I looked vacantly at Lord Elios in response to his unexpected request. His appearance was as beautiful as the rumors stated—enough to make any lady exclaim in admiration. His blond hair resembled the color of honey, and his turquoise eyes reminded me of the greenery of the forest on a sunny summer day. In other words, I couldn't believe that a gentleman like him was asking me to dance with him. I began doubting him, thinking he was joking with me. However, his expression showed that he was serious.

To be fair, he was Lord Elios, which meant that he could simply be asking to maintain his popularity. After all, dancing was considered nothing more than a social activity between friends, family, and acquaintances in this world. Even so, I couldn't help but worry. I had to think over his request before finally coming to a decision.

"Lord Elios, I…"

Just then, a familiar silhouette stepped in between us.

"What's happening?"

Commotion grew around us, resembling the buzzing sound made by troublesome bugs. I was irritated by the attention I was getting. That was when the man spoke, enunciating each word clearly, "You must dance with me, Lady Floyen—I'm sorry, I meant, would you like to?"

I sighed. The crown prince was asking me to dance with him.

* * *

Max almost lost control of himself when he noticed the crafty nobleman approach Jubelian. The eldest son of Duke Elios had bothered Max throughout the banquet. For that reason, he had impulsively asked Jubelian for a dance. However, now that he was facing her, he was nervous. He could feel cold sweat forming on his back. There was a chance she could reject him.

Max went through countless possible scenarios—most of which were terrifying disasters. He then realized Elios' eyes had grown cold. As expected, the sly nobleman was just like his father.

"Pardon me, Your Highness, but I believe it is the first person that asks the lady for a dance who has claim over her," he fought back.

Urge to murder the man surged within Max when he realized Elios was daring to claim ownership of the lady before she had permitted him. In addition, his way of speaking was irksome. The man was speaking formally yet was attempting to order Max around.

* * *

Sighing, I stared at the crown prince. That was when Lord Elios opened his mouth with a smile.

"Pardon me, Your Highness, but I believe it is the first person that asks the lady for a dance who has claim over her."

In other words, he was asking the crown prince to wait for his turn. To subtly insult the prince in such a way meant that Lord Elios was confident that I would dance with him. He was indeed full of himself, as expected from a socialite and the successor of one of the two dukes in this empire. Given that he was Duke Elios' son, he would also rise as the next prime minister.

I didn't mind him at first, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for the crown prince. I observed the smirk on Lord Elios' face for a moment before glancing at the prince. Contrary to the rumor that he was a cold-blooded man who was merciless toward all those who dared to go against him, he was standing in silence.

Clenching my fists, I declared, "If that's the case, I owe my first dance to His Highness."

"I'm sorry?" Duke Elios questioned, taken aback. Instead of explaining, I held the crown prince's hand.

"I apologize, but I had a prior arrangement to dance with him."

Dumbstruck, Lord Elios chuckled. He then sighed and admitted his defeat. "It seems I will have to wait for my turn then."

That time wouldn't come as I had no intention of dancing with him. In any case, I smiled to hide my thoughts. "Yes. I will see you later, Lord Elios."

Walking away, he whispered into my ear, "You can call me Fred from now on."