Chapter 34: The Ball (2)

“I would like to take a little more time to stroll around with Noah-sama at the venue.”

After coming all this way, Noah would be escorting her to the ball.

Fiene wanted to savor the atmosphere of the ball a little.

“You’re going to show off, right?”

Blushing at Ed’s words, Fiene lowered her gaze.

“Well, then, that’s it for us. Shall we, Fiene?”

Noah said casually, leading Fiene away.

“Huh? Um, is it okay?”

While being led by Noah, Fiene glanced back at Ed, probably the second prince of this country.

“Of course. I said I was here as a private individual, and your introduction is already done. Shall we take a break first?”

“No, I can only dance to the tune that’s playing now. So, I want to dance.”

Fiene said it reflexively.

“Understood. Then, let’s dance. Milady, may I have this dance?”

Fiene gave a light laugh and placed her hand on Noah’s as they began to waltz.

In the middle of the waltz, Fiene asked Noah.

“Noah-sama, Ed referred to me as Miss Fiene. Does he know about the troubles my family caused?”

“He’s aware. He has his own information network. Besides, Miss Muge has distinctive red hair and stands out. There are rumors that she was frolicking around not too long ago.”

“That means Noah-sama heard about it anyway. Even if I didn’t say it, Noah-sama would have found out sooner or later.”

His information network was not to be underestimated. Noah felt anger at what she had done to Fiene and wondered about the nerve of playing around after causing such trouble.

“Of course. Besides, if there are rumors,

“Huh?”

“Fiene, don’t turn around. Behind you, diagonally, there’s a girl with poisonous red hair. I think it might be Miss Muge.”

In time with the music, Noah smoothly exchanged positions with Fiene. He seemed to be quite skilled at dancing.

Fiene cautiously peeked over Noah’s shoulder and quickly hid behind him.

“Undoubtedly, she’s my sister. I can’t believe it.”

If it were known that Fiene was here, there would likely be a commotion. Honestly, she felt like complaining to Muge, but she didn’t want to cause trouble for Noah by making a scene.

Muge, with a mask on her face, danced happily, seemingly carefree.

Seeing her, Fiene felt anger again.

“I didn’t want to say anything unnecessary. It’ll just make Noah-sama look bad if you get involved. I want to avoid that. Anyway, forget about that matter for now.”

Noah pointed his chin toward Muge.

“Yes, I’ll pretend I didn’t see it. And I want to make sure she doesn’t notice me.”

“Understood.”

Saying that, Noah smiled under his mask.

They wanted to dance a little longer, but after one song, Fiene started to get out of breath.

It seemed that her stamina had decreased considerably.

After that, led by Noah, they sat at a table.

Soon after, Noah brought fruit juice, sandwiches, and fruits.

“Fiene, it’s good to have something to eat.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry. I get tired quickly.”

Before she knew it, Fiene was being taken care of.

She had never gone out with other men, so she had nothing to compare it to, but she thought Noah was quite gentlemanly.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m grateful that you came with me.”

“Noah-sama, it seems you don’t particularly like balls.”

“That’s right. Unless I’m forcibly invited by Ed, I rarely come.”

While moistening her throat with the fruit juice that Noah brought, Fiene spoke slowly.

“I always dreamed of going to a ball escorted by a gentleman. My sister always went to the ball with an escort, and I was always envious. Thanks to Noah-sama, another dream has come true today.”

Saying that, she smiled happily.

“Fiene, your dreams are always modest.”

She couldn’t see Noah’s expression hidden under the mask, but he was probably exasperated.

“I see? Hahaha, thanks to Noah-sama, things have become quite extraordinary now.”

“What do you mean?”

Fiene showed Noah her earrings, necklace, and rings, and finally lifted the hem of her dress.

“Hahaha, all of them are top-notch. Such an experience. It doesn’t happen often. I’ve become quite extravagant.”

Saying that, Fiene smiled.

“Oh, I see… You didn’t need such things to begin with; you were beautiful enough. Of course, they suit you, though.”

As Noah said this, as if just realizing it, Fiene stared blankly and then blushed deeply.

“What? W-What are you saying? Noah-sama!”

She tightly grabbed her dress. Fiene’s heart was pounding nervously.

(Is this the highest praise? Or does Noah-sama’s personality change when he wears a mask?)

At that moment, she was suddenly addressed from behind.

“Oh? Isn’t it Fiene?”

Hearing the familiar, high-pitched voice, Fiene instinctively reacted.

Muge stood a little away, staring at them as if probing.

Fiene’s heart pounded heavily.