Chapter 22.
Because It’s the First Time
Unlike his refined and elegant exterior, Ancelot’s dance steps were a complete mess, and he missed every beat.
Not even three minutes into the dance, I’d nearly had my feet stepped on five times. I started wondering if this was his new method of tormenting me.
“It’s my first time,” Ancelot said casually.
“Your first time dancing?”
Ancelot was a prince of Luenhart. A literal prince had never danced before? How did that even make sense?
“The young ladies of Luenhart didn’t like being paired with me. Believe it or not, I wasn’t very popular,” he said, pretending to be pitiful as he drooped his eyebrows.
But the corners of his mouth were smirking, so he didn’t look pitiful at all.
No way. With his status, he would’ve at least had formal dance partners…
Then suddenly, a chilling rumor came to mind.
They say all the women who were engaged to the prince mysteriously died. And the prime suspect is the killer prince himself…
Could it be… because of that rumor?
Even if it was baseless, it still gave people the creeps. I myself had been scared of him when I first learned who he really was.
“What are you thinking so hard about with that tiny little head?”
Ancelot interrupted my spiraling thoughts.
“You should focus on dancing with me.”
“I’m doing better than you even without focusing.”
I pouted in response.
Ancelot chuckled softly, clearly amused.
But I couldn’t laugh along—I had to move my feet just in time to avoid his shoe heel from landing squarely on my fragile toes.
Even though his dancing was awful, his striking looks made it hard to see him as anything but graceful.
After dodging what felt like 1,397 near toe-crushing incidents, the musicians finally ended the piece.
As applause echoed, whispers about Ancelot and me began to float through the air.
“Oh my, don’t they look wonderful together?”
“That was such a lovely scene.”
“Perhaps this is the beginning of warmer ties between the Empire and Luenhart…”
Apparently I wasn’t the only one who heard—Ancelot’s expression became smug.
“See? Everyone says we look good together.”
He tilted his chin arrogantly, basking in the attention.
“They’re not talking about your dancing skills.”
As the second song started, I retreated to a corner with Ancelot and took a sip of champagne.
That was exhausting…
It wasn’t just because of all the eyes on me—I’d danced in front of others before, even if this was my first official dance.
What had really worn me out was the fear of being trampled to death by Ancelot’s clumsy steps.
While I was zoning out and watching the dancers with a drained expression—
Tap.
Something soft touched my forehead.
“I noticed you were sweating,” Ancelot said as he gently dabbed the sweat on my forehead with a white handkerchief.
Then he suddenly leaned in close, smiling playfully.
“Our dear Princess, were you really that nervous dancing with me?”
“Of course I was! I almost died getting trampled!”
I raised my voice a little without meaning to, and Ancelot laughed cheerfully.
“Here, keep it,” he said, handing me the handkerchief before walking away.
Where’s he going now?
I tilted my head, puzzled by his calm retreat.
“Your Highness Ruibel!”
Sylvia came striding toward me, eyes sparkling.
“I knew you two would look perfect together! Oh my, was that a handkerchief just now? Did he wipe your sweat?”
“It’s just basic gentlemanly manners.”
“But it’s him—the killer prince! Manners are the last thing he’s known for!”
“Huh?”
Sure, Ancelot sometimes acted weird, but he did observe proper etiquette… didn’t he?
I glanced at the status window above Sylvia’s head.
Lady Sylvia of House Winstor
Affinity: 279
Wait… Sylvia doesn’t hate me?
I’d wondered if she’d made up stories to get me in trouble, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
“My, you’re so clueless about rumors. Especially about your own future partner.”
Sylvia clicked her tongue disapprovingly.
She really didn’t seem like someone who liked me…
“You didn’t know? Recently, a noble lady who had a crush on Prince Ancelot tried to talk to him, and he was just…”
Sylvia trailed off, glancing around furtively.
Then she lowered her voice and whispered into my ear.
“Just downright doggish.”
“Dog… what?”
I blinked in disbelief. Sylvia blushed slightly and fanned herself.
“Ugh, using such crude language has made me hot. But there’s no other way to describe it.”
What on earth had he done for Sylvia—who values noble dignity above all else—to use the word doggish?
Maybe that rumor about his lack of popularity was true. Could it be because of his nasty personality?
“Oh right. I came with my brother today.”
“Your brother?”
“Yes, my brother who studied abroad. He returned to the capital for His Majesty’s birthday celebration. I’ve told you about him so many times—surely you remember?”
I vaguely recalled her mentioning a brother. But since she usually snapped at me, I hadn’t paid much attention.
“Of course I remember.”
“Perfect. Let me introduce him to you.”
“No, really, I’m—”
I tried to wave it off—I wasn’t exactly eager to meet her family—but she was already calling out.
“Klaus! Over here!”
A man approached us at her call.
He was tall and well-built, about the same height as Ancelot. His poised steps gave the impression of a knight.
Is that Sylvia’s brother?
His silky, waist-length platinum hair swayed gently as he walked, drawing the attention of nearby ladies.
Handsome…
I glanced up absentmindedly—and his name appeared: Klaus Winstor.
That gorgeous face was unfamiliar, but the name struck a chord.
Wait, Klaus…?
As I racked my brain, it finally hit me—and I was stunned.
“Sylvia… your brother’s name is Klaus Winstor?”
She laughed and waved her fan.
“Oh, that’s right! You remembered perfectly.”
“The same Klaus Winstor who picked up a sword at six and beat a bear…?”
“Gosh, did I really tell you that?”
“The Klaus Winstor who studied abroad, caught the Pope’s eye, was offered the position of Holy Knight Commander, and turned it down without hesitation…?”
“Huh? Our family never heard anything about a Holy Knight Commander offer…”
Sylvia blinked innocently, like this was news to her.
“…”
I clamped my mouth shut.
There was only one reason I knew things even Sylvia didn’t.
He was one of the original characters from the story.
Klaus Winstor, the Shield of Light!
He was the first companion of the protagonist Hezen—an unshakable pillar of trust.
I vaguely remembered his full name but hadn’t made the connection to Sylvia until now.
I can’t believe that Klaus is Sylvia’s brother.
That alone was shocking enough—but what came next was even worse.
Heir of House Winstor, Klaus
Affinity: -100
His affinity toward me was shockingly low.
What the hell is with that negative affinity?!
Sylvia introduced me to him.
“This is Princess Ruibel Azhester, third princess of the Empire. My dearest friend.”
Since when?!
I suppressed the question rising in my throat and forced a composed smile.
Klaus looked at me. And the moment our eyes met—
[SYSTEM] ’s affinity decreased by -10. (Affinity: -110)
What did I do now?!
“Greetings, Princess Ruibel. I am Klaus of House Winstor,” he said politely.
His voice and expression showed no signs of dislike.
“Hello, Sir Klaus. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I responded in my kindest voice, trying to be as friendly as possible.
[SYSTEM] ’s affinity decreased by -10. (Affinity: -120)
…!
My expression twitched at the system alert.
Seriously? You hate even the sound of my voice?
He had already dropped affinity just from making eye contact…
This is so unfair.
In the original, Klaus and Hezen got along wonderfully. Hezen easily recruited him as the first companion.
So why is he like this only with me?
Watching Klaus’s affinity drop like a stone, I made a firm decision.
I’m not advancing this storyline. Not a chance.
Look at that affinity.
No matter what quest appears, it’ll be impossible to succeed.
No—forget success. Starting the storyline at all feels impossible.
As if he knew nothing of my thoughts, Klaus bowed gracefully, the perfect image of a gentleman.
“It is an honor to meet you as well.”
[SYSTEM] ’s affinity decreased by -10. (Affinity: -130)
With that latest system alert, he offered a neatly composed smile.
What honor? That’s a complete lie…
