Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 41
‘Why is this happening? What was I thinking?’
Iora doesn’t understand why my heart keeps throbbing. It’s inexplicable. She felt like an ugly, jealous villain, envious of Arcanda’s looks.
“It’s almost time for the first dance. My lady is…”
Iora wanted to bury herself in misery. Looking at the worried Arcanda and composed Ovid, she desperately pursed her lips. A forced smile might have seemed awkward. But she managed to step back, barely smiling.
“I’m not much of a dancer.”
“Oh, Iora. But there’s a superstition that one must dance the first dance at the debutante ball to find happiness.”
Iora shook my head at Arcanda’s innocent disbelief.
I can’t dance, Arcanda. There’s no one to dance with me. Not even my own brother.
Swallowing those words, Iora turned to walk out through the dresses. She heard Arcanda calling out but didn’t bother to look back. The resounding music of the orchestra and the Emperor’s words of congratulations echoed through the hall. And at the center, a pair of young boys and girls held hands tightly, taking their places.
Yes, that was a scene that Iora read fondly in . The extravagant debutante ball where the protagonist and the hero danced, shining more beautifully than anyone else.
It was astounding. Even without seeing it, it felt like a captivating dance scene accompanied by mellifluous music. The luxurious banquets of the nobles, the delicious food, and the elegantly dressed women and men were all things absent in Kim Jiyeon’s drab life.
‘Although here I am, still an outsider.’
After the grand dance concluded, a stout middle-aged man rose from his seat at the foremost position where the nobles had lined up, holding a golden goblet in his hand. He addressed the nobles with a voice that resonated as if by magic.
“I’m sure you all know who today’s stars are.”
The Emperor’s voice reverberated, prompting everyone to bow in reverence. They made way, creating a circle around Iora and Arcanda. Their eyes were fixed on them like arrows.
‘I wonder if this is really a seat of honor. This place.’
Iora realized that the Emperor’s deep gray eyes had a striking resemblance to Ovid’s. She wondered how much of a staunch supporter he was for Arcanda in the novel. The Emperor didn’t frown, but Iora swallowed dryly, feeling as if he were reprimanding her.
It scared her how much she looked like an imposter and he was telling her to back away.
“Let’s congratulate our two honorees here today, let everyone who participated enjoy themselves to their heart’s content.”
Applause echoed, and everyone began to move freely. Some indulged in the food, others formed groups to enjoy conversations, while the young men and women sought out their intended partners for a dance. The success of the debutante depends on how many dance requests they receive.
Iora’s hopes were dashed from the start. She quickly scanned the terrace. She wanted to leave before anyone approached her. Since all attention would inevitably be directed at Arcanda, it seemed like no one would notice or care if she were absent.
“Iora, what are you so busy staring at?”
She didn’t think that the subject of all that attention would come rushing toward her.
“Arcanda…”
“Oh my, why are you so startled and upset? Are you still mad about what happened that day?”
Arcanda’s voice carried quite well. While it seemed quiet and calm due to its melodious tone, it was audible enough for those nearby. Iora couldn’t conceal her perplexed expression as she bit her lip.
“I should have told you about the dress matter in advance, but I was so distracted that I even forgot to write a letter. I’m truly sorry…”
Arcanda kept apologizing before Iora could respond, which made her feel uncomfortable. She hadn’t realized it was even an issue to get upset about. After all, it wasn’t as if she had bought the lavender dress herself.
Iora sighed slowly and was about to tell her it was alright when Arcanda said, “Iora, you’re definitely mad at me.”
Tears began to pool in Arcanda’s eyes. Huh? In a moment, tears started streaming down.
“What if I change into the backup dress right now? How can I make you feel better?”
“Uh, there’s really no need.”
“No. I’ll change right away.”
Suddenly, it occurred to Iora that if Arcanda had a backup dress, it would have been less embarrassing if she had worn that from the start if she had truly felt sorry for Iora.
“That’s really too much.”
“That’s enough, lady!”
But she was interrupted by the two young women she had seen earlier. It seemed like they were trying to protect a teary-eyed Arcanda. With a perplexed expression, as I slightly parted my lips to speak, they shot me a look that seemed to say they wouldn’t stand any further conflict.
“Excuse me?”
Startled and taken aback by my bewildered question, they trembled as if deeply insulted.
“Aren’t you going a bit too far, lady? Look at how many other young women are wearing similar-colored clothes here. Arcanda didn’t buy all of these dresses, did she? You can’t claim ownership!”
“Arcanda has apologized several times, and you’re shamelessly not listening to any of it. Is making someone cry necessary for your satisfaction? Your attitude is so toxic! You can’t insult people like this!”
I couldn’t believe it. The situation had escalated so rapidly that I began to question if I was the one at fault, just like the accusing young women and the murmuring atmosphere suggested. Arcanda, teary-eyed, slightly parted from the two intervening figures blocking my way, reaching out her hand toward me.
“I’m sorry, Iora. I wasn’t thinking clearly. Stop it, both of you. You’re embarrassing Iora. This is all my fault for breaking the promise from the start… Oh my!”
“Urgh!”
Arcanda, who had suddenly lunged towards Iora, accidentally hit her arm against a passing waiter’s tray. He stumbled backward with a thud.
But that was the problem. Because of the swift motion, it appeared as if Iora had pushed Arcanda, and her hand had inadvertently struck the tray. The wine in the glasses he was carrying spilled everywhere.
