‘……Lord Egon.’
Just like the Crown Prince a moment ago, Caleb was surrounded by many people.
I thought Caleb would take his gaze off of me soon but he did not.
His black eyes, kept staring at me,made my heart flutter for no reason.
It was time to move my gaze, thinking that it would be better to just look away.
I could see Caleb move away from the people who flocked him.
And the direction in which his steps were directed was towards the Crown Prince and I.
For a moment, my heart was pounding hard.
I knew Caleb just wanted to greet the Crown Prince, but my mind kept illusioning to myself that he came for me.
As Caleb got closer, I pressed my hands together on my thighs.
The moment when we got really closer and closer.
“His Majesty The Emperor and The Empress present!”
The attendant shout split the Banquet Hall where the calm accompaniment flowed. At that, Caleb stopped walking, turned around and looked up to the podium.
Not only Caleb but everyone turned their gazes and looked up at the podium.
When I turned my gaze to the podium, I could see a middle aged couple, who I had never seen before, slowly coming down the stairs.
‘So, they’re The Emperor and The Empress……’
I looked at The Emperor and The Empress. Especially I looked closely at the Emperor.
The Emperor was the person who ruined the current theater industry and caused the actor’s perception to deteriorate.
However, that person is also my one and only solution to improve the theater industry circumstances.
I touched my neck for no reason while The Emperor and The Empress gave their congratulatory speech.
‘I should be able to sing well enough to impress him.’
After the congratulatory speech, the musicians, who stopped playing for a while due to the appearance of The Emperor and The Empress, played another song.
As the accompaniment began to flow, people gathered in groups at the corners of the hall began to pair up and dance.
Huh?
Why does it start with dancing first?
Aren’t we supposed to deliver presents first?
“We should dance too.”
The Crown Prince stood up and reached out his hand to me.
“Dance? But aren’t we supposed to deliver the presents first?”
“The present will be delivered after the musician performed three songs to dance. And only me and another head of family with at least Marquis level deliver the presents personally to the Emperor. The rest are presented separately and sent to the Palace.”
“Then will I sing after three songs?”
“That’s right. So, let us get up now.”
“……It’s kind of burdensome to dance on the first song, so can we dance on the last song instead?”
Because there’s no law stating that I should dance from the first song.
But the Crown Prince shook his head calmly.
“The last song is where the young man and young lady who just made their debut dance. Are you going to dance with them then?”
In other words, the last song is a song for young people. Did I understand it right?
But for me, this banquet is the same as my debutante.
Of course, considering my age, it would be embarrassing for me to join them as my debutante.
“Then, how about the second song……”
“I am the best dancer for the first song.”
Ah, is that so?
I gave up and held the Crown Prince’s hand.
“I’ll tell you in advance. If you step on my foot, I’ll consider it blasphemy for the Imperial Family.”
“But to say it’s blasphemy just because I stepped on your feet once……”
“I mean, dance perfectly.”
I haven’t even stepped on his feet, but the pressure had already come.
No way. Is he really going to consider it blasphemy for stepping on his feet once?
No. Actually it’s possible. If it’s this man, that’s possible.
“I will give it a try, to not step on your precious feet.”
The Crown Prince laughed at my words.
As I heard his laughing voice from beside me, I thought for a moment, ‘did I say something funny?’
‘He’s been laughing since before. Did the wind blow in his lungs?’
(T/N: 허파 에 바람이 들었나 wind blow in his lungs : laughing with no reason; easily tempted to laugh; laugh over nothing.)
I have to tell Count Van Der that The Crown Prince should bring a healer to check his health sometime.
The dance finally began, and I desperately tried not to step on the Crown Prince’s feet.
Fortunately, I was able to finish the dance safely without stepping on the Crown Prince’s feet.
“It’s worth the training.”
“Thank you.”
“Let’s finish the second song too.”
“I apologize, Your Highness, but my physical strength is so poor. And I need to sing a song later, so can I have a little rest?”
“That’s right. You may rest.”
Tsk.
For a moment, I thought I heard a tongue kick sound, but I simply ignored it.
I said my physical strength is poor but this is not hard at all.
Because I’ve trained my physical strength.
I just didn’t want to dance with The Crown Prince anymore.
‘Well, we already danced for the first song, so it’s okay.’
I felt thirsty as I walked, brushing my messy hair, looking for a seat I had been sitting on before.
‘I will have to find a cup of water first then go back.’
The section where they served the water was in the opposite direction from here, so I turned around and bumped into someone at the same time.
“Ah, I apologize.”
“It’s okay, Lady Oreu.”
Huh? This voice?
I turned my head to the familiar voice ringing in my head.
My heart beat a little faster when I caught my opponent in my eye.
“Lady Vessel……”
“It’s been a long time, Lady Oreu.”
Vivian looked at me and smiled.
“Lady Oreu, don’t you dance?”
“Ah, I just finished dancing. I was about to go back to my original seat.”
“Right. You danced with the Crown Prince, didn’t you? I was surprised to hear that His Highness’ partner this time was you, Lady Oreu. And I heard that you were going to sing today? You’re amazing.”
Vivian’s green eyes glistened at me. Too much praise made me feel a little burdened.
“Thank you. But, Lady Vessel, don’t you dance?”
“Ah, yes. I don’t really like dancing. And I already danced to the first song with Edmund, so I don’t have to dance anymore.”
“Are you attending the banquet along with Lord Vessel?”
“Yes. I don’t know why, but for some reason, he’s the first one who’s asking to be my partner first. Usually, I always ask him to be my partner first. I am so happy that he’s being considerate lately.”
Vivian smiled brightly. She looked genuinely happy.
As I already knew that Lord Vessel would ask Vivian first to become his partner, I just laughed awkwardly.
“”Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Lord Vessel. I want to say hello……”
“If you’re looking for my brother, he’s away for a while with Duke Egon.”
Later on, I realized that not only Lord Vessel but also Caleb were not seen in the hall.
Vivian’s expression, who was talking to me, suddenly turned bright.
“Ah, there comes my brother and The Duke. I think they’re coming this way.”
I turned to the direction where Vivian pointed to.
As Vivian said, Caleb and Lord Vessel were approaching us.
As both of them got closer, Caleb’s appearance was clearly visible.
Caleb’s appearance with his silver hair neatly pulled back and in a suit, not his usual uniform, was truly wonderful.
I saw him at a glance earlier, but it felt totally different from up close.
“Huh? Lady Oreu?”
It was Lord Vessel who greeted me first.
“Hiyaaaa, I was wondering who it was, it turned out it was you, Lady Oreu. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“It’s a compliment, right?”
“Yeah, well……. More than that, I heard about it. I mean, you’re going to sing as Kitara at this banquet. Are you going to be alright?”
“Yes? About what?”
“Since there was a bad thing that almost happened to you before.”
Lord Vessel said cautiously.
It was clear that what he referred to was the kidnapping case back then.
“I was worried about that too but His Highness already promised to protect me.”
“Did you mean His Highness the Crown Prince? Then it’s definitely a relief. But don’t you get nervous singing in front of His Majesty The Emperor?”
“Of course, I am nervous. I am worried if I can do well, and I am worried if His Majesty will like it.”
“Well, everything will be fine, Lady Oreu. Don’t you think so, Commander? Please give her some encouragement, Commander.”
Lord Vessel said, tapping Caleb’s arm.
Well, he doesn’t have to.
I waved my hand lightly and tried to refuse it, but Caleb opened his mouth faster than me.
“What Lord Vessel said is right. You don’t have to be nervous, just do as usual. And.”
Caleb added, after a moment of pause.
“You are beautiful.”
“……Thank you, Duke.”
I could barely answer him after licking my lips a few times.
I have heard a lot of compliments saying I was beautiful today. Especially when I sat down beside the Crown Prince.
At that time I didn’t feel anything, but when Caleb said it, my face got feverish.
I am sure he’s just saying it for no reason, but why did my heart keep getting excited?
Even though I knew that Caleb will end up falling in love with Vivian. And I know I am just a supporting character who has to leave.
“Lady Oreu.”
I was biting my lips because I felt pathetic, but someone called me from behind.
When I turned around, a servant was standing there politely with his hand folded on his stomach.
“The Crown Prince is calling for your presence, Lady. Since the third song will be over soon.”
“Ah……”
In his words, I realized that the second song was already over and the third song was playing.
“Then, I will be on my way. See you again.”
“Are you leaving already?”
“That’s right. You should stay a little longer.”
Lord Vessel and Vivian were the ones that talked to me one after the other.
“It’s because I am supposed to sing after the third song.”
I wanted to stay a little longer, but……
I shouldn’t forget my duty here.
Because it’s the first reason why I attended this Birthday Banquet in the first place.
It was the moment I swallowed my regret and thought that I should move and leave them here.
“Elena.”
At Caleb’s voice, I turned my head and faced him.
“You don’t need to worry too much.”
Although it was short, strangely I was comforted by his words.
Then I followed the servant who was calling me before.
As I followed the servant for a while, I remembered what I had forgotten.
‘Ah, I should have brought water with me!’
‘Should I just go get it now?’
Although I was thinking like that for a long time, in the end I asked the servant for his understanding.
Because there was nothing that strained my throat more than singing with my vocal cords dry.
The servant said he would bring it for me instead, but I dissuaded him.
Since it’ll only take a short moment anyway.
To get the water I had to pass the place where Caleb, Lord Vessel, and Vivian were, and I even might run into them again.
I didn’t think they would ask me why I came back but I just felt embarrassed if that had to happen so I walked as carefully as possible so they wouldn’t recognize me.
When I passed them, I didn’t mean it but I could hear Vivian’s voice.
“The Duke……to……?”
I couldn’t hear the content clearly.
Of course it is a given since the distance between me and them is quite far away.
When I glanced toward them, I could see Caleb and Vivian talked face to face.
When I saw them like that, without me realizing it, I suddenly felt curious about their conversation.
‘Should I go closer and listen to them? No. Let’s just go back with a cup of water.’
If I’m caught eavesdropping, the shame and embarrassment will be immense.
And it was clear that if I was later than this, The Crown Prince would feel annoyed. Since he already sent his servant to look for me.
Well. As Expected, I’d better not listen to it.
It was the moment I tried to suppress my curiosity and passed by.
“So, it seems……”
“Yes. I like……”
Vivian and Caleb’s voice, which sounded as distinct as a lie, made me hardened in an instant.
* * * * *
After Elena returned, Edmund looked at Caleb with a surprised expression.
“Commander, have you heard that Lady Oreu is going to sing?”
“I’ve heard about it.”
“Really? When did you hear about that?”
“I just happened to hear it.”
“Is Lady Oreu good at singing?”
At the sudden clear voice, both Caleb and Edmund’s eyes turned to the source of the voice at the same time.
“I have only heard the rumor that Kitara this year sings very well. But I have never heard Lady Oreu sing. So I am curious.”
Vivian looked at Caleb.
“Duke, do you think that Lady Oreu is good at singing?”
Edmund thought that his sister’s voice strangely seemed more edges than usual. However, he failed to point it out.
Although he felt strange for a moment, he couldn’t be sure of his intuition since he’s not close enough to Vivian.
While Edmund lost in his thoughts, Caleb’s response was heard.
“You will know when you hear it. What her voice and song sounds like.”
Caleb recalled the time when he heard Elena singing.
The first time he saw her sing was on the stage at the theater.
Elena’s singing and acting were outstanding enough at the moment to make him feel enthusiastic about a play he had never been interested in before.
Then Caleb liked the song Elena sang at the Solenia festival, which she sang again for Caleb without any accompaniment.
With her soft voice and hazy eyes when she engrossed in her song felt terribly lovely.
At one point, a smile was drawn around Caleb’s mouth. It was a spontaneous smile that he didn’t realize.
But Edmund caught that figure.
‘Huh?’
At the same time Edmund felt quite embarrassed seeing his Commander like that, because he never saw Caleb smile like that before.
As his superior, Caleb is a great man and a great knight.
But apart from that, Caleb is someone who wasn’t good at smiling.
Edmund had seen Caleb’s smile a few times before, but this time it was different.
Caleb’s smiles had a distinct impression of being forced when Edmund saw them. Meanwhile, everyone can tell that the smile that just emerged was a natural one.
‘I don’t think it’s because he’s delighted having a conversation with Vivian……’
Edmund thought hard to find out why Caleb smiled like that.
And hence, the two men couldn’t immediately notice the expression on Vivian’s face.
—————
‘……Lord Egon.’
Just like the Crown Prince a moment ago, Caleb was surrounded by many people.
I thought Caleb would take his gaze off of me soon but he did not.
His black eyes, kept staring at me,made my heart flutter for no reason.
It was time to move my gaze, thinking that it would be better to just look away.
I could see Caleb move away from the people who flocked him.
And the direction in which his steps were directed was towards the Crown Prince and I.
For a moment, my heart was pounding hard.
I knew Caleb just wanted to greet the Crown Prince, but my mind kept illusioning to myself that he came for me.
As Caleb got closer, I pressed my hands together on my thighs.
The moment when we got really closer and closer.
“His Majesty The Emperor and The Empress present!”
The attendant shout split the Banquet Hall where the calm accompaniment flowed. At that, Caleb stopped walking, turned around and looked up to the podium.
Not only Caleb but everyone turned their gazes and looked up at the podium.
When I turned my gaze to the podium, I could see a middle aged couple, who I had never seen before, slowly coming down the stairs.
‘So, they’re The Emperor and The Empress……’
I looked at The Emperor and The Empress. Especially I looked closely at the Emperor.
The Emperor was the person who ruined the current theater industry and caused the actor’s perception to deteriorate.
However, that person is also my one and only solution to improve the theater industry circumstances.
I touched my neck for no reason while The Emperor and The Empress gave their congratulatory speech.
‘I should be able to sing well enough to impress him.’
After the congratulatory speech, the musicians, who stopped playing for a while due to the appearance of The Emperor and The Empress, played another song.
As the accompaniment began to flow, people gathered in groups at the corners of the hall began to pair up and dance.
Huh?
Why does it start with dancing first?
Aren’t we supposed to deliver presents first?
“We should dance too.”
The Crown Prince stood up and reached out his hand to me.
“Dance? But aren’t we supposed to deliver the presents first?”
“The present will be delivered after the musician performed three songs to dance. And only me and another head of family with at least Marquis level deliver the presents personally to the Emperor. The rest are presented separately and sent to the Palace.”
“Then will I sing after three songs?”
“That’s right. So, let us get up now.”
“……It’s kind of burdensome to dance on the first song, so can we dance on the last song instead?”
Because there’s no law stating that I should dance from the first song.
But the Crown Prince shook his head calmly.
“The last song is where the young man and young lady who just made their debut dance. Are you going to dance with them then?”
In other words, the last song is a song for young people. Did I understand it right?
But for me, this banquet is the same as my debutante.
Of course, considering my age, it would be embarrassing for me to join them as my debutante.
“Then, how about the second song……”
“I am the best dancer for the first song.”
Ah, is that so?
I gave up and held the Crown Prince’s hand.
“I’ll tell you in advance. If you step on my foot, I’ll consider it blasphemy for the Imperial Family.”
“But to say it’s blasphemy just because I stepped on your feet once……”
“I mean, dance perfectly.”
I haven’t even stepped on his feet, but the pressure had already come.
No way. Is he really going to consider it blasphemy for stepping on his feet once?
No. Actually it’s possible. If it’s this man, that’s possible.
“I will give it a try, to not step on your precious feet.”
The Crown Prince laughed at my words.
As I heard his laughing voice from beside me, I thought for a moment, ‘did I say something funny?’
‘He’s been laughing since before. Did the wind blow in his lungs?’
(T/N: 허파 에 바람이 들었나 wind blow in his lungs : laughing with no reason; easily tempted to laugh; laugh over nothing.)
I have to tell Count Van Der that The Crown Prince should bring a healer to check his health sometime.
The dance finally began, and I desperately tried not to step on the Crown Prince’s feet.
Fortunately, I was able to finish the dance safely without stepping on the Crown Prince’s feet.
“It’s worth the training.”
“Thank you.”
“Let’s finish the second song too.”
“I apologize, Your Highness, but my physical strength is so poor. And I need to sing a song later, so can I have a little rest?”
“That’s right. You may rest.”
Tsk.
For a moment, I thought I heard a tongue kick sound, but I simply ignored it.
I said my physical strength is poor but this is not hard at all.
Because I’ve trained my physical strength.
I just didn’t want to dance with The Crown Prince anymore.
‘Well, we already danced for the first song, so it’s okay.’
I felt thirsty as I walked, brushing my messy hair, looking for a seat I had been sitting on before.
‘I will have to find a cup of water first then go back.’
The section where they served the water was in the opposite direction from here, so I turned around and bumped into someone at the same time.
“Ah, I apologize.”
“It’s okay, Lady Oreu.”
Huh? This voice?
I turned my head to the familiar voice ringing in my head.
My heart beat a little faster when I caught my opponent in my eye.
“Lady Vessel……”
“It’s been a long time, Lady Oreu.”
Vivian looked at me and smiled.
“Lady Oreu, don’t you dance?”
“Ah, I just finished dancing. I was about to go back to my original seat.”
“Right. You danced with the Crown Prince, didn’t you? I was surprised to hear that His Highness’ partner this time was you, Lady Oreu. And I heard that you were going to sing today? You’re amazing.”
Vivian’s green eyes glistened at me. Too much praise made me feel a little burdened.
“Thank you. But, Lady Vessel, don’t you dance?”
“Ah, yes. I don’t really like dancing. And I already danced to the first song with Edmund, so I don’t have to dance anymore.”
“Are you attending the banquet along with Lord Vessel?”
“Yes. I don’t know why, but for some reason, he’s the first one who’s asking to be my partner first. Usually, I always ask him to be my partner first. I am so happy that he’s being considerate lately.”
Vivian smiled brightly. She looked genuinely happy.
As I already knew that Lord Vessel would ask Vivian first to become his partner, I just laughed awkwardly.
“”Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Lord Vessel. I want to say hello……”
“If you’re looking for my brother, he’s away for a while with Duke Egon.”
Later on, I realized that not only Lord Vessel but also Caleb were not seen in the hall.
Vivian’s expression, who was talking to me, suddenly turned bright.
“Ah, there comes my brother and The Duke. I think they’re coming this way.”
I turned to the direction where Vivian pointed to.
As Vivian said, Caleb and Lord Vessel were approaching us.
As both of them got closer, Caleb’s appearance was clearly visible.
Caleb’s appearance with his silver hair neatly pulled back and in a suit, not his usual uniform, was truly wonderful.
I saw him at a glance earlier, but it felt totally different from up close.
“Huh? Lady Oreu?”
It was Lord Vessel who greeted me first.
“Hiyaaaa, I was wondering who it was, it turned out it was you, Lady Oreu. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“It’s a compliment, right?”
“Yeah, well……. More than that, I heard about it. I mean, you’re going to sing as Kitara at this banquet. Are you going to be alright?”
“Yes? About what?”
“Since there was a bad thing that almost happened to you before.”
Lord Vessel said cautiously.
It was clear that what he referred to was the kidnapping case back then.
“I was worried about that too but His Highness already promised to protect me.”
“Did you mean His Highness the Crown Prince? Then it’s definitely a relief. But don’t you get nervous singing in front of His Majesty The Emperor?”
“Of course, I am nervous. I am worried if I can do well, and I am worried if His Majesty will like it.”
“Well, everything will be fine, Lady Oreu. Don’t you think so, Commander? Please give her some encouragement, Commander.”
Lord Vessel said, tapping Caleb’s arm.
Well, he doesn’t have to.
I waved my hand lightly and tried to refuse it, but Caleb opened his mouth faster than me.
“What Lord Vessel said is right. You don’t have to be nervous, just do as usual. And.”
Caleb added, after a moment of pause.
“You are beautiful.”
“……Thank you, Duke.”
I could barely answer him after licking my lips a few times.
I have heard a lot of compliments saying I was beautiful today. Especially when I sat down beside the Crown Prince.
At that time I didn’t feel anything, but when Caleb said it, my face got feverish.
I am sure he’s just saying it for no reason, but why did my heart keep getting excited?
Even though I knew that Caleb will end up falling in love with Vivian. And I know I am just a supporting character who has to leave.
“Lady Oreu.”
I was biting my lips because I felt pathetic, but someone called me from behind.
When I turned around, a servant was standing there politely with his hand folded on his stomach.
“The Crown Prince is calling for your presence, Lady. Since the third song will be over soon.”
“Ah……”
In his words, I realized that the second song was already over and the third song was playing.
“Then, I will be on my way. See you again.”
“Are you leaving already?”
“That’s right. You should stay a little longer.”
Lord Vessel and Vivian were the ones that talked to me one after the other.
“It’s because I am supposed to sing after the third song.”
I wanted to stay a little longer, but……
I shouldn’t forget my duty here.
Because it’s the first reason why I attended this Birthday Banquet in the first place.
It was the moment I swallowed my regret and thought that I should move and leave them here.
“Elena.”
At Caleb’s voice, I turned my head and faced him.
“You don’t need to worry too much.”
Although it was short, strangely I was comforted by his words.
Then I followed the servant who was calling me before.
As I followed the servant for a while, I remembered what I had forgotten.
‘Ah, I should have brought water with me!’
‘Should I just go get it now?’
Although I was thinking like that for a long time, in the end I asked the servant for his understanding.
Because there was nothing that strained my throat more than singing with my vocal cords dry.
The servant said he would bring it for me instead, but I dissuaded him.
Since it’ll only take a short moment anyway.
To get the water I had to pass the place where Caleb, Lord Vessel, and Vivian were, and I even might run into them again.
I didn’t think they would ask me why I came back but I just felt embarrassed if that had to happen so I walked as carefully as possible so they wouldn’t recognize me.
When I passed them, I didn’t mean it but I could hear Vivian’s voice.
“The Duke……to……?”
I couldn’t hear the content clearly.
Of course it is a given since the distance between me and them is quite far away.
When I glanced toward them, I could see Caleb and Vivian talked face to face.
When I saw them like that, without me realizing it, I suddenly felt curious about their conversation.
‘Should I go closer and listen to them? No. Let’s just go back with a cup of water.’
If I’m caught eavesdropping, the shame and embarrassment will be immense.
And it was clear that if I was later than this, The Crown Prince would feel annoyed. Since he already sent his servant to look for me.
Well. As Expected, I’d better not listen to it.
It was the moment I tried to suppress my curiosity and passed by.
“So, it seems……”
“Yes. I like……”
Vivian and Caleb’s voice, which sounded as distinct as a lie, made me hardened in an instant.
* * * * *
After Elena returned, Edmund looked at Caleb with a surprised expression.
“Commander, have you heard that Lady Oreu is going to sing?”
“I’ve heard about it.”
“Really? When did you hear about that?”
“I just happened to hear it.”
“Is Lady Oreu good at singing?”
At the sudden clear voice, both Caleb and Edmund’s eyes turned to the source of the voice at the same time.
“I have only heard the rumor that Kitara this year sings very well. But I have never heard Lady Oreu sing. So I am curious.”
Vivian looked at Caleb.
“Duke, do you think that Lady Oreu is good at singing?”
Edmund thought that his sister’s voice strangely seemed more edges than usual. However, he failed to point it out.
Although he felt strange for a moment, he couldn’t be sure of his intuition since he’s not close enough to Vivian.
While Edmund lost in his thoughts, Caleb’s response was heard.
“You will know when you hear it. What her voice and song sounds like.”
Caleb recalled the time when he heard Elena singing.
The first time he saw her sing was on the stage at the theater.
Elena’s singing and acting were outstanding enough at the moment to make him feel enthusiastic about a play he had never been interested in before.
Then Caleb liked the song Elena sang at the Solenia festival, which she sang again for Caleb without any accompaniment.
With her soft voice and hazy eyes when she engrossed in her song felt terribly lovely.
At one point, a smile was drawn around Caleb’s mouth. It was a spontaneous smile that he didn’t realize.
But Edmund caught that figure.
‘Huh?’
At the same time Edmund felt quite embarrassed seeing his Commander like that, because he never saw Caleb smile like that before.
As his superior, Caleb is a great man and a great knight.
But apart from that, Caleb is someone who wasn’t good at smiling.
Edmund had seen Caleb’s smile a few times before, but this time it was different.
Caleb’s smiles had a distinct impression of being forced when Edmund saw them. Meanwhile, everyone can tell that the smile that just emerged was a natural one.
‘I don’t think it’s because he’s delighted having a conversation with Vivian……’
Edmund thought hard to find out why Caleb smiled like that.
And hence, the two men couldn’t immediately notice the expression on Vivian’s face.
—————
