Even as the drunkenness rose like a tide through my reason, I could easily recognize that smooth, handsome face. It was the face of a fox—the kind of handsome that’s impossible to forget.
Ian Niño immediately released my hand, as if to prove he’d only caught me to prevent a stumble. He bowed politely.
"We meet again, Princess."
His voice was as smooth and sensitive as his face. I felt a flicker of annoyance. 'If I’d woken up in the body of someone else, I’d have happily gone for a sweet guy like this. Why am I stuck trying to seduce a man who hates me?'
If it were someone like Ian Niño, I might have actually enjoyed the pursuit. But I was getting drunk, and my thoughts were starting to drift. Ian said something else, but I only caught the very end of it.
"...Would you like to dance with me?"
The offer snapped me back to reality. I narrowed my eyes, genuinely surprised. 'Wait, is there actually a man in this Empire who would invite Charlize Altsbeit to dance first?'
According to Charlize’s memories, no one ever approached her willingly. Her reputation for depravity and cruelty was enough to keep even the bravest social climbers at bay. And yet, here was this man, inviting me to dance while my fiancé was standing just a few feet away.
"I’ve been watching the two of you," Ian said softly, his smile never wavering. "And I noticed that the Duke doesn't seem inclined to join the dance. Since everyone knows you’re engaged, I hope you won't take my request as having... dark intentions."
"..."
"It would be a tragedy for everyone here if such a beautiful person didn't grace the floor tonight," he added, his voice like silk.
He was charming, I’ll give him that. He had the kind of effortless grace that could make you laugh along with his audacity. If I weren't Charlize.
'What kind of nonsense is this?' I thought, crossing my arms.
As the alcohol lowered my inhibitions, Charlize’s natural arrogance began to surface. I felt my face relax into a cold, haughty expression.
"I know I’m beautiful," I said, touching my ear dismissively. "But do you really think I’d look anything but ridiculous dancing with a man like you? Go away."
"...I beg your pardon?"
"Your tongue is smooth, I’ll give you that, but don't think you can sweet-talk your way into my good graces. Move along."
I felt a twinge of embarrassment at my own rudeness, but I figured it was for the best. I had no intention of dancing anyway, and Ian Niño felt like a formidable opponent in the social game. He didn't even look insulted; he just blinked, gave me a soft smile, and bowed.
"I apologize, Princess. I suppose today is not the day."
What a strange man. I realized I knew nothing about the Niño family or Ian himself. I remembered seeing foreign wine brought as a gift from them, and I wondered if he’d been studying abroad. That would explain why he didn't seem as terrified of me as the local nobles.
'Wait, where did Askin go?'
My thoughts were starting to pop like carbonated bubbles. I looked around and saw Askin approaching. His cravat was slightly loosened, as if it had been tugged, and he looked annoyed—not at me, but at the crowd. He clearly hated being surrounded by so many people.
'You're playing the role of my fiancé today, aren't you?' I thought, looking at him with a mix of resentment and hope. 'Aren't you supposed to defend me? Put your hands on my waist and tell that fox to back off? "Wait, this woman is my fiancé! Mine!"'
I shook my head, trying to clear the drunken fantasies. When my eyes met Askin’s, I gave him a sour look and turned away.
"Hey... Charlize."
"Princess!"
Before I could hear what Askin was going to say, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the air. I turned to see a group of young women approaching. I recognized them immediately.
It was the "Gaemang Club"—the group of noblewomen my grandfather had been vetting as potential brides for Loxdian, and who had visited my estate earlier.
They stopped a few feet away, hesitating as they took in my fierce expression. They exchanged nervous glances before the leader stepped forward.
"Hello, Princess. How have you been?"
"It’s been so long!"
"..."
"We really missed you!"
"..."
I didn't respond, and the silence only made them more nervous. I was starting to break out in a cold sweat.
'Does Askin know about the marriage announcement yet?' I wondered, my heart sinking. 'If these women start blabbing about it right now...'
I felt myself turning pale. The "Gaemang Club" looked like they were walking on eggshells. I stared them down, my gaze full of a silent threat. 'If you so much as mention the wedding, you’ll be my first victims of the night. Watch your tongues.'
I caught Askin’s eye. His expression was hardening as he watched our interaction. Was he angry? No, it looked more like... subtle embarrassment.
"Charlize?" he said, looking at me. "I believe I see an old general over there, one of my former masters. I should go and pay my respects."
I was stunned. He was leaving? Right now? Leaving me with these harpies?
In a normal relationship, he’d be leaving me to hang out with my friends. But we didn't have a normal relationship, and these women weren't my friends.
'Did he notice something? Is he leaving because he’s disgusted?'
I took a deep breath. No, if he’d noticed the marriage rumors, he probably would have just broken up with me on the spot.
'So why are you leaving? You didn't even say a word when that other guy invited me to dance!'
I felt like grabbing my head and screaming. But the Gaemang Club women were still there, and though they looked terrified, they weren't leaving.
The drunkenness was making my nerves sensitive. Every word they said seemed to echo in my head.
"Oh my God, Princess... you look so beautiful today!"
"I really wanted to tell you that. It’s like a goddess has descended!"
They were chattering away, trying to sound innocent. I noticed that none of them were wearing red or white—clearly, my "costume censorship" had worked. Some of the more annoying members of their group were missing entirely.
I didn't want to pick a fight over clothes, but I’d promised Loxdian a "victim" tonight. If one of these women crossed the line, I wouldn't hesitate.
"Now that I think about it..." one of them said, leaning in. "I saw Duke Lemut’s outfit too. It’s magnificent."
"It is! I was so curious!"
"You two are perfectly matched! The colors, the symbols... the fabric is exquisite. Where did you get it?"
"And the sapphires! What region are they from?"
The mindless chirping was starting to grate on my nerves, but I kept my cool. Until one of them asked the question I’d been dreading.
"By the way... when are you going to make the wedding announcement today?"
The question was whispered, but in the sudden silence of my mind, it sounded like a thunderclap.