Don't Ask, It'll Hurt If You Know - Chapter 6
Knowing the trouble that could follow if it were discovered she’d not only rejected the Crown Prince’s invitation but had lied about having a prior arrangement.
Chloe reluctantly took Ian’s hand and made her way to the center of the hall. Settling naturally into the middle of the floor, Chloe placed her hand on Ian’s shoulder, her expression shifting into a polite, social smile that erased any trace of her earlier sigh.
Watching her, Ian’s lips curved into a slight smile as well.
The music began to play, and the water-colored dress that Countess Elena had meticulously chosen for Chloe flowed in soft waves.
“Oh my, what a stunning pair they make.”
Those watching couldn’t help but let out murmurs of admiration at their flawless form, as if they were the perfect example from a dance manual.
“I heard there’s something unusual between Young Duke Ian MacMilden and Miss Chloe Elena. Looks like the rumors are true.”
“Of course! They’ve spent a full eight years together at the academy, so it’s only natural.”
“When do you think they’ll marry?”
“Miss Elena is twenty-two this year, so they’ll likely wed before the year ends. She’d make a perfect Duchess for MacMilden, no doubt…….”
Who was marrying whom exactly? Chloe held back a scoff as she gracefully kept in step.
People thought Chloe was an excellent dancer, but in reality, she was anything but. She could wield a sword or shoot an arrow with confidence, but coordinating her movements to music was a struggle.
While her flawless dancing was partly due to tireless practice, the real reason she could dance so seamlessly was that her partner was Ian MacMilden.
He had been her partner in social dance classes at the academy.
Usually, partners rotated each session, but for some reason, Chloe had been paired with Ian for the entirety of the course.
After syncing up so many times it was almost tiresome, and with Ian’s impeccable lead, dancing with him was almost effortless.
“So, why are you here?”
Curious since earlier, Chloe looked up at Ian as she asked. Even though she was tall for a woman and wearing heels, she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze—he was that tall.
“Someone like you wouldn’t need to come to a place like this to meet a suitable lady.”
After all, he was the only heir of the Duke of MacMilden and the Emperor’s nephew. He was even second in line for the throne. She’d heard somewhere that there were more than enough women vying for a chance to marry him, thanks to his reputation and his looks, said to be crafted by the gods themselves.
“My mother thought it would be a good experience to try attending once.”
“Oh, is that so?”
Just as she’d suspected, he wasn’t here to search for a marriage partner.
And to think his mother had merely suggested it as a good experience. Chloe couldn’t help but feel a bit envious, comparing that to how her mother had clung to her throughout the preparations, insisting on finding her a suitable match.
“Well, for men, it’s only the beginning.”
For women, the ideal age for marriage was between twenty and twenty-two, but for men, it stretched from twenty to twenty-six.
In short, even at twenty-two, Chloe—right in the midst of her prime marriage age—was constantly being pressured to marry by those around her, while Ian could take his time without a worry.
Even if he missed the ideal age for marriage, unlike a woman, it wouldn’t be an issue for a man.
“So, why did you come out here? Are you looking for a marriage partner?”
At Ian’s question, Chloe let out a scoff.
“As if. My mother was so insistent that when I came out, I had no choice. And you already know I have no plans for marriage.”
“……Right.”
Ian murmured, his expression unreadable. Chloe only noticed his subtle look when she glanced up after gracefully completing a turn, prompting her to frown.
“What’s with that face? Don’t tell me you’re hoping I’ll get married too?”
“No.”
The quick reply put Chloe at ease, and she laughed. Ian’s stiff expression softened slightly, as though to mirror her smile.
As soon as the music ended, Chloe released Ian’s hand and turned away.
“Well, I’m off. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
If she stayed here any longer, her plan to keep a low profile until the end of the Rumonie would go up in smoke. Without looking back, Chloe left the central hall.
