive?”
“Yes, I just happened to be a littlete.”
“So you probably haven’t seen the Young Lord of Bernhardt’s face?”
“Did you see him, Older Sister?”
Eirene was pleased with Erce’s question and raised her thumb in approval. “He’s perfect!”
Erce nodded calmly, wondering about his perfection.
Eirene was all starry-eyed, so Sierra’s words might not be wrong after all. <i></i>
“But he’s a little stiff around people.”
“I heard that Duke Bernhardt is like that too.”
“Maybe it’s because he’s new to socializing? Even though he’s the main character of the party, he acts like a side character… Well, there are many who still are fond of and admire him. As expected, in this aspect, I feel Caron is more…”
“What do you mean by ’more’?”
“Caron!”
Caron, who had neatly groomed his tinum hair, appeared from a distance.
<i>I hate to admit it, but he looks great, </i>thought Erce.
His green eyes softly curved into crescents looking at the woman he will marry.
“Eirene,” Caron, who softly called her name, kissed Eirene on the back of her hand. “You met my sister first.”
“Your sister stands out because she’s so beautiful.”
“I only have eyes for you.”
Erce crumpled her face at the conversation between the two and scolded her brother, “Brother, did you forget that I’m right here?”
“Of course not.”
“That’s what you always say.”
<i>I can never get used to this.</i>
Caron lifted his finger and smoothed out the wrinkles on Erce’s forehead. She furrowed it again. Hemented, “You look ugly.”
“I don’t!” Erce responded confidently. <i>Obviously, Caron has no idea how manypliments I got today!</i> She proudly added, “Lesha told me today that I look like goddess Ludelsia.”
Ludelsia was a revered goddess in Grania. But to shamelessly brag that she looked like the goddess… Caron smiled sarcastically, “And you believed that? My sister is still so naive. Isn’t that right?”
Eirene slightly pinched Caron’s arm, telling him to stop, “Why don’t you just admit it, Caron? Your sister might be the most beautiful person here! Erce, you’ll be an adult next year, right? Just watch her get even prettier with time.”
“You’re right, my future Marquess.” Caron’s eyebrows bent disapprovingly at his sister’s cheeky smile as he agreed with Eirene. Of course, Erce ignored it.
Meanwhile, a gong signaled the start of the banquet. The music slowly began to fill the hall. The first half of the banquet had begun.
Men and women began to dance in pairs to the calm music. Unlike Bernhardt’s stiff exterior, the atmosphere in the hall was rather genial.
“We shall leave then?”
Erce understood his words.
With a grin, Caron reached out to Eirene, “Would you give me the honor of your first dance?”
“Of course.”
Holding Caron’s hand, Eirene gestured her leave to Erce and quickly mixed into the crowd at the center of the hall. Erce felt a little strange watching the two silhouettes dancing together.
<i>‘I guess Brother also has another family now.’</i>
<i>Ever since Older Sister Eshahilde became a princess consort, my first dance would always be with Brother.</i>
<i>But from now on, Brother will have his first dance with his fiancée. Naturally, his wife would be his number one priority.</i>
Erce smiled faintly because it felt strange but was not bad. She was looking at the couple when a man approached her.
“How have you been, Young Lady Visaride.”
“Nice to meet you, Young Lord Eriton.”
Erce remembered him because she danced with him at thest banquet. He rarely meets Erce’s eyes and just scratches the back of his head.
<i>Oh, I guess he’s shy.</i> She was used to his shy attitude, but she continued the conversation out of courtesy. “How have you been, my Lord?”
“I- I… after that day…”
“That day?”
“The day I danced with the Young Lady… ever since …”
Erce then understood what Young Lord Eriton was talking about.<i> He probably finds that dance memorable. </i>“Oh, I also had a great time that day.”
Perhaps because of Erce’s reply, Young Lord Eriton had a big smile on his face. He reached out carefully to Erce.
“Would you honor me with a dance this time too?”
They got along well during theirst dance so Erce was about to agree and ce her hand in his.
“E!”
She paused at the elegant voice calling her name as if reading a poem.
When the man appeared, Erce curtsied and greeted politely, “Greetings, Young Lord Damonshire.”
“I’m disappointed. Are you going to greet me so politely, E?”
The man was Casaro Damonshire— the only child of Count Damonshire, who was a nobleman from the capital.
Despite how friendly Casaro was with her, he wasn’t someone Erce could warmly wee due to their families’ opposing political standpoints.
Casaro was upset about it every time. He gave Erce a friendly look and nced to her side. Unlike his attitude towards Erce, Casaro’s expression for Young Lord Eriton was so dry that it was suffocating.
<i>The Damonshires hold more prestige than normal marquises, therefore they’re allowed affordances that wouldn’t be allowed to others.</i> Casaro’s eyes dismissed Young Lord Eriton as if he was air.
“Well, I’ll take my leave.”
Young Lord Eriton bowed his head in defeat and walked away.
Erce, who saw Young Lord Eriton’s humiliated face, couldn’t help but say, “Did you just scare away my dance partner?”
“E.” Despite her re, Casaro once again called her by her nickname.
She was shocked by the man who immediately became gentle in front of her.
“Young Lord Damonshire, were we ever close enough for you to call me by my nickname?”
Casaro grinned as if he found her harsh tone cute. “Oh, my apologies, but I can’t stand seeing anybody standing next to you. They should know their ce.”
“Don’t talk like that.”
<i>ce, status.</i> Erce didn’t like that about Casaro. She didn’t like how he looked down on people.
Erce spoke sharply, “I told you not to look down on people.”
“Alright. I’ll do whatever you say.”
<i>He wants my attention.</i> For a second, Casaro looked pitifully servile, so her frown rxed.
<i>He’s actually a pretty good guy if I look at things objectively. That’s why he’s known as a respectful gentleman.</i>
As Erce’s expression softened a little, Casaro grinned and said, “You know you’re going to be an adult soon, right?”
“Of course.”
“And that I’m waiting for that day.”
Erce looked at the man in front of her.<i> A neen-year-old with decent looks and background. Anyone would wee his proposal. It was clear why this man wasn’t engaged when he was so coveted by many youngdies and their matchmaking mamas.</i>
“Are you going to propose to me?”
“You already know that, alright.” Casaro smiled shyly. “And you will have no choice but to ept it.”
Erce was offended by his assertive tone. He was saying this as if she were his.
“How can you be sure of that?”
Despite her obvious signs of irritation, Casaro smiled and leisurely began counting on his fingers one by one, “You’re waiting for a family to send you a letter, right? The House of diam is already rted to your family through your brother’s marriage, and Robert diam, as you know, hates your guts, so you two can’t get married. But then will you opt for the second son of the Pantetzs who can’t even be a Count? For a girl of your stature? You know that’d be ridiculous. The Dartners already have a solid rtionship with Visaride without having to marry you. The same goes for the Raffaines. And His Lordship, the Marquis, won’t allow any of the other small fries to marry you.”
Every word Casaro said was true, so Erce couldn’t refute them. He then put his hand on Erce’s shoulder. She felt a heavy weight on her shoulder.
“Your family can ally with the Damonshires who are on a different political standpoint from yours. If I be a count, the Visarides would get Damonshire.”
“… What about the Second Prince? Mr. Bethel Bin is also a Damonshire. In case His Highness, the Second Prince…”
<i>… ascends the throne.</i>
Erce swallowed the words. But Casaro understood everything. “In that case, I’ll throw everything away and join the Visarides. Just for you.”
His words made her shiver and break out with goosebumps.<i> I knew there was something off about him, but I didn’t expect him to be reckless.</i>
Erce said, clearly thinking that Casaro was absurd, “Is the Count aware of your behavior?”
“He has no choice on the matter.”
Erce no longer felt like answering.
“E.” A voice pushier than before urged her. “You know I’m your best choice.”
His voice felt desperate for a split second. <i>The best choice.</i> She dwelled chewed on the words inwardly. She knew it, too. <i>This man is my best choice.</i>
“I know.”
“I’m d you do.”
Her father will ept the proposal when it arrives from the Damonshire family. There’s no better option for her than this. Marrying Casaro would make her Countess of Damonshire, and her life would be even brighter.
Furthermore, Erce will not suffer from her husband’s indifference and be happy as a result.
Casaro held Erce’s hand and pressed his lips against the back of her hand. She wanted to leave but she put up with it. Casaro’s eyes hinted earnestness as he looked at Erce after the kiss.
“You.”
“…….”
“I hope you choose me.”
To others, it would seem like a lover making a sweet plea to another. But she felt a bitter taste in her mouth. <i>What does he mean by ‘choice’? He’s the only choice I’ve got in the first ce. What choice can I make?</i>
Erce was spiteful on the inside and she knew who was the cause. It was clear.
<i>Casaro Damonshire.</i>
She had nothing in her heart for that man.
* * *
In the end, she couldn’t reject Casaro’s request for a dance. Looking around while dancing, Erce focused on finding where her mother was. Erce wondered if she was resting in the room, but fortunately, Erce was able to find her not far away.
When the dance was over, Erce escaped Casaro’s arms as if she were running away. It was a pity, but he could not hold onto the Marquess’s daughter in front of the Marquess herself, so he had no choice but to let Erce go.
“Erce.” The Marquess weed Erce back into her arms like before. Erce felt a warm touch gently stroking her back.
“You’ll be an adult next year, but you’re still such a child.”
“I want to live with Mother forever.”
“Oh, you don’t want to get married?”
“I’m happy right now.”
Erce was all grown up now, but she still felt like a child in Marquess’s eyes. The Marquess epted her daughter’s whining and pulled Erce out of her arms and made eye contact. Warm, sea-colored eyes gazed at her. “You don’t have to marry that Damonshire boy.”
“But he’s my best choice.”
“Erce, you don’t know this because you’re young, but the criteria for <i>best</i> are quite diverse and change depending on how you think about it.”
“… What do you mean?”
“The criterion you’ve set for the <i>best </i>is the best for your family. By that standard, you’re right to choose that Casaro kid. But what if you set love as the <i>best</i>? Even if they have a humble background, if you are married to someone you love, they would be your best choice.”
Erce remained silent as the Marquess gently ran her fingers through Erce’s hair.
“I’m not forcing you to prioritize anything. But one day you’ll have to get married, too. A day wille when I’ll have to let you out of my arms sadly.”
“Mother.”
“Be happy, my daughter.”
Erce had studied a lot, but the Marquess always told Erce something new. Erce was puzzled, “Does marriage make one happy?”
“Yes, if you do it with the person you want.”
“Does having children make you happy?”
“Sure, since they’re a part of you.”
“Was Mother happy when you gave birth to me?”
“Of course, I can’t express just how happy I was to have you.”
“…….”
“I love him, Eshahilde, Caron, Erce— I love you all. That’s why I’m happy.”
<i>Love.</i> Erce’s heart fluttered at the word. She epted her mother’s embrace, who caressed her face as if she were handling her most precious treasure.
“Your father and Eshahilde might not express it, but they, Caron and your friends all love you.”
Erce grinned.<i> I know how happy I am.</i> A loving, harmonious family and people around her who always chatter loudly.
Erce felt like the whole world revolved around her. As always, she will continue to be happy and loved in the future as well.
Erce smiled brighter than ever at the thought.
Holding her partner’s hands, Erce spun around. This was her sixth dance. As soon as she separated from her mother, people approached her in the tides. Erce didn’t really reject them because she loved dancing.
However, as she kept dancing continuously, Erce felt exhausted and her breathing gradually becamebored. She thought it would be best to ept onest dance and then rest for a while.
The main character of this banquet suddenly came to her mind. <i>What kind of person is he? I hear people passing by saying that he’s very cold, intimidating, and quiet. And yet, there was not a hint of displeasure in their faces. </i>Erce shyly kept on repeating what she heard over and over.
She resumed thinking about the Young Lord Bernhardt, whom she had stopped thinking about because of Casaro. As Erce was lost in her thoughts, she kept on missing her steps.
Her dance partner reached and grabbed her. “Are you all right?”
“… I’m fine.”
Erce quickly escaped his arms. He smirked and said, “Young Lady, why don’t you rest in the lounge with me?”
“I have to see my brotherter.” Erce politely declined his offer. He scratched his cheek in embarrassment, understanding the firm rejection.
Just in time, the gong rang to announce the end of the first half of the banquet. Feeling lucky, Erce headed to a table with a variety of drinks.
<i>Come to think of it, I haven’t had a single sip ever since entering the hall.</i> She gulped a random drink to quench her growing thirst.
When her thirst was relieved to some extent, her body became ck from the pain in her stomped feet. The moment she stumbled, an arm firmly held her waist.
“Ack!”
Erce gained her bnce unexpectedly. The arm holding Erce left her instantly.
Erce looked at the man who helped her.<i> I’ve never seen this face before.</i> As soon as she saw him, she knew Sierra was going to go crazy.
The man’s appearance was so beautiful that it was hard to exin it in words. He had ck hair and ck eyes. It was pitch ck—like the dark night without a single ray of light.
Erce looked at him curiously and said, “T-thank you…”
She stuttered because she was out of breath. His looks were unreasonably extraordinary. She repeatedly inhaled and exhaled uncontrobly.
Meanwhile, a brief silence spread. She thanked him, but he just kept on staring at Erce without responding.
Normally, it might seem rude, but Erce didn’t think so. Without notice, the man reached and wiped Erce’s forehead. She felt a cool touch from the man’s fingertips.
Before long, hepletely took his cold fingertips off her. He nced at the liquid on his fingertips, swung his arm lightly and shook his hand. Erce’s gaze slowly followed his movement. The hall was noisy, but she felt her surroundings go silent.
“You must be having a great time…”
Erce stared nkly as the man continued in a low voice.
“… at mying-of-age party.”
Even though he was expressionless, the man seemed to be smiling somewhat.
* * *
My Kofi: turtleneck