Chapter 15: Dance (2)

“The imperial princess?”

“Yes.”

Standing before him was the root of the unforgivable sin Yuri had committed in his past life.

Platinum blonde hair and deep blue eyes—she looked exactly as he remembered.

Suddenly, their eyes met. She looked at him, and with narrowed eyes, gave a faint smile.

Yuri didn’t react. In this life, he hadn’t had any connection with Yekaterina.

Yet she looked at him as if she knew something.

Yuri closed his eyes and sought composure. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Never.

He gathered his resolve and opened his eyes again.

Yekaterina’s smile had deepened.

***

Lost in thought, Yuri didn’t notice how much time had passed.

Georg was seated next to Fiore, chatting with him. Yuri couldn’t tell which of the changes he’d made had caused Georg to appear.

He wanted to gather information somehow, but it was hard to stay calm because of that woman.

Yekaterina. She sat with elegance, smiling kindly at the nobles who approached to talk.

But Yuri, who knew her well, felt it was all an act.

“Yuri.”

“What?”

“Should I go talk to her?”

“Do what you want.”

Joshua seemed to have fallen for Yekaterina.

“What should I say to her?”

“How would I know?”

“How old do you think she is?”

“She’s my age.”

“Really? How do you know?”

“I just do.”

“She seems older than you.”

“That’s because she’s very mature.”

It made sense.

After all, in his past life, Yuri had fallen for her for that very reason. He knew better than anyone how easy it was to get caught up in that face.

“I can’t help it. I’m going to talk to her.”

Joshua stood up.

Yuri sighed.

“Do as you please.”

“Trust me.”

“Trust you with what?”

“She’s going to be your sister-in-law.”

“Sure.”

“If I come back heartbroken, pour me a drink.”

“I’ll pour you juice.”

But most likely, he’d return smiling. Yekaterina knew how to toy with people’s hearts.

“Hmm…”

Yuri looked around. Cedric was dancing with a young noblewoman.

Not only was he talented and skilled, he was also kind-hearted, never turning down an invitation. He truly had the makings of a great monarch.

And himself? What had he become?

With mixed feelings, Yuri glanced sideways at Yekaterina. Again, their eyes met.

Fortunately, just then, Joshua approached and diverted her attention.

“Damn it…”

Yuri decided to ignore her. He turned his back and reached for the sweets on the table.

“Would you like more cookies?”

Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke.

When he looked up, Ena was there, smiling sweetly. Just seeing her brought him peace.

“Ena. You must be exhausted.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Taking care of someone every day is exhausting…”

“Alright, give me plenty.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t overdo it.”

“Have you finally acknowledged my worth?”

“I always knew it.”

“Ooh.”

While munching on the cookies Ena gave him, Yuri pushed away his negative thoughts.

What did it matter if an imperial prince had come, or if he’d run into Yekaterina?

Nothing had changed. No matter what happened, he simply had to do his best at every moment.

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

“Thanks for your hard work.”

Ena gathered the empty plates and headed to the kitchen.

Yuri leaned back in his seat, sipping a drink.

He felt like these unexpected guests were draining him without even lifting a finger.

“Haa.”

He let out a sigh. Just then, someone approached.

Yuri instinctively sat upright.

“……”

Dark green eyes stared down at him.

Georg Ivarna Granzayen. The Second Prince of the Empire. The direct executor of imperial military power on behalf of the emperor.

He could still clearly recall the oppressive aura he had exuded when seen riding with his black helmet.

Georg opened his mouth,

“You are.”

Yuri stood and bowed.

“I am Yuri Briol, Third Prince of Briol.”

“I see. So you’re the one…”

His eyes scanned Yuri’s entire body. Yuri did his best not to show any hostility.

It was the emperor who declared war, but this man led the charge on the battlefield.

They had even crossed swords directly.

“Yes, you’re definitely Fiore’s son.”

“Pardon?”

“Look at me.”

At his command, Yuri lifted his gaze and met Georg’s face.

“…”

In that instant, Yuri flinched and took a step back. The tongues of mana creeping toward him froze.

“You felt it?”

Georg gave a chilling smile. His green eyes gleamed like a snake’s.

It was no longer the polite expression from before. This was his true face.

“You said you’re thirteen, right…?”

Georg studied him with fascination for a long moment.

“You have incredible talent.”

Then he turned around. His red cape billowed, ruffling Yuri’s hair.

Yuri clenched his fists, trying to calm the tremble. For just a test, it had been far too intimidating.

He knew Georg was young, but was he already this terrifying? What an unpleasant man.

“The brothers are equally troublesome…”

As he muttered that, something happened.

Clang!

A sharp sound echoed through the hall. Something that should never be heard at a ball.

The entire hall went silent.

When he looked over, he saw a shocking scene.

“……”

A stain had spread across Georg’s red cloak. In front of him, Ena was trembling.

“I’m very sorry.”

Spilling food on a member of royalty was a crime, but staining the imperial symbol—that red cape—was absolutely unforgivable.

“Oh dear.”

Georg slightly turned his head and looked at Yuri. He wore a faint smile.

“This girl made a mistake, didn’t she?”

Yuri understood instantly. That man had provoked Ena on purpose.

“What a pity. In the Empire, Imperial Law is the highest authority.”

From beneath the folds of his red cape, a sword stirred. In this place, only Fiore had permission to bear arms—but imperial princes were the exception.

“A summary execution would be appropriate.”

Georg leaned toward Fiore.

“I ask for understanding from the King of Briol.”

Fiore shook his head.

“Did you come to disrupt my ball?”

“I would never do such a thing.”

“If you wish to see blood, do so on your own lands.”

“Your Majesty.”

Still bowed, Georg looked up at Fiore.

“The Empire and Briol have always maintained good relations.”

“Seems you don’t think so.”

“It was agreed that the Imperial Family of the Empire and the Royal Family of Briol would respect each other’s authority within reasonable limits.”

“That’s true.”

“Do you remember the Gatensia incident?”

“…”

Fiore had once personally executed an imperial knight. And the Emperor had let it pass without protest.

“This is the same.”

The past returned, like a boomerang.

Fiore brought a hand to his forehead. Georg had invoked the agreement—which implied imperial honor—and to oppose him would be an open challenge to the Empire.

“It’s all for the peace between our nations.”

Yuri felt a déjà vu.

Peace. To protect it, they yielded once. And then the demands only grew.

“I shall defend imperial honor.”

Honor. The honor of Briol wasn’t the same as the Empire’s. For one to rise, the other had to bow. Georg drew his sword.

“This isn’t something I want to do, so I’ll make it quick. There won’t be much blood.”

The ballroom light gleamed softly along the white blade.

Ena’s shoulders trembled. Yuri looked up at the chandelier above his head.

The shining lights stirred memories from his past life. The kingdom’s security and a girl’s life had once been absurdly weighed against each other.

His thoughts churned.

Ideals and reality. What’s right and what’s allowed. Legitimacy and strength.

The swirl of thoughts stopped at the face of a broken corpse.

‘That is the vow of Briol.’

Yuri laughed.

He had forgotten for a moment. He was a sinner, and this life was his punishment. And yet he was scheming like a rat?

From the beginning, he never had any real choices.

Yuri’s voice rang out through the silent ballroom.

“Your Highness.”

The blade descending toward Ena’s neck stopped.

“That girl is mine.”

Georg turned toward him. He was smiling. His eyes said, go ahead, try something.

Yuri replied with a smile as he stood.

“So her mistake is my mistake… and…”

Twisted faces turned toward him.

All wearing the same expression, trying to stop him. It was ridiculous.

Yuri walked toward Georg.

“Your Highness is a great prince of the Empire, but I too, though lacking in power, am a prince of Briol. Therefore, I beg you to retract the immediate punishment and instead…”

Amid the dazzling light of the ballroom, he felt another piercing gaze.

Yekaterina was watching him.

That beautiful face reminded him of the misery of his past life.

“I request a trial by duel.”

A murmur spread through the room.

Insulting the imperial family was a grave crime, but it couldn’t be applied directly to a Briol prince. If punishment was to be pursued, it had to be by trial.

And dueling was a common method in the Empire. Georg, proud as he was, wouldn’t back down from such a challenge.

“Bahahahaha…”

Georg burst into laughter.

“Yuri, was it? The third prince.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Can I just call you Yuri?”

“Of course.”

“Understood, Yuri.”

He turned to Fiore with a request.

“Your Majesty, the third prince of Briol has made a legitimate objection. I wish to accept it, may I?”

Fiore let out a brief sigh.

“Do it.”

“Thank you.”

Georg seemed more cheerful than at any other point that day.

“I should be the one to duel, but for imperial decorum, I’ll send a warrior in my place. The youngest of the Imperial Guard—appropriate for your age.”

It seemed like a gesture of kindness, but it was the opposite. When the skill gap was wide, results were predictable. An adult prince famed for military feats versus a thirteen-year-old would be one-sided.

But if their levels were similar, anything could happen.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“The Empire rewards the brave.”

With that, Georg bowed to Fiore.

“I’ve ruined the atmosphere, so I’ll take my leave, Your Majesty.”

“It’s appreciated.”

“Yekaterina. Stay and enjoy yourself a while longer.”

She shrugged, displeased. Georg laughed again and left the ballroom.

A storm had passed. The tension lingered.

Yuri helped Ena up.

“Ena. Get up.”

“Prince…”

“Go get some rest.”

“Because of me…”

“Don’t worry about it.”

She looked at him with eyes full of emotion, bowed deeply, and left with the help of other maids.

Yuri clapped to shift the mood.

“Let’s go.”

At his cue, the orchestra resumed playing. Just in case, he glanced at Yekaterina.

Contrary to his expectation, she didn’t approach. She only watched him from afar.

Was she more cautious in childhood?

“What are you thinking about?”

Yuri shook his head.

He didn’t regret what he did. His only regret was not cutting off Georg’s head right then. He reached for a drink on the table without realizing it, but someone stopped him.

“You shouldn’t drink that.”

It was Hernand.

His eyes glinted strangely.

“Drink this instead.”

“What is it?”

“Non-alcoholic wine.”

“That’s wine?”

“It’s wine for kids.”

Hernand smiled faintly.

“Shall we toast to Briol’s future?”

“No need.”

Yuri smiled and downed it in one gulp. It tasted like juice.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No reason.”

Hernand’s gaze was uncomfortable.

He was always like that, but today it shone more than usual.

Of course, any decent person would’ve been moved by what just happened.

“Hernand.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t fall in love with me.”

“Huh?”

His face seemed to twitch, but Yuri didn’t care and raised another glass.

This time, it was real wine.

“To me—cheers.”