CH 24.1

It meant that there was no need to forcefully smile in the absence of the person. And with that arrogant face, she parted her lips.

“Lady Libe . . .”

“Can you leave now? You have nothing to do with me.”

Anne, who was fluttering the peacock feather fan in her hand, interrupted Sienna’s words. It was nothing more than a dismissal order because their business was over. At those words, Sienna’s eyelids twitched visibly. If it hadn’t been for the mask, her distorted forehead would have been visible at once.

Ridiculous.

Anne laughed to herself. She knew what Sienna was going to say, even if she didn’t listen. She knew Anne was going to shoot back at her as she always did, but in the absence of her fiance, Anne didn’t want to put up with it.

“Miss Libelois, what does that mean?”

“I’m telling you because you didn’t seem to notice. Are you waiting for my fiance?”

As Anne spoke with a sarcastic smile, Sienna gripped her skirt and grabbed it so tightly. Sienna’s angry response was refreshing in her heart.

“Today, we are trying to quietly enjoy ourselves without being conscious of other people’s eyes.”

“Don’t act like the Marchioness just because you’re a fiance. Lady Libelois is not married yet.”

In spite of her tone of voice, which was so angered that it made the sound of teeth grinding, Anne smiled softly and lifted her chin gracefully.

“Thank you for your concern, but we will be married soon. Then I would be Marchioness Whitmore.”

When that time comes Sienna won’t do anything vulgar to press her family, so she was appreciating Sienna’s lips smashed together under the red mask.

The gentle banquet dance music began to flow when all the nobles had finished their entrance.

“The music has started. Miss Angroanne.”

When Salton returned just in time, Sienna rearranged herself as if nothing had happened. Her face, which had been terribly distorted, had suddenly changed to a freshly bloomed flower bud. It was even more ridiculous.

Anne raised her eyelashes shyly and tucked her hand inside Salton’s arm.

“Lady Pelimont congratulates us on our engagement.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Salton gently caressed the back of Anne’s white hand, which rested on his arm, with a thrilled expression. The two of them, wearing matching masks, looked like a good couple.

Anne passed Sienna lightly as she gently placed her hand on his outstretched palm and made her way to the center of the banquet hall. She felt a gaze at her from behind, and she smiled softly.

“Lady seems to be in a good mood today.”

“Since Sir Salton is having a good time.”

Anne answered, curving her eyes elegantly. As soon as she reached the center, she held her dress wide and bowed her head to Salton, who was standing opposite her.

The first song was a group dance to enhance the awkward atmosphere. It was a dance where men in the same line stood opposite the woman standing in a line as well and circling, holding hands. They would alternate with their partners, touching palms, turning, and then touching the opposite palms again.

Turning her body softly to the gentle accompaniment, she placed her hand on Salton’s palm. She felt a warm hand caressing her hand. The moment she got closer while turning, Salton, who had a deep smile, opened his lips.

“Lady looks a little different today.”

“A little different? Is it a bad thing?”

Her shoes glided softly on the floor, drawing a semicircle as she moved to her side and her shoulder collided with him. Salton turned his head and pressed her lips to Anne’s cheek.

“Any change in you, is acceptable to me.”

“. . .”

With his friendly kindness, Anne forgot her words to reply for a moment, but did not make the mistake of unraveling the smile on her lips. She had to be a flower in front of him, waking up from the morning dew.

Salton, who seemed to be expecting something, gave way to the next song that started just in time and stepped aside. In the meantime, Anne’s movement, which would usually put her hand on the new partner standing in front of her, stopped.

. . . !?

The moment she encountered a man wearing a mask engraved with a black leopard pattern, she was captured by the illusion that her whole body was shaking all at once.

The jet-black hair that caught her eye, and the red eyes that were visible through the mask that covered his face. The man with a different atmosphere from the glamorous place certainly created a strange feeling.

Recovering from the fear, Anne carefully raised her right hand. The man’s hand, which was clinging to her hand, was cold as if he was holding a terrible chill, even though he was wearing banquet gloves. As Anne, startled, hurriedly took her hand away, the man grabbed her hand.

What?

Anne’s face was wrinkled with displeasure as the man had put weight on her hand, which he had grabbed even though she had tried to pull away. Anne hid her vigilance and looked at the man in front of her. Dark red eyes stared intently at her.

Somehow, the man was slowly examining her face. From the precisely round forehead to the eyes, nose, mouth, and the hands held together. Anne, who felt her heart pounding at the cold gaze, pretended not to show her reaction. Fortunately, however, when the man’s turn came to an end, he released her hand in a manner more docile than expected and stepped aside.