[ Dwight Everett is accepted as the top applicant for the Imperial Open Recruitment! ]

It was the headline of an article on the front page of the Imperial Newspaper.

Eleanor lay down on the soft bed and read through the ensuing interview.

[ – Congratulations on your acceptance. What kind of position did you get in the Imperial Household?

: Thank you. I’m working as an aide to the Crown Prince. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of, so I’m very excited and happy. I’ll do my best to assist His Highness. ]

To think that he was trembling while practicing. As expected, he’s good at real game.

Eleanor’s lips were greeted with a smile of satisfaction.

[ – You passed with a remarkable performance that stood out even among the successful applicants. You also got the title of The Youngest Successful Candidate at the age of 24! What’s the secret?

: There was a lot of help from my twin little sister, Eleanor. Eleanor is really smart.

– Is it the Miss Eleanor who was the topic of discussion for giving up admission even though she takes the top spot on the Academy Entrance Exam?

: Yes, that’s right. Although she’s my younger sister, no one can keep up with her brain when it comes to studying. She’s also very good at teaching, and she points out the essential parts… ]

The newspaper crumpled up in Eleanor’s hand.

Eleanor, Eleanor, Eleanor!

The entire page was plastered with stories about her. Eleanor’s face was as red as an apple.

What is she going to do with that fool?

Eleanor huffed a breath as she went up the stairs and slammed the door open.

“Dwight!”

Dwight, who was half lying on the sofa while eating cookies, arise from his position. There was a little embarrassment on his gentle, good-looking face.

“Ah, Ellen.”

“Explain now.”

Dwight had an expression of appalled regret when a crumpled newspaper was thrown in front of him.

“No, it’s… But it’s all true. I didn’t say anything false.”

“The problem is that it’s different from what we promised. A thorough preparation and review using basic books! Analysis of previous questions! You promised to answer like that. Don’t you remember?

“Come to think of it, Ellen, you promised to not see my interview.”

“But you shouldn’t do that!”

Eleanor took the cookie in Dwight’s hand and took a large bite as she sat down on the sofa. Confirming that his twin’s expression wasn’t so bad, Dwight seated himself next to her.

“Ellen, why don’t you like attention like that? If I were as smart as you, I’d brag about it here and there.”

“I don’t want attention. I just want to live comfortably like this forever. Spending all the money you, Dwight, have earned.”

Dwight shook his head and laughed as if he couldn’t stop Eleanor’s words. He seemed to take her words as a joke. However, Eleanor’s words were 100% sincere.

“A rich unemployed person is my life motto. Remember that.”

***

Eleanor was born with the memory of her past life intact.

In her previous life, she was an ordinary Korean woman named Go Yeo-jin.

Her appearance and personality were normal. If she were normal, it would’ve been nice if she had a normal family, but Yeo-jin was born with a so-called ‘dirt spoon.’

[A/N; dirt spoon is meant as slang for people in the low-income group. An opposite concept of ‘golden spoon.’]

From her cramped humid house, the damn poverty, and a life just like her parents, Yeo-jin clenched her teeth and worked hard to escape it all.

During her youth, she studied harder than anyone else and entered a good university, and from the age of 20, she worked several part-time jobs to collect tuition and living expenses.

In the end, money was the reason she chose to work as an instructor.

She started from the bottom, but Yeo-jin made her name known by building her career step by step.

The class materials she had created all night were stolen by her fellow instructor, the director’s niece, and although she was pestered by phone calls from the students’ parents until dawn, Yeo-jin persistently endured it.

It was because she had debts to pay, and a family to take care of.

[ “Teacher Yeo-jin is so tough. It’s scary when I see her sometimes, you know?” ]

[ “It seemed like she only knew about work. Then what? She always loses everything to teacher Yoon.” ]

[ “It’s stupid to put up with everything like a pushover. Teacher Yoon, who acts shamelessly, is still teacher Yoon, but teacher Yeo-jin is a real problem. Does she want to pretend as the only kind person or something…” ]

[ “You know, even if you give me a million of money, I won’t live like that. I will never live like that.” ]

No matter what others said, Yeo-jin was able to pay off all her debts and signed a contract for a luxury apartment near the academy using her hard work.

Tears welled up in her eyes when she stamped the seal for a real estate.

‘Now I’m really going to live for myself. Just for me.’

And two months later, Yeo-jin, who collapsed on her way to work, never opened her eyes again.

She was only 33, and the cause of her death was overworked.

To think that being overworked to death was the price of this hard-working life!

Yeo-jin burst into tears as she looked down at her collapsed body in the cold apartment corridor.

Had she known this would happen, she would’ve just lived in moderation. Doing what she wants to do, and rest when she wants to.

It was already too late for her to regret it.

***

Perhaps, God also thinks that it was a little too much.

“Your name is Eleanor. Eleanor Everett.”

When Yeo-jin opened her eyes, she was crying heavily in the arms of a blond gentleman with a soft countenance.

It was obviously a foreign language that she heard for the first time, but strangely, she could understand it all.

‘Is this what you call reincarnation…?’

Eleanor blinked slowly as she looked up at the fascinating and old-fashioned ceiling that she had only seen in a museum.

After several weeks of observing the people around her, she seemed to have been reborn as a daughter of a Count. The crying baby boy lying next to her must be her twin brother.

At first, she had a hard time adapting to the flustering changes, but Eleanor, who had finished judging her situation, soon rejoice.

‘I can live in this life and fix my fate!’

Unlike her previous life, where she had to walk an arduous path, what unfolded for Eleanor in this life was a beautiful flower path.

The count was wealthy, and her parents were gentle and intelligent people. Dwight, her twin brother, also followed her well with a gentle personality.

“Ellen! Let’s go out to play in the garden.”

“The sunlight is strong. My skin will get burned. I don’t want to.”

“Hmph. You said that you dislike going out because it was cloudy yesterday. Ellen is a liar!”

It was exhausting to match with a child’s eye level every time, but it was worth the hassle since when she became an adult later, she intended to let Dwight take over all the family affairs.

However, Eleanor’s ambitious plans to play and eat without doing anything ensued a slight setback. She had got overly good grades on the Academy Entrance Exam, which she had done secretly out of curiosity.

The Academy of Deln was a difficult place to pass, let alone a top applicant. Just like an S University in South Korea.

[ “I’ve been a professor for 10 years, and this is the first time I’ve seen such a student! Miss Eleanor is definitely a genius. I want to raise her properly.” ]

The clutching cries that she didn’t want to be separated from her parents, only prevented her from entering the academy, but couldn’t prevent the Count’s attention from turning to her. The count stealthy called her into his office and made her watch him work.

‘At this rate, I’m going to take over the family. It can’t happen!’

Eleanor was determined to properly educate his twin brother.

Dwight wasn’t particularly gifted with studying, but he was an exceptional student of integrity.

Eleanor gathered and poured all the know-how she gained from her previous life into Dwight.

Dwight grumbled at the tight schedule, but he still readily followed Eleanor’s words. As the results began to emerge, the Count, once again, turned his attention toward his eldest son, Dwight.

“Ellen, I’m accepted!”

“That’s really great! Have you told father yet?”

Everything has been perfect since Dwight brought the news of his top applicant acceptance. Now, what remained was for her to relax and enjoy the rest of her life comfortably.

No more labor in her dictionary!

…Was what she thought, but things began to go in a different direction than expected.

***

“This… What’s all this?”

“These are letters for the Miss.”

“All of them? They’re not for father or Dwight?”

Albert, the butler, nodded his head with a slightly bemused face. Eleanor was speechless as she looked at the mountain of letters before her.

What is this uneasy feeling?

After a moment of hesitation, Eleanor opened a letter.

[ Dear Lady Eleanor Everett.

Hello, this is Count Edmund Jenkins. I read Lord Everett’s interview in a newspaper article a while ago and was very impressed. My son is preparing to enter the Academy soon… ]

Eleanor hurriedly put down the letter.

‘Such a terrible letter!’

Eleanor softly trembled as her shoulder shook. She threw the letter away without reading what remained, and with trembling hands, she opened the next envelope.

[ If you can take care of my son and teach him, the pay for it… ]

[ I want you to be my daughter’s teacher… ]

[ If my child just pass the Academy Entrance Exam… ]

Next, next, next.

Eleanor’s hand gradually became rougher as she opened the letters. The contents were similar as if all of them were printed.

‘Be my child’s teacher.’

Eleanor slumped to her seat, as if she was exhausted from half-opening the mountain of letters.

Dwight’s interview in the newspaper clearly boasted a tremendous impact.

Eleanor wished she had received these letters in her previous life. There would’ve been no offer as sweet as this, giving her whatever amount of money she wanted.

However, Eleanor was now a wealthy lady who didn’t have to do anything.

It is enough for her to just lie on a soft bed, enjoy a nap, and live leisurely while visiting scenic places or going sightseeing.

Eleanor looked at the pile of letters with a fed-up face.

“Are you all right, miss?”

Albert, who was watching Eleanor, asked kindly. Eleanor replied as she shook her head slowly.

“No, I’m not okay.”

“Then, would you like a cup of warm tea…?”

“There’s no need. Bring Dwight rather than a tea… Can you do that?”

***

“Ellen, my hands are cramping. Can’t I do it after a break?”

“Think about it. Can you?”

Eleanor replied gracefully as she took a sip of her tea. Dwight rubbed one of his numb hands, while being preoccupied with writing a refusal reply again.

After entrusting Dwight with the reply, Eleanor regained her peace of mind.

No matter what anyone says, it was alright for her to refuse. Since Dwight, the culprit behind this incident, will solve the problem and she will be able to enjoy a comfortable, unemployed life, as planned. Nothing has changed.

‘How many days should I go on a trip? Now that it has become like this, perhaps a place that was far from the capital…’

Her moment of sweet imagination was interrupted, Albert was knocking on the door and said,

“Miss, you have a guest.”

“Guest?”

Who is it?

Eleanor raised her eyebrows as she rose from her seat and opened the door. As soon the door opened, her view was obstructed by someone’s chest.

“It’s the Young Marquis Adrian Blake.”

Even before the butler opened his mouth, Eleanor immediately recognized the identity of her guest. She recalled gleams of the familiar scent from him.

Eleanor raised her chin and made eye contact with the man in front of her. Andrian greeted her calmly, the corners of his lips were slightly raised.

“Long time no see, Ellen.”

Adrian was Eleanor’s only friend. They grew up together since childhood and knew each other’s feelings better than anyone else.

At least Eleanor thought so. Until Adrian left, leaving only a letter saying that he would be out of touch for a while because he was going far away.

Eleanor was disappointed with Adrian’s behavior.

“Long time no see?”

Eleanor gave him a small snort. She, clasping her arms tightly, asked sternly.

“To think that you’ve been avoiding me for a few months, and then suddenly you show up and say something like, ‘long time no see’…”

“I didn’t avoid you. Why do you think so?”

“Because at that time, we quarreled every day, and you acted strangely every time you saw me.”

Recognizing the unusual atmosphere between the two, Dwight sneaked out of the room. Suddenly, the door closed and only the two of them were left in the room.

“I was too busy going around to learn merchants’ business. I also wanted to organize my thoughts.”

“So, did it turn out the way you wanted?”

Adrian looked down at Eleanor with strange eyes and answered.

“In a way.”

“Good for you.”

Eleanor turned her head and said coldly. There was a cold atmosphere in the room.

“Ellen. Look at me.”

Adrian, who looked at Eleanor for a moment, took a step closer to her. His golden eyes, as if they were whipped honey, came close to her eyes.

“Sorry.”

Eleanor blushed involuntarily at his face, which suddenly got closer to hers.

Her gaze slowly glided down from his soft, caramel-colored hair to the new, slightly lean cheeks she hadn’t seen. After more than 20 years of seeing him, he still had a dazzling face that made her weak.

Normally, her stomach would melt just by looking at him, but today was an exception. Eleanor walked back and forth through the room, trying to get rid of the sobbing again.

“If you were going far away, you should’ve gone after saying farewell to me. A few lines of letters are never enough.”

“I know. It was a stupid thing.”

“It can’t even be called a letter. It was a note.”

“You’re right.”

Adrian stood upright and humbly accepted Eleanor’s wrath. Her heart gradually calmed down at the attitude of a truly meek student.

He asked, finding that Eleanor’s eyes had softened as usual.

“Are you forgiving me?”

“No.”

Eleanor answered, lowering her eyelashes coyly. Knowing that her heart had already softened, Adrian asked with a sad expression on his face.

“What should I do to make you forgive me?”

“I don’t know. I hate you.”

Adrian grinned as Eleanor mumbled a small mumble the moment he sat down on the couch.

“I missed you too, Ellen.”

Adrian sat casually in the seat next to her, lightly messing with Eleanor’s hair. Eleanor, who was stomping her feet playfully, asked as if she had just remembered.

“By the way, what made you come here today? To congratulate Dwight?”

“Yeah. And I also have something I want to ask you.”

Eleanor tilted her head. After a moment’s hesitation, Adrian opened his mouth.

“Do you remember Sienna?”

“Your niece? Of course I remember her. Wow, she must have grown quite a bit now.”

“Yeah, she’ll be nine soon. This time, she got a house nearby and came up. She’s preparing for the Academy Exam these days, and…”

The moment the word ‘Academy’ came out of Adrian’s mouth, Eleanor’s spine shivered. An ominous feeling crept up.

Please just don’t say ‘that’…

However, the world has always betrayed Eleanor’s wishes, and her ominous premonitions have always been exactly right.

“Ellen, I want you to be Sienna’s teacher.”

***

“Ugh, I never wanted to teach anyone again, though. It’s hard to say no because I know how much Rian cares for his niece.”

Eleanor threw herself onto the bed and let out a long sigh.

Sienna, whose biggest goal in life is to enter the Academy at the age of nine, seemed very impressed by Dwight’s interview. Adrian made a troubled face, saying that throughout going up to the capital, she only asked him to make her meet Eleanor.

Eleanor replied to Adrian that she would think about it first. He stared at her with the eyes of a puppy in the rain, how could she just cut it off and say no?

Three more days had passed since that day, but Eleanor still couldn’t make up her mind. It was certainly the time for her to deliver an answer.

‘I think it sure will be fine for just a month or two…’

Her mind slowly weakened as she recalled Adrian’s twinkling eyes.

‘But I said I’d reject everything! It might just be annoying again.’

I surely must not do it. I mustn’t.

Eleanor quickly regained her senses and shook her head. She couldn’t live her life like a worker ant in this way. She surely has money, she sure is young, and she was overflowed with things that she could enjoy.

She went in front of the desk and picked up a pen, determined. If she looked at his face, she would become weak again, so it would have been better for her to express her refusal in a letter.

“Miss, you need to come out for a moment.”

Then the butler’s voice came from outside the door. Unlike usual, his voice was full of bewilderment and tension.

“There’s a guest looking for the Miss.”

“My guest?”

“Yes. But about that… It’s the Duke of Valentine.”

Eleanor’s mouth fell open in shock.

Kaidel Idris Valentine.

The Duke of Valentine was one of the few figures in the Empire who didn’t require any special introduction. Everyone knew about him, and Eleanor was also one of them.

Valentine was the most powerful family in the Empire. When the previous duke died and his only 19-year-old son took over as head of family, people all expressed doubts. How could a kid who barely knew how to hold a sword lead such a large family?

But now, seven years later, no one doubted Kaidel’s abilities.

Kaidel wasn’t only an outstanding warrior like his ancestors, but also a perfect administrator. He made perfectly rational judgments like a machine and made the duchy even more prosperous.

He was near-perfect in every way. Is that why? The rumors that followed him were of the kind that said he wasn’t a human at all. Things like being cold-blooded who doesn’t know emotions, or freezing people with his eyes.

She knew it was a false rumor, but since she was going to deal with him closely, Eleanor couldn’t hide her tension.

‘Why the hell is the Duke wanting to see me?’

Eleanor’s little brain was busily turning around.

Has she ever accidentally entangled with him? No matter how much she thought about it, she hadn’t had any contact with him at all, except for a few encounters at parties. It was all she could see, even at very distant feet.

Just what the hell is it! What is it!

Eleanor headed to the drawing room as she forcely pressed down the urge to chew her thumb.

As soon as she saw the Duke’s back, Eleanor curled her shoulders without realizing it. Dwight wasn’t short, either, but he seemed to be a span taller than him. The mere presence of wide shoulders and back exuded a sense of intimidation.

Standing behind the Duke, Eleanor cleared her throat.

“I greet the Duke of Valentine. I am Eleanor Everett.”

As Eleanor greeted him in a trembling voice, the Duke turned back slowly.

His sea-blue eyes looked down at her calmly. At that moment, Eleanor gasped.

It was the first time she had seen the Duke’s face properly. Even from a distance, she thought he was very handsome, yet seeing him up close made her feel it wasn’t real.

His white skin contrasting with his black hair as dark as night exuded an ascetic and sacred atmosphere. On the other hand, the thick line from the straight forehead to the straight, high nose bridge and the sharp jawline was extremely manly.

Eleanor swallowed involuntarily. Kaidel, who was looking down at her, parted his lips with an expressionless face.

“I apologize for such a sudden visit. I’ll properly compensate you for today’s disrespect later.”

A sweet voice rang low. There was a power to overwhelm the listener in the words that were uttered a little slowly.

“To think you said disrespect. It’s such an honor to meet you.”

Kaidel shook his head as Eleanor waved her hand with a polite smile.

‘But why… is he not saying anything?’

Kaidel stood upright in his place, staring at her. Smiling at him for a long time awkwardly, Eleanor carefully suggested.

“…Would you like to sit down and have a cup of tea?”

He nodded his head briefly and sat down. Eleanor stroked her chest and beckoned a maid to bring cups of tea.

There was a continuous sound of the clattering tea in the dreary silence. Just before her body twisted because of the awkwardness, Kaidel finally opened his mouth.

“This morning, I got a reply.”

“If it’s a reply…?”

Kaidel’s gaze fell on Eleanor. It was a look that asked, “What are you saying when you were the one who sent it?”

The rumor that he could freeze a person with his eyes was a perfectly fact-based rumor, even if other rumors weren’t known. Eleanor, crushed by his energy, shrugged her shoulders.

In fact, she didn’t even know that a letter had come from the Duke’s house. It was because she got tired of tearing it halfway and left all the replies to Dwight.

‘Dwight, you idiot! You should have told me something like a letter from the Duke’s house!’

Eleanor answered brightly as she lashed out at Dwight inwardly.

“Yes, a reply! I sent it. Yes, that’s right.”

“What’s the reason?”

Kaidel frowned and asked.

“Did you not like the conditions? I think I said that I’m willing to do the best I can for whatever you ask for.”

“It’s not a matter of conditions. I… I don’t want to teach anyone anymore. And I don’t have the talent for that.”

“The Lady is too humble.”

Kaidel let out a smirk on his face. It must have been a compliment, but somehow she felt scolded. Eleanor managed to swallow the apologetic words.

“Although you might already know, I have an eight-year-old brother.”

Kaidel continued speaking in a serious voice. Eleanor hadn’t read his letter, so she knew nothing, but she nodded her head shamelessly, as if it was the opposite.

“I didn’t want to embarrass you with a story you’ve already rejected. But the reason I asked for a meeting without making excuses was because I felt so confident.”

Eleanor, who had been choosing her words for a moment, answered calmly.

“I’m grateful that the Duke appreciates me, but if it’s the Duke of Valentine, you can find many more capable and smarter tutors than me, though.”

Kaidel didn’t answer. She couldn’t understand the subtle emotions in his blue eyes. Eleanor, who looked at him for a moment, spoke again.

“Even though I was born with a little talent for studying, I’m a count’s daughter who didn’t receive proper academy education. There are a lot of things my brother brags about because he has too much affection for me.”

“If I had been concerned only about Demian’s studies, I wouldn’t have bothered to look for you.”

Kaidel’s lips twitched over and over again as if he was in a conflict. Eleanor didn’t rush, just waiting for him. After a long sigh, Kaidel continued speaking in a calm voice.

“Please reconsider. I want you to meet him just once. Even if you’ll refuse again.”

There was a faint crack on Kaidel’s face, who had been like a perfect statue the whole time. He seemed to be hurt or very distressed.

Eleanor, who looked at him slowly, nodded her head involuntarily.

She didn’t bow down to his position as a duke, nor did she succumb to the pressure he exuded. At that moment, the Duke looked so exhausted that she could hardly refuse his request.

After Kaidel politely thanked her, he asked her to write a letter of a convenient date and left. His cup of tea was untouched.

The large carriage engraved with the Duke’s pattern was leaving, and Eleanor let out a belated sigh of relief. Her whole body was numb, as if she had been frozen all along.

“…If it’s to this extent in front of the Duke, I sure put up a good defense. Although I couldn’t say no, it’s only I’ll try meeting him once, so yeah.”

She can just go at that time and say no.

Eleanor returned to her room, struggling to drive away her uneasy feeling. No matter what happened, not a single day passed comfortably.

Eleanor grinded her teeth while saying that it’s all because of Dwight, that brat. And as soon as the next morning dawned, Eleanor ended up letting out a screech.

“These are gifts which are sent from now on from the Duke of Valentine family for the Miss.”

Eleanor looked at the endless stream of gifts with fed-up eyes. What the hell is all of this about?

[I apologize for such a sudden visit. I’ll properly compensate you for today’s disrespect later.]

Out of a sudden, the words of the Duke flashed through her mind. If it was compensation for an unannounced visit, this was far beyond the scope of ‘appropriateness’. If his intention was to convince her, then that’s even more inappropriate…

However, honestly, it was very effective. Since, for a moment, she thought that it would be okay to suffer a few more months.

Eleanor opened the gift boxes one by one with a puzzled look on her face.

“Oh my gosh. I’ve never seen such a large and delicate pearl, Miss!”

“And this dress as well. It’s from Roden Boutique, which is hard for anyone to buy even if you make a reservation 6 months in advance!”

The maids who were arranging the gifts that came in exclaimed in admiration. They were the highest quality products that couldn’t be obtained even if everyone tried to pay for it.

“But can I really accept this? I did nothing, though?”

“Ah, the Duke will never receive it back. It’s his message that if you don’t like it, he will leave the disposition entirely to you.”

Albert intervened quickly and answered firmly. He added another package of presents.

“Then, this flower and cookie box came from the Marquis Blake family.”

Eleanor suddenly took the bouquet and the cookie box. They were considerably heavier than they looked.

‘What the hell are these men doing from the morning?’

Eleanor, who muttered to herself, unfolded a small note from her bouquet.

[To Ellen.

Well noted. It’s a pity, but because that’s what you want, there’s nothing I can do.

We can see each other soon as the Imperial Ball is held next week. Let’s see each other then.

Oh, I thought of you after I passed by the present, so I bought it. I hope you like it.

With friendship and love,

Adrian Blake]

Eleanor who had finished reading the letter sighed in relief. Adrian accepted her rejection without saying a word.

It was a fortunate thing. If Adrian had asked her a few more times, she would have had no choice but to lose as the weak-to-him-only Eleanor.

“A ball… Turns out, the boring social season has returned.”

There were a lot of things that she received as gifts from the Duke, so there seemed to be nothing to prepare. And about the escort, as always, Dwight will do it.

“To think I’m going to a ball while holding my brother’s hand when I’m 24 years old.”

No, am I that unattractive?

Eleanor, who grew sullen, stood in front of the mirror and scrutinized herself.

With slightly curly golden hair, pale white skin, and bright green eyes even in the dark. She had a pretty face, even if she wasn’t a thrifty beauty.

“Come to think of it, until now, neither Adrian nor I have ever had that common single lover… Even if he’s my friend, do we need to be alike like this?”

Obviously, he ‘does not’ date, and she ‘can not’ date.

Adrian was the most popular young lord in the social world. It’s because he’s literally an impeccable groom material, with his handsome looks, wealthy family, and even his sweet and kind personality.

There was always a flood of people around him. Even the gorgeous beauties that could break Eleanor’s spirit would allude to him.

Seeing that he wasn’t interested in them either, Eleanor thought that Adrian’s eyes were like hanging from the top of the sky.

“What kind of great person is he trying to meet… If it’s like this, then it looks like there are really only the two of us left.”

Eleanor shook her head as she muttered. She was very worried, either about Adrian or herself.

***

The day of the ball was approaching quickly.

Eleanor was dazzling with a cream-colored satin dress, shoes, and jewels gifted by the Duke. As if picked by someone who knew Eleanor very well, everything he gave was a perfect fit for Eleanor.

“Let’s go, Ellen.”

Dwight escorted Eleanor with his arms outstretched quite proudly.

He was also dressed in a much more powerful outfit today than usual. His face shimmered twice as much as usual.

Not surprisingly, Dwight was one of the most prominent figures in the Empire these days.

As they entered the banquet hall, people’s eyes focused on Dwight and Eleanor. No matter how she sees it, his cheeks reddened slightly, probably embarrassed.

“Ellen, should we dance to a song?”

“Forget it. I’ve seen a lot of eyes staring at you since before, though, so have a good time. Since I’ll enjoy a lot of expensive drinks.”

She patted Dwight on the back and replied playfully.

Eleanor, sipping a glass of champagne, watched with delight as Dwight asked a beautiful young lady to dance with him. Although he was her twin older brother, he felt like a son she had raised herself.

“Ellen.”

Then a familiar voice came from behind. Adrian, who had looked around her as usual, was slowly approaching her.

“Hello, Rian.”

“What about Dwight?”

Eleanor chinked at Dwight, who was leading the dance stiffly without saying a word. Adrian, who burst into laughter, suggested in a soft voice.

“Then I want to have your first dance with me.”

Dressed neatly in a blue evening dress, Adrian looked like a prince in a fairy tale. He reached out his hand politely to Eleanor.

“Sure.”

Eleanor gladly joined him in his role play. Her hand was gently placed over Adrian’s. The two naturally walked to the center of the hall and lightly wrapped their arms around each other’s shoulders.

“Ah, thank you for the gifts. The flowers are really pretty.”

“I’m glad.”

“Is Sienna doing well?”

“Yeah. She’s been bothering me for a few days, but she seems to have given up after I scolded her once.”

“…It made me feel sorry for no reason.”

The two comfortably enjoyed music and chatted. It was a friendly atmosphere, as if it hadn’t been awkward.

“You seem to be a little different today.”

Adrian, who was staring at Eleanor, muttered a little. Eleanor’s ears turned slightly red as his gaze descended one after the other on the eyelids covered with glittering powder, the red-painted cheeks, and her white shoulders.

“I guess it’s because they’re gifts. It’s awkward because it’s a little different from what I usually wear, right?”

“You’re pretty.”

Adrian shook his head and whispered low.

As his breath brushed the nape of her neck, a strange sensation spread throughout her body. He smelled fresh like a morning forest.

“You’re so pretty, Ellen.”

Adrian’s eyes widened softly and sweetly. Eleanor, a little embarrassed by the unhesitating praise, lowered her eyelashes to avoid his gaze.

“Thanks.”

She answered in a hoarse voice, resting her forehead on his shoulder. Above her head came the sound of Adrian’s breathless laughter.

“Would you like to dance to one more song?”

“No, it’s already enough.”

As the song slowly ended, Eleanor stood a little away from Adrian. After lightly showing courtesy towards each other, the two left the center of the hall side by side.

“Another champagne?”

Adrian frowned as Eleanor quickly picked up a glass of champagne from a passing attendant’s tray. She shrugged her shoulders as if she didn’t know what the problem was.

“It’s only my second drink.”

“Should I bring up last year’s party story again? You were drunk…”

“I remember it! So stop!”

At the dark history that Adrian had brought out, Eleanor quickly shut his mouth.

“You’re lying. You don’t remember it, though.”

One of Adrian’s lips corners rose sharply.

It was true. All she remembered was a terrible hangover the next day.

“That’s why, you can’t.”

Adrian took the glass of champagne from Eleanor with a firm tone unlike his usual self.

“I’ll bring you some juice. Wait here.”

Eleanor took a deep breath while she was looking at Adrian’s back as he moved away.

She thought she’d enjoy a bit of a prickly mood after a long time, but she didn’t expect to fail in vain.

Eleanor, pouting dissatisfied, quickly turned back at the sound of popularity coming from behind her. Her eyes widened as she saw someone striding toward her.

It was the Duke of Valentine.

“Duke?”

“Lady Everett.”

Kaidel stood tall. His gaze slowly turned to Eleanor’s necklace and dress.

She felt as if she was ***** when people’s eyes were gathering on the two of them in an instant. It was a time when Eleanor was squirming at a loss, not knowing what to do. A large hand suddenly reached out in front of Eleanor’s eyes.

“It’s my honor to be able to be with the Lady.”

There was a rush of breath from all around. No, maybe Eleanor wouldn’t even realize if she did it.

‘That’ Duke of Valentine asked for a dance!

He was a duke who drove all kinds of scandals because he didn’t even give a glance to women. It was to the extent where women who wanted to be his mistress would line up, but he never once asked someone to dance at a party first.

He’s gay, he took an oath of chastity to the temple, he killed the women he slept with so that no information would leak out…

Eleanor was also familiar with such rumors. And to think that such Kaidel asks someone to dance! Isn’t it a situation where you want to find popcorn with coke?

If only the subject wasn’t Eleanor herself, she definitely would have done it.

“O-Of course…”

Eleanor took hold of his hand, which had reached out in front of her. In a brief moment, the Duke’s sharp eyes softened.

It felt like her head was spinning at the sudden development. Before she could come to her senses, a new song began to play, and the Duke’s hand lightly wrapped around her back.

“Did you like the gifts?”

Kaidel asked.

Eleanor, who had been paying attention not to step on his foot, lifted her head and met his eyes.

“Yes, they were very beautiful. The dress I wore today was also a gift from the Duke.”

“I know.”

A seemingly invisible smile crept across Kaidel’s lips, but Eleanor, who had all her attention under her feet, didn’t see it.

“It looks good on you.”

“T-Thank you.”

Unlike Eleanor, who moved as stiff as a piece of wood, Kaidel led the dance smoothly. It was an unexpected one.

Although she struggled with sweat, Eleanor was trampling on Kaidel’s feet countless times. She wanted to cry right away.

She glanced up at the Duke’s face with terrified eyes. Kaidel had no expression, nor did he spare a single breath on his face.

‘He won’t come back for revenge because I stepped on his feet, right…?’

Little by little, as she got in sync with him, her strength gradually drained from her frozen body. He was a man like a piece of ice, and his hands felt a little warm through his gloves.

“I had requested, asking you to send me a convenient date, though.”

At Kaidel’s words, Eleanor flinched her shoulders.

“I was going to send a reply soon. For real. I’ll send it to you as soon as the ball is over.”

“Is there anything you need to convey in a troublesome letter? I’m right in front of you, though.”

As the song was about to end, the sound of the performance gradually subsided. The hand that had wrapped Eleanor’s back slowly fell.

His thick, low voice echoed clearly in the banquet hall.

“Lady Everett, when will you make time for me?”

Author’s Thoughts

this chapter is sponsored by Zya (1/4) yes guys long time no see