“I’ll agree.”
“Bee!”
I turned to Sys, who shook his head, looking down at me.
“Lady Daysha’s situation is pitiable, isn’t it?”
“That’s no reason for me to escort her.”
“You are the crown prince of this empire.”
“What does that have to do with it?”
I clasped his hands in mine. His tight lips softened slightly.
“The Duke of Daysha is, in a way, your uncle. Would you refuse such an earnest request from him?”
“You think I don’t know the rumors that’ll spread if I escort another lady?”
“I’m fine with it.”
“I’m not…”
“Father!”
Before Sys could finish, the door opened, and Lady Daysha rushed in, pale with worry.
“Are you okay, Father?”
Tears glistened in her eyes as she knelt at the duke’s feet.
Her sky-blue hair, adorned with delicate diamonds woven into silver threads, cascaded down her back. Dressed in a flowing white chiffon gown, she looked as pure and beautiful as when she was called the empire’s flower.
The duke stroked her cheek with a gentle smile.
“I’m fine, dear. Sorry to worry you.”
She shook her head.
“You’re really okay?”
“Have I ever lied to you? More importantly, His Highness has agreed to escort you to the ball in my place.”
“His Highness?”
Her eyes widened, and she stood abruptly, noticing us for the first time.
“Sirius!”
Her amber eyes lit up with joy as she approached, oblivious to the blatant displeasure on Sys’s face.
“You’ll really be my partner?”
“I haven’t agreed.”
“…Pardon?”
She tilted her head, confused by his stern response.
“Not a partner—just a request to escort you to the hall. Which I haven’t accepted.”
“You will, won’t you?”
Her innocent smile showed no consideration of refusal. When he didn’t reply, she tilted her head further, batting her large eyes.
“Sirius?”
“I warned you before, and I’ll say it again: don’t use my name so casually. I haven’t permitted it.”
His icy tone didn’t faze her. She replied brightly, “But ‘Your Highness’ is so formal!”
“…”
Sys’s face flickered between irritation and disbelief.
“I like calling you Sirius.”
“Only my fiancée, Lady Eliant, has the right to use my name.”
He emphasized his words, pulling me close. Irin’s face fell instantly.
“Isn’t that a bit harsh, Your Highness?” the duke interjected.
“Harsh, Duke?”
“You and Irins are sixth cousins. Why not allow her to use your name?”
Sys stiffened at the duke’s casual dismissal.
“Only the emperor, empress, and crown princess may use the crown prince’s name. Lady Daysha is none of those, so she has no right.”
“Hm, perhaps I’m unfamiliar with imperial etiquette, but that doesn’t make sense to me. It’s just a name, isn’t it?”
A mocking smile curled the duke’s lips.
“It’s not ‘just’ a name. Etiquette exists for a reason. As a duke of the empire, you’d do well to learn it. How can you dismiss imperial customs?”
“You hit a sore spot, Your Highness.”
Despite his genial smile, the duke’s golden eyes glinted sharply.
Their tense exchange was so alike, an outsider might mistake them for father and son.
“I can’t help my ignorance of etiquette. In the West, survival trumps ceremony. To those fighting to live, manners are useless.”
Realizing his hardline approach wasn’t working, the duke shifted to a more conciliatory tone, subtly jabbing at Sys.
“My daughter and I are new to the capital. Couldn’t Your Highness show us a little leniency?”
The duke’s long stay in his domain was partly his choice, but not entirely free of external pressures. Though time had dulled the tension, he remained a thorny figure for the emperor.
For the empire and imperial family’s stability, his movements were watched closely. The duke was now pointing this out to Sys.
“My ignorance of etiquette is partly the empire’s—and your—fault.”
His expression spoke louder than words.
“…”
I squeezed Sys’s hand tightly. He broke his glare at the duke to look down at me.
“Allow it, Your Highness.”
His jaw clenched, but I held his gaze, brushing my fingers lightly against his palm.
A faint sigh escaped him.
“…I’ll escort Lady Daysha to Erharak Hall.”
“Not just an escort—the first dance too, if I recall correctly,” the duke said, glancing at me. “Isn’t that right, Lady Eliant?”
Sys’s grip on my shoulder tightened. I placed my hand on his waist, feeling his gaze but keeping mine on the duke.
“I’ll yield the first dance as well. But don’t expect more from me.”
“My thanks for your generosity.”
“No need. We’ve lingered long enough—I’ll take my leave.”
The duke nodded, smiling.
“I’ve taken too much of your time. I’ll repay your kindness soon.”
I curtsied slightly, holding my skirt.
“I’ll hold you to that. I’m eager to see how you’ll repay it.”
“I’ll strive to meet your expectations.”
A cryptic smile played on his lips. Though unease stirred, I had no more to say.
I turned to leave, and Sys, still holding me, followed naturally.
“Your Highness, why not stay with my daughter?”
“No, thank you. I’ll meet Lady Daysha at Erharak Hall before the ball begins.”
“I…”
Lady Daysha opened her mouth, but Sys cut her off.
“I’ll see Lady Eliant to her father first.”
Turning sharply, he guided me gently with a hand on my back. The cold gaze he’d given her melted into warmth as it met mine.
His eyes, brimming with affection, held only me.
Leaving the dazed Lady Daysha behind, we exited the room. Sys suddenly pulled me into a secluded corner.
“What are you thinking?”
“…”
“Don’t you see the duke’s trying to push his daughter onto me?”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m not asking for an apology. Why did you agree so easily?”
His face twisted, not with anger at me but at himself.
“…I’m sorry. I know it was hard for you to refuse, but I can’t help being upset.”
As expected, he apologized immediately. I stepped closer, opening my arms.
His large frame didn’t fully fit in my embrace, but he leaned into it obediently.
“I’m fine,” I said.
“Why are you always…”
