Chapter 31

Of course, Adeline couldn’t possibly have failed to notice the change in Carlisle’s demeanor.

“…Is that so? All right, you may go now.”

They lived under the same mansion, and Carlisle was the butler. What sense was there in avoiding her so earnestly? Still, she decided she would respect his wishes. Well, she supposed she was curious just how long he intended to hide the sky with the palm of his hand.

‘If I press him too hard, it might only backfire.’

Even tea leaves need time to steep.

Adeline, in her kindness, chose to grant Carlisle the space he needed to gather his thoughts. Besides, she had plenty of matters demanding her attention since her world didn’t revolve solely around him.

Recalling his almost desperate attempts to avoid her, she couldn’t help but let out a soft, amused laugh.

Just then, the person seated across from her spoke up.

“You seem to be in good spirits today, Renée.”

“Ah, Millein. Do I? Well, something wonderful happened, actually.”

Adeline replied, lifting her gaze with a gentle smile. Before her stood Millein, his hair swept neatly back and dressed in a deep navy suit far more refined than usual.

No, to be precise, ‘standing’ hardly did the scene justice.

The two of them were in the midst of a grand ballroom, hands entwined as they danced beneath the gilded light.

Adeline’s gown, too, echoed the shade of Millein’s attire. Her dress was fashioned from dark velvet, tinged with a subtle blue sheen, and at her waist, a vivid cobalt ribbon was tied in a neat bow. The matching hues of their outfits made it clear to all that they had arrived together as partners this evening.

Three days earlier, Carlisle had delivered Millein’s letter to her. It was, in its way, an invitation, an invitation to attend the imperial ball as his partner.

When she read his letter, she couldn’t help but smile to herself.

‘This never happened in the past.’

While Adeline had been preparing for her marriage to Julian, Millein had kept his distance, never once reaching out to her. Yet now, the moment she had let him see her sharing a kiss with Jack, this invitation had arrived.

Which could only mean one thing.

‘He’s now keenly aware of Jack.’

The timing was nothing short of ingenious as well, since the invitation was for a ball held at the imperial palace. No matter how influential Jack might be within high society, as a foreigner, he could never hope to attend an event held within the palace walls.

In short, Millein had invited Adeline to a gathering where Jack couldn’t possibly appear.

She had accepted his invitation, and so it was that the two of them now danced beneath the dazzling chandeliers of the imperial palace. Though Adeline had learned to dance as part of her education and was by no means lacking in skill, it was clear that Millein, who led their steps with such effortless grace, was utterly masterful.

As he guided her in a gentle turn, his arm resting lightly around her waist, Millein offered her a soft, lingering smile.

“What could possibly have put such a smile on our Renée’s face… Could it be you’re thinking of someone else?”

It’s enough to make me jealous, seeing myself so easily forgotten.

At his words, Adeline let out a quiet, involuntary laugh.

“Millein, are you jealous?”

“Of course. Naturally.”

For a fleeting moment, the usual warmth faded from his features as he replied without hesitation. Of course, it lasted only a moment. Millein was in far too good a mood to be troubled by something as trivial as jealousy.

“Come to think of it, I believe this is the first time I’ve attended a ball as your partner, Renée. Isn’t that so?”

“It is. I rarely attend such gatherings myself.”

And, truth be told, she almost never brought a partner, preferring to avoid the idle gossip that so often followed. When attendance was absolutely necessary, she would simply accompany her father, Diego. Knowing this about Adeline, Millein was all the more aware of how special tonight truly was.

The thought alone improved his mood.

‘In the end.’

It meant she had returned to his side.

Millein’s gaze drifted to the curve of Adeline’s neck.