A Blend of Romance and Fantasy Chapter 6

Chapter 6

At last, the banquet began.

On the long-awaited first day, a grand ball was held in Ive Palace—the largest and most magnificent hall in Singcester.

Even after entering the ballroom, however, Leonard had no intention of dancing.

In his homeland, the Blake Empire—a land ruled by survival of the fittest—there was neither the time nor the luxury to enjoy something like a ball. Naturally, Leonard himself had little interest in dancing.

It didn’t help that he wasn’t particularly skilled at Singcester’s waltz.

Besides, given his reputation—and the so-called “dirty gaze” people whispered about—he assumed most women would avoid him anyway. So the moment he entered the hall, he quietly stationed himself by the wall.

Just then, William approached and spoke in a low voice.

“Your Highness, it seems Singcester’s ‘Owls’ have begun investigating the route we took.”

“You mean crossing the Resher Desert?”

William gave a small nod, and Leonard’s eyes turned cold.

He lifted his gaze toward the raised platform, where King Erdan sat.

Even while speaking with the Saintess beside him, Erdan’s eyes occasionally flicked toward Leonard—sharp as a blade.

Pretending not to notice, Leonard took the champagne William offered and raised it to his lips.

“Have they figured out we found it—and are keeping it?”

“Not that far yet. But they’ve likely realized our purpose here isn’t just to attend the banquet.”

“….”

Just as Leonard tilted the glass—

“Your Highness, why don’t you propose to the princess tonight?”

“Cough!”

Leonard nearly choked on his champagne.

Several young noble ladies who had been secretly watching him startled at the sudden noise.

He gave them a brief, awkward smile before muttering under his breath,

“Have you lost your mind?”

“But if you propose to Princess Charlotte, several issues would be resolved.”

William continued calmly.

“The First Prince has already sent a proposal. Shouldn’t we counter that and level the field?”

“….”

“And instead of explaining why we crossed the Resher Desert, we can claim it was to demonstrate your masculinity. There are plenty of people who would believe that.”

“You want me to be one of those fools?”

“If you’d prefer not to be exposed.”

Leonard let out a low chuckle.

His hawk-like gaze still carried a dangerous edge, but William knew this wasn’t displeasure.

“And if you court her openly, you’ll have opportunities to meet her privately. Tea, conversations… you might even uncover something about the relics. After all, your face is more than passable.”

“‘More than passable’?”

Leonard smirked, setting down his glass.

“Still, I’ll pass. What if she actually accepts? A proposal isn’t something you make lightly.”

If she has any sense, she won’t…

William muttered under his breath—but fortunately, Leonard didn’t hear him.

Clearing his throat, William took out a neatly wrapped box and handed it over.

“Then at least speak with her. I heard the princess cannot use divine power. This should make a suitable gift.”

The first ball of my birthday celebration had begun.

Normally, Erdan would escort me—but not tonight.

With so many foreign dignitaries present, he had to remain at the head table as the continent’s only Pope, maintaining his authority.

So tonight, my escort was the kingdom’s only duke—my brother’s right hand and the commander of the Holy Knights—

Cedric Myers.

When I stepped into the garden from the princess’s palace, I saw him waiting.

As expected of a male lead crafted with care, he was dazzling.

His neatly slicked-back hair resembled the dark night sky, and his clear blue eyes—like polished glass—were sharp yet composed.

His straight nose, clean forehead, and defined jaw gave him the air of a righteous cleric—yet one who would never yield.

His white uniform, buttoned to the neck, paired with a silver cloak, golden command baton, and sword, completed the picture perfectly.

“Greetings, Princess.”

But he felt like a machine.

No matter how handsome someone is, if their personality is colder than ice, it’s hard to feel anything.

Looking at him—no longer triggering my so-called “incurable condition”—I clicked my tongue inwardly.

“Yes, good evening.”

“Shall we?”

Cedric extended his hand, and I placed mine over his as we made our way to the carriage.

After nine years, I was used to this—being escorted, dining together, attending balls.

But one thing I could never get used to was being alone with him in an enclosed space.

So, as always, the moment I entered the carriage, I stared blankly out the window.

Then—

“Princess.”

Cedric broke the silence.

“Yes? Ah—yes.”

Startled, I turned toward him.

He had already set aside the magazine he’d been reading and was watching me.

“I hear you have many suitors. Have you made your decision?”

His voice was low, his expression unreadable.

“No, not yet.”

“…There isn’t a single one among them worthy of you.”

“I think so too.”

At my blunt answer, Cedric’s eyes widened slightly before he touched his lips.

“As expected of you, Princess.”

“But it’s true. I’m simply too good for all of them.”

“Then who do you consider most suitable in this kingdom?”

“Is that important to you, Duke?”

At my question, he fell silent.

The unfamiliar tension made me frown.

We had never spoken this much in a carriage before.

“Duke?”

Just then, the carriage slowed, and the sound of trumpets echoed outside.

Footsteps approached.

“His Grace Duke Myers, Her Highness the Princess of Singcester—the guests await you in the ballroom.”

“We’ve arrived.”

What was he trying to say?

I glanced at Cedric, but after a brief hesitation, he stepped out first and extended his hand.

“Princess, please.”

“Ah… alright.”

Together, we entered the ballroom.

After walking along the red carpet to the center, Cedric spoke quietly.

“May I see you again before the night ends? There is something I wish to tell you.”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.”

Before stepping away, he pressed a kiss to the back of my hand.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

I smiled inwardly.

He had no feelings for me—it was simply proper etiquette.

Soon, applause filled the hall.

Erdan and Aurora descended from the platform, hand in hand.

“Our stars have arrived. Let us begin the ball.”

With those words, Erdan invited Aurora for the first dance.

That was the signal.

At once, gentlemen rushed forward—some seeking partners, others heading straight toward me.

“Princess, may I have the honor—”

“I arrived first—”

“Our nations share an alliance—”

See? I told you—I’d look good even in a sack.

Overwhelmed, I maintained my smile.

“It’s an honor. But please, form a line first. I’ll need to write your names on my dance card.”

As if it were an order, they immediately lined up.

I glanced toward Cedric.

As expected of the “most eligible man in high society,” he was already surrounded by noble ladies—and their ambitious mothers.

Why had he asked that earlier? He didn’t seem interested in my marriage at all.

Before I could think further, a prince stepped forward.

“Princess Charlotte of Singcester, may I have this dance?”

“With pleasure.”

Wearing my practiced smile, I placed my hand in his—

and stepped onto the dance floor.