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I stood guard at Vivian’s door while she changed her clothes.

I could hear the commotion in the castle growing louder.

It seemed the guests who entered the Castle of Rondore were exchanging greetings.

A murmur of incomprehensible chatter spread from all directions.

Soft music flowed through the air, and the sky was filled with the hues of a late evening sunset.

The fragrant aroma of delicious food wafted in with the cool breeze.

The ball was steadily getting underway.

“Aren’t you going to change?”

Balron asked nonchalantly.

“I’ll change once Vivian comes out. It’s not like it takes long or anything.”

I was still wearing my usual, stained, and low-quality Punishment Unit uniform.

I wondered if it was time for a change, especially since the name Punishment Unit no longer held any weight.

“I’m jealous, though.”

Balron said, causing me to sigh in thought.

“I wonder how delicious the food will be. I bet the people are beautiful too.”

Martin, who had been listening to Balron, asked with a sigh.

“Kyle, I’ve heard this rumor from a distance—can you confirm if it’s true? They say if you catch someone’s eye at a ball, you can enjoy a secret affair. Is that really the case?”

As he mentioned “secret affair,” Martin swayed his hips as if grasping at the air.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. I guess I’m getting used to such lowbrow discussions.

Maybe that’s why Lady Linne displays such disgust whenever she sees me.

I replied, “I wouldn’t know—this is my first time. But I’ve heard the maids cleaned up the cramped sickrooms in the west wing of the castle.”

“Wow, did they set it up for that purpose?”

“…Maybe.”

Vivian meticulously planned for this ball, considering details that ordinary people might never think about. With Lady Linne’s assistance, it seemed they wanted everyone who visited to have a wonderful time.

After all, in a gathering of men and women, how could there not be some flirtation?

Perhaps Vivian had accepted that and prepared such a space.

I couldn’t be sure. Maybe the sickrooms were set up in case anyone got injured.

But I suspected that place might become a haven for nobles lost in the flames of passion.

Just then, Vivian’s door swung open, and the maids came rushing out.

Serena was among them.

Despite punishing her so severely, Vivian kept Serena close, as if to monitor her actions from the most prominent position.

“…”

Maybe that’s why Serena hasn’t looked my way lately.

I considered that a relief. As long as we avoid discomfort, things should be fine.

Among the maids exiting the room, one turned to me and said, “Lord Kyle, Lady Vivian requests your presence. You need to change inside.”

I nodded and pushed myself off the wall.

I entered the room and closed the door.

-Thud.

“What took you so long? We should be going now…”

As I spoke and looked up, my words froze in my throat.

The moment I turned to see Vivian, my heart seemed to stop.

Her hair flowed like a soft river, shimmering with a lustrous glow.

With part of her hair braided, it was as if she wore a crown.

The black dress she wore blatantly showcased her perfect figure to an almost infuriating degree.

The back was scandalously bare, revealing her flawless skin beneath.

If I were to be intimate with her, would I get to see that back from behind?

Blood rushed instantly to my lower half.

Vivian moved effortlessly in my frozen moment.

She slowly turned to face me.

“…Why are you just standing there?”

“…”

I had no idea what to do with my face.

She was already beautiful, but I never thought she could become even more stunning.

Her lips were as red as her eyes seemed deeper than usual.

Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine that the Vivian I saw every day could make me feel this way.

I forced my stiff body to move forward.

Vivian remained silent as she watched me approach.

Before I knew it, my hand found its way to her shoulder.

And I leaned in, as if to kiss her.

-Slap.

Vivian lightly swatted my cheek with the back of her hand.

“…Get a grip. What the hell are you doing?”

She whispered with a mocking tone.

It was only then that I regained my senses, blinking as I realized what I had almost attempted.

My body had acted as if cursed.

Vivian, who had been giggling earlier, looked down at me and said, “…But I guess it’s good; you seem to be into me after all. Guess we’d make a cute couple.”

This time, I conceded to her. “We do suit each other.”

“…”

Vivian didn’t respond to that.

Her smirk faded, replaced with a serious look.

Maybe she’d put on makeup, as her lightly flushed cheeks seemed to glimmer with understanding.

“You should change too now.”

Vivian ordered.

My outfit was still neatly laid out in a corner of the room.

I nodded and picked it up, heading behind the curtain to change.

****

During the time Kyle changed, Vivian found his reactions incredibly amusing, stifling giggles.

He approached her as if blind, and now it was clear he was revealing his feelings towards her.

She could distinctly interpret his affections.

Was she that desirable to him?

Vivian pondered.

His strange behavior brought her odd satisfaction.

It was disgusting and funny, yet her heart raced despite herself.

If there was anyone in this world who loved her, it had to be Kyle.

The change in atmosphere today felt entirely like a departure from routine, a fun diversion.

This ball was shaping up to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair.

Kyle probably wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off her either, easing her mind.

“…This feels a bit awkward.”

Was he done getting dressed? Kyle muttered from behind the curtain.

Having worn nothing but armor or the ragged robes of the Punishment Unit his whole life, he must have found the ball attire uncomfortable.

His movements would surely be restricted.

He might burst the fabric if he exerted too much force.

Though the lightweight armor strapped onto him was merely for decoration.

“Stop mumbling and come out if you’re done.”

Vivian urged him.

She had prepared Kyle’s outfit to suit him, but given what she’d seen before, she didn’t expect too much.

Kyle stepped out.

Vivian’s expression, initially poised for mockery, softened without her realizing it.

He wore a black outfit.

However, it retained a hint of the knight’s seriousness.

Red embroidery elegantly adorned his shoulders, and red accents on the collar and sleeves gave off a bold impression.

The belt tightened around his waist, emphasizing his robust build.

Had he used the fragrance she had set aside, his forehead was now exposed, showcasing his strong features even more.

-Thud… thud… thud…

Vivian’s heart raced harder at the sight of him.

Breath hitched in her throat.

…Why does he look so good?

He should have been the very person she hated most, yet here he was, looking beautiful.

If she let her guard down, it felt like she’d let him kiss her again.

Though she wanted to bite his lips and express her disdain, she was torn to the point of wanting to indulge in it.

Vivian swallowed unconsciously.

Her body tingled, her hands and feet fidgeting.

Shaking her head, she gathered her thoughts.

She had to hate him. She needed to push him away.

She had no right to cherish him.

“Does this look alright?”

Kyle asked.

Vivian lifted her gaze to meet his.

-Thud! Thud!

Finally, overwhelmed emotions erupted from her pounding heart, and Vivian walked over to Kyle.

After a moment of silence, she spoke to him.

“…Y-you should wear a helmet.”

“…What?”

Vivian stammered, realizing she had no control over her speech. It was difficult to correct herself.

She felt as if she were back at 13 years of age.

“Y-you should wear a helmet. Ugh, your face, it’s too… ugly to be seen.”

“…What nonsense are you spouting?”

Vivian was adamant.

Looking at Kyle now, it was easy to see how fly-infested he might become.

She simply couldn’t bear the thought of dirty flies landing on her prized possessions.

“Ugh, cover your face. Hurry. F-follow my orders.”

Growing increasingly agitated, she clutched Kyle’s outfit tightly.

Only now was she realizing just how handsome he was.

He had every trait one could hope for, and to top it off, he had a handsome face too.

No way.

Vivian reached out and messily tousled his hair.

Kyle promptly brushed her hand away.

“What are you doing, seriously?”

“W-who said to fix your hair? Ah, no. Just bring me a helmet first!”

“Vivian…!”

Kyle grabbed her shoulders, shaking her.

Vivian fluttered like paper in his grip, blinking in surprise.

“Get a grip. What’s going on all of a sudden?”

“…”

It was only then that Vivian realized she had acted irrationally.

Staring at each other for a moment, Kyle finally released her shoulders, while Vivian placed her hands over her heart to quell her emotions.

Right. Thinking back, just a moment ago, Kyle had been desperately trying not to kiss her.

The Kyle from earlier and the one now were the same person.

There was no reason to panic.

Vivian nodded slightly at him.

Both of them took a breath, calming the situation.

As awkward as it was, they behaved as if nothing had happened a moment ago.

Vivian exhaled deeply and raised her right hand towards Kyle.

Kyle briefly glanced at her hand before taking it.

Then, he stood next to Vivian, placing her hand on his arm as they walked together.

“…I warned you, Kyle. Don’t act foolishly.”

Vivian delivered one last reminder.

Kyle nodded.

“I won’t. So… just be ready to reward me.”

“…”

****

Vivian took my arm and stood before the entrance to the hall, taking a few deep breaths.

Her tension was palpable even to me.

Especially since there were many people inside who needed to see her well.

…I felt a bit miffed.

Who exactly was she trying so hard to impress?

What could possibly come from impressing them? She’d done fine up to now…

Her beauty only intensified my feelings of animosity.

Whoever it might be, if they approached Vivian, I’d have to throw cold water on their plans.

Vivian had told me not to act foolishly, yet she was the one who asked me to stay close.

Having fought dragons, I had nothing to fear from spoiled southern nobles.

“When will the preparations be finished?”

I asked, feeling Vivian’s trembling hand.

Vivian seemed lost in thoughts but was startled by my question. She cleared her throat and answered, “…Soon.”

True to her word, the preparations were soon completed.

Lady Linne approached us, glancing at me before offering advice to Vivian.

“…Lady Vivian. This time, try to enter solo…”

“-I told you I won’t.”

“…”

Lady Linne nodded and adjusted Vivian’s clothing. She fiddled with the dress and reshaped her hair before saying, “Let’s go.”

Simultaneously, the door swung open with a loud crash.

Inside the hall, where Vivian and I had always shared meals, a throng of people sprawled about.

This space, previously ours alone since Vivian was thirteen, was now bustling with people.

Vivian and I simultaneously erupted into light laughter.

We exchanged curious glances, and then steeled our expressions as we continued walking.

Our partnership was somewhat political in nature.

As the Delum Royal Family’s prince and the East Kingdom’s princess discussed a match to foster peace, our actions as enemy families would only lend backing.

It seemed everyone understood that.

It looked as if they all thought we were reluctantly intertwined.

The sympathetic glances directed at Vivian made it clear.

There was likely influence from the Dubos Family as well.

After all, they probably spread word about how much Vivian despised me.

I glanced around.

The prince and princess were nowhere in sight.

Nevertheless, out of respect, they might simply be waiting elsewhere.

Among the sympathetic stares directed at Vivian, I could also find glimmers of curiosity aimed at me.

The blue ribbon of proof that I had slain a dragon hanging around my neck seemed to increasingly stir them.

Some women’s eyes met mine.

The nobles indeed held a certain beauty.

But more disruptive was the bizarre look of the men eyeing Vivian.

There were more than a few whose jaws dropped in awe at her beauty.

Just as I was starting to feel annoyed, Vivian muttered softly enough for me to hear,

“…Those annoying girls are staring only at you.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle as I replied.

“…Isn’t it strange? I was thinking the same thing.”

“Don’t get your hopes up, Kyle. I’m not just going to sit back and watch you be happy. If anyone approaches, I’ll stomp on them. If the Dubos girls were doing their job right, there wouldn’t be any girl bold enough to speak to you…”

“…”

Vivian realized the prince and princess were still absent and made her way to the center of the hall.

I walked her there, then let go of her hand.

Vivian stood in front of the crowd and declared,

“…I am Vivian Rondore. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. We have put in a lot of preparation, so I hope you all have a delightful time. Thank you.”

The people, initially stunned by her beauty, erupted into applause after a brief pause.

Having showcased her sharp and frosty demeanor to everyone, she approached me again.

“…Arm.”

Vivian commanded briefly.

I opened my arm again.

Finding her place, Vivian rested her hand on my arm once more and whispered softly.

“…It’s just the beginning, Kyle.”

I nodded.

I noticed the nobles’ eager gazes shining brightly.

Vivian took a deep breath and moved towards them.

 

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