Chapter 51
The ballroom of the Velebrandt estate shimmered like a dream pulled from the pages of an ancient fairytale. Golden chandeliers bathed the hall in soft light, casting prismatic gleams across polished marble floors and the sparkling glasses of guests. Elegant figures twirled in rhythm—older noble couples reminiscing their youth in measured waltzes, while younger nobles in their twenties spun their chosen partners with proud, sweeping grace.
And among them, a pair stood out.
Lucien Caelum Velebrandt, heir of the Western Gate, danced in the soft embrace of melody with Eléa Fionelle Astermere, the light-pink-haired daughter of an S-Rank guildmaster. Her carefully braided hair glistened faintly under the ballroom’s enchantments, and her yellow eyes shimmered like summer stars.
Lucien, tall and striking, with a presence that had stolen the breath of every guest earlier that evening, now moved in modest tension. His back was straight, posture impeccable—yet his steps were slightly off beat. His heel caught the rhythm a breath too late, his turns a fraction too stiff. For anyone else, it would go unnoticed. But not for the girl who danced so close.
Astermere tilted her head up, noticing the subtle dissonance.
"You’re rather... earnest with your steps," she said with a teasing lilt, eyes glittering with restrained mirth.
Lucien, caught off-guard, flushed faintly. His usually cool gray and red eyes flickered down at her. "Forgive me," he murmured, his voice soft, formal. "I’m afraid I spent far more time with a blade than a ballroom tutor. General Knight Rex isn’t the type to offer dance lessons."
Astermere giggled, a high, lilting sound that melted into the music like an added harmony. "I figured as much. You carry yourself like a knight, not a prince." She raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "And yet... it suits you. Still, if you keep fumbling like this, I might start to think I should lead instead."
Lucien blinked. "Lead?" he repeated, caught between surprise and curiosity.
With sudden confidence that surprised even herself, Astermere gave a tiny smirk. "Yes, lead. I am the older one here."
Lucien nearly tripped.