Chapter 64: Ball Preparations (2)

“Your Highness, the Princess.”

“Princess Isabelle has arrived.”

The bustling servants all bowed their heads simultaneously. It wasn’t forced—more like a natural reflex.

Isabelle let out a light sigh and tilted her head slightly.

“Stop it, I’ve told you all not to do this every time—ladies, there’s no need to stand unnecessarily.”

Clap clap—!

The sound of applause seemed to refresh the atmosphere.

“Continue with your tasks. The stage we’ll enter shortly is extremely important to all of us, so prepare thoroughly.”

With that, she walked away without looking back.

Sasha, who followed behind, hushed the surrounding chatter as she resumed her work.

“Amelia—and Tessa. It’s been a while. How have you been?”

“Oh, Princess Isabelle!”

“We’ve been well, thanks to Your Highness.”

Both young ladies’ faces were full of joy.

Isabelle shared their sentiment—it was natural, as they were among the few close acquaintances she had.

“But… you seem even more beautiful than before. You look like a goddess!”

Amelia teased lightly, as usual.

But even Tessa couldn’t help but agree with the compliment.

“Did something happen recently?”

No one was unaware that Isabelle was the Kingdom of Arian’s greatest beauty.

Her keywords were pride, elegance, and sensuality. But now, it seemed love needed to be added to the list.

“Both of you, don’t get carried away—earlier, I heard quite an interesting rumor.”

Isabelle’s eyes sharpened slightly.

“Huh? Um… well… ahaha.”

“I appreciate your concern, but remember that there are many ears listening.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“We’ll be more careful.”

The two young ladies obediently apologized, and Isabelle nodded in acceptance.

“And that person you’re thinking of isn’t the image you have in mind. How should I put it—he’s a bit more refined.”

Isabelle’s words trailed off a little, and Tessa caught the subtle implication, smiling knowingly. Though brief, her sharp intuition picked up on it.

What was that fresh reaction?

Isabelle seemed unfamiliar in this way.

Could it be related to that feeling of affection she mentioned earlier?

“Well then, why don’t we just go see him together? After all, the favor I need to ask is related to that person.”

“Huh?”

“Mm.”

At the casually offered suggestion, the two young ladies’ eyes widened.

***

Isabelle’s personal dressing room.

The space was adorned with elegant decor that sharply contrasted with deep crimson walls.

Every piece of refined furniture perfectly reflected her taste.

But right now, the room was occupied not by its owner, but by unfamiliar faces.

“This looks great. So this is why men wear makeup on their faces too.”

Nedian admired Glenn with a look of genuine amazement.

He even smiled slightly, teasing him without meaning harm.

Of course, Nokan gave a displeased glare.

“The young gentlemen at the ball seem utterly spoiled… Why is that?”

“Are you not working?”

A bodyguard wouldn’t have come here for no reason.

Surely, he had merely come to survey the scene.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

As Nokan’s tone grew stern, Nedian quickly took his leave.

“Tsk.”

In truth, Glenn had experience with this kind of makeup before.

During his Riclang days in a past life, there were many occasions to attend balls.

But that didn’t mean he was accustomed to it.

“Still more to do?”

“Of course, Your Highness. We’re just getting started.”

More preparations followed.

The servants worked diligently from start to finish with busy hands.

Though it was partly because Princess Isabelle personally requested it, it couldn’t be denied that the model himself was quite good.

If only judging by his appearance, Glenn had very—no, extremely good conditions.

The bright scar that drew attention around his eye, and the emerald-like hue of his irises.

His pure white skin typical of Northerners, along with his tall and statuesque figure.

Finally, well-toned muscles.

Though the small scars scattered across his body could be seen as flaws, they now added to his wild charm. The servants who helped dress him had flushed faces for a reason.

“This still feels strange no matter how I look at it.”

The figure reflected in the large mirror seemed unfamiliar.

It was as if he was looking at someone else.

He was a stranger to himself. At least, that’s how Glenn felt.

Yet he wasn’t at all unrecognizable.

No matter the experience, awkwardness remained awkward.

“No, Your Highness, it suits you perfectly.”

“The ladies might faint today, hoho.”

The servants clapped their hands in protest.

Moments later,

“Your Highness, Princess Isabelle has arrived.”

Glenn felt a slight weariness as he welcomed Isabelle.

Alongside her graceful footsteps came two unfamiliar faces.

***

“Welcome, Princess.”

His greeting caused Isabelle to momentarily stiffen.

After a brief vacant glance, she broke into a warm smile.

“Hmm, yes, this is more like it.”

Nokan wore a white-and-black suit that complemented him well.

It emphasized his broad shoulders and chest, completing a sleek silhouette without excess.

Isabelle had the outfit custom-made, and it was clearly worth it.

His trousers were well-pressed slacks, and on his feet were perfectly fitting black leather shoes.

Accessories were limited due to Glenn’s resistance, settling only for cufflinks and a handkerchief.

The red pendant he usually wore was tucked inside his shirt.

Finally, the cologne.

Though he was reluctant, she managed to persuade him to use a subtle, gentle scent.

It was all carefully selected and coordinated by Isabelle herself.

Surprisingly, the results before them were good.

She could be considered a suitable escort for the ‘flower of the kingdom.’

Except for a few minor details.

“But—”

Isabelle approached Glenn with a leisurely step and examined him critically.

“The necktie?”

“That’s suffocating.”

“You’re not a child… You know how much effort I put into this.”

As Nokan’s gaze sharpened, Glenn reluctantly nodded.

“…Understood.”

“And… I think you should put your hair up.”

“Are you saying you want to mess with me further?”

“Today, you promised to listen to me, remember? Are you going to go back on your word now?”

“Ch… Do as you please.”

Resistance was pointless.

It was Glenn himself who spoke up.

The servants were a little surprised at how meek the man, who usually rejected everything like a fierce cat, became in front of Isabelle.

When Nokan gave a subtle glance, the maids quickly moved.

With wax-stained hands, they skillfully styled Glenn’s hair upwards.

“Hold still.”

Isabelle gave the finishing touch herself. A small murmur of admiration rose among the maids.

“This looks much better.”

“…Thank you.”

Isabelle’s satisfied smile deepened, though Glenn still wore a displeased expression.

“Oh, and let me introduce the two young ladies who came with me. This is Amelia Belmore, and this is Tessa Lindelway. Your Highness, please greet them.”

“I am Ron Glenn Lepent. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

No response came from Glenn’s greeting.

Amelia opened her mouth but then blushed, smiling shyly.

Her gaze never left Glenn.

Tessa’s eyes opened wide as she blinked rapidly.

Inside, a confusing mix of emotions stirred.

Isabelle was even more satisfied with their honest reactions.

“Amelia? Tessa? You need to greet properly.”

“Ah, ah—yes, yes. I’m Amelia Belmore. P-pleased to meet you.”

“…I’m Tessa Lindelway. You’re a bit different from what I imagined, so I’m sorry if I was rude.”

Glenn sighed heavily inside.

Different from what they imagined? That was obvious without seeing.

They must have heard ridiculous rumors.

“Get used to their faces well. You’ll need to request dances from them later.”

“Huh?”

At Isabelle’s unexpected remark, Glenn chuckled.

“Did you think you’d just stand there dazed? Just so you know—I won’t tolerate that, so behave yourself.”

“…Understood.”

His behavior naturally affected his partner Isabelle’s dignity.

It was inevitable. Like she said earlier, it was best to follow her wishes today.

She was certainly more experienced in social matters than him.

“Your tools are fine, right? Oh, and by the way, I personally checked your dancing skills, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Yes, y-yes…”

“Understood.”

Amelia blushed again, and Tessa nodded quietly.

“Well then, I should prepare as well. Your Highness? May I leave these two in your care for a moment?”

“Haven’t you already finished? More than enough…”

Glenn was about to say she looked perfect, but he swallowed his words.

Isabelle smiled faintly, already understanding the implication.

“That’s a compliment for later, but not yet. Depending on what outfit you wear, I’m trying to match my concept to it.”

“I see.”

Isabelle, who likely had more to prepare than him, kept interfering in every little thing.

“Oh—and by the way, both of those young ladies’ families are connected to the carriage business. You did mention that before, right?”

Glenn showed a slightly surprised expression.

It was a fleeting comment.

“…Did you prepare this on purpose?”

“That’s right, so be nice to me. Got it?”

She waved her hand.

“Now go wait in the next room. I don’t have much time either.”

“Thank you, Princess.”

“Yes, yes.”

Glenn smiled lightly and led the two young ladies out of the room.

Moments later, the door closed, and Isabelle’s sharp eyes swept the room.

“Hmm, everyone did better than I expected. Now, let’s endure the final push.”

Her voice gathered all eyes in the room.

At the same time, the servants’ expressions hardened with determination.

“As I said earlier, coordinate as much as possible with your partners. Ready?”

The flower of the ball was always a single bloom.

Two suns couldn’t share the same sky.

“Ah.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Isabelle Stauffen.

The flower had to be her.

No one else could ever dare challenge that.

They would make sure of it.

Determination and spirit began to overflow in the room.

***

Britani was in a bad mood.

She had expected Isabelle to prepare clothes and various items for Glenn.

So she deliberately made a bunch of reservations to sabotage the plan.

But wherever she got them from, Isabelle had successfully acquired the goods.

She said some of her attendants personally checked, so it had to be true.

“Tsk, how do I humiliate that arrogant woman?”

She had to be the star of this ball.

Not that damn gypsy woman.

But how?

Alexius’s gentle voice cut through her tangled thoughts.

“Britani, are you finished with your preparations?”

“Yes, oh brother, as expected of you. Your face looks radiant.”

“Thank you. You’re beautiful too, it’s good to see.”

Alexius’s honest praise made Britani smile shyly.

Her heart seemed to beat a little faster for no reason.

The sharp irritation from earlier seemed to subside a bit.

Yes, Isabelle had a groom for the wedding preparations—her big brother.

The best fiancé in the Kingdom of Arian, the partner every young lady envied.

If she had such an ideal weapon—on the other hand, Isabelle was taming a wild beast.

It was obvious without looking.

“Hoho.”

Thinking this made her feel cheerful.

Alexius smiled at her.

“Hm? Why do you look like that?”

“Nothing… Oh, brother, come to think of it, there might be many people who don’t know much about Prince Glenn. Suddenly, I’m worried about that.”

A sudden idea popped into her mind.

This might be just the thing to strike Isabelle.

“Well… unless they’re people from Niran, maybe. But why?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just want to whisper something to the Court Announcer. I think some consideration is needed for those coming from afar, hoho.”

“Hm? The Court Announcer all of a sudden?”

The Court Announcer was the person who loudly announced the names and status of important nobles as they entered the ballroom.

Why was this topic coming up now?

“I told you, it’s nothing. Brother, wait here for a moment.”

Britani hurriedly moved away.

That dirty thief woman—let her get what’s coming.

There was an inexplicable sense of satisfaction in her eyes.