AME 45

CH:45

Everyone’s eyes turned toward Alessia. Even Leonidas, who had been quietly listening to the conversation without the slightest movement, turned his head to look at her.

The ever-smiling Count Dumont wore a stern expression for the first time. The honorific “Duke Ferdinand” seemed to have unsettled him.

“…It appears the young lady of Ingelos is under a slight misconception.”

“If it’s a misunderstanding, I’d be grateful if you could correct me, Count. I’ve still much to learn.”

Alessia spoke with innocent courtesy. The tense lines on Count Dumont’s face relaxed ever so slightly. He seemed to accept that she had simply spoken out of ignorance due to her young age.

“Our Leonidas is not yet the Duke of Ferdinand, my lady. He’s merely acting in that capacity for now—just a regent. Ahem. Excuse me. He’s doing his utmost in the position of regent.”

It was clear he had intended to say “just a regent,” but after clearing his throat as if his neck were sore, he smoothly altered his words like a sly serpent. Then, with a benevolent expression as if to ask whether she now understood, he looked at Alessia.

“Oh, I see. I must still be unaware of many things since it hasn’t been long since I left Ingelos.”

“That’s perfectly understandable. I appreciate your candor.”

Count Dumont smiled magnanimously. Though taken aback at first, he realized this situation actually worked in his favor.

There were quite a few among the guests pretending not to listen while straining their ears toward the conversation. This was a golden opportunity to subtly emphasize that Leonidas was still merely a regent.

“But I do have a question… Hasn’t Lord Leonidas been recognized by the late duke as the rightful successor to the Ferdinand title? I recall seeing him use the ducal seal on occasion.”

With that, Alessia turned her gaze to Leonidas. He hadn’t expected her to address him, and his pupils dilated slightly before returning to normal as he met her eyes.

“Oh, is that seal not the one the former Duke used? I was wondering if regents had a separate seal or something…”

“No, that was indeed my father’s seal.”

“I thought so! I must’ve assumed you’d already taken the title of Duke, since you carry yourself as one. Still, I’ll be more careful with my words from now on. One must be cautious with one’s manners in public.”

With a respectful glimmer in her eyes directed toward Leonidas, Alessia turned back to Count Dumont and gently pulled her lips into a smile.

“Thank you for your kind instruction, Count Dumont.”

“…Think nothing of it.”

But Count Dumont was far from smiling.

After that incident, Count Dumont hurriedly withdrew with his son in tow. Leonidas looked at Alessia with an unreadable expression, then handed her a glass of something to drink before walking off again to mingle with the other guests.

Alessia seemed quite pleased with the drink Leonidas had given her. She sipped from the glass repeatedly. The beverage, seemingly made from lemon juice and heaps of sugar, was overly sweet—but she appeared to enjoy it.

“How did you know they didn’t get along?”

“I can read ancient texts. You think I wouldn’t understand that little jab?”

Despite the sarcastic remark, Kaon simply nodded. At this point, her tone didn’t bother him anymore. In fact, he admired how she managed to keep that calm smile on her face.

“What if he really had no idea what you meant?”

“Then maybe this was a good chance for him to learn.”

Pfft. Kaon couldn’t hold back a quiet laugh. His uncle always feigned good intentions while subtly steering conversations in odd directions.

But when Alessia pretended to be clueless with such an innocent face, it backfired—making the Count inadvertently join in boosting Leonidas’ image.

Neither Leonidas nor the Count had been able to correct her or say, “That’s not what I meant…” and simply backed away like they were retreating from battle. It was immensely satisfying. Kaon suspected Leonidas had been caught off guard too, even if he didn’t show it.

“Aren’t you going to dance?”

“What?”

That came out of nowhere. Kaon furrowed his perfectly shaped brows. If she wanted to dance, she could’ve just asked—why phrase it like that?

“You really are something.”

Alessia subtly raised her glass. When Kaon followed her gaze, he noticed several faces looking eagerly in his direction, lighting up the moment he made eye contact. Most looked young, though not all of them.

They were watching him—clearly waiting for something.

That’s when Kaon understood what Alessia had meant, and he felt a bit deflated. He’d thought maybe she wanted to dance with him. But no. She wanted him to leave her side and go entertain others.

She hadn’t said it so directly, but that’s how it felt to him.

“Oh, that’s what you meant. I’m not going.”

“Looks like they’re waiting.”

“They’ll manage. I’m not a big fan of dancing.”

“Must be nice—to live only doing the things you like.”

“What’s that supposed to—”

He was about to snap back but stopped short. Alessia was sipping her drink, looking unusually content.

Strangely, just seeing that expression made his irritation melt away. After all, what good would snapping at her do? His foul mood disappeared as quickly as it came, and Kaon found himself reaching for a drink of his own.

“Your attention, everyone! Presenting His Majesty King Mahav, sovereign of Gaios, together with His Highness Prince Arno and Her Highness Princess Odely!”

The chamberlain’s voice boomed across the ballroom as he announced the final, and most anticipated, entrance.

King Mahav entered first—a man of mediocre virtue but at least decent appearance for a middle-aged monarch. His son, who looked remarkably like him, followed. Then came the princess, who bore no resemblance to either.

Kaon paid attention just enough to remain respectful, casting a fleeting glance at Princess Odely as she walked in.

They said she greatly resembled the late queen, who had passed over a decade ago—and it did seem true. Kaon had only seen the queen in portraits, but he could still tell. Her striking features were unmistakable.

Kaon drifted into memory for a moment. It had been his father who once told him that the princess was the queen’s spitting image. He tried to recall the last time his family had attended a ball together, but the memory was too hazy.

“Did you fall for the princess?”

He was just about to sink into somber thoughts when Alessia leaned in and asked softly.

“Want to keep talking nonsense?”

Kaon retorted in a hushed voice. Objectively, Princess Odely was beautiful—but not Kaon’s type. He preferred women who were smaller than him. Cute, even. If he had to describe it, that was it.

“Oh, then it must be me?”

“…Let’s just not.”

He shook his head. He’d almost nodded before his reason kicked in—thank goodness. Even so, her teasing had lightened his mood. Whether she meant to or not, it helped.

Come to think of it, Kaon realized he’d never heard what kind of man Alessia liked. She was always too busy teasing him about his preferences.

“What about the prince—”

“Kaon Ferdinand.”

He was about to ask about Prince Arno when Alessia cut him off.

“What?”

“Go dance.”

“I said I don’t want to— Hey, where are you going?”

“Don’t follow me.”

With a chilling tone, Alessia vanished into the crowd. Her face had turned pale with worry, but her resolute demeanor kept him from chasing after her.

‘I’ll wait a bit, and if she doesn’t come back soon, I’ll go find her.’

He wanted to run after her immediately, but figured she had a reason for saying what she did. Even so, he kept looking at the spot where she’d disappeared.

The moment Alessia left, women flocked to Kaon—some striking up conversation, others subtly inviting him to dance. At first, he used Leonidas as an excuse, but when that didn’t work, he politely turned them all down.

Kaon stood still, eyes scanning the crowd. He didn’t know when Alessia might return.

‘Does she know anyone here?’

As far as Kaon knew, Alessia had never mentioned having friends while staying at Ferdinand. If she’d planned to meet someone, surely she’d have mentioned it.

‘Ingelos hasn’t arrived either.’

Maybe she’d gone to see someone from her family? But there hadn’t been any announcement of Ingelos’ entrance. If they had slipped in late, he might’ve missed it—but would she really sneak away just to meet family?

Ferdinand and Ingelos were political enemies, yes, but now they were bound by an engagement. Neither side would be foolish enough to pick a fight in public.

So if it’s not friends or family… then why the secrecy?

‘…It’s not a man, is it?’

The thought hit him like a splash of cold water. Alessia had called him “oblivious,” but she must’ve known full well how many men eyed her tonight. There was no way she hadn’t noticed—it had to be intentional.

She always seemed indifferent, which Kaon had secretly found a relief. Not for any romantic reason—but because it meant less trouble for him. Playing the part of a doting fiancé was exhausting enough. If she ever got involved with someone else and he had to pretend to care, it would be a nightmare. Acting was not his forte.

‘So where the hell did she go?’

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a presence approaching.

“Lord Kaon Ferdinand.”

“What is it?”

It was a royal attendant, judging by the fine uniform—one of the high-ranking ones from the palace. Kaon straightened slightly, unsure of what was coming.

“Her Highness Princess Odely wishes to see you in private.”