Chapter 13
Because There Is No Turning Back (2)
“….”
“Don’t be so upset. I’m not just talking about Lady Are. What difference is there between you and the others here, really?”
Veronica’s indifferent gaze shifted toward the group behind her. It was a cluster of people around her age. They were also the same “friends” she used to associate with frequently. All of them had turned away when she most needed help. Trust had been the first thing to collapse.
“You must have heard about my engagement. Or maybe you even attended the ceremony. I suppose I should learn my place now. It makes sense for people of similar standing to associate with each other.”
“….”
“Please make sure to tell the others as well. Spreading stories about me is your specialty, isn’t it?”
Veronica crushed the letter once more and smiled sweetly. Then she glanced back at the group behind her. Those who had been secretly watching the situation flinched and looked away. Even while sensing the tense atmosphere, they were still prioritizing their own interests.
Nothing had changed at all.
With that realization, there was nothing left for her here.
Veronica turned her back on the rotten connections. Whispering broke out behind her, but she ignored it.
Returning to her original place, she found Harry waiting.
“Did you have a good talk?”
“Yes, very good. Thankfully, they all listened properly.”
Unaware of the truth, Harry smiled in relief.
The banquet hall was still filled with nobles waiting for their audience with the Emperor. But since they couldn’t wait indefinitely, once a certain number of people had gathered, the music in the ballroom changed.
First, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess stepped into the center of the hall. After exchanging formal greetings, they began to dance to the music. Once their dance ended, it was the princes’ turn. Because there were many members of the imperial family, several groups performed together.
After the princes finished, it was the nobles’ turn.
At least, that was how it was supposed to be.
But no one dared step forward.
A suffocating silence spread through the hall, so still that even the music felt distant. The most important figures had not yet taken the floor.
Countless glances turned this way and that. Confusion spread among the nobles. Murmurs quickly grew into unease, and judgmental gazes filled the space.
Among the crowd, Veronica stood alone.
There had been times when she was so overwhelmed with fear that she fled from this pressure.
But not anymore.
Veronica slowly stepped forward toward the one she would share her downfall with. The sound of her heels echoed clearly as she met the eyes of the man who had unconsciously lifted his head.
“Your Highness Prince Cassian.”
Cassian immediately frowned. He clearly disliked hearing his name called by her.
Veronica smiled.
“You wouldn’t ignore your fiancée here, would you?”
She extended her gloved hand.
Cassian looked at it like it was something filthy.
“There are many eyes watching, Your Highness. You should maintain decorum.”
“…Can you even dance properly?”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
“….”
“Now, take my hand. His Majesty is watching as well.”
At that, Cassian clenched and unclenched his fist once before finally reaching out.
But even then, he only barely touched her fingertips, as if afraid of contagion.
Veronica let out a disbelieving laugh at his blatant rudeness.
Despite that, Cassian still looked as though he wanted nothing more than to avoid touching her at all.
They stood in the center of the ballroom.
After exchanging formal greetings, they closed the distance slightly. Cassian once again took her hand—still only at the fingertips.
“What, are you trying to make me fall in front of everyone?”
“How am I supposed to dance like this? Hold properly.”
At her calm demand, Cassian sighed.
Finally, his hand opened fully, sliding between her fingers. Their palms met, and their fingers interlocked.
His other hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer. Their bodies lightly touched, sharing a faint warmth.
Veronica lifted her head and looked at his stiff face.
They say you should practice dancing with someone you have feelings for. Of course, Cassian did not look at her like that.
Whispers spread around them.
Some even placed bets on how she would fail this time.
Veronica lowered her gaze.
The music changed.
And she stepped forward.
Right, left, turn, weight shift, arm extension, return.
Her movements flowed like a single unbroken line—without hesitation, without flaw. There was even a strange sense of ease to it.
Veronica had once been terrible at dancing.
It was well known from her debut in high society. “Be graceful and elegant! Never lose your smile even if you make a mistake!” her dance instructor had once said.
At first, he had been frustrated. Then he begged her just to memorize the steps. Eventually, he gave up and only asked her not to fall.
She had no talent for it, and she hated practice, so she never improved.
Her instructor had seriously wondered if there was any point continuing at all. He even reduced his goal to just finishing one song properly.
And yet now—
She was flawlessly dancing three songs in a row. He would have been ecstatic to teach her more.
Now, Veronica displayed that skill without restraint.
Elegant. Beautiful. Smiling, just as she had been told countless times.
When she lifted her gaze, she met Cassian’s eyes.
He looked mildly surprised.
Perhaps he had expected her to trip.
“Did you know we haven’t seen each other for half a year?”
“…Is that so?”
“I sent you letters. You never replied. I was waiting.”
“…Is that so.”
Jerk.
Veronica smiled brightly.
“I missed you.”
“….”
Cassian ignored her words completely, as if chewing on them and spitting them out. He turned his face away, choosing instead to focus on the dance.
After that, Veronica also stopped speaking and concentrated.
There were only two dancers in the center, but the movements flowed smoothly, without tension.
She occasionally checked Cassian’s face. He was focused.
Even she, who knew little about dance, could tell he was good. He guided her movements gently, and she followed without resistance. It was a textbook performance.
When she danced with Asar, it had felt like following him. But with this man, it felt like they were adjusting to each other.
His hand tightened slightly, pulling her closer—not forcefully, but with a steady, comfortable pressure.
So this is what “breathing with your partner” means.
As Cassian glanced at her, Veronica smiled immediately.
He quickly turned his head away.
That stiff expression was rather amusing. She smiled even brighter.
The final note sounded.
The dance ended.
They exchanged formal bows.
Then applause erupted.
Polite, obligatory applause—meant for a flawless performance—but beneath it lay more gossip than praise.
Since the dance was over, it was now the nobles’ turn.
Veronica had no intention of dancing again. She stepped toward Cassian and reached out her hand.
But he pretended not to see it and walked past her.
Veronica smiled brightly.
Then she moved quickly.
She approached him, pretended to stumble, and grabbed his arm.
Cassian’s expression darkened instantly.
“Oh my, pardon me.”
Before he could pull away, she leaned comfortably into his arm.
“I suddenly feel dizzy. Would you mind supporting me?”
“…Fine.”
The words came through gritted teeth.
He clearly wanted to throw her off, but with so many eyes watching, he restrained himself.
Veronica chuckled.
Harry approached them.
“Veronica, are you alright?”
“I just felt a little dizzy. I think I was nervous.”
“Shall I take you outside for a moment?”
“I’m fine, Father. His Highness Prince Cassian will accompany me, right?”
She smiled at Cassian.
Cassian looked like he wanted to refuse, but after glancing at Harry, he reluctantly nodded.
Leaving Harry behind, the two walked toward the ballroom exit.
Gazes followed them.
Veronica politely excused herself using her condition as an excuse whenever someone approached.
Cassian’s face remained stiff.
“Smile, Your Highness. You look like you’re being dragged to execution.”
“Not far from how I feel.”
“Relax that terrifying expression a little.”
“No.”
“…”
