Chapter 62: The Male Lead [Part-5] (Bonus)

I wandered back into the ballroom, grabbing a glass of what I assumed was some kind of fruit juice from a passing servant’s tray. It looked deceptively similar to wine, all deep red and shimmering under the chandelier light, but one cautious sip confirmed it was thankfully non-alcoholic. Good. The last thing I needed tonight was to embarrass myself further by getting tipsy in front of the entire noble court.

My stomach growled loudly a few minutes later, reminding me that a single pastry from earlier hadn’t exactly counted as a proper meal. I made my way back toward the catering table, my mind still lingering on that arrogant silver-haired noble from the duel.

’Seriously, what kind of person just walks away like that without even checking on the guy he just beat half to death?’

I was so caught up in my own thoughts that I didn’t notice the girl stepping backward directly into my path until it was already too late.

*SHATTER—!*

My glass slipped from my hand, the dark red liquid splashing across the front of her elegant violet gown, the empty glass shattering into pieces against the floor.

"Ah— sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to, sorry! I was just—" I stumbled over my own words, my face heating up with embarrassment as I quickly grabbed a napkin from the nearby table.

The girl turned to face me, and I found myself momentarily caught off guard by just how striking she looked, violet hair falling in soft waves, sharp lavender eyes that seemed to look straight through me rather than at me. Her expression remained completely blank, though something about the intensity behind those eyes made me feel like I was being carefully, silently judged.

"Are you alright, my lady?" I asked, offering up my best apologetic smile as I reached forward with the napkin.

She said absolutely nothing, her expression never once shifting, staring at me with the same cold, unreadable blankness the entire time. It was honestly a little unsettling.

"I’ll help clean it up," I offered, stepping closer, genuinely trying to make up for my clumsiness.

Before I could actually touch the fabric, someone stepped smoothly between us, pulling the girl backward with a sharp, possessive movement.

I looked up to find the same silver-haired noble from the duel earlier, Neo Draven, glaring at me with narrowed, icy eyes.

"Don’t you know how to behave in a ballroom?"

"I—" I started, genuinely trying to explain myself.

"How dare you try to touch her. Do you have any sense of asking for permission first?"

"I didn’t mean—!"

"Just shut up and mind your own business. Don’t you dare step near her again."

I stood there, stunned into silence, watching as he turned and led the girl away without another word, completely ignoring my attempts to apologize.

’Wow. Okay... that pretty much confirms my suspicion. This guy really is something else.’

I sighed, running a frustrated hand through my hair, deciding it probably wasn’t worth chasing after someone so clearly determined to think the worst of me.

Then, unexpectedly, familiar chimes rang through my mind.

[Ding!]

[Affection Point Change Detected]

[Target: Nora Valentina]

[Current Affection: -15/100]

I froze completely, staring blankly at the notification hovering silently in front of me.

’Wait. Negative affection? That’s actually possible?’

I’d only ever seen my affection points climb steadily upward with every interaction so far, whether with Elaine or that noblewoman from earlier. This was the first time I’d ever seen the number drop, let alone plummet straight into negative territory after a single, brief encounter.

’Guess she really didn’t appreciate me spilling wine on her dress. Can’t exactly blame her for that, honestly.’

Still, something about the sudden, sharp drop unsettled me more than I expected. I shook my head, deciding to put the strange incident behind me, and made my way further into the ballroom, hoping the rest of the evening might go a little smoother.

It didn’t take long before a familiar voice called out from somewhere nearby.

"Kael! There you are!"

I turned to find Princess Elaine approaching, her golden gown catching the light beautifully as she made her way through the parting crowd. Several nearby nobles immediately turned to watch, their whispered conversations dying down as all attention shifted toward us.

"Your Highness," I said, offering an awkward bow, still not entirely sure I was doing it correctly.

"Please, none of that formality tonight, I’m glad you came."

"Wouldn’t have missed it," I said, returning her smile despite still feeling distinctly out of place amid the glittering luxury surrounding us.

The orchestra shifted into a slower, more elegant melody, and Elaine’s eyes lit up with sudden mischief.

"Would you care to dance? I, uh, I don’t really know how to—" I blinked, momentarily panicking.

"I’ll lead," she said simply, already taking my hand and pulling me gently toward the dance floor before I could properly protest.

What followed was easily one of the most embarrassing five minutes of my entire life. I stumbled through the unfamiliar steps, stepping on her feet at least twice, my movements stiff and awkward compared to the graceful nobles swirling elegantly around us. Elaine, to her credit, simply laughed softly each time, patiently guiding me through the motions with quiet, practiced patience.

"You’re terrible at this," she teased, her eyes sparkling with genuine amusement.

"In my defense, nobody exactly teaches dance lessons back in my village." I said, wincing as I nearly tripped over my own feet again.

[Ding!]

[Affection Point Gained: +12]

[Reason: Shared genuine, lighthearted moment.]

[Current Affection: 62/100]

By the time the song finally ended, I was thoroughly relieved, though something about the warmth in Elaine’s expression made the embarrassment feel entirely worth it.

Once we stepped off the dance floor, Elaine turned toward the surrounding crowd, raising her voice slightly to carry across the nearby nobles who’d clearly been watching our entire clumsy performance with quiet interest.

"For those who don’t already know, this is Kael. A month ago, he single-handedly saved my life when my carriage was ambushed on the road to the capital."

A wave of surprised murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Without his courage that day, I likely wouldn’t be standing here tonight."

I felt my face heat up under the sudden, intense attention, dozens of noble eyes turning curiously toward me all at once.

"In recognition of his bravery, I would like to formally offer Kael a position within the palace. As my personal knight." Elaine said, turning back toward me with a warm, genuine smile.

The ballroom fell into stunned silence for a brief moment before quiet, excited whispers began spreading rapidly through the gathered crowd.

I stood there, completely frozen, staring at Elaine in disbelief.

"Wait, you want me to be your what now?"