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In the original story, the protagonists Peter Wingfield and Bella Izakhel share a fated connection.

Throughout the tale, they drift apart and come closer repeatedly. Sometimes, they act as if they’ll never see each other again, while other times, they rely on each other more than anyone else.

The turning point in their relationship occurs at a ball held on a ship.

While dancing together, the two finally confirm their feelings for each other.

Bella, who always maintained a dignified demeanor, revealed her delicate heart beneath her composed exterior, deeply resonating not only with Peter but also with me, the reader.

“Hehe… Is this the first time since that dream? Dancing just the two of us like this.”

“…It must be.”

And now, I’m dancing with Bella at the ball.

Though it’s not the same ball, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted about the situation where Tristan, the antagonist, stood by Bella instead of Peter.

Since I possessed Tristan, the story has taken a completely different turn from the original.

At first, I was just focused on surviving, but now I’m more concerned about keeping the named characters from straying too far from their paths.

In that sense, today’s events won’t negatively impact the future developments. That much is certain.

After all, Bella seems to be in a great mood dancing with me.

Still, I couldn’t shake off the unease.

‘This feels like I’ve hijacked an event meant for the protagonist…’

Even though Peter and Bella, who are currently missing, don’t even know each other’s faces, knowing the original story made me uncomfortable.

Shouldn’t a noble woman like Bella have a better man by her side than someone as arrogant as Tristan?

Of course, none of the men I’ve seen so far meet my standards, so it might be better if I stay by her side…

Unaware of my thoughts, Bella flashed a coquettish smile.

“Your steps are quite skilled, Count. Did you practice in the meantime?”

“Practice…”

“You don’t practice, do you? I knew you’d say something like that.”

“No. I was going to say practice is for the weak.”

“Oh, is that so?”

We danced almost without stopping.

Strangely, I didn’t feel tired or exhausted.

It felt like I was naturally flowing with the rhythm.

The fact that there weren’t many people around also helped us focus on dancing.

We had chosen a spot slightly away from the central area where most people were gathered, as the excessive attention made us uncomfortable.

While exchanging words with Bella, I glanced at the clock tower and was startled.

It was already almost 10 o’clock.

Originally, I planned to part ways with Bella by 8, but she didn’t let me go so easily.

Well, it wasn’t that she refused to let me go—it was more that we lost track of time while dancing. I was the same.

The time I spent with Bella was undeniably enjoyable. I wanted to stay longer, but a promise is a promise.

‘I need to go see Wendy…’

By now, Wendy is probably waiting for me in my office.

I promised to be there by 9 at the latest, but this is getting problematic.

Of course, given Wendy’s personality, she’d wait quietly… but as the promised time passed, I couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Just as I was about to say I should head back, Bella spoke first.

“I thought you’d prepared thoroughly to dance with me today.”

“…Did I?”

“Come on, be honest, Count.”

“About what?”

“Are you too shy to admit it?”

Huh?

As I looked down at her, puzzled, Bella smirked confidently.

“I know everything. You’ve been looking forward to dancing with me today, haven’t you? Just look at how dressed up you are. You must’ve been so excited to meet me…”

“I look the same as usual, though?”

“Huh?”

At that, Bella narrowed her eyes and scanned me from head to toe.

“Isn’t that a new coat…?”

“No. I wore it a few days ago.”

“Those shoes look new…”

“They’re my outdoor shoes. I’ve been using them.”

“……Did you change your hairstyle?”

“No. I didn’t. It might’ve grown a bit, though.”

Embarrassed, Bella’s face gradually turned red.

“…Just agree with me, will you?”

“If it’s not true, it’s not true.”

“No ‘no’s allowed!”

Bella, who had raised her voice, let go of my hand and turned her back.

“You always say no. You’re so mean. Really.”

Her pouting was so adorable that I wanted to tease her more, but I held back.

“Bella, I should head back now.”

“Huh? Already? Why? We were having such a good time.”

“Yes. I have a prior engagement.”

I spoke firmly.

“That’s so sudden.”

“It’s not sudden. Originally, I planned to have dinner with you and then leave, but I made time to spend with you.”

“I don’t know what the engagement is, but is it more important than me?”

Bella sounded disappointed.

It’s a tricky question women often throw.

Which is more important: the engagement or her?

Answering wrong could lead to irreversible consequences, but knowing Bella’s personality well, it wasn’t a difficult answer for me.

“Whether it’s important or not, a promise is something you ‘should’ keep. That’s the natural ‘way of things.’ Don’t you think?”

“Well… I guess so…”

Bella bit her lip at my almost righteous response.

For someone as upright as her, talking about principles easily earns agreement.

Once she agreed with my logic, she couldn’t stubbornly insist anymore.

“Hmph……”

Still, Bella seemed to be pondering something.

But no matter what she thinks, there’s no other option.

She’ll have to let me go.

As I expected, Bella finally gave up and spoke.

“Fine. If that’s the case, I can’t help it…. Oh, before you go, I need to use the restroom. Can you wait until then? We should say goodbye properly.”

“Sure.”

Do we really need a formal goodbye? Nobles can be so particular about these things.

But I could wait that much.

Besides, Bella seemed genuinely reluctant to part, so I felt a bit sorry too.

“Don’t leave without me, okay? Promise?”

“I promise.”

“You’ll definitely wait, right?”

“Yes….”

As if she didn’t trust me, Bella repeatedly reminded me before heading toward the school building.

As she walked away, she kept glancing back to check if I was still there—it was both cute and a little intimidating…

I sat quietly on the bench, waiting.

The night breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers.

Somehow, I felt a sense of solitude.

I stared blankly at the flowers glowing in the darkness, lost in thought.

……

……

How long had I been waiting?

Something felt off.

It had already been 30 minutes, and Bella showed no sign of returning.

Could it be… that she’s playing a trick to keep me from leaving?

Using the excuse that I’m already late for my engagement, so there’s no point in rushing now.

‘No, that can’t be….’

It’s more plausible that she got lost or that the restroom line was long.

If not, maybe she’s feeling unwell. The festival food today was quite different from the usual noble fare, after all. Maybe…

As I was making these absurd assumptions, I noticed someone standing in front of me.

“Excuse me…”

“…?”

When I looked up, I locked eyes with a woman wearing a black eye mask.

The light from the falling flower petals illuminated her face.

Though I didn’t show it, I was inwardly startled.

The mysterious woman exuded an extraordinary aura.

My first impression was that she was beautiful.

Despite the mask, it couldn’t hide her striking features.

She seemed to have just reached adulthood, with a youthful charm still lingering in her well-defined features.

“You are……”

Her long, reddish-brown hair reminded me of someone.

Her large amber eyes, visible through the mask, bore an uncanny resemblance to someone I knew.

She twirled her hair with her fingers and asked me cautiously.

“If you don’t have a partner… would you like to dance with me?”

 

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