TEOGDA Chapter 8

As she wavered, Kaithan gently added, like nudging her decision along:

“I need to stop by the ball as well. Since I’m headed that way, please don’t feel burdened.”

“Really?”

Kaithan nodded softly.

“In that case, I’ll gratefully accept your offer.”

“Of course. Just a moment.”

After reassuring her, Kaithan stepped out of the boutique.
A satisfied smile touched his face.
The headache that had plagued him earlier had subsided significantly.
Only a faint throb remained.

He stepped into the quiet street and whistled.
Almost immediately, Alberto, who had been hiding nearby, stepped out and knelt.

“You called, Your Grace.”

Alberto was the captain of Kaithan’s personal guard and always stayed close by.

“Alberto, bring the carriage. Something suitable for a lady.”

“Yes, sir.”

Alberto vanished swiftly.
Moments later, an elegant carriage pulled up in front of the boutique.

“Shall we?”

Kaithan opened the boutique door.
Raina stepped out slowly.

As Kaithan offered his arm respectfully, Raina bowed her head, feeling flustered.
His first impression had been intimidating, but now, he seemed kinder than she had expected.

“Your Grace, thank you. I’ll just accept your kindness until we reach the ballroom.”

“No need to be formal. Make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

Raina smiled and stepped into the carriage.

As Raina climbed into the carriage, her eyes widened in surprise.

Kaithan’s carriage was on a completely different level from the one she had ridden with Charlotte.
The interior was spacious enough to lie down in, and the seats were adorned with silk and jewels.
While Raina looked around in awe, Kaithan sat with his long legs crossed, smiling quietly as he watched her.

“Your Grace, this carriage is amazing.”

“Is that so?”

He replied casually, as if it was nothing — the ease of wealth evident in his tone.

“I’m glad it suits you.”

“Yes, I’ve never ridden in such a fine carriage before.”

Feeling more at ease, Raina settled comfortably into her seat.
The silk-covered cushions were soft and luxurious beneath her.

“Thank you so much.”

“There’s no need to keep thanking me.”

Kaithan gave a gentle smile and waved it off.

“Would you like something to drink?”

“Pardon?”

“There are a few simple refreshments.”

Beside them, a small set of snacks and drinks was neatly arranged.

“I’m alright.”

“Refusing too much can be rude, you know.”

“In that case, just some water would be fine.”

Kaithan poured water into a glass and handed it to her.

“Here.”

Raina gratefully drank it — her throat had been parched for a while, and the cool water was refreshing.
Feeling her dry throat moisten, she relaxed a little more.

“Try this too. It’s quite good.”

Kaithan handed her a shell-shaped cookie.

Raina lowered her gaze and quietly nibbled on it.
A sweet butter flavor filled her mouth.
With a little food in her stomach, her tension eased — but her earlier worries resurfaced.

She glanced at Kaithan, trying to read him.
His eyes, soft and calm, seemed warm and kind.

‘It’ll be fine. He’s a gentleman. He’s been kind and even gave me food. He must be a good person. He’ll understand… I’m sure he’ll agree to such a small request.’

More importantly, she had to make sure before they reached the Debutante Ball.
After a long pause and a lot of hesitation, Raina finally met his gaze and spoke carefully.

“Your Grace, may I ask a favor?”

“Any favor. Please speak freely.”

“It’s not a big one.”

Raina smiled softly.

“It’s about what happened earlier in the street. Of course, I know Your Grace wouldn’t spread such rumors, but… just in case, I’d like to ask you to forget what you saw.”

“What exactly are you referring to?”

“When I came out of Laorde… the tavern.”

“That.”

Kaithan leaned forward slightly.
Even with such a small motion, there was a heavy sense of pressure.

Raina stiffened immediately, tense.
But then Kaithan leaned back again.

“That might not be possible.”

“…What?”

Raina’s voice rose in panic.

Kaithan gave her a strange smile.

“Everything comes at a price.”

“A… price? What do you mean by that?”

Raina spoke in a small voice.

“As you know, I don’t have much money…”

Kaithan let out a short laugh and smiled.

“Surely, you don’t think I’d ask you for money.”

“Then… what would you like from me?”

“Anything I want?”

“I’ll give you whatever I can, as long as you keep it a secret.”

“Anything, you say.”

Raina nodded eagerly.
Surely he wouldn’t ask for something outrageous… right?
Nervous, she urged him.

“Please, tell me.”

“In that case, I’ll have to think about it.”

“Think—?”

“Think what?”

“…Nothing.”

You’re so petty!
Raina swallowed the words and looked out the window.

The rest of the ride to the palace was silent.
As the air inside the carriage grew more uncomfortable, they finally arrived.

‘I’m really going to the Debutante Ball!’

Raina’s heart pounded with joy at finally standing where she’d dreamed of being.

The carriage stopped at the palace gates.
A gatekeeper approached.

‘Right! The invitation!’

Only then did Raina remember she’d forgotten her invitation.

‘What do I do? Are they going to turn me away at the door?’

If that happened, she might actually cry.
As the gatekeeper came closer, Raina fidgeted nervously.

“Is something wrong?”

“Your Grace… I forgot my invitation. They won’t turn me away, will they?”

“Of course not. No one would dare block your way.”

“Why… not?”

“Because you’re with me.”

Kaithan gave a faint smile and stepped out of the carriage first.

“Shall we?”

Extending his hand with polite grace, Raina revised her earlier opinion.

‘He’s not petty after all… just cautious.’

She smiled at Kaithan and moved to exit the carriage.
Or she tried to—
Her dress caught on the edge of the carriage.

“Ah…!”

She flailed her arms, falling straight into—

“Ah!”

Kaithan’s chest.

Stunned, Raina’s eyes widened as she hit his solid chest.

“Huh?”

“At this rate, if you’re already this forward, it might be a problem.”

At his low, teasing voice, Raina instinctively pushed away from him.

“S-sorry, Your Grace.”

“You’re welcome.”

She could feel the eyes of everyone outside the palace on them.
She hadn’t even made it into the Debutante Ball yet, and here she was—humiliated already.

Unlike the embarrassed Raina, Kaithan didn’t put her down. He simply stared at her.

“Your Grace, p-please put me down.”

“Well, the Debutante Ball must be attended, after all.”

Kaithan gently set Raina on her feet, as if placing down something precious.

Raina lowered her head and hurried to walk—
Or tried to walk.
The long hem of her dress tangled around her legs, making even a step difficult.

‘I should’ve worn a dress like this before…’

At home, she mostly did chores and wore clothes like the maids.
She hadn’t realized how long a dress like this could be.

Blushing furiously, Raina made her way to the castle gate.
The guards at the gate bowed respectfully at the sight of Grand Duke Kaithan and guided them inside.

Just as Kaithan had said, no one asked for an invitation.
Relieved, Raina followed him into the palace.
At last—it was time for the long-awaited Debutante Ball.