Chapter 11
The sound of music flowing like waves and the laughter of people had long since faded into nothing more than an afterimage.
Elizia was overwhelmed by the pounding of her own heartbeat.
His body—his face looking down at her—was far too close.
Soon, Rakan took a step forward and began to lead.
She had danced countless times before. She had attended many parties, held hands with men, and moved through dances more times than she could count.
But she could say one thing with certainty—she had never felt like this before.
Should she step to his right? Or spin under his hand? She couldn’t tell.
All she had to do was follow his pace, match his steps, turn when he guided her.
It was simple.
So why was it so difficult?
In the end, Elizia stepped on his foot.
‘What is wrong with me?’
She was flustered.
She had always been naturally talented—whether it was handling a sword or dancing. She had never made mistakes like this, not even when learning ballroom dance.
Even when she had danced with Damian, whom she secretly liked, she had simply gone through the motions like completing a task.
Rakan tightened his grip on her hand, as if he had noticed her confusion.
Soon, Elizia found herself being guided like a doll by his movements.
Her unsteady body was pulled along, gradually falling into rhythm.
After some time, she was finally able to match his steps without much difficulty.
That was a relief.
“How many people did you dance with here?” he asked.
“Three.”
“Three, huh. Not much time, yet they moved fast.”
His tone carried a hint of mockery. Elizia let out a small laugh.
“What about you, senior? How many did you dance with?”
“You’re the first. No one asked me to dance except you.”
I’m the only one who asked?
Isn’t it usually the man who asks?
Thinking that, Elizia avoided his gaze and looked at his chest instead. Meeting his eyes felt oddly embarrassing.
He was much taller than her, so her gaze naturally landed there.
The pleasant scent he always carried, the warmth of his body, the way he skillfully led her—it all felt strangely unfamiliar.
As if she were facing a stranger.
The arm wrapped around her waist was firm. His hand, slightly rough despite his refined appearance, held hers tightly.
Was it accidental?
His palm slowly brushed along her waist.
Elizia swallowed hard without realizing it.
As his large, warm hand enveloped her, a tingling sensation spread from her toes, making her shoulders tense.
‘This is strange. When I danced with the other students earlier, I was having fun and smiling… so why am I breaking into a cold sweat now? It’s not even hot.’
If anything, she felt cold. Goosebumps crept along her neck and waist where he held her.
And yet, her face kept heating up, as if all the blood in her body had rushed to her head.
Rakan looked down at her, noticing how she avoided his gaze.
“Are you hot?”
“Maybe…”
She wasn’t sure whether she felt hot or cold. Still staring at the buttons on his clothes, she gave a vague answer.
“Then let’s step outside.”
Rakan smiled faintly as he looked at her peach-colored cheeks.
Their joined hands parted. The arm around her waist loosened.
As their bodies separated, Elizia felt not relief—but regret.
Strange.
Rakan stepped back, already looking as if he had no attachment to what had just happened.
He gestured toward the entrance and turned first.
Elizia followed him.
They arrived at a garden beside the ballroom entrance.
The light from embedded glow stones shimmered enchantingly in the night.
Elizia sat on the edge of a fountain, gazing at the light spilling from the hall.
The early summer breeze brushed past her dress, clearing her dazed mind.
The chandelier lights flickered like a dream, accompanied by distant music and chatter.
Her racing heart slowly began to calm.
“Thank you… earlier,” Elizia said.
Rakan, who had been standing with his arms crossed looking at the night sky, turned to her.
“For what?”
“For putting that rose in my vase. I didn’t really want to be chosen, but… it still bothered me. Losing officially would’ve been embarrassing.”
“I didn’t know you cared about anything other than grades.”
His teasing made her shoot him a look.
“Anyway… after you did that, everyone started putting roses in my vase too. So… I felt relieved. And grateful.”
“No need to thank me. I simply gave it to the one who should receive it.”
He could be so shameless about his looks, yet so indifferent about things like this.
Elizia let out a small laugh.
“Honestly, I think Senior Beth would suit the rose better. I’m not really suited for representing the school.”
Rakan leaned slightly toward her.
“That’s not true. No one works harder for the school or their studies than you. If anyone is to represent it, it should be someone like that. And for the record—I like that about you.”
“…Senior, do you want something from me? I don’t have money, you know.”
Her eyes widened in suspicion.
Why is he suddenly being nice?
Rakan burst into laughter.
Leaving him to himself, Elizia looked back at the sky.
The white moon was slowly disappearing behind clouds.
Come to think of it… when he placed the rose, everyone followed his lead.
Even if he’s a high-ranking noble from the Empire… can he really influence people like that?
“Still, it’s amazing,” she said. “As soon as you added a flower, everyone followed.”
“That’s how power in the Empire works.”
He said it as if it were nothing.
Elizia laughed.
Anyone hearing him might think he was a prince himself.
But the one who controlled imperial power was supposed to be that ugly man from the portrait—Nobila Herve Karund.
“‘That’s how power works,’ huh? You sound like you’re the prince yourself.”
“….”
Rakan fell silent.
He looked at her, his expression unreadable.
Like I’m the prince…
Because he was.
The First Prince of the Empire.
And yet—
“Have you ever seen the Crown Prince?” he asked.
“No.”
“Why not? In such a small academy?”
“I’m not interested in him, and he’s not interested in me. There are many students here. And since we’re from rival nations… maybe it’s better this way.”
“…Do you at least know what he looks like?”
“Of course. I’ve seen his portrait a hundred times.”
Rakan couldn’t help but laugh.
At last, everything clicked.
She had no idea who he was.
So that’s why.
Suppressing his amusement, he spoke again.
“If you get the chance, show me that portrait.”
“Why?”
“I’m curious how skilled your royal painter is.”
“Of course. Our court painter, Mateor, is the best. His brushwork is incredibly delicate and beautiful. You’ll be moved when you see it.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Just how badly did they paint me?
Rakan watched her, amused.
She sat there, completely unaware.
The prince she spoke of—
was right in front of her.
This is interesting. I’ll watch a bit longer.
Soon, they returned to the ballroom.
The lively atmosphere contrasted sharply with the quiet darkness outside.
Near the entrance stood a vase filled with roses.
“Elizia Woder Ortigia.”
Her name.
The party was nearing its end, and the voting was almost finished.
There was no need to count.
This year’s Rose of the Academy would not be Beth—
but Elizia.
She didn’t know whether to feel happy or burdened.
Sitting at a table near the stage, she looked at Beth.
Usually lively and surrounded by people, Beth now sat in silence, biting her lip, her frustration obvious.
After a few more songs, the lights went out.
The principal, with his white mustache, made a dramatic entrance.
“To everyone who graced us tonight—thank you.”
After the applause faded, he cleared his throat.
“Now, I will announce this year’s Rose and Lily of the Swena Royal Academy.”
Magical lights flickered around him.
He really loves attention, Elizia thought with a quiet laugh.
She wasn’t nervous.
She hadn’t wanted this.
The light finally settled on a student.
“This year’s Lily is Frederic Watts of the Kasutra Empire!”
Cheers erupted.
Then the light began moving again—
searching for the Rose.
