Chapter 49

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 49

Chapter Title: Dance and Deceptions

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Starting with the imperial princess and Ares, people began pairing up one by one to dance.

While she was watching the dancers, Bern, who had been standing beside her, bowed at the waist and asked her to dance.

"Young Lady, would you care for a dance with me?"

Lucia burst into laughter at his sly tone and the crescent-moon shape of his eyes peeking through his glasses.

"I'd be delighted."

Lucia took Bern's hand and lightly stepped out to the center of the hall. When he placed his right hand on her waist, she matched his rhythm perfectly.

As they danced to the music, she spotted Herwin among the crowd.

Unlike the others who were simply watching the dancers, he was staring intently at Lucia alone.

The thought that Herwin was watching her brought back the tension and anxiety she had shaken off earlier.

As Lucia's breathing grew unsteady, Bern gently pulled her waist closer.

"Lucia, look only at me."

Just like when he had helped her out of her panic before, he met her eyes with gentle reassurance, as if telling her to think of nothing else but him. Lucia followed him, entranced.

Her steps, which had felt as heavy as if weighted with a thousand pounds, grew light before she knew it, and the burdensome gazes of the onlookers no longer mattered.

"Are you alright now?"

"Yes. Thanks to you. You're so perceptive, Bern. You helped me without me even saying a word."

"Your emotions show on your face if you look closely. But you keep your true feelings hidden, so I have no choice but to act on my instincts."

"Am I that easy to read?"

"Haha, I did say you have to look closely. Hmm, how should I put it? It's like I can see these subtle emotions that are hard to explain."

Bern spun her lightly in his arms to the rhythm of the music.

"And when I met your friends earlier..."

Lucia's lips stiffened for a moment. Bern noticed and wiped the smile from his face as he looked at her.

"You seemed a bit uncomfortable. Was I right?"

"Well..."

She knew she shouldn't falter, but she got caught up anyway. No, back then, she had been so overly conscious of Herwin that anyone would have seen her discomfort.

Even knowing that, she couldn't bring herself to respond to Bern.

Who could admit aloud that she had acted awkwardly because of a man she'd unrequitedly loved for over ten years?

As Lucia awkwardly moved her lips, Bern let out a soft breath.

"You don't have to say if you don't want to. I just wanted to let you know that you can ask for my help anytime."

Lucia's clear eyes wavered aimlessly. Bern nodded slightly, as if he understood everything.

"...Why."

A small sigh escaped Lucia's lips.

He must know the rumors swirling around her, and he might have even guessed what happened when she met Herwin. So why wasn't he asking anything?

She had thought it was just his consideration at first, but now doubt crept in.

"Why did you choose me?"

The words slipped out lightly, but they were filled with pure sincerity.

Bern sensed it and hardened his expression. After a moment of thought, he spoke.

"Because you remind me a lot of myself... That's why I chose you."

She couldn't understand his words. But as she gazed into his golden eyes, she saw reflections of herself in him.

The two stood silently, staring at each other, until the music ended.

"Does that answer your question?"

As they returned to the edge amid applause, Bern asked with his usual gentle smile.

"...Half of it. I'm curious about the other half, but I won't ask. You don't have to say if you don't want to."

"...Thank you."

Bern gave a wry smile. Only now did she understand why he hadn't pried with all his questions.

He knew it would put her in a tough spot and didn't want to push her. Unless it was some grave sin, it wouldn't matter in the future they'd share.

"Lucia."

Lucia froze at the low baritone calling her name. It was Herwin.

Bern, standing beside her, quietly narrowed his eyes.

"Dance with me next."

Herwin asked her to dance as if nothing had happened. They had danced once at every party he'd attended, so it wasn't unusual. But today, more than ever, she wanted to avoid him...

As Lucia hesitated, looking at Herwin's outstretched hand, Bern stepped forward.

"Bern?"

"If I may, it seems Lucia isn't feeling well right now. How about next time?"

Herwin's eyebrow twitched. He glared at Bern with fierce eyes before turning to Lucia, his gaze softening instantly.

"Are you really not feeling well?"

"Well..."

Lucia glanced back and forth between Herwin and Bern.

Herwin waited only for her answer, while Bern mouthed that he'd help anytime.

After some deliberation, Lucia made her choice.

"Sorry, Herwin. I think I twisted my ankle during the last dance."

She had chosen Bern. She would have to talk properly with Herwin someday, but not today.

Herwin's already tense face darkened further.

He seemed to have something to say, his lips moving, but he couldn't find the words and merely patted her shoulder.

"Alright, then. Nothing to be done. Did you hurt it badly? If so, I can..."

"I'll take good care of her."

Bern firmly inserted himself between them with a smiling face.

Herwin's brow furrowed even more.

"Then, may we excuse ourselves?"

Bern continued blocking the space between them, protecting Lucia. She felt grateful for his quick thinking.

Herwin stared silently at Lucia behind Bern before finally stepping back.

"Understood. Let's talk later, Lucia."

"Yeah, got it. Thanks for understanding."

Lucia leaned into Bern's arm around her shoulder, limping exaggeratedly.

Just as she thought they were far enough and turned to check, Bern whispered quickly.

"He's still watching. Let's head to the garden."

Lucia nodded and followed his lead.

Meanwhile, left alone, Herwin watched Lucia walk away helplessly.

It felt like she was slipping into a place beyond his reach, and it didn't sit well with him at all.

"Bern Casper Marquis..."

She had said they met through an arranged meeting. He didn't know much about Bern, but from what he'd heard, he was supposed to be a decent fellow.

'So why does he rub me the wrong way?'

Was it because he kept getting in his way?

All he wanted was to ask what had happened during that month-plus in the north. But Bern had blocked him like some thug approaching...

'Yeah. That's why I felt so irritated.'

Now he understood why Bern had grated on him so much.

He could understand Bern, but he couldn't fathom why Lucia was avoiding him.

'Even telling such an obvious lie.'

He knew she wasn't hurt.

She had just taken Bern's hand and pretended otherwise.

Recalling Lucia leaning on Bern filled him with displeasure. Something inexplicable bubbled up inside him.

This feeling was entirely new, making it hard to even name the emotion.

Maybe it was because a friend he thought knew everything and was on his side had taken someone else's hand.

The more he thought about it, the more confused he became. Finally, Herwin looked up toward where Lucia and Bern had gone.

He needed to talk to her, even if briefly.

Only after reaching a secluded corner of the garden where few people passed did Bern finally stop.

"This should be far enough."

He turned to check if Herwin was following, then headed to a nearby fountain.

"You didn't actually twist your ankle, did you?"

He sat Lucia on the fountain's edge and cautiously pointed to her right foot, which she had been favoring.

Lucia jumped in surprise and shook her head vigorously.

"No, it doesn't hurt at all. I just said whatever to go along with it."

"Really? You were limping so convincingly, I thought it was real..."

"I figured I'd need to at least act the part to fool Herwin."

Bern smiled as Lucia scratched her cheek sheepishly. He laughed for a while before recalling how Herwin had glared at him like a rival.

"...I'm worried I overstepped. It just seemed like you wanted to avoid the young lord of Peneus, so I did it on purpose. Was I right?"

Lucia nodded honestly.

Fortunately, Bern didn't press further.

"Since we're out here anyway, let's stay a bit longer. Are you thirsty by any chance?"

"A little... But you don't have to go get something just for me."

"It's no trouble. I'll fetch something to drink. Rest here for a moment."

Even as Lucia protested it was fine, Bern headed back to the party venue.

Lucia watched him go for a long while, then let her practiced smile fade with a sigh once he was out of sight.

She slipped off her shoes and rubbed her aching feet. The new shoes had chafed her heels and toes bright red.

Just as her feet were mangled from breaking in the new shoes, her body and heart felt tattered from wearing clothes that didn't fit—much like her ill-suited role.

No matter how resolute her resolve, pretending to be unfazed in front of everyone had been far more exhausting than she imagined.

She didn't hate playing Bern's fiancée.

It was just... doubt crept in about whether this was truly her happiness.

'Herwin was acting strange today, too.'

She couldn't deny his influence on her wavering heart.

It was natural to be surprised when a friend suddenly brought a fiancée without warning, but today, Herwin's reaction stood out from her friends'.

'It was almost like he felt betrayed...'

Lucia let out a feeble laugh as she stared blankly at her feet.

Was she still unable to let go? Was she imagining that Herwin's response came from having feelings for her?

She knew she should stop, but the fantasies she'd indulged in for thirteen years kept popping up uncontrollably.

Lucia turned her head to gaze at the fountain, its cool water murmuring.

Water droplets splashed, rippling the surface. Her reflection in the fountain distorted like her confused heart.

Rustle—

Then, she heard a sound from behind. Was it Bern? But it was too soon for him to return.

"Who's th—"

Turning warily, Lucia froze. The other person did too.

Her eyes widened slowly as she saw who had emerged from the bushes.

"...Bianca?"