Crown Prince, I hate you!

As the second song came to an end, the atmosphere in the ballroom shifted.

Couples moved to the center, swaying to the music flowing from the stage, while nobles and young ladies clustered around Hailon, vying for his attention.

I, however, sat at a table far from the commotion, deliberately keeping my distance.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to leave, but leaving too early would only worry my mother. I resolved to pass the time quietly instead.

I raised my wine glass to my lips and took another sip.

Hmm?

A moment ago, the wine had tasted sweet, yet now there was an unfamiliar bitterness.

“Am I drunk?”

No, that didn’t make sense. If I were drunk, shouldn’t it taste sweeter instead?

Regardless of the reason, I couldn’t afford to make a mistake during my return to high society. Slowly, I placed the glass back on the table, deciding it was better to avoid drinking any more.

Clink.

“Not enjoying the drink?”

‘?’

The voice that followed carried an unsettling amusement, lighthearted yet smug in a way that immediately grated on my nerves.

“Who are you?”

I turned to find a man with light chestnut hair styled neatly back, meeting my gaze with a self-assured smile.

“Ah, forgive me for not introducing myself,” he said, his grin widening. “I was too captivated by your presence.”

The overly familiar tone, coupled with the glint in his eyes, made my brow crease instinctively.

‘And who exactly are you?’

I regretted not voicing the thought aloud.

“Yes, I see.”

“You’re the young lady of the Clody family, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am.”

“I heard this is your first appearance in quite some time. But why are you sitting here alone?”

“Precisely because it’s been a while,” I replied curtly.

At that, he hummed softly, a sound of acknowledgment, before taking a deliberate step closer.

“Then, why not spend some time with me?”

Startled by his sudden movement, I instinctively took a step back, my body reacting before my mind could catch up.

“No, thank you. I’m fine on my own.”

Despite my clear refusal, he showed no intention of retreating.

“Ah, but judging by your elegant entrance, it seems you’re fully ready to reclaim your place in society. Surely, someone as refined as you shouldn’t lack company. Don’t you think having a capable ally by your side would be helpful?”

His words trailed off as I realized how close I had come to the wall.

Finally, his steps halted, but then he reached out, lightly brushing the ends of my hair with his fingers, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

Ugh.

My expression twisted instantly, all attempts at composure vanishing in an instant.

“Take your hand off me.”

“I’m not asking for much. Just a mutually beneficial arrangement, that’s all. Honestly, what’s even left to gain from the Clody family at this point?”

“I said, let go of me.”

My voice grew sharper, but instead of complying, he tightened his grip on my wrist, pulling me closer. His breath brushed against my ear as he leaned in, his tone low and taunting.

“Aren’t you here to salvage your family’s reputation? Then know your place. Someone like me offering to help is a favor you should jump at. Honestly, the Clody family should be thanking me.”

“Let. Go.”

“What can a lone woman possibly achieve in high society? You’re only being treated this well because of your face. Without that—”

“Argh!”

His words cut off in a sharp cry as he abruptly released my wrist.

“I told you to let go.”

The heel of my shoe had come down hard on his foot.

“You crazy—!”

“What’s wrong? Did you think I came here to grovel at the feet of someone like you?”

It was laughable. Proposals like his might have been impressive coming from someone of true merit, but from him?

As he bent over, clutching his foot, I straightened, raising my voice just enough to carry across the ballroom.

“Well, well. For the second son of Viscount Pheasant, you’re remarkably bold, aren’t you, Lord Pheasant?”

His head snapped up, his face draining of color. “How do you know—”

“How could I not? I’ve attended enough formal gatherings to recognize my peers.”

I gestured toward the edge of the room where a familiar stern figure was approaching.

“But I don’t think that’s your biggest concern right now. Look—Viscount Pheasant is heading this way.”

His expression shifted to one of pure panic as he turned to see his father’s unmistakable figure advancing toward us. Wasting no time, I spun on my heel and strode toward the exit, quickening my pace with each step.

The last thing I wanted was for him to recover his nerve and come after me.

But then—

“Lady Clody!”

A new voice called out, stopping me in my tracks.

“Are you all right? Did he hurt you?”

Turning, I found myself facing a man who bore a striking resemblance to the one I had just confronted. His features, however, were softer, his demeanor entirely different.

It didn’t take long for me to piece together his identity.

“You’re the first son of Viscount Pheasant, aren’t you? The one from earlier…”

He bowed slightly, an expression of genuine remorse on his face. “I apologize deeply. My name is Bian Pheasant, of the Pheasant family. I take full responsibility for what happened. It was my fault for not keeping a closer eye on him.”

His words, delivered with sincerity, were a stark contrast to his brother’s behavior.

The Pheasant family wasn’t particularly influential, but I had encountered them often enough at imperial events to recognize them. The viscount’s strict demeanor had left a strong impression, but Bian’s warmth and humility seemed to set him apart from the rest.

“I’m Berian Clody. There’s no need to apologize—it’s really nothing to worry about. I wasn’t hurt.”

Not entirely true, considering I was the one who had stepped on his brother’s foot first.

I offered an awkward smile, and Bian’s expression softened, his own smile tinged with unease.

“Then, may I at least escort you? It’s the least I can do after what happened.”

His sincerity was almost disarming. His gentle demeanor and transparency were so unexpected that I couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.