How to Tame That Gentle Male Lead - Chapter 3.11
The Emperor cleared his throat and continued.
“There may be those for whom this is their first ball and those who are already familiar with it. But as always, I do not tolerate discord at this ball. It’s enough to laugh, talk, and enjoy, and that’s why I’ve forbidden words that might hurt each other at times.”
People quietly held their breath and listened to his words.
“So enjoy the summer pleasure I’ve allowed today. Of course, before that, it’s only natural to commend those who have worked hard to allow us to enjoy today. I will call out those who have rendered meritorious service.”
The Emperor began to call out one by one the names of those who had subjugated the monster wave. As always, there were some familiar names that were always called.
Alken, Jerome, McClay, and others.
On the other hand, there were also names I had never heard before.
Celsi. Egen. Raina. They were mostly ordinary knights, but they all came forward in the order they were called and knelt on one knee in an orderly manner.
This meant that the Emperor intended to commend them.
‘And that means people’s cheers are needed.’
Resena savored the aroma of champagne once more while holding her glass. While all eyes in the ballroom were focused on the knights, people remained motionless, as if bound, merely looking at them.
“These knights have rendered merit in monster subjugation. We do not distinguish between small and great merits at this ball. The rewards for their services will be delivered to each of them after this ball ends. However, during this summer ball, all those who have endured hardships will be given medals proving their achievements in the subjugation.”
Servants came down and distributed identical gold medals to each knight. While the Emperor paused his speech, the knights attached their medals. Once all had donned their gold medals, the Emperor, who had been watching them with satisfaction, finally called the Crown Prince’s name.
“Come forward as the representative. Eldis Jude Crevasta.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Crown Prince, who came to the front of the knights with courtesy, also knelt on one knee. Then the Emperor himself came down from his seat and placed a gold medal in the Crown Prince’s hand.
“…I am deeply honored.”
The Emperor’s eyes curved as he saw the Crown Prince wearing the medal. With a satisfied smile spread across his face, he raised both arms and said,
“Those attending this ball, welcome those who have endured this hardship with cheers.”
Instantly, thunderous applause erupted.
“Long live His Majesty the Emperor, for the eternal prosperity of the Crevasta Empire!”
It was a rare spectacle to see nobles shouting in unison. Even though Resena was a high-ranking noble lady, she cheered even louder because of her status.
“Long live His Majesty the Emperor!”
“Long live His Highness the Crown Prince!”
The applause seemed to go on forever. While the cheers continued, the Emperor kept his arms raised, then slowly lowered them. Afterward, the cheers gradually subsided.
Right on cue, the orchestra began to play. The elegant yet lively melody seemed to fuel the excitement of the nobles and knights.
“Now, let everyone enjoy the ball. I will be watching from here. Rise and enjoy yourselves.”
With a satisfied smile curling his lips, the Emperor leaned back comfortably on his throne.
Eldis looked up at the Emperor before slowly rising. The knights followed suit. The Crown Prince walked towards a corner of the ballroom with disciplined yet graceful steps.
‘Huh? Why is he coming towards me? Was Lorona over here?’
Resena was inwardly flustered. The black magician would appear soon, and while having the Crown Prince nearby would certainly reduce the damage on this side… it could disrupt her plan to take the black mana herself.
But when Eldis reached her, Resena hid such thoughts behind a mask of a smile.
Eldis gazed directly into her purple eyes and smiled gently.
“Lady Resena Arnasus.”
‘What, what? He always used to accept Lorona’s dance invitation at this time…!’
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Looking at Resena, who had put down her glass and prettily clasped her hands, he spoke kindly.
“Would you grant me the honor of the first dance?”
For a moment, a slight crack appeared in Lorona’s expression.
But Resena and Eldis had no time to look back at her. No, they couldn’t spare a glance elsewhere. Eldis’s eyes, like the summer sea, were focused solely on Resena.
“It would be my honor, Your Highness.”
“Then…”
Taking Resena’s hand, Eldis led her to the center. The sweet melody moistened their ears as their bodies drew close to each other. Eldis began to step, gazing at Resena’s face with a gentle look.
The hand on her waist felt so hot. It felt as if her skin would melt. His neat fingers didn’t stray an inch from where they should be, but Resena felt like her heart would burst from excitement.
‘I’m so nervous…’
“I’ve been thinking about the advice you gave me.”
His beautiful voice was so affectionate that it felt like her ears would melt.
“Did Your Highness like the presumptuous advice I gave?”
“Haha.”
Eldis smiled charmingly, his silver eyes crinkling.
“It wasn’t presumptuous. Didn’t I say it then? That I was grateful and would take it to heart.”
“…You did.”
“I…”
Eldis showed a sweet smile.
“I still can’t forget those words I heard from you, Lady. They kept coming to mind even while subjugating monsters.”
“…”
“So when I returned, I wanted to ask you for a dance… and have a bit more conversation with you. There were times when I avoided you, Lady, and you pursued me… But that was the first time we had a proper conversation.”
‘As expected… Eldis seems to be the type who understands well when persuaded with words.’
Resena was slightly surprised. In fact, she had guessed this from her previous life, seeing how he suppressed Sernaus’s light after hearing Daren’s words, but Eldis seemed to readily listen to those who spoke to him sincerely.
At least, until anger accumulated in his heart.
‘My advice has been helpful to him.’
She felt a tingling inside her chest for no reason. There were times when she wondered what to do if the male lead didn’t change, as the regression would repeat… It was truly fortunate to have found one way he would listen.
As Resena unconsciously raised the corners of her mouth, Eldis showed a satisfied expression. And he gently applied pressure to the hand on her waist. As she leaned slightly towards Eldis, he lowered his neat face.
‘Ah…?’
With the chandelier light behind him, his silver hair shone brightly. His face, looking up, was as beautiful as if the Creator had put effort into crafting it.
From his smoothly sharp nose bridge to his clear sea-colored eyes containing a straight light. The slender jawline, and pale skin matched with light red lips.
It was the perfect ratio of beauty itself, and Resena felt her heart beating fiercely.
