Selena smiled broadly as Kalcion reached out before she took his hand.

Finally, His Grace decides to dance with me. Ive been waiting for this moment. Pardon me, Ill have to be away for a moment, she deliberately asked for the guests understanding who were laughing because she couldnt dance.

Ahem, ahem. Yes, have a great time.

Leaving her opponents behind, who could not continue their mockery, Selena climbed to the floor with Kalcion.

Kalcionwho had never danced in his life, and Selenaa new hot topic who just happened to appear today, were successful in drawing peoples attention to them. Curious eyes followed them as they walked to the floor.

Youre not nervous, are you?

Selena smiled playfully as his large palm hugged her waist. Kalcion smiled as though he heard something very bland. The dance song immediately began.

Even during Mrs. Janets lesson, she was said to have the perfect knowledge of ball dancing. Her dance moves were smooth as nature. So she wasnt really nervous even though it was her first time dancing in front of people.

Although the basic etiquette of a banquet is dance, there is a wide difference between the physical ability and sense of two given people. No matter how well youve learned, there is always a distinction between those who are good and those who are bad. Some draw a more beautiful style with the same gesture, while others do not.

Selenas style was like swaying and fluttering in a soft wind.

She was a natural at drawing attention, she didnt have to make a big gesture or bold move to stand out. Her movements were much more elegant than a single bold move could show off.

This dance seems fun, Selena smiled as she spun to match Kalcions lead.

Kalcions dance was very blunt, but was diverse and was capable of making full utilization of the space. She did hear that using your body was necessary for this, but he danced as though he was wielding his sword most efficiently.

Selena was able to feel his dance the best. It seemed bold, but it did not miss the delicacy. Although invisible to the spectators, it was delivered very well through the touch of their bodies.

Im glad you find it enjoyable.

Indeed, its going to be the only happy memory I have of this party.

Itll be an honor, a smile grazed his lips as well.

He did not care how surprised people were to see his smile from afar.

After the song was over, the two stopped and bowed to each other.

A few among the watchers started to clap inadvertently, but came to their senses and covered their awkwardness with a dry cough.

Selena was about to return to her original position, but she had to stop when a familiar voice spoke up.

Great dance, I see. It was so because I couldnt tear my eyes from you.

Your Highness, the Crown Prince.

The busy personsurrounded by womendeliberately walked all the way here. It was hard to believe that they caught his eye.

Selena and Kalcion politely bowed their heads to greet the Crown Prince.

Im Selena. Apologies for my insolence in the hallway.., because it was my first time in the palace, I couldnt recognize Your Highness

The Princes gaze pierced across her face, you are the mountain bird of Renbird.

I beg your pardon? Mountain bird..?

Thats what rumors say. A mountain bird that flew in one day out of nowhere, it was so adorable and beautiful that the Duke couldnt allow it to leave.

Rumors were circulating about her. However, it was her first time to hear such rumors in person. She never expected to learn that from the mouth of the Crown Prince.

Ive never heard of it before, forgive me, I couldnt tell Your Highness earlier.

Theres nothing to apologize for. I was discourteous in the hallway because it was cute to see you wandering around. We both didnt recognize each other, so be at ease.

Thank you.

The Prince reacted with much more common sense than expected. According to Kalcions explanation, he wouldve threatened Selenawhether he ignored her identity earlier for a reason or not.

Instead of attacking Selena, the Prince flashed ashiningsmile before he turned to Kalcion.

Youve taken quite an important step, Duke. This time, it seems neither the crazy monsters attacked the castle of Renbird nor did the wall break down because of an avalanche.

Selena solemnly bowed her head.

They were great excuses, but they were significantly less realistic. You could tell that they were insincere excuses without even trying.

Up until now, the Crown Prince did not have a chance to kill him even when he refused the invitations with such excuses.

No. Even if the Castle of Renbird had collapsed, you wouldve come rushing to show off your beautiful partner.

He joked lightly, but it was a trap.

If so, it meant he was readily admitting his disgrace, and if not, it meant he was denying the Crown Princes evaluation.

Nervous, Selena waited for Kalcions answer. Since it wasnt a secret conversation, she had no time to intervene.

Kalcion just tilted his head, but he did not deny it.

The Duke is still silent. I thought youd enjoy sharing a few words since we met face to face a long time after.

Im afraid Im not good at speaking.

Kalcions method was valid. Stupid silence can sometimes be placed closer to obedience than smooth excuses.

The heaviness in the air was released.

Yeah, its not that I dont know you. Will you give me the honor of dancing to a song with Lady Selena as a penance?

How dare I block the will of Your Highness?

Since I received permission from your partner, Lady Selena, will you allow it?

Itll be my honor, Selena was willing to hold the Princes hand.

His dance request was beneficial to her in many ways.

First, it would imprint an image of Selena as a woman who danced with the Prince in the minds of people who did not know her properly. It must not be that the Crown Prince danced with anyone. Thus, it would be a small number of chosen ones.

When the Prince stepped up, others who were dancing quickly cleared the floor for him.

He effortlessly pulled Selenas waist as if all of that were so natural.

I hope the Duke doesnt use a sword like this, does he?

Is His Highness aiming to do that for me?

Her eyes widening, she asked as she pretended to know nothing.

I cant do that, of course. If I face the Duke with a sword, I wont use you as an excuse.

Thank goodness. I wish to live a peaceful and enjoyable life.

Oh my, then you picked the wrong partner.

Renbird is quiet.

But not the Dukes surroundings, no. Doesnt the Lady already attract this much attention just because shes a partner of Duke Renbird?

The Prince smiled pleasantly as he spun her around and held her waist. Even while talking, he continued dancing without making any mistakes.

The Crown Prince was elegant. There was no blockage between his and her movements, and Selenas body was never moved beyond her capability.

Objectively, he danced a hundred times better than Kalcion. She did enjoy dancing with Kalcion, but it was emotionless. For him, she was just a tool to be moved with the beat.

Whereas the Prince danced with the feel of the music. Not only did he look handsome, but his moves were also smooth.

Rather than a prince charming, wouldnt the Duke of the North be quieter?

Hahaha! Prince charming.

Perhaps because it was sincerely funny, the Crown Prince laughed out loud. His eyes glowed as he looked down at Selena.

He looked like a child when he had found an interesting toy to play with.

Im so unlucky.

She had nothing to lose if she chatted more with the Crown Prince. But it wasnt a good thing for him to be too interested.

Thats what your eyes said in the hallway, but they changed after you came to know my identity. May I ask which one is real?

The Prince looks handsome as ever as my eyes convey.

Thats not bad to hear. The Dukes mountain bird cries prettier than I could expect.

If its a compliment, thank you.

Its a shame that it is in the hands of the Duke.

Her smile, which she was holding on with all her might, was incontinence.

What is he doing right now?

He just met her, and he was playing tricks in a place where Kalcion was definitely watching.

Although she did not collapse, the Crown Prince must have noticed the slight dip of her expression.

He squeezed her hand, No, not yet? Since you two arent engaged, I might have a chance.

Now, the dizziness in her head wasnt because she was dancing round and round.

What is this crazy?

The words I couldnt say out loud spun around my throat.

Im not sure I understand.

All you have to do is say that you like me.

This is insane.

It was not difficult for her to deal with him with a smile.

Its not that easy to say, Your Highness and I met for the first time today..

Ah, thats right. I was too hasty. However, if you take too much time, you might not be able to stick to the Duke at all, youd fall apart. Kindly acknowledge your urgent feelings.

Wow, this is really crazy..