Chapter 67: A Happening

When did it start?

When did this kind of scene become familiar?

“Waaah!”

A grand cheer erupted as the splendid dance came to an end.

He was confident that he had finished cleanly as well.

Yes, some part of that cheer and applause must definitely be his. That was certain.

But—.

“Princess Isabelle.”

“The flower of the Kingdom!”

Most of the gazes were not on him, but on Isabelle. That, too, was obvious.

“Pardon me.”

A lump welled up in his throat.

His vision seemed to blur a little.

… Why?

Why was it always that woman who received all the attention?

“Haha, that was truly a wonderful spectacle. Absolutely magnificent.”

Clap clap—

His father, who always seemed annoyed when looking at him, was applauding.

His satisfied expression was only natural.

Of course, this time as well, the protagonist was Isabelle—not himself.

This was something he had not witnessed standing in front of him for years.

“… Why!”

But why—did it feel familiar?

Yes, this irritating moment, this bitter time… it felt familiar. Damn it, it wasn’t the first time.

To be exact—ever since Isabelle entered the royal palace, he had always felt this suffocating.

Where had it all gone wrong?

… Was it his fault? Was he inadequate?

A hollow silence followed.

At the same time, memories from the past began to surface.

***

Long ago, before now, when Britani was still a child.

The master of the Stauffen family was undoubtedly himself.

“Oh my, Princess! You look beautiful today as well.”

“Truly, you carry the noble blood of Arian with such grace.”

The family’s greatest beauty—that was the title attached to her. He himself believed it was deserved.

In her childhood, she lived not in the royal palace, but in the family estate.

The estate in her memories was truly warm.

Everything always shone and welcomed her.

Soft sunlight gently streamed through the windows and caressed the floor, and the servants always greeted her with bright smiles.

Everything was perfect.

Even her cold father.

“Good morning, Father.”

“Oh, our princess has come. Haha, so—did anything happen today?”

He was not king then, but even her father always welcomed her. He called her “Princess” even though she wasn’t one.

A child so precious it didn’t hurt to look at.

Yes, her father at that time treated her like that.

No matter what she said, he listened with a smile. Such warm and tender memories of her father in childhood remained vivid.

Those were truly fulfilling days.

Days that shone brilliantly like jewels.

And those days ended precisely on ‘that day.’

Isabelle.

No one knew what the circumstances were.

The day she, who had been living outside the estate, returned.

“Did you see the new young lady?”

“You mean Isabelle? Yes, even from afar, she stood out.”

“My goodness, I thought she was some kind of angel, really.”

The pleasant chatter of the servants began to grate on her ears.

Before she knew it, she was no longer the family’s greatest beauty.

All the praise, attention, and love of those around her shifted toward Isabelle. And before long, Isabelle became the family—no, the kingdom’s greatest beauty.

“The flower of the Kingdom.”

Would you believe that title was given to a girl just past ten? That was how overwhelming her presence was.

This was not just about appearance.

“No—how did she even come up with that? Amazing, truly amazing!”

Even her father’s attention began to shift.

“Isabelle, you truly are a genius. Haha, this is incredible.”

Yes, her father adored Isabelle.

At the same time, she was no longer the precious child in her father’s eyes.

“Hmm, Britani, you—um… no, think it over more deeply.”

That warm, gentle father was gone.

There was a look of displeasure, of condescension.

Those reactions began to fill the empty space.

It only got worse after the Stauffen family became the royal seat’s master. Isabelle’s advice had helped her father through that process.

The royal palace was neither warm nor shining like the estate from childhood.

There was no dazzling sunlight, and the splendid walls just felt cold.

Yes, this place did not welcome her.

“Damn it, damn it! It’s all because of that Isabelle!”

Britani blamed Isabelle for everything.

If only she weren’t here…

Everything could return.

Was it her fault?

No, it wasn’t.

That damn smile, the fake—mask-like smile.

Because of that smile,

Her father’s and those around his fading interest,

And the miserable feelings she had to endure—

It was all that woman’s fault, not hers!

Like a dam bursting—

The revived memories gradually exploded.

The still-unhealed wounds tortured her heart.

… Britani? Are you alright?

Normally, her older brother’s voice would have sounded sweet, but now she couldn’t hear it. All Britani’s eyes saw was Isabelle.

That woman receiving praise and admiration from those around her, that beauty—

To Britani, she was shining as a devil.

Yes, the demon, monster, and hybrid who stole everything from her.

Yes, a hybrid—a filthy hybrid!

Isabelle unfolded a fan, covering her mouth.

Unconsciously, Britani felt as if Isabelle’s eyes curved in a mocking smile.

… Is she sneering now?

That filthy gypsy woman—dare she laugh at her now?

That cursed woman who smiled—how dare she look down on me!

“Looks like you’re a bit tired—hmm? Where do you think you’re going?”

Britani could no longer hold back.

At first, her fingertips trembled, but the trembling spread up her hand, wrist, and arm, taking over her entire body.

Was it cold? No, it was anxiety and fear.

The cause? Clear. That insolent gypsy woman before her.

Something hot flickered in her chest.

It felt as if someone had set a fire inside her—it made her entire body burn.

“Yeah… that’s right, if only you were gone—.”

Britani staggered forward as if losing her mind.

She cast her gaze on any knife placed on the nearby tables.

A dinner knife—not sharp enough.

A butter knife—not this either.

A carving knife—that’s the one. Used for slicing meat. Yes, that would do.

Naturally, she picked it up.

And walked straight behind Isabelle.

Her footsteps grew faster, and the knife in her hand trembled slightly.

Her target was set.

The sides of the spine—probably the kidneys.

She had heard from the royal guards once.

If she was awkward, it was better to aim for the kidneys than the throat.

“Just once… once…”

A muttered phrase no one could hear.

Even Britani herself didn’t know what she was saying.

It was just a harsh murmur that slipped out.

Her lips were dry and trembling.

It felt as if time slowed down.

Silently, she repeated her prayer inside.

Yes, if only that woman was gone, everything would come back.

Just once, that would be enough, and then everything would be hers again.

Her grip on the knife tightened.

The blade reflected a thin ray of light, sharp and cruel.

Madness flickered in Britani’s eyes.

***

Amidst the lustrous cheers, Glenn felt exhausted.

Pfft, this kind of role really didn’t suit him.

Wasn’t this basically clowning around?

Princess Isabelle was avoiding his gaze since earlier.

Her mouth was covered by a fan, so her expression was hidden.

Was she deliberately hiding something?

… Why? She hadn’t made any mistakes during the dance.

She really was an unfathomable woman.

But whether he liked it or not, today…

“Hm?”

Then, something unusual caught Glenn’s eye.

Britani was standing behind Isabelle—or rather, gradually walking closer.

What was she doing?

The dance was over. Why—

At that moment, something gleamed in Britani’s hand.

A silver object with elegant engravings sparkled sharply.

… Damn it, a knife!

“Damn—.”

As soon as he realized this, Glenn rushed toward Isabelle. Or more precisely, toward Britani behind her.

There was no time.

What took priority? First was protecting Isabelle. Then?

“… Hmm? Your Highness, why—”

He ignored the confused Isabelle.

There was no time to worry about that now!

The knife was aimed at Isabelle’s spine.

Damn, she learned well.

The knife—

Thud!

Glenn caught it barehanded.

Feeling the stinging pain, he asked calmly.

“… What is the meaning of this, Princess Britani?”

“… Get out of my way, now!”

Her eyes were not normal.

Inferiority? Jealousy? Those emotions flickered briefly.

… Was it really that bad?

Damn it, no wonder she would do something like this now.

“Uh? What’s going on—”

Isabelle also sensed something strange.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know, why did Princess Britani suddenly—”

Those around were the same.

In the midst of this sudden situation, a ripple of commotion spread.

Glenn hid the knife in his sleeve as much as he could.

Thankfully, Alexius came over beside him.

“Britani, you—”

“Shh.”

Glenn signaled Alexius to stay silent.

There was no benefit to making a scene now.

The conclusion of the concern that had built since the knife was found was this:

Let’s just call this a mere happening.

Don’t make it a big fuss.

“Princess Britani, I am truly at a loss for words at your warm welcome.”

Glenn deliberately spoke in that tone.

By now, the knife was hidden inside his sleeve.

Like a signal of reconciliation, he embraced Britani lightly, and simultaneously gave Alexius a quick glance.

Fortunately, Britani seemed to have regained some composure. She appeared quite shocked by her own actions.

“uh…”

“Ah, but Your Highness seems quite tired. Prince Alexius? May I entrust the princess to you?”

Alexius skillfully took over Britani. Without realizing it, he silently thanked Glenn.

“… Thank you.”

“Then—please take care of her.”

With that, Britani and Alexius quietly left the ballroom.

Why such a farce?

If a commotion like this erupted, the ball might be canceled—or postponed.

That was unacceptable.

Glenn had things that must proceed at this ball. That was the plan from the start.

But if it was canceled now? All those plans would fall apart, and everything that would follow would be affected. That was a huge problem.

Time was never abundant for him.

“We’ve seen a wonderful dance, so let’s begin. I hereby declare the ball open!”

The contract, sensing something unusual, also quickly responded.

At his signal, the orchestra resumed playing.

Tara-ran—

Was it because of the power of music?

Slowly, the mysterious atmosphere began to settle back into place.

The noble guests who did not know the full story soon forgot about the earlier happening.

Yes, it was just a mere happening.

“Hoo—.”

After a brief moment, Glenn sighed in relief. But the eyes watching him were far from kind.

“… Your Highness.”

Worry, concern, anger, shock, confusion, and guilt.

Isabelle’s eyes held a wide range of emotions as she looked back.