The ball was like an extension of the hunting festival.
It was a celebration held by the royal family to commemorate the successful conclusion of the hunting festival.
I wondered what kind of gift the emperor would give.
Since I tend to pursue practicality over honor, I thought it would be nice if it were something that could bring in money.
No, that’s not it.
In fact, I didn’t really care what was given. What I was truly looking forward to wasn’t the emperor’s gift.
Dante receiving the gift bestowed by the emperor, and me receiving it from Dante. And I was eagerly anticipating the twisted expressions of the nobles who would be watching all of this unfold.
Today, they were merely shocked, but by tomorrow, I expected to see their faces contorted in despair.
Hehehe.
“Are you that happy?”
Dante asked cautiously, unable to hide his laughter.
“Of course. I’m thrilled. The entire empire’s nobility will now know just how remarkable you are.”
I answered without hesitation, smiling even wider.
“Congratulations again on your victory.”
* * *
The next day.
As Serafina had predicted, the ball was in complete disarray with the news of ‘Dante’s victory.’
Just yesterday, I had been shocked, but the more I thought about it, the more unbelievable it became.
After all, the Richter family had never shown much interest in the hunting festival.
There were even plausible rumors spreading that they were actually not confident in hunting.
Quite a few people believed those rumors.
Though they spoke of him as the ‘Monster Duke, Beast Hunter, the strongest man in the empire,’ since they hadn’t seen him in action, there was a notion that there might be some exaggeration involved.
However, they confirmed with their own eyes yesterday that this was a ridiculous assumption.
The bear, which had died somewhat intact, was a testament to how exceptional Duke Richter’s hunting skills were.
Those who are truly skilled tend to take down beasts in one shot.
Moreover, looking at the bear of such a massive size...
“...Just the fact that he entered and exited a forest with such a bear makes my spine tingle.”
Exactly. Even though the bear was already dead, I felt a shiver run through me.
If I felt this way about a bear, how terrifying would a beast be?
The bear Dante had brought back became a catalyst for the nobles, who had never seen a beast before, to reconsider the terror of such creatures.
At the same time, it made them realize the value of the Richter family.
“The true stars of this hunting festival are undoubtedly the Duke and Duchess of Richter.”
No one refuted that whisper.
Before long, the so-called stars they spoke of made their entrance.
Dressed in splendid and bright clothing, the two stood out even among the crowd.
Amidst the pouring gazes, Serafina flashed a victorious smile.
But as time passed, Serafina could only grow more flustered.
Her embarrassment peaked when the emperor, who had appeared slowly, called Dante to bestow him with a reward.
‘...What is this atmosphere?’
It felt strange. Something was off.
What she had anticipated was the shock and the twisted faces of the people...
Yet, the expressions of the crowd, though dazed, were not contorted.
In fact, there seemed to be some who were slightly admiring and acknowledging the situation.
The only one making the expression she desired was the first prince, Isaac, who had been named the runner-up of the hunting festival.
While she was bewildered by this unadaptable atmosphere, Serafina’s name was mentioned as ‘Lady of the Year.’
Right. I was surprised, but I had to do what I needed to do.
With a pounding heart, Serafina ascended the platform where Dante stood.
Hmm. I am a bit nervous.
It was indeed heart-pounding to receive the attention of everyone from such a height.
And one more thing.
“Serafina.”
Her heart raced at the sight of Dante, who called her softly and reached out his hand.
With his hair half-tossed and wearing a white jacket, he felt different from usual.
Should I say he had a hint of boyish charm?
...Seriously. His face is a weapon. No joke.
Serafina clicked her tongue in amazement as she approached him and took his hand.
Dante carefully placed a bracelet on Serafina’s wrist.
It was a bracelet named ‘Promise of Flowers,’ a unique and precious item adorned with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, resembling flowers.
For a moment, she admired the sparkling bracelet on her wrist.
“Ha ha. What a perfect pair you two make.”
At the voice coming from above, Serafina quickly lowered her head.
“Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.”
Though the emperor was not particularly favorable in her eyes, she had to maintain her manners.
The emperor chuckled with satisfaction.
“I’ve heard that you two have a good relationship. Very harmonious, indeed? Ha ha ha. How delightful! If you could just produce an heir soon, there would be nothing more to wish for.”
I really don’t understand why he is so sincere about someone else’s family heir.
He should be focusing on his own children’s marriages.
With the blatant talk of heirs, Serafina had to be careful not to contort her expression.
Talk of heirs, second generations, and children.
The well-wishing words, merely changing in wording, continued for quite some time.
“Oh dear. I’ve kept you two standing for too long. Now, go down and enjoy the ball.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you.”
I quickly bowed my head and turned away, fearing he might change his mind.
...Wow. I feel drained.
It seemed more challenging to deal with one emperor than a hundred other people.
“Shall I support you?”
“Yes.”
With a soulless smile, Serafina leaned against Dante’s arm as they descended the stairs.
And then, in the next moment.
“...Huh?”
With a gasp, Serafina’s body stiffened.
Dante, who had been walking in step with her, also had to stop midway down the stairs.
“Serafina?”
Even with his small call, Serafina didn’t move an inch.
Her face, staring blankly at something, had turned slightly pale.
What’s going on? Why is she like that?
Dante slowly followed her gaze.
‘...It seems like she’s looking at someone.’
However, he couldn’t tell exactly who she was looking at.
There were simply too many nobles in the ballroom.
Reluctantly, Dante had no choice but to call out to Serafina once more.
“Ah. Uh. Yes. I-I’m sorry.”
Serafina’s dry lips responded, her gaze trembling slightly.
The hand gripping his arm was also vibrating faintly.
‘This is...’
Dante found Serafina’s current state familiar.
In the early days of their marriage, she often looked like this.
Fear.
Serafina was afraid of something right now.
What on earth did she see?
Her cold gaze swept over the crowd once more.
A sinister glint filled the air above the crowd.
* * *
Why didn’t I anticipate this?
Why didn’t I think of it?
〈Useless girl.〉
〈You shouldn’t have been born.〉
〈A disgrace to the family! You filthy, rat-like creature. I don’t even want to see you, so live quietly. Don’t let me see you!〉
Voices echoed in my head.
The criticisms I had forgotten about awakened in an instant.
Was I this weak?
Just by seeing those faces again, I felt my hands and feet grow cold and my whole body tremble?
I barely swallowed the trembling breath and glanced down again.
Even in the crowd, the three figures remained vivid.
Count Adeline and Countess.
And Laura.
The unforgettable faces were grinning at me with a sneer.
“Are you okay? You’re sweating cold.”
As soon as I stepped down from the platform, Dante supported me and led me to a corner.
He hurriedly took out a handkerchief and wiped my forehead.
...It seems he noticed I was flustered.
“I’m fine.”
I barely managed to say, followed by a hollow laugh.
It was just a bit amusing to be in this state.
When I lived in the Richter mansion, bustling with everyone, I thought that my painful past wouldn’t affect me at all.
I had my childhood memories, the memories of my past life, and the happy days spent in the Richter mansion.
But when I faced it head-on...
“...People seem to be weaker than they think.”
My body reacted on its own.
The moment I spotted the three.
I had reverted back to Serafina Adeline, living in misery, not Serafina Richter.
“Serafina.”
“Just hold my hand for a moment. Just for a moment.”
I reached out my hand at his worried call.
Dante didn’t ask anything further and took my hand.
That was enough.
I endlessly repeated in my mind.
Serafina Richter.
The name I had newly acquired.
That the nightmare was merely a thing of the past, not my reality.
I repeated it over and over again.