My Celestial Ascension

As soon as the music began, the ballroom transformed, the tension in the air melting away, replaced by the enchanting sound of various instruments. The unique notes left everyone captivated. The romantic melody inspired many to dance with their partners, while those without a partner began searching for one.

Among the banquet attendees were many young ladies from noble households, eagerly waiting for a handsome young man to invite them to dance. Soon, couples began to fill the dance floor, moving gracefully and elegantly, drawing the admiration of onlookers.

Yuan felt very relaxed as he listened to the music. Seated comfortably in his chair, Xi Meili sat on his lap, her face affectionate as she enjoyed the beautiful music. Her eyes were curious as she watched the people dancing.

In the inherited memories from her ancestors, she had never encountered a dance where two people held each other and moved in unison. Though it looked simple at first glance, she could tell it was far more challenging in reality.

‘I wonder what kind of dance this is. It looks so beautiful and fun…’ Xi Meili thought, her curiosity growing as she wondered whether her husband could also dance like that.

Anna Grace, sitting beside Yuan with a calm expression, noticed the curious look on Xi Meili’s face and smiled. She knew this was Xi Meili’s first time seeing such a dance. She also noticed how much Xi Meili was enjoying the elegant and romantic display, which seemed to captivate everyone involved.

The classical ballroom dance was indeed a beautiful sight, both to watch and to experience.

Meanwhile, many young ladies from aristocratic families approached Crown Prince Daniel with hopeful looks, asking for a dance. Unfortunately for them, he rejected their requests, explaining that he already had a fiancée.

‘Damn it all! Because of that damn woman, I have to refuse so many requests from so many pretty ladies… Just look at their figures and their… ahem, attractive looks… I’m so hopeless!’ Daniel lamented inwardly as he continued to refuse each invitation to dance.

At that moment, he felt like the unluckiest person in the entire continent. If word got out that he was dancing with another woman, his fiancée would beat him senseless and torture him until he begged for mercy.

He truly was an unlucky prince. Not only was he unable to have fun with his fiancée, but he also couldn’t enjoy the company of other women due to her overwhelming jealousy.

“Having her as my fiancée is like living under a curse… It’s too unfair,” he muttered, watching the young masters from noble families having fun with their partners, feeling envious of the romantic moments they were sharing.

Duchess Evelina noticed her son standing beside her with a dazed expression and asked, “Why don’t you go and dance with a beautiful lady? Look how many are eyeing you but are too hesitant to approach because of my presence. Go and enjoy yourself.”

Alistair snapped out of his daze and glanced over at Xi Meili, who was still sitting on Yuan’s lap, enjoying the beautiful scene. He felt a pang of jealousy at Yuan’s fortune in having so many beautiful women around him.

Turning back to his mother, he replied, “I don’t feel like dancing, Mother, so I’m fine staying here with you.”

“Is that so… Fine, if you don’t want to dance with those lovely ladies, then you must accompany this old mother of yours, fufu~” Duchess Evelina sighed before giggling at her son.

Although Alistair didn’t realize it, Duchess Evelina was fully aware of what was on his mind. She then glanced over at Yuan and Xi Meili, her gaze lingering on Xi Meili.

She was puzzled by Xi Meili’s appearance. Duchess Evelina had read about all the known races in the world and had met nearly all of them, save for the demon race. However, Xi Meili’s distinctive features didn’t match any race she knew.

‘She is a truly mysterious individual… Not only does she have a commanding presence, but her appearance is also unique… I wonder which race of demi-humans she belongs to,’ Duchess Evelina pondered, feeling an intense curiosity about Xi Meili’s identity.

‘More importantly, I have to make sure Alistair forgets about her, or it could spell disaster for the Hawthorne family… We’re already weaker than the other Duke families. I can’t afford to anger Lady Valeria,’ Duchess Evelina thought, her expression determined. As both a mother and the head of her family, she had to guide her son down the right path.

A few minutes later, after enjoying the sight of others dancing, Lady Natasha rose from her seat and walked toward Yuan, a seductive gleam in her eyes.

“Yuan, would you honor this beautiful lady with a dance?” she asked, extending her hand with a look of anticipation.

“Of course, my lady. It would be my honor to dance with someone as beautiful as you,” Yuan replied, taking her hand with a charming smile that made Natasha blush instantly.

‘Is she trying to flirt with my husband and seduce him? She’s playing with fire and doesn’t even realize it,’ Mireya thought, raising her brows slightly as a wide grin spread across her face.

Xi Meili, now sitting where Yuan had been, looked excited as she watched her husband join the others on the dance floor with Lady Natasha. Yuan’s other wives also seemed eager to see him dance, especially since they had never seen him dance before, except for Anna Grace, Emma, and Lily. It was Lily who had taught him how to dance elegantly with a beautiful woman.

Lady Natasha was well-known within the kingdom for her extraordinary clothing designs. Even people from other kingdoms sought her creations. Seeing her pull Yuan onto the dance floor made many envious. Despite having so many goddess-like wives by his side, here he was, dancing with Lady Natasha.

“Would you look at that… It seems Lady Natasha has taken a liking to that guy. How enviable!”

“He already has so many extraordinary women with him, and now he’s going after Lady Natasha too? Does he plan to make every beautiful woman his wife?”

“It sure seems that way… Just one look from him, and any girl would fall head over heels. What a lucky bastard, hmph!”

“Well, there’s no point in being jealous. We should focus on improving our own strengths. Then, women will come to us willingly.”

“That’s true. You’ve said something important. From today on, you’re my brother!”

As Natasha and Yuan joined the dance, people began to murmur among themselves. However, Yuan remained calm, which surprised Natasha. If anyone else had been in his shoes, they likely would have been furious at the jealous noble brats.

‘It seems he’s had plenty of experience dealing with unwanted attention… How amusing,’ Lady Natasha thought as she guided one of Yuan’s hands to her waist, while holding the other.

“Are you comfortable?” she asked with a seductive smile.

“I’m very comfortable, don’t worry about me,” Yuan replied, tightening his grip on her waist, causing Natasha to blush immediately.

Soon, they began to move in unison, their movements fluid as they followed the rhythm of the music. Their synchronization attracted the attention of everyone around, who watched with great interest. Even Natasha was surprised at how perfectly Yuan followed her every step.

“Wow! Look at them—they’re in perfect sync. Their movements are so fluid and elegant; it’s like they’re in love with each other.”

“Indeed. Only lovers could move like that, in perfect harmony, understanding each other’s hearts.”

“I don’t think they’re in that kind of relationship. From what I can see, the young man is just flawlessly following Lady Natasha’s lead.”

“Apparently, he’s not just strong and handsome but also has other talents—he’s an extraordinarily gifted individual. No wonder so many beautiful women follow him.”

“Well, it makes sense. Beautiful women are naturally drawn to handsome and talented individuals.”

The ballroom was soon abuzz with murmurs. The men eyed Yuan with envy, while the women gazed at him with unabashed admiration. To them, Yuan seemed perfect in every way, and who wouldn’t be drawn to such a flawless young man? This only fueled the jealousy of the other men even more.

A few minutes later, Yuan and Natasha ended their dance with a graceful and elegant flourish, drawing applause from the crowd. The entire ballroom resounded with claps, especially from the women who were particularly impressed.

“My, my! I didn’t expect my darling to be so talented at dancing as well… As expected of my son, he’s a genius! Fufu~!” Anna Grace beamed with pride, surprised by how naturally Yuan excelled at everything he did.

As Yuan and Natasha left the dance floor together, Natasha looked at Yuan with sparkling eyes. “Yuan, I never imagined you’d be so good at dancing. You left me speechless.”

“You’re an excellent dancer yourself,” Yuan replied with a smile. “Every movement you made was graceful and elegant, captivating everyone’s attention.”

“Hehe, I’ll take that as a compliment,” Natasha said, her smile widening as she basked in his praise.

“Now let’s return to the others, or Mireya might think you’re trying to seduce me. I wouldn’t want to spoil the friendship between you two.”

“Well, what if I am trying to seduce you, Yuan? And besides, I doubt Mireya would mind at all.”

Yuan gave her a slightly awkward look, clearly taken aback. “Well… that’s a tricky one to answer…”

Natasha giggled, though there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

“I’m just teasing you. Let’s go!”

The two returned to their table, where they were met with a chorus of praise for their performance. Princess Elara, who had been catching up with her aunt Valeria, couldn’t resist approaching Yuan.

“That was an impressive display of talent, Young Master Yuan. I was completely captivated… I’ll remember that performance for the rest of my life,” Princess Elara said with a warm smile.

Unaware of Yuan’s connection to her aunt, she didn’t know that he was actually her uncle by marriage.

“You’re too kind, Princess,” Yuan replied, his smile causing Elara to blush.

“Ah, I must apologize for the late introduction. I am the Crown Princess of the Lionheart Empire, Elara Lionheart. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Young Master Yuan,” she said, offering a formal introduction.

“Well, since you already know me, there’s no need for an introduction on my part, is there?” Yuan said, a playful smile on his lips.

After a brief pause, Yuan added, “Actually, there is one thing I suppose I should tell you.”

“And what might that be?” Princess Elara asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Well, believe it or not, I’m actually your Aunt Valeria’s husband,” Yuan revealed with a wide grin.

“…”

Princess Elara stared at Yuan, her eyes blinking rapidly as she tried to process the unexpected news. Her expression was one of sheer disbelief.