He stood out even in the crowd.
Not only because of the couple look they wore.
His height, taller than the others, and his face, worthy of the title of most handsome man in the Empire, contributed, but his special aura influenced even more.
That thing, like an overwhelming atmosphere around him even without doing anything.
It was the image of a mature man, completely different from that vulnerable child of his childhood.
The Blair of the past had fallen in love with him at first sight when she saw him, grown up, at the victory banquet.
Although then, out of guilt, he had denied his feelings.
And now, that he had returned to the past and lived his second life, his heart was still pounding at the sight of him.
Unfortunately.
Blair looked away from him, as if denying that fact.
Then, a familiar face approached her.
—Long time, Blair.
Rachel Sheldon.
Daughter of the Grand Duke who was the Emperor's brother, and Blair's cousin.
The moment he saw her face, he suddenly remembered what had happened at this dance in the past life.
The Blair of that time had not been able to say anything to Rachel, who was making an insane request in a matter-of-fact manner.
Because Rachel was as absolute a figure to her as Katrina.
While Blair recovered from his weakness after the fire of the Empress's Palace, Rachel had been gaining influence among the children of nobles her age.
When Blair, recovered, returned to the children's high society, she barely had any friends left.
Rachel, as if doing her a favor, included her in her group and made her depend on her.
Blair had no choice but to cling to Rachel.
And that relationship became consolidated as a habit.
Even after adults.
Although he did not agree to Rachel's absurd requests, not having been able to confront her then left him with a deep feeling of humiliation.
Blair, clenching the wine glass she was holding, looked at Rachel.
His eyes shone coldly.
—True, how long.
Why didn't you come to my wedding?
I would have liked to receive your congratulations.
At Blair's question, Rachel's face twisted.
Blair knew why he hadn't come to her wedding.
Many young noblewomen had admired Herdin since they were children.
Although they avoided it because of the Delmarck tragedy.
But after Herdin returned as a war hero, everyone began to pine for him openly.
Rachel was one of them.
Rachel was probably upset that Blair, whom she considered inferior, had married the man she couldn't get.
Rachel composed herself and replied:
—I wanted to go too, but I was very sick.
This flu has been very strong.
Congratulations on your wedding, even if it's late.
-Thank you.
As he sipped his wine and looked around the ballroom, his gaze fell on Herdin.
The man who exuded that special aura even in the crowd, was still attractive even now that he was married.
No, on the contrary...
now that it belonged to someone else, he wanted it even more.
Rachel, without taking her eyes off Herdin across the glass, asked Blair:
"Does the duke treat you well?"
-Yeah.
—Thank goodness.
But don't trust too much.
He is the nephew of that woman who tried to kill you.
Rachel, pretending to care about Blair, purposely mentioned her weak spot.
But contrary to what I expected, that Blair would put on a hurt expression, she only drank wine with a calm look.
Blair's reaction, so impassive, seemed out of character for her, but at the end of the day, Blair couldn't disobey her.
That was why she had tried so hard to pass herself off as her friend for so many years.
—Well, with that face and that body, at least it's nice to see him every day.
In a world where there are so many who marry as second wives of old men.
Don't you think?
Me too, if I could have a romance with a man like that, I wouldn't ask for more.
—…
—Speaking of which, Blair.
Rachel, observing his expression, began in an insinuating tone:
"Couldn't you lend me your husband for one night?" I'll take care of the rest.
Rachel asked him in a casual tone, as if she were asking to borrow a toy.
Like when he took Blair's jewelry when she was little.
Not that I need your permission, but I'm telling you just in case...
Whispering words that sounded kind at first glance.
Of course, Herdin, before they got married, hadn't given her any chance no matter how much she approached him, but now that he had Blair as his wife, it would be different.
Since he has resentment towards the Empress Dowager's family, to go against her, he would not choose Blair, but another woman.
Blair placed the empty glass on the table and looked at Rachel with cold eyes.
—You're vulgar, Rachel.
-…That?
—In case you have forgotten, I remind you, he is my husband.
And it is not an object that can be lent.
At Blair's unexpected reaction, Rachel's face hardened.
Blair's rejection was an outcome that did not enter into his plans.
Because Blair Sonet von Ardel could never disobey her.
Because until now it had been like that.
Rachel smiled in disbelief.
-And?
Don't let him touch him because he's your husband?
-Yeah.
That's what I wanted to say.
For a long time, that you won't remember.
Rachel looked at Blair with contempt.
—And why do I have to listen to you?
We all have the right to love freely, and I don't need your permission.
A completely different attitude than when he had asked her permission a moment ago.
Blair didn't feel angry or humiliated by his attitude.
They were emotions he had already felt in the past.
Now he only felt sorry for his cousin, who spoke nonsense so naturally.
—It seems that for you your rights are above morality.
—Don't act virtuous.
Who is going to criticize you for that at this dance?
Everyone lives like this in secret.
—Just because it's common doesn't mean it's honorable.
If you are so sure, tell all of them in front of their faces.
That you want to be the lover of the Duke of Delmarck.
Blair glanced at the people at the dance.
Seeing them, Rachel backed away.
As Blair said, no matter how much everyone lived like that, a loving relationship was not something to brag about.
Blair, staring at Rachel, added in a neutral voice:
—You are free to live your life as you want, but you must not cross the line.
At Blair's calm rebuke, Rachel snorted in disbelief, but only opened and closed her mouth unable to reply.
Blair turned around, leaving Rachel behind.
Because of the alcohol, or why, he felt a sudden need to laugh.
—
Herdin, who was talking to other nobles, looked away and met the eyes of the count who had just left the ballroom.
At his side was his wife, who at first glance was pregnant.
…To be continued