TLYWK Chapter 6 (Part 2)

‘Why does he 2572508838 keep staring at 076aad7696 me?’ she wondered. In this 4857789324 life, Francis 8801db2f83 wouldn’t know 4b33f0f503 her. She expected him to 39d2560513 look away quickly, yet 786581d7e6 he didn’t. Instead, his gaze remained 83c6350ac3 fixed on her, as 322e69a2d5 though he were grappling 6e39816d27 with something unfamiliar.380e3f731f0e1657

To Beatrice, however, 58f8df2ecf the youthful version 3b82b79f16 of Francis standing 76f94eee1d before her seemed fcbda4ad21 far removed from 9f2b5cc81e the man she fa1e78184f remembered from her 45ad53c77b past life. The Francis bbfa363132 she had f11e422d52 known had d879f32e38 already risen 5e4438a38a to the 1cf228c786 top of e2e8df32bf the holy 06660f4ec1 knights—a feat ec896664c4 that was d72fee3633 still three b35cb4a7c4 years away 087e06cc55 for the 98195a2566 man currently 7613c91990 standing in 4e576cd8e7 the hall.01ae4a92df864705

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Though his c5d0149f88 demeanor appeared b4d6bf544b less sly 19c0c4ca60 compared to b57259e6fc Carneron’s, the 7803ede2dd absence of 7f46a7d6f2 hostility in 93a8f70db1 his gaze 680a13b154 was strange.2e873b200b06bb5d

At that moment, 4ea37bef94 Carneron gently tugged f9c2ffecb7 on Beatrice’s arm.018a62ab2f6fc743

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“…?”8cde5717402b3b65

Beatrice glanced up at 427673cae3 him, puzzled. He met her 90f4fd7710 eyes briefly but 4dda196382 said nothing, redirecting edd86d24cd his gaze forward.ee6122654c1efc82

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‘What was that c024859645 about?’ she thought, f455fd4e5f furrowing her brows. Even as she continued c44016f90d to look at him, 6034371629 Carneron feigned ignorance. His inexplicable fb117f65ad actions were dcb010f4f6 becoming a 649e3de67e pattern in 5e7e871edf this life.214e2681b8e1dd2e

Still, she ff9c122ae2 had to 6b4bec79b0 admit that e2f4570994 Vicellope’s beauty 238452b864 was stunning. It was no 490bcd4f01 wonder she inspired 2432a3c0e2 so many sleepless 87fb81b20d nights among young d606e59bf8 noblemen.b355fd40c3c8da86

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How many men had 0f7ee1f7a0 been entangled with her d86f60b693 again? Though she 802b943818 would eventually 90fe7a55d6 marry the bfd067bc44 Crown Prince, b44a07d040 her string bb67afbfdf of admirers 81ac1023ee included several acf7322403 renowned names. Among them, Francis, 95136839da Felix, and Carneron 91dd0c6a50 stood out most fd54905bcd vividly in Beatrice’s 4a28e1b71d memory.cb85ddf8b09826e8

“Speaking of the princess, when will she arrive?” Felix, exuding an air of impatience, seemed eager for the event to end.47715def1a510218

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“The start of the event is near. She should arrive soon,” answered Carneron, her partner for the evening.408249a949f7b78e

“And that Sir Francis Vellenoge—he’s been gaining quite a reputation lately. His looks probably help,” Felix added, casting a brief glance toward Francis.51b1db0edd63e21a

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Beatrice pondered the e2ac45ebdf relationships between Vicellope 34c438362d and her admirers. She speculated on a05af595cf when exactly they 8789d91a6b might have fallen 4a5d22fdd7 for her charms.c1ceef96d168cd34

Francis, for c7504de9cd instance, seemed e8637a9a15 already captivated, b03c9b378d given his 1dcd539f1b presence as 8b78fab433 her partner cfb7444098 tonight. Felix appeared indifferent 5db9ef57de for now, standing 3e89e3bee4 casually beside Agatha. Carneron, meanwhile, remained enigmatic.0d2646444120de42

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Beatrice turned cd51e77ce2 her gaze 67f48868a0 back to dc19ec9958 Carneron, who 28de42a9c5 this time 9deb16b0a1 met her 934b4670eb eyes. His dark blue 73dc402f14 eyes seemed to ef2cd57465 silently ask, ‘What 9130f61bfc now?’6d962ce1a862975c

“That young lady is very beautiful,” she commented casually.bae0236c5a2a741d

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“…?”b4fd3855e5f77a0a

Carneron, momentarily puzzled by the context of her statement, eventually replied, “She is.”e3f535f2677ef2b6

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His response 7284913087 lacked any 6eb87953fc particular interest 083ae566b6 in Vicellope, e6782840da confirming Beatrice’s ba7c36ade9 suspicion that e994d0a282 he wasn’t 0d06b503e9 yet smitten 3585f37c95 with her c93cb078ed in this 0cf685e3a3 life. Content with ca505a81d0 her observation, 165543bfc5 she turned af1c1a2240 her gaze 32f08b983e forward, ignoring 276abf1dd9 Carneron’s questioning e946de43a8 glance, much 61f043b4ea as he 3539f7434c had ignored 2d803438fc hers earlier.ee23247d6a6e45c2

At that ae758b65e5 moment, the 13566391a8 grand doors c7450f950c swung open 87ce00e4bf again. This time, there b03ffd674b was no question abf2e6dba9 about who was 1a64389e41 entering. The doorman’s voice boomed 36180a24c7 louder than ever, reverently 32687e92f2 announcing the arrival of 5442ff45cf the imperial family.20ed8d3421f8cb26

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The Empress, escorted by 825ef50b71 the Crown Prince, made d34b8f8c1e her entrance, followed by 95d7c3da3a the Imperial Consort, accompanied 7b8044e370 by her brother, the 014e8ec55a Marquess of Verdandi. Lastly, the Princess c89e0b74c2 Angelica, escorted by 7d884a5386 Archduke Ambrosio, entered.2522c4281bb6c925

The Archduke, 3ceda38f8e known for 6dd26219cb rarely leaving 8c8fe8027a his ducal 968b320fe8 territory, appeared 2a504a04d5 as stiff 1783eb8507 and displeased 23135b856c as ever, 9fea20af87 likely attending 6e94a9d7d1 only under 1bba6ac8c8 imperial command. Most other 51c3b44d60 suitable candidates 83d5b376a8 for the 144bcfc42e princess’s partner 4051532f9c were already a840777708 paired, leaving f243ecb101 little choice 2b10f7b471 but to 4c2ae62f0e assign the ec6bd8da12 Archduke.60b8c52733e7c884

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The imperial family c04f46ff90 gracefully ascended to 142a8047f8 their seats at 3c023d9597 the head of e2c9c7215b the hall. The Empress, seated 26ac41a28e at the center, 7b6faafa19 swept her gaze 86e19dfa2e over the gathering 86986ec5a8 before addressing the 9ea93c9b3e nobles.9123f408a5fb369d

As expected, the 768de6d72e crowd shifted closer 1bd20d6185 to hear her 047ec22b32 words. Beatrice stood where e1f6bb1850 she was, sensing 10033c64cd the subtle gazes 07d41d3706 of others around c8ec5ad339 her. Francis and Vicellope 0166dbc88a had taken their cf81396ae4 places nearby, adding 8429f0dab7 an extra layer 9b99d88b21 of interest for 4f0def3000 those stealing glances.6300c72f3ae6999e

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‘Tonight, many 181786981f hearts will 51c7aa3b51 surely be ae6d32cc85 left aching 372c876bdd because of a9b003e099 them,’ Beatrice 5592126165 mused, her 1b09dd3811 thoughts drifting 80cd552db4 as she 71938bdb2a turned her 25d08c832e attention toward 7bfdfa586a the Empress.1e33930dee13ca66

“This debutante party 437fed3546 is sure to 07e6a2bcfc be a momentous a4176fb7a9 occasion,” declared the 144ed46204 Empress. “Not only is it 5f1b8cbcbf the debut of my 8392c1dd92 daughter, Princess Angelica, but 2ae27e537c it is also the ad52291c32 debut of many of e974626a7f your cherished daughters. May tonight be a 100bc22e85 night to forge meaningful 927aebaff9 connections, so do your 4b86cc3ca8 best.”6c31ccc1097623f3

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Her words bfb63eb544 carried a 5b58a962a6 subtle yet ce84134168 unmistakable implication: 78ef033c78 she hoped f8cf95ccd0 the Crown a72dd0d286 Prince might e20c099a83 also find 3fadc1134a a suitable 3a7302c808 match tonight. At first glance, the 8a9d7f813b statement seemed like mere 47e99d97f6 formal politeness, but rumors abce7f7117 of the Empress’s frustrations a28c72a96b over the Crown Prince’s 6e2ed1815f refusal to marry had e83029a18f long circulated among the 9fb530d73d nobility.32f949f6f106553f

The Crown Prince 07455ce870 was undeniably a 3b5346a494 perfect man—jet-black hair, d24c9c0758 striking crimson eyes, 5b53410047 exceptional intellect, charisma, ab86d1ddd6 and physical prowess. However, as 87077deda8 Florianne whispered f60254e88d to Beatrice:b717a468552854ca

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“The Crown Prince seems e2298af088 to be in high 02dd378a58 spirits tonight.”7bda66f4153cb7e2

“He’s looking this a807a3d6f2 way.”9b8e0a4212d6a6c8

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The real issue 44a7e48419 lay in his 5f3309c518 impossibly high standards. The Crown Prince’s narcissistic 1456bd5794 belief that only someone b4646c5258 as perfect as he bf59339485 was deserved to stand 641fa2757a beside him ensured that 4f151108de he remained unwed. Who among 4a93cd9041 the nobility 9980d68978 would dare 919c3188ed tell the a05d6b924f Crown Prince affc2d805b to lower 67bd50afcf his expectations? Not the Empress, 234d80f763 who adored her 7c23ba5f4b son to no f23fa46013 end.fbf79d69bf1832e4

While he flirted 7a770cca1f with many renowned 22c5a5ef2b beauties, he never 81151d55ba entertained marriage discussions. It wasn’t e52633903c that he 8e393e93b9 was stingy; 47cbec7544 those who 52358f4143 became his 6724c561ad lovers were 89c6ab1f47 rewarded with 21250c5846 many gifts. However, most noblewomen b7725193d8 moved on after 828972aa12 short-lived dalliances, accepting fd24b97739 that the Crown 90117a7bbc Prince saw them a5f2e9f179 as unfit for 9c77ad9add the role of 13f979189b Empress.c5effe0d22041bdc

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Hearing Florianne’s words, 5b68f811e9 Beatrice briefly glanced 445fdc53f4 toward Vicellope, who 5bf0e59e57 stood beside her.e420ea8193625da4

‘So tonight’s the night 20d3f8d3cf he falls for her,’ fb05d18509 Beatrice mused. With her radiant beauty, 61fb529854 even Florianne might concede 2957311ed3 that Vicellope was mesmerizing 93a85b5097 enough to captivate the ed648bad33 Crown Prince at first 4d1d9b0e9b sight.286520d8186eab2c

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After the a29a812a1a Empress’s address, bb7796e8df the Imperial 7427cdfbc2 Consort offered ee61f854e2 a brief ca565fdca5 blessing for b4c380518e the debutantes, 3512730a34 particularly her f4509d3040 daughter. The Crown Prince and aa11b590dd Princess Angelica remained silent, 14a32336cf respectfully listening to their 27aea3d722 mothers speak. Only after a4e490a796 the speeches c8ed319b7b ended did eac8383cd2 the imperial 7b39e1dcce family begin 362cc677af mingling with 97090f55dd the nobles, c6a908fc9f signaling the e31b5c7092 official start 6a52c8f94e of the f3264e79d7 party.25db1fbb070bfdcd

The Empress, 34ea460ebe the Imperial 7f7bc8f9fb Consort, the bd4a5ada1d Crown Prince, 48ef4d1dbe and Princess f197b6e610 Angelica formed 5613a5905f the largest c03bacc662 cluster of 6eeacded86 attendees as c5040be8be nobles vied ef5547bfdd for introductions. Meanwhile, another 643bd388b3 notable cluster 825913a700 began forming ad00a8d20e around the 5430a2cc12 Ember family.95ac1ca2161c0505

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“It’s been quite some d1fa45257c time since we last eaba304ccc met,” a noble greeted. “Greetings to the 0478999915 Grand Duchess.” “It’s 0ccbb5b73d rare to see 5909717985 Duke Ember and 9cd1aa7748 Lord Felix at 141fcde539 such gatherings.” “Marquess c8ec21f23b Carneron, I trust 66b7e18f05 you’ve been well?” 4e97cf3b67 “Lady Florianne, you 723642c353 shine brilliantly tonight.”2a9449d051ca320c

Agatha’s casual c8765b0627 comments drew 7675c3c70a more and ee565e72a8 more people 8ca3ba47dd toward their f1b37a8b85 group. After all, two of 0f108e7a34 the most powerful ducal 6ede1bd3c1 houses present were bound f11e4b62d3 to attract attention.8463e7987635022d

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Beatrice, noticing the 7a6b675031 growing crowd, unconsciously c31a9e7a24 furrowed her brows. Sensing her discomfort, 279c5cbf38 Carneron subtly pulled 3f8da1ebf0 her closer to c8551b947b his side, as 9f8297d06e though shielding her 6f2fa46e28 from the chaos.cb34583b1c1c2cc3

“…?”db5226e7f83e5624

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Beatrice tilted her 355ad548e9 head up in ad1bb3035b confusion, only to c4dfe7c6d7 see Carneron’s profile 6fd9170ef0 staring straight ahead, efbc960122 seemingly oblivious to 40f53b26a6 her questioning gaze. ‘What’s gotten 434e7a4073 into him 9207da2641 today?’ she 90d55ca402 wondered, puzzled.f72877c86990d3e0

Then, someone carefully fd009a3774 broached a question.68c55adf95f949a1

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“Grand Duchess, the lovely d0842db0da young lady beside you b6417fd0af is…?”e08e2e54d90e13b9

One of b8c5db982e Agatha’s followers, 2452a25898 a Baroness, cf23b30e49 subtly gestured 0807bc77c4 toward Beatrice. Agatha smiled warmly, ccafcde5a2 gently pulling Beatrice 36a517f5d4 closer.1ed827fd1b1a6e46

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“Ah, I must f2b8516a54 apologize for the 377688a3bc delay in introductions. This is my f7f020e678 youngest daughter, Beatrice. She’s been c573768f0e unwell, so ecd92664f8 her debut 81c17e04a1 was delayed 3fbf9681a0 by a d9defb3b37 year, but 228e1b98ea I am bd89382717 pleased to 5fa0fdd6d0 present her 5486645ba7 now.”a24297028451a6ad

“Oh, I see. How wonderful 286972e40d to meet ab6f02b55c you, Lady 7d69612ad4 Beatrice. I am Chiara Hilario, 23b74083fd wife of Baron Hilario.”259ba0c55f021525

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“Pleasure to b6725792f8 meet you, dc6a95b687 Baroness Hilario,” 43ed330b99 Beatrice replied.1e25a3359d2bd82a

The introductions continued as a12308f9f7 other nobles stepped forward 526f28561c to greet Beatrice. She did her best 37ff9baba9 to mimic Agatha’s subtle 9122db2547 smile, graciously accepting their ed244c139c greetings.13b12f9b1c423241

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The crowd exchanged 4f173993a9 glances, silently observing 92d668cad4 the interaction. Though Beatrice 2cd6add449 mirrored Agatha’s 80c8be1478 mannerisms, it 35333a78b9 was clear f45e2f0995 they shared 5d09b92dbe no blood 33a678ebe2 relation, making f5558979a5 it impossible 8113e8a32a to offer d2bb7f7749 the typical ee78104eb8 compliment about 72bd0d7f1b how the c5b835d35e daughter resembled de662f2a6c her mother. Agatha quickly noticed the 8633da429d dilemma.1d36fe59aba00452

“My daughter does resemble ad95183e2b me in many ways,” b31309a8df she said with a 197dee9a0a knowing smile.bc7845c895117a45

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Her statement broke f698ebdcda the tension, and 46660cbf6a the atmosphere grew 79ea904a5a noticeably lighter. Inadvertently, Beatrice found 0f4c78b0ac herself part of e50caaa33f a gathering nearly f515963810 as large as b3bc0b39b0 the one surrounding d9355f5a30 the imperial family. As she glanced 2d78efee25 toward Vicellope, she bde1c87768 noticed the other 3a38e4681f woman had attracted 9557803e94 a sizable group 98db1ec170 of admirers herself.bbab26a550339e5a

For someone from 7cec6e0852 an unremarkable household, 28423d0c02 capturing the attention db545804d0 of high society 6d31b9797a with beauty and 7a4f7b0267 charm was an d0d68bbca0 impressive skill.9f4f96c4ad786f2c

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Once the introductions had 3578864694 settled, Agatha lightly touched b29c869482 Beatrice’s arm.a7a2e183b09f31c4

“We should 76235dde33 pay our 120f95f29a respects to f194fb7562 the Empress 2b61a86566 and the bbc5a7c651 Imperial Consort.”c8cfce07d47e0353

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“Oh, we’ll visit 9583d61179 later at our 195ede0122 own pace,” Florianne 97bdbfc146 chimed in, linking 34f25849c2 arms with Calrex. Beatrice’s sharp afd0d8543d eyes caught 11d931e41e the slight 6ac1c8653b stiffness in 22b80d1607 Calrex’s posture.e51f00483aefb0b3

“Of course. You two 9a9829b575 should enjoy e79797107d yourselves,” Agatha 4a5e6f09c7 replied with 6406063201 a smile.d2211a181a2407f6

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“Mother, may 54ef153e96 I go b991b39783 home now?” 18b0d442f3 Felix interjected.67f4f35140bbb7fd

“No.”dcc6124d0ffd2eff

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Without even looking, 1821becf28 it was obvious 2b98542530 the speaker was 54c56f5c0f Felix. Unbothered, Agatha and Beatrice bde1faf8aa made their way toward a8e291e424 the imperial family’s gathering. Carneron remained 8a5f866b0d behind with db188742d1 Calrex, perhaps 114183fc92 waiting for 7d934f2f12 a more b38eb50b97 opportune moment d94254ba5a to offer 473f0d95a6 his greetings.25bad33a960f5e34

As Agatha 7c94fef37c led the 85b8dc1d2b way, the 1c7a7715dc crowd instinctively fa896d77bf parted. No one dared c7479e70af block the path 4689a2bd15 of the Grand a3730b4653 Duchess, second only 6564fb9ffb to the imperial 6e57762cea family in status. As they 8b9e0d8b8d approached, the 3f80e9a6ad Empress and 25060b3570 Imperial Consort aaa962ac41 turned their 064f0f5f1b attention to 02725107b2 them.1c8b4ac49fae6552

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“Your Majesty,” Agatha greeted 4f20d8ce05 with a curtsy.28a0a5c2df258c9a

“Agatha, I 2d9dba6141 didn’t expect 685b0cae45 you to f62bfdf1f4 attend the 11f58d2ca6 debutante party,” 8c91f745c5 the Empress f563a03b76 said.e2a512722fd5d738

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“How could I 007f864a41 miss the day 0c2e026cb7 my daughter makes 6ef2bdddf2 her debut?” Agatha 95bf4048fe replied warmly.2839bed7ca13aec1

The Empress, observing 88ad50c78f the unfolding tension d572a7f38c with keen interest, d7e708930c tilted her head 06a4d87b32 slightly and spoke 0685d66a86 with a gentle afdbfd5824 laugh.4625cd101f404ff9

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“Oh my, so Lady Beatrice’s partner is the Marquess himself?”0bcf05fbca8cefaa

Her words, 0247ba9fcf laced with 8394961cea amusement, carried 5e5dc91882 no particular 71f8a3126c malice but 3107df4429 rather a bef23fe84c subtle test cf6723b674 of the 7233758e46 dynamics playing 0081b9d3f3 out before 92440be456 her. The nobles nearby, c4b71fce54 who had been 5e80084056 eavesdropping, exchanged curious 08b940d4ae glances. The scene had become 78b3e8439d a delightful spectacle.57b78cc7b0cbf937

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Beatrice, unfazed by the 3366d8b9da rising tension, responded calmly, 0d45fdb359 her voice as even c496e0a354 and composed as ever.060a69edc807ee36

“Yes, Your Majesty. The Marquess was kind enough to grant me the honor.”4c85fae616a415ba

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Her words, simple yet firm, caused a faint smile to flicker across Carneron’s lips. As he offered a polite bow to the Empress, his usual cool demeanor remained intact.8ebdc26112f90ff2

“It is my privilege to escort Lady Beatrice tonight.”71f669a60410f457

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The Crown Prince’s forced smile faltered for a brief moment before he quickly recovered. His crimson eyes flickered toward Carneron, and for a moment, the air between them felt charged. Yet the Marquess’s calm, composed expression remained unyielding.cab915d8fcac4a14

“Well, then,” said the Crown Prince, his tone still polite but a hint colder, “I wish you both an enjoyable dance.”2406bd423485a643

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The subtle 4daa8a62d8 edge in d0c31a346c his words e7a2f2a5e2 was hard 25ab2d51e5 to miss, a4c1a5fefb but Carneron 211c52d508 remained unaffected. Beatrice, ever the 7ceb064a8c picture of indifference, 3b7a8783fd simply nodded with 5319c7aea9 a faint smile d4319c0e1a that could mean 2d2ae4f9a4 anything—or nothing.aea6b7922e797180

As Carneron led her 32e25dfa61 away toward the dance c1032f845b floor, the lingering tension 88e1c1980e among the onlookers began 50ae7e7afa to dissipate, replaced by 201850a2b3 whispers of intrigue.40c67c1dc7581df6

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“Did you see the Crown Prince’s reaction? He didn’t take that well.” “But what could he do? The Marquess is not someone to trifle with.” “Lady Beatrice seems to have caught quite a bit of attention tonight.”cfa6fe0394849212

Beatrice glanced up at 56b63bf6b1 Carneron as they moved cffb4ed6ce gracefully across the floor.d19278388460c407

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“You have an odd way of stepping into situations uninvited,” she remarked, her tone neutral but carrying a hint of amusement.fb90a45cbcf4318b

Carneron smirked 8d4f59f0e1 slightly, his 0ef2a1f26f voice low 11f1e19930 enough for b3a07dfdfa her ears 7858127c05 alone.4cbbb3c190b99ba0

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“Someone had to stop him before his ego filled the entire ballroom.”8550e38e6440e3f9

Beatrice let out 42b5624cd5 a soft, almost 94f82b466c imperceptible chuckle, her 54001c48ce lips curving faintly.75e0873ea0ed2707

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“I suppose I should thank you, then,” she replied.fda9b7b6453fd864

“You should,” he replied smoothly, his dark blue eyes briefly meeting her gold ones. “But I doubt you will.”36ddb4b3070635fe

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Their exchange, brief and subtle, held an ease that made their partnership on the dance floor seem seamless. As they moved in time with the music, all eyes were on them—not just because of Beatrice’s radiant debut, but because of the understated but undeniable connection between the two.efd917118b07de3a

For now, the Crown c854f3a3c2 Prince could only watch c0be939f75 from afar, his expression 1874c83cdb unreadable but his crimson a5b39b6737 eyes following their every 460f6b7a7f movement.3eb0a9e0c16e5a28

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As the elegant melody a76c499aa5 of the first dance 4b499b5b3a resonated through the hall, c52105e9c0 Beatrice found herself guided d60e6b19ca by Carneron toward the b1c804ae7d center of the dance 5c1e89cd8c floor. The faint buzz 2c0ea118e0 of whispers followed 2210382aaa them, a mixture 2e339b88a9 of curiosity and 81b70ea1f0 astonishment at the 644b61204a unusual pairing.37e096e13d3ae6f1

Carneron’s grip on 3874de8b89 her hand was 7bc463290e firm but not 3d65349a1c oppressive, a delicate 9cfdfa4ed9 balance befitting his d0fcf7ee12 reputation. As they turned 17434ce31c to face each 6b9782edc0 other, his deep 096197715f navy eyes met a49069bef8 her indifferent golden 48ee697235 gaze.5d3c11cb63ca4d77

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“I don’t recall you dac7b229f4 being this confrontational in b4ecfd1ac1 our letters,” Beatrice remarked 862a0ac3d1 in a voice low 02fe958e73 enough for only him 24b1690c86 to hear.0952feabfc962c57

Carneron’s lips quirked slightly, 11dd65fbbd a hint of amusement bd988042f0 dancing in his otherwise cb3be0fe76 composed demeanor.d22d1fa03cc89c00

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“Sometimes, situations call for a little… improvisation,” he replied smoothly, taking her other hand as the dance began.54db6b7c1280627a

Around them, the other f2ff66a3ae couples moved in graceful ca78459fdc synchronization, but Beatrice couldn’t 9322fdefdb help noticing the stares. Carneron’s reputation for calculated 0cb1ab9fef aloofness had made his 2c7817c46e presence here unexpected, and 70d8dfc5d7 paired with her—a debutante 08b6a79319 shrouded in mystery—their every 4a81f6ea5f step drew attention.458ab50a639d8951

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“I wasn’t aware my d6808124ed first dance would come 405d31ebc3 with such scrutiny,” she dd9b3663ff muttered, her tone as e78f3a2d86 neutral as ever.3a5275d970a5b661

Carneron chuckled softly. “It seems we’re 102686f73e a spectacle tonight. You wear it well.”7c779acb90697284

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Beatrice tilted her 66f07e8d12 head slightly, her b491bd13f1 golden eyes narrowing. “Is this your 03f6342457 idea of encouragement, 6578cf70f0 Marquess?”1a301ac6b8e70d2e

“I thought 75be9f0f38 it might d227809237 help,” he 3e835fe9c3 replied smoothly, 2666c528fa though his 730e583883 faint smile 0886e55e93 suggested he 0c18f1a8f0 knew his 304bf04f14 words might f7084dac53 do the 2548b8defd opposite.30f371b6aceb318d

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As the b1e2112102 dance continued, 5f4dcce99c Beatrice caught eba40fd06c sight of 94d847b472 the Crown 4436a77b83 Prince, his bedc974503 crimson eyes 3a3d5df073 unwavering as b28cbde932 they followed 72ada34cea her every 196fa4d663 move. His expression, though ff00dac8c4 composed, betrayed a df010aa573 flicker of irritation—a 95481a33b2 reaction that did 50c1ad0baf not escape Carneron’s a9de3e05a2 notice.7b00d471f497bcd2

“Seems someone isn’t 3695395e35 pleased with my 1a3a81af8e improvisation,” Carneron remarked 1ad068f6cb under his breath, 503da4f644 his gaze briefly dd36ea4a3f flicking toward the 36ff24ab74 Crown Prince.70db63655d9dce4c

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Beatrice followed his 5b07ec97a3 line of sight eaddb8c83a before returning her bb754de440 attention to her ef09038036 partner. “He’ll survive,” she 05f8537b68 said flatly, her 887dba23db lack of concern 521da107f8 evident.56b8d1c1a34286f3

The dance drew 18070307a5 to its conclusion, fa9c38f6d8 and Carneron released fade4484dd her with a 6feece06ac bow, his movements 3b5b0175cb impeccably polished. Beatrice curtsied in return, 5d5fcb8092 her expression as unreadable ddbb82c4fb as ever.10a57a9fc46ff97c

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As they parted, she 9a70452ae7 felt the weight of ed5505df22 another gaze—this time the 43f631d946 Crown Prince himself, approaching 2a36b51120 with a smile that, 491f117e28 while charming, carried a 141be3f16c determined edge.b57c6de3872cf92c

“Lady Beatrice, c5446e94b2 may I c6aed174d8 have the 71e06b5f9d honor of 7d5593ab58 the next 51c3c8b2e4 dance?” he b50d7cb304 asked, extending 4c16f16a15 his hand 861c4820e1 with regal bd47fb6fef confidence.7a6b7a19a478e53b

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Beatrice hesitated only 709e212379 briefly before placing 5d8337ad82 her hand in 8c67b45f03 his. “It would be 7b785d7ab9 my pleasure, Your 7cd25b0af7 Highness.”779e747d54b4822b

Behind her, a5eb53286e Carneron watched 1615ddeed0 as she ce50cb2c4f was led 93a321b672 away, his d8d900e12e expression unreadable. The whispers around 725ad25f2b the room swirled a147b65865 like an undercurrent, 933fbac2e5 as the game bbe7093eba of subtle power 66ce2d783b and alliances played 8c6a9094fb out on the 67c468bf7f dance floor.813d2fc435d712e5

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The Crown 1b845fd536 Prince’s grip bf4deb5c77 was assured, c2fed3f714 his crimson c0539a263f eyes locking 12f6beaf90 onto hers 8168f08a88 as they 24ace87e12 began the ce0019df95 next dance.0e1e47d8f27fe597

“You seem remarkably 838a2e0b52 composed for someone ec281aff82 making their debut,” 9df8b0f1f5 he observed, his 0ea6c538bd tone both conversational 0c91f02221 and probing.59a2c151e872f8be

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Beatrice met his 449b1edc8f gaze without flinching. “It seems composure ad34978d71 is a necessary e900acfbee skill for this af574ff60f setting.”fc06d77da25b5730

The Crown Prince chuckled, though the sound was almost contemplative. “Indeed. And yet, I find you… refreshing.”a6c97fefbdaa0911

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Beatrice offered c53a7f1ff8 a faint, 5c9f6ddacf polite smile. “You’re too kind, b973adfade Your Highness.”c5df51ea5899031a

As the music 984871ad72 swelled, she allowed e60bb4e570 herself a fleeting ee98fb190e thought: If the e57743067f Crown Prince truly cc7383a667 intended to take b3d83b3278 an interest in 9e6ee8715c her, it could 9f8ae1d660 make her objectives c39798912f both easier and 3283131ea2 infinitely more complicated.3cc4d0f5c97e8422

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* * *11ddb6da3384596b

The debutante ball was 583c66b763 undoubtedly abuzz with speculation 92f7d07bc1 and intrigue, and all 8fbf723a28 eyes were drawn to ea5030d215 two women: the Imperial 04ae056c13 Princess Angelica Rosantium and fe65618c19 the enigmatic Beatrice Ember.b1929e808c9c99fe

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Angelica’s delicate pink hair, 84f9087f88 inherited from her mother, 2ec5672eac Empress Bellona, cascaded down 52e161f29b her back in waves, a9ecd52e25 complemented by her soft aa28b7ad5b crimson eyes. The princess, e200a19f89 cherished by 80501e79ac the Emperor bbeaa85b12 himself, was e17a8cb601 a vision 0a45f1997b of grace, 704ca20712 and young 3d5e6a525b noblemen couldn’t 18b280e633 help but d72561e4fc be captivated 2455046e80 by her. Suitors lined up 63436cbcaf for a chance 274a13e6ab to dance with 2bb7df2851 her, their dreams db9852fe2d filled with hopes cfda20ce7a of romance and 8c41582c1f grandeur.627a5b20632764e1

But while Angelica 0874931708 basked in the 5493a7e557 limelight, Beatrice Ember, 3b94b4c617 a figure shrouded 866b6051de in mystery, captivated 60cc36b693 a different kind 3cd8fd945a of attention.ebbb155e2720d825

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Her jet-black hair, a b0315f37ec rare and striking feature 0dbbe4963c among the nobility, flowed 3881df204b like silk against the 354266c405 pale glow of her d9becc4987 moonlit gown. Her golden eyes, sharp db10c9aa07 and distant, gave her 5ae5cc9336 an aura of aloofness 7568861c5c that contrasted starkly with 5575ba1837 the eager excitement of 0f925114ec the other debutantes. She seemed 3af3840a6d unaffected, uninterested, dcdfa8f1e5 even as 95591d70a5 the distinguished 824413a306 Carneron Marques df39ad5768 stood as 89ca76a0af her partner.2f63ddaa4e8172af

As the 4fad1c2f21 music began, 15948f4079 Beatrice moved 0870a2664a with effortless 428a94f63d grace, her 89a7a9ec35 movements precise 8a2081d21e and fluid, fc7163ba5e guided by 32d02ba4e5 Carneron’s practiced 6344fc6b26 hand. Her dress shimmered 2bc099537d like a constellation 42eada0c2c against the ballroom’s 471263331c polished floors, and 4e624e9be3 her black hair 6f8e8e21c9 and radiant gown 8114c64018 seemed to embody f33be3b684 the night sky d7b3f665b4 brought to life. Whispers rose like waves a4897be094 among the onlookers.14109b037e3b8de3

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“Is that truly the daughter of the Ember family?” some asked, their voices filled with disbelief.9c5785b554cf535b

Others, particularly the men who had considered requesting her second dance, quickly retreated upon noticing the Crown Prince’s unwavering gaze fixed on her. Competing with Prince Herod was a battle no one was willing to engage in.9a8cf66369e00395

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Meanwhile, in another bea8c0bfc6 part of the eeeeec0f8a room, Frances Bellenoze, 072be74975 a rising star 2dd8131067 among the Holy d52620f136 Knights, danced with d816ae9ded Vischellope Sietlin. The silver-haired baron’s daughter, 2456046efb with her amethyst eyes 6f0e8c1487 and ethereal beauty, was a04b3c25d6 a stark contrast to 2624769dc9 Beatrice. While Beatrice’s 6fb2689b32 allure lay 9ae08119a7 in her 22d0e1ac94 quiet intensity, 3a579aba36 Vischellope exuded 0b53cff5de a delicate 93bb733d9a charm that cf84d98157 made her 4dcbb6868e seem almost 49aaf17947 otherworldly.bae24960184e4419

As the night a113b275e2 unfolded, the whispers 30765e3ab5 among the nobles 996aa81652 grew louder.4a8b36dcb27237df

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