Reincarnated Villainess Does Not Want Revenge - Chapter 93
Translated by: ShinigamiTori
Invitation from the False Knight
Right after the ball began, King Gray delivered some words.
“Today, we’ve arranged this gathering as a means of celebration and appreciation for everyone. Please enjoy to your heart’s content.”
Although the words were brief, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause, praising King Gray.
‘King Gray… Rosemary’s former fiancé.’
When recalling Rosemary’s memories, I remembered several things from the time when she was engaged to Prince Gray.
There had been times when they had studied together, and there had been times when she had gone to public places as his fiancée.
During those moments, she experienced both joy and loneliness. There were moments when Rosemary decided in her heart to love him as her future husband.
But when he called off the engagement, Rosemary’s heart froze.
‘I can’t remember the exact time when the engagement was broken off….’
I still had a vague recollection of that time, perhaps because it was a painful memory for Rosemary.
However, I do remember that the place was the grand hall where I am now. But what kind of celebration was it? Perhaps the prince’s birthday or the anniversary of the founding of the kingdom.
All I remember is the prince dismissing Rosemary from the hall, saying boldly, “I’m not going to be engaged to you, I’ve found my true love.”
The memories from that time are long gone.
The memories that should have faded away didn’t bring sadness but rather a feeling of relief at finally being freed from entanglements.
Music starts to flow through the grand hall.
The atmosphere was filled with chatter about who would have the first dance.
And everyone turned their gaze simultaneously toward Prince Risel.
Who will the prince dance with?
His dance partner may be his fiancée.
That’s right, because of the rumors.
Prince Risel extended his hand to Queen Tia with a gentle smile on his face.
From a distance, I could see the Queen, who was covering her mouth with a fan, taking Prince Risel’s hand after a while.
As the mother and son began to dance, the ball in the grand hall also started.
All eyes are on Queen Tia and Prince Risel, who maintained a beauty that belied their age, as they danced.
There were understanding glances, frustrated sighs, and relieved voices.
?
I stood near the wall, a bit away from the central hall, observing the two of them dance.
And I realize that I too feel relieved.
‘Oh dear… What is it that I want?’
Honestly, I can’t bring myself to dislike Risel-sama.
On the contrary, I like him.
But that was back when I considered him just a knight or a noble.
Now that I understand the difference in our positions, I can’t let those feelings bud and have buried them in the ground.
Still, the desire for the flower to bloom extends from the depths of my heart.
?
“Miss Edigma.”
A voice suddenly called my name when I had turned into a wallflower.
“Alberto-sama.”
Alberto-sama, dressed in formal attire befitting a noble rather than his usual knight’s uniform, approached me and started a conversation.
“I’ve heard the food is quite delicious. Have you had any yet? If not, you should give it a try.”
It was clear that he was being considerate, even though there was a hint of awkwardness.
I found myself smiling, realizing he could only resort to his usual clumsy way of speaking.
“Thank you. Indeed, it’s a good opportunity. I’ll go ahead and have some.”
“I’m glad to hear that. If you’d like, shall we choose together?”
“Sure!”
I decided to turn my attention to the array of numerous dishes in the grand hall with Alberto-sama.
Before I knew it, Prince Risel’s dance had ended, and many people had started to dance.
After his dance with the Queen, Prince Risel was never seen dancing again.
“It’s delicious…!”
Taking a bite of the bite-sized sauté, I was deeply impressed. While I always found the palace meals delicious, the dishes served today were exceptionally praiseworthy.
With my appetite suddenly accelerating, I eagerly picked at various dishes, marveling at each one.
Alberto-sama, who had been watching my behavior, couldn’t help but laugh and broke into a smile.
“It’s a relief to see you in better spirits than I thought.”
“… I appreciate your concern.”
With mixed feelings, I put a piece of cake into my mouth.
“Have you danced with anyone, Miss Edigma?”
“No, not really. No one out of the ordinary has approached me to dance.”
“I see. No one stood out?”
“Yes.”
In reality, even if I were asked, I had intended to refuse. I wanted to follow what Risel-sama had instructed.
However, to my surprise, not a single person invited me to dance. That was a bit discouraging. But I was also relieved.
Despite how enjoyable it might seem, at this moment, I couldn’t fathom wanting to dance with anyone other than that one person.
Unconsciously, I found myself clutching the necklace at my chest.
“I see. It seems that Phil’s precautions have paid off.”
“What about the Assistant Captain?”
“No, I was talking to myself.”
He coughs deliberately.
Thinking that I wouldn’t get an answer even if I pressed, I gave up and looked around the venue.
“… Does Prince Risel really don’t want to dance with anyone?”
Although there are no recorded diplomatic visitors, some of the palace maids who arrived include young ladies from foreign lands.
If he were invited by a young lady from a foreign diplomatic country, I don’t think he would be able to refuse. Even though I understand it, there’s an unacceptance lingering in my chest.
“It’s hard to say. I’m just a humble knight, so I can’t comprehend the prince’s true intentions. However…”
“However?”
When I looked up at Alberto-sama, our eyes met suddenly.
“I know how the black-haired knight who lingers within the Knights’ Corps feels.”
The mention of the black-haired knight made me inhale sharply.
“This is an invitation from the unfortunate knight who couldn’t attend today’s ball to you.”
Alberto-sama took out a small card from his pocket and placed it in my hand.
“If you’re interested, please consider going. Although the food may not be as delicious as the one here.”
“…. Yes.”
It felt as if the blood in my body was boiling.
The phrase “on cloud nine” suited my current state perfectly.
With slightly trembling fingers, I somehow managed to unfold the card.
The card contained a brief message, mentioning the end time of the ball and a meeting at the knight’s training grounds.
“If you decide to attend, please allow me to escort you as the streets are dangerous at night. I hope that’s acceptable?”
Alberto-sama had on a teasing smile, resulting in laughter lines around his eyes.
I blushed intensely while requesting his escort.
After that, I don’t recall how I spent my time until the end of the ball.
Watching Prince Risel, surrounded by women yet departing due to lingering responsibilities, I informed Alberto-sama that I would also leave the ballroom.
The venue is filled with disappointed sighs as the announcement of the undecided engagement echoes through the hall.
As I quickly exited the venue, I noticed Reynaldo-sama in the distance. Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen him at all when the ball began.
Suddenly, our eyes met.
His eyes, often described as icy and cold, caught mine and he smiled at me calmly.
His smile seems unchanged from when we were children.
Comparing it to memories of Rosemary, I bowed slightly and promptly headed towards the knight’s training ground.
“Alberto-sama.”
“Shall we go?”
Addressing Alberto-sama, who was waiting at the entrance of the hall, I moved forward accompanied by a light and fluffy sensation.
What is wrong with me?
This feeling, this emotion—it’s completely unfamiliar to me.
Not even when I was Rosemary.
Even when meeting Prince Gray, my heart didn’t beat as fast as it does now.
I want to meet him soon.
There is no rationality in that feeling.
Navigating through the darkness, I spotted a lone figure in the center of the silent training ground where not a single human voice could be heard.
His hair was black, and his attire, though of subdued hues, was adorned with dazzling embroidery—a formal outfit.
As if he noticed the sound of eager footsteps, he raised his head and met my gaze with a smile.
“Marie.”
Drawn in by his gentle smile, I stood before Risel-sama.
“I know it’s just an empty hall, but if you don’t mind, would you be willing to dance with me?”
He invites me to dance with one hand on his back and one hand extended toward me.
Ah, geez, I give up.
“Yes. With pleasure.”
I love you, Risel-sama.
?
Let me forget about everything, including our social status.
For now, I just wanted to enjoy the dance with the one I love.
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