Act 17. How About We Stop Here?

Just like last time, he let go of my hand once we arrived at the banquet hall. "I'll be going then," he said.

I swiftly grabbed him by the wrist and asked, "Won't you be entering the banquet hall, Your Highness?" He looked at me in silence for a moment then nodded slowly. Smiling, I suggested, "Then, let's go together."

It was Bea who responded to my offer. "What? What are you doing, Jubelian?"

It was only natural I would look crazy to her. However, I didn't want to ignore him anymore. Looking into Bea's eyes, I explained, "We were only able to return to the banquet hall thanks to His Highness. Not only that, but he is also Your Ladyship's partner for the ball."

Bea bit her lower lip once she realized she could not deny these words. "All right. We shall enter the hall together then."

Turning around, I invited the crown prince. "Will that be okay, Your Highness?"

He nodded instead of giving a verbal affirmation. I let go of his arm, to which he immediately reached his hand out to me. "Let's go," he said.

Instead of grabbing his hand, I looked between Bea and the crown prince. "You two must hold hands now." I could see both of them stiffen in unison.

"Is it necessary?" the crown prince rebelled. Bea nodded to the inquiry to show her agreement; her face was full of disgust. I put on an innocent smile and ignored their comments.

"Yes, you are partners, aren't you?"

They sighed and began giving me a death stare. I looked at the two of them then realized that they didn't want to follow my suggestion. It seemed they were siblings after all as they possessed awfully similar auras. In any case, I elucidated my thoughts. "It would be strange for me—someone who is not close to either of the two parties—to enter together."

"But…" Beatrice began to protest.

"Besides, you deserve the spotlight of the ball, Your Ladyship. The guests today may find fault with Your Ladyship for leaving the banquet for a long time. I believe it would be safe to enter with His Highness."

The siblings began a staring contest in response to my suggestion. They remained silent as they glowered at each other. Eventually, the crown prince sighed and reached his hand out to Bea.

"Let's go," he said for the last time.

Bea stared at his hand with emotion-filled eyes—the one I had seen just a few moments ago—then replied softly, "Okay." Although her tone was brusque, I could tell that she had loosened up from before. Happily watching the siblings bond, I followed them from behind.

* * *

Although it was quite dark outside, the banquet hall was bright as if it was midday. Moreover, the people seemed to be in a lively mood.

"Has Her Highness returned?"

"I wonder why she ran out of here just a while ago…"

The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves. However, they soon zipped their mouths shut once they saw who was next to the princess. They began wondering if Beatrice had chased after the crown prince. What was known to the general public was that the siblings did not have a friendly relationship with each other. Nevertheless, the princess looked very comfortable entering the banquet hall while holding the prince's hand. The nobles decided there must have been a misunderstanding between the two, and that was why Beatrice had run out in such a hurry. The guests continued to guess what had happened between them, but they were not the only ones confused.

'He saved me today, and why is he being so kind to me?' Beatrice wondered. Although it was Jubelian who had blown the whistle, Beatrice had one that Max had given her. 'Did he come running… knowing it was me?' Beatrice furtively glanced at her stepbrother. His face, always characterized by arrogance, was covered with a mask. Normally, Beatrice would be happy with such an accessory, but now, she didn't feel that way.

'I don't think he has to keep wearing it…' she thought. That was when she saw her infuriated father enter the hall.

'Father is back.' She had always tried to stand out in front of him. But now, she wanted to hide. 'How could he… do such a thing to me?' Overwhelmed with fear and anger, Beatrice tightly grabbed her stepbrother's hand without realizing it.

"Don't worry," Max whispered. Beatrice turned to him. Meeting her eyes, he explained, "I'll take care of it, so you just stand still and be quiet."

She didn't know why she felt reassured. She used to be frightened just by seeing his face, and they always had an uncomfortable relationship until now. Bea nodded slightly. Still holding her hand with a gentle grip, Max moved closer to the emperor.

"Beatrice, you… Where the hell have you been?" The emperor did not mention anything about the Dragon Knights—perhaps because of the people watching. Nevertheless, his voice was filled with fury, showing that he was quite upset.

"Ah, it was me who asked her to leave the hall," Max answered instead. The emperor smirked as if he had expected Max's answer.

"And for what reason?"