The two women eyeing each other wasn’t just different—it was downright uncomfortable.
It must feel like this to sit on a bed of thorns.
“I’m not quite sure why they’re arguing…”
Thinking he should mediate, Daniel smiled and began to speak.
“Whether it’s silverware or gold cutlery, they’re both used during meals, are they not? Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, so there’s no need for an argument.”
Both women turned their gazes toward Daniel.
Their looks were far from friendly, causing Daniel to unconsciously break out in cold sweat.
“Personal preference, you say?”
In the ensuing silence, Princess Selvia was the first to speak.
“So, Colonel Steiner, which would you choose between gold and silver?”
The intent behind the question sent a chill down his spine.
Just as he wondered if he shouldn’t have interfered, the royal orchestra changed its tune.
Whereas the previous piece had been leisurely, now it flowed with a quicker tempo. The bright mood indicated that this was the music signaling the ball portion of the banquet.
Seizing the opportunity to change the subject, Daniel quickly redirected the conversation.
“It’s already this late. Would Her Highness the Princess allow me the honor of watching her dance?”
Though displeased by Daniel’s evasive nature, Selvia decided to let it slide this one time and nodded.
“If you’re willing to be my partner, I see no reason why not. Shall we dance?”
“If it pleases Your Highness, I’d be delighted.”
As Daniel stood up, so did Selvia.
She shot Lucy a sidelong glance before taking Daniel to the center of the hall.
Near the Christmas tree, couples were already enjoying the dance.
“Daniel.”
Walking while observing them, Selvia moved her lips.
Selvia had intended to tell him that she suspected his aide-de-camp, but she shook her head. She judged it unwise to spread rumors about something uncertain.
Deciding instead to ask another question, she said,
“Have you never thought about joining the Imperial Guard?”
Her voice trembled unexpectedly.
Though Daniel respected her opinion, he couldn’t hide his hurt feelings. He took her hand to begin the waltz and replied,
“I received the same offer from Colonel Hartmann before. I’m afraid my answer remains unchanged.”
Upon hearing this, Selvia lightly bit her lower lip.
Daniel, sensing something amiss, asked again,
“Your Highness… is something troubling you?”
Impossible.
Selvia, as the current heir to the empire, was absorbing all the power. Power, after all, meant receiving oaths of loyalty from those who led the collective.
But through this process, Selvia felt a void. She vaguely knew that the nobles, who should have been the backbone of the nation, didn’t truly follow her.
Though her power grew stronger every day, it was hard for Selvia to discern whether it stemmed from her own strength.
Even now, she couldn’t read the true intentions of those claiming to be her allies.
Thus, Selvia wanted someone trustworthy by her side—someone who had saved her life twice and hadn’t hesitated to fight the prince for her.
“But…”
Pouring out these uneasy feelings would be akin to throwing a tantrum. It was behavior unfitting for someone destined to become emperor.
An emperor was meant to govern and lead all people. Weakness could not be shown.
Thinking this, Selvia gave a bitter smile.
“It’s nothing.”
As the orchestra crescendoed, the two began to move.
Now, Selvia’s practiced dancing seemed almost tiresome.
Compared to her, Daniel’s movements were somewhat clumsy, but outwardly, they weren’t bad at all.
“You’re rather good at this.”
“Didn’t Your Highness once say that knowing how to do this much prevents one from being disrespected wherever you go?”
Recalling past memories, Selvia nodded.
Under the moonlight, their private dance was something she wouldn’t forget even if she tried.
“There should be a reward for a student who remembers their lessons well. Tell me, Colonel Daniel Steiner, is there anything you desire?”
There was indeed one thing.
“Since we’re talking rewards, I dare to make a request. Your Highness, might you issue an order allowing me to serve on the battlefield?”
Selvia’s elegant steps halted.
This caused Daniel to nearly trip but he managed to regain his balance.
“Your Highness?”
Confusion flickered in Selvia’s blue eyes. Catching her breath from the dance, she looked up at Daniel.
“I don’t understand. You want to return to the battlefield? After what happened in the Belanos Sea region, are you still unsatisfied?”
Selvia’s words weren’t lost on Daniel.
He understood the risks; what happened in Belanos could happen again here. However, he couldn’t confess in front of the princess, “Your father is tormenting me,” so Daniel forced a smile and offered an excuse.
“Your Highness has ascended to the position of heir, yet public opinion within the country isn’t entirely favorable. There are even absurd rumors that Daniel Steiner controls the royal family.”
“What difference does such nonsense make?”
“It is nonsense, yes. But when one dog barks, others follow suit. And when dogs start barking, their owners will investigate the cause.”
Daniel gently clasped Selvia’s hand.
“Therefore, I believe it’s best for Your Highness and me to maintain a distance—not too close, nor too distant. By sending me to the battlefield, you can show everyone that Daniel Steiner is merely a soldier.”
It was a suggestion to send Daniel, who had narrowly survived Belanos, back to the battlefield to quell the suspicions of the nobles.
It was a reasonable proposal, but Selvia couldn’t help feeling guilty.
“Are you saying I should drive you to the four corners of the earth with my own hands?”
In Selvia’s eyes, Daniel appeared to be displaying a selfless spirit for her sake.
Though he was merely struggling to survive, Daniel saw no need to reveal his inner thoughts and said with an air of resignation,
“This is the only way for both Your Highness and me to survive.”
And it was the truth.
After a brief silence, Selvia finally spoke.
“Then promise me one thing.”
“What would that be?”
“Promise me you won’t die. Promise me that you’ll come see me on the day of the coronation.”
Daniel, who had no intention of dying, smiled and nodded.
“I shall remember that, Your Highness.”
*
Lucy Emilia was watching Selvia and Daniel’s private conversation from afar.
Though she couldn’t hear their exact words, she could tell they were discussing something serious.
Selvia had abruptly stopped dancing and was speaking earnestly with Daniel.
Just as Lucy wondered what they were talking about,
“Lucy Emilia.”
A familiar voice called from behind.
Without turning around, Lucy knew exactly who it was.
Theobald Verne.
He was the Palencia Branch Director of the United Nations’ Intelligence Department.
“Return orders. Pack your things and prepare to come back soon.”
Lucy’s shoulders trembled slightly.
After hesitating for a moment, she took a deep breath and replied.
“I decline.”
It was a phrase that shouldn’t come from a spy’s mouth, but Theobald neither scolded nor got angry.
He simply gazed silently at Lucy’s back before furrowing his brows.
“Because of Daniel Steiner? Has he bewitched you?”
“…No.”
“Then what is the reason? A sane person wouldn’t betray the United Nations.”
The audacity of Theobald made Lucy grit her teeth.
“The Lucy Project.”
“…”
“You can’t pretend you don’t know about it. Until everything becomes clear, I will not pledge loyalty to the United Nations.”
There was no response.
Theobald seemed flustered and paused for a moment before speaking.
“You’ll surely regret this choice.”
With that, Theobald slowly retreated.
Only then did Lucy relax and glanced ahead, blinking blankly.
For Daniel was walking towards her alone.
Perplexed, Lucy asked,
“Colonel Steiner? Where’s Her Highness?”
“Ah. The princess has many people to meet after the banquet, so I couldn’t hold her back. By the way…”
Daniel inquired curiously,
“Weren’t you talking to some man just now?”
Considering whether to answer honestly, Lucy eventually shook her head.
“He wanted to dance. I declined.”
“Was there any need to? You came all this way to the banquet; you should enjoy yourself.”
“I haven’t learned how to dance properly, so I wouldn’t find it enjoyable.”
“Hmm.”
Feeling a pang of regret, Daniel extended his hand to Lucy.
“Then let me teach you. We still have a little time before the banquet ends.”
Surprised by the unexpected invitation, Lucy looked up at Daniel.
After hesitating for a moment, she took his hand.
Feeling the warmth of his touch, Lucy smiled faintly as she looked at Daniel.
“If it pleases you, I’d be happy to oblige.”
Bathed in the moonlight streaming through the window, Lucy was certain.
She would never regret this decision.
