CH 70

Sigren made a very awkward expression as he was listening to the two noble women’s conversation. It was really not easy to adjust to this atmosphere. In addition, although they were around the same age, everyone felt uncomfortable. In the end, Sigren tried to sneak out.



‘I’m also still awkward with Lady Livya, you know? How dare you want to leave by yourself.’



Fiona also squirmed and tried to follow him quickly, but she then sprained her foot. She still couldn’t handle her high-heeled shoes.



Fortunately, Sigren caught Fiona who almost kissed the ground. 



“Lady Fiona, you better be careful.”



Fiona was furious hearing his nagging. “Your Highness might change your mind if you walk on tiptoes. No, you’ll definitely change it,”



Both of them were speaking in an awkward tone. Livya was convinced that this awkward conversation was due to her existence. She knew that the two were close, but she didn’t know that they were so friendly like that.



“Excuse me, I think I’ll get going now.”



“Oh, Lady Livya, wait a minute.”



No matter how awkward Fiona felt, a girl of her age got lost. She couldn’t leave Livya alone without giving help. 



Fiona smiled softly. “You said you were lost. I know the way, so let’s go back together.”



Livya paused for a moment hearing that pure favorable remark. As expected, she really has to make a decision.



***



I went to see Sigren a while ago, but in the end, we couldn’t have a proper conversation.



‘I’ll see him later then.’



Anyway, something has finally come to me. 



The Empress’ invitation.



To be precise, it was one of the annual balls hosted by the empress. The annual balls held by the empress were usually four times a year. They were held at the beginning of each season, and were attended by mainly young people. Here, the standard of ‘young’ was from the late teens who had just reached adulthood, to the late 20s. Participation was not compulsory per the invitation but was implied. 



Celine saw the invitation and laughed, “I heard there are a lot of people who tied the knot after attending these balls.”



They were the second most romantic events after the hunting competitions in the noble society where arranged marriages were common. 



“There are a lot of young people compared to other balls, I’m sure the young lady would have more fun at those balls.”



Abel gave Celine an uncomfortable gaze. “It’s still too early for her.”



Celine laughed hearing Abel’s complaint. “That’s right, Young Lady. You could just take a quick look while you are at the ball. You’re still young after all, you need to develop a good eye for men first.”



“A quick look?” I murmured.



“Yes, Young Lady. You at least have to see one or two.”



No matter how much I think about it, I didn’t think I would live up to her expectations. I muttered sullenly. “Celine, did I not tell you? I’m not even popular in Heilon.”



I only dance with Abel and Sigren.



Suddenly Celine glanced at Abel. 



For some reason, Abel shook his head. 



Celine looked at me again and smiled. 



“It would be different here.”



She smiled kindly and tucked my hair behind my ears.



“Look at how beautiful our young lady is.”



Celine cared for me like her granddaughter. It was said no matter how old a granddaughter and how dirty they were after rolling on the ground, a grandmother would call them beautiful



I laughed awkwardly. “Your taste may be different from those of Heilon, haha.”



To be honest, because I came into Fiona’s body when she was still a child and then grew up in her body, I couldn’t objectively judge her appearance. It was like what most people have felt when they saw their own faces. I just knew that my eyes, nose, and mouth were properly attached. 



Abel came up to me after seeing my hair was finished. “Is your partner Sigren?”



“I haven’t asked him yet.”



“Then, it’s me.” Abel said with his serious face.



Why was the conversation going that way?”



“I’ve never asked the Duke to do it…?”



“If it’s not Sigren, I’d be the only one.”



It is a sad thing to hear someone summarize how narrow your personal relationships are in just one sentence.



“But, isn’t that very old-fashioned, to go with a guardian as an adult?”



Abel tapped my forehead. 



“What stupid thought you have, I’m your father.”



I couldn’t argue with that. Something tickled my heart, so I closed my mouth. But then I heard Abel’s faint laugh.



“You’re touched aren’t you? Now, call me father.”



“…”



With just those words, the desire to call him father blew away.



‘I’ve had a changed heart.’



I lightly slapped  Abel’s hand that was on top of my head, then said in a sulking voice, “No, I don’t want to.”