What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 163

#163 Love and Staff Don’t Get Tangled (3)

Benjamin and Sir Johann seemed to want to say something, but I quickly approached Eva of the Moon family.

I felt the gaze of the angel, whose lower face was all that was visible, glued to my back.

His shoulders are broad too. I thought only the Crown Prince was like that.

“Hello, Eva. Your disguise is very wonderful.”

I whispered with a smile.

The young lady had a head full of red roses, the same color as her hair, and the curly hair that flowed down between them looked like vine tendrils, making her look even more adorable.

The mask was black like mine, but it was decorated with jade, emeralds, and bloodstones to differentiate it.

The dress was made of black-brown satin, the same color as Eva’s eyes, and studded with diamonds.

I don’t know how they twisted and folded the expensive fabric, but it was designed with basketball-sized roses blooming all over it.

Every time she moved, there was a rustling sound and a subtle floral scent.

So, the child was like a bouquet of black roses made into a person.

The smiling eyes under the mask were very cute.

“Thank you. Your Highness looks very handsome too.”

“It’s all thanks to Eva. I’m wearing the shirt you bought me at the trading post last time underneath. Thank you.”

At my words, the child twitched her lips.

Then she turned her head away and changed the subject.

“But that white-clad angel is, could it be…”

“I don’t know him.”

“Pardon?”

The young lady’s eyes widened. Benjamin coughed into his handkerchief.

Eva looked at him with pity, then muttered, ‘If that’s what the Prince thinks, then I guess that’s how it is.’

I waved to Tete one last time and quickly escorted the child out of the castle tower.

…I hope that person doesn’t spread my identity all over town?

*

Since most of the guests had already entered the ballroom, we were able to enter the main castle without attracting much attention.

While walking down the hallway, Eva explained the tendencies of Duke Cécile Blanquer and the Duchess in detail.

Benjamin also gave advice on possible unexpected situations at the ball.

He added at the end.

“Of course, I think Your Highness has a lot of related experience. But this is the Empire, so the advice of a native might not be useless.”

“Of course. It’s a great help.”

I answered hastily.

Come to think of it, Prince Yeser had the nickname ‘Playboy of the Divine Kingdom’…

He showed his face at all sorts of parties and balls, and had scandals with countless women.

I smiled awkwardly and looked at the arched high windows and the statues lined up in the hallway.

The beautiful melody and the laughter of the crowd were coming from nearby.

The servants at the entrance of the ballroom, who discovered us, bowed politely. It was then.

“Your Highness, Marquis Dhiem’s carriage has arrived. Duke Sarnese is also visible over there.”

Sir Johann said, looking out the window. I followed him and shifted my gaze.

There were quite a few carriages outside the main castle that had arrived on time for the ball, and I could really see the emblems of the Sarnese and Dhiem families.

Marquis Dhiem, who got out first, reached out to someone inside the carriage.

I could tell even from a distance that he had a very affectionate face. A dance partner?

“I will help you with your entrance.”

The servant spoke politely. I raised my head with a start.

Eva, who was standing next to me, was trembling as she took a deep breath.

Only then did I realize that her first social debut was right under her nose.

My stomach churned because of the rising tension, and my heart was pounding in my ears.

Still, I had to deal with it as maturely as possible.

This was Eva’s social debut, and the child was scheduled to be announced as a young duchess today.

If I, as her partner, didn’t do my part, Eva’s reputation could be tarnished.

I certainly didn’t want that result.

“Shall we go in?”

I smiled at the young lady, who was holding my arm tightly.

I didn’t forget to lift the veil and make eye contact.

Then Eva had a dazed expression for a moment…

“Okay.”

And nodded with a determined look.

-Clunk, creak…

At the same time, the huge door opened. Enchanting music and luxurious lighting welcomed us.

*

Benjamin and Sir Johann stayed in their places for the servants and guards, respectively, and Eva and I walked towards the center of the ballroom.

“Wow…”

“Just roll your eyes around like me to look around. If you move your neck, you’ll look like a country bumpkin.”

Eva pointed out sharply. I hurriedly fixed my chin forward.

The ballroom wasn’t as splendid as the Stroda Palace during the spring ball, but instead, the invitees were incredibly diverse.

The nobles, disguised in various ways, were fanning themselves while exchanging witty remarks.

That person’s mask is shaped like a flame. This one is a peacock and butterfly couple. That’s… a swan?

“Hmm.”

There were too many guests to find Ganael and Sir Elisabeth.

I didn’t hear what Christel and Crown Prince Cedric were disguising themselves as until the end, but according to Ganael, it was ‘a masterpiece conceived with David’s best efforts.’

But David is the kind of person who would praise the Crown Prince even if he wore rags…

-Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling!

I was startled for a moment.

Fortunately, it wasn’t the crystal bell ringing from my chest, but the bell ringing to announce the start of the ball.

Then some of the guests left for the outskirts of the ballroom, and only the nobles who wanted to dance to the first music remained in the center.

I stood facing Eva and took a light breath. I was wondering if I should give her some encouragement, when,

-♩♪♬…

A slow dance tune began to play. While I was frozen for a moment, Eva bowed.

Only then did I hurriedly bow, kiss the back of Eva’s hand as I had memorized, and take my first step.

Thank goodness I didn’t forget the memorized movements.

-Clack, tap!

Everyone’s clothes and shoes brushed and collided in time with the beat. That was subtly fun.

I spun around in place with the young lady, held hands, and let go.

It was the same step, but only the direction was opposite like a mirror. When we jumped at the same time, the child giggled.

“You really memorized everything.”

“I can’t cause trouble.”

I answered, sticking my head under Eva’s arm.

I didn’t fall on my own or step on Eva’s dress as I had worried.

After whispering for a while, the first dance was over before I knew it.

As the music faded, we bowed to each other.

Applause erupted from all over the ballroom. What’s next?

“Now everyone dances together.”

“Yes.”

That’s right, that was it.

This time, everyone danced in pairs in a large circle, but the person on the inside had to move to the side and change partners.

Soon, new music flowed out.

-♬♩♪…

The orchestra’s ensemble was soft and pleasant to listen to.

I firmly supported Eva’s waist to help the child enjoy herself.

After that, my dance partner changed a couple of times, but I was relieved that no one seemed to be particularly dissatisfied with me.

It was the first time I had danced in sync with someone since the elementary school sports day.

Eva, who craned her neck to look, seemed to be very happy. It was worth practicing.

“Did you plant the tulip bulbs well?”

Then, the partner who stood in front of me asked abruptly. I blinked in surprise.

The other person was wearing much more elaborate armor than me and even had a helmet on his head.

What is it, is this a greeting that’s popular in social circles these days?

“Well, I don’t know. Wouldn’t the gardeners take care of it?”

I answered, supporting him as he limped.

I couldn’t tell if it was because the armor was tight or if he originally had a leg problem.

Then he paused and looked at me.

I don’t know if he really saw it, but that’s how I felt anyway.

The man didn’t seem to like my answer very much and mechanically performed the movements without a word.

Was there a different answer he wanted?

-······♩♪♬!

As the music ended with a stylish finish, the armored figure left me without even saying hello.

I tilted my head and came out to the outside. Does he need to go to the bathroom urgently?

“Thank you for your hard work, Your Highness. Would you like a snack?”

“Thank you. This is also exercise, so I get hungry quickly.”

Benjamin and Sir Johann greeted me kindly.

The table that the two of them had picked out was lined with smoked salmon mousse, olives, and canapés topped with all sorts of fruits and vegetables.

There were also a dozen or so dishes of Pissel Picard [small savory pastries], which were smaller than the palm of my hand.

It was a table setting that made me feel like they were determined to fill their stomachs with finger food.

I burst into laughter and drank a cool blueberry ade first.

In the meantime, the music changed, and once again, a boisterous dance broke out.

Eva should eat and play a little too.

“Gasp.”

At that moment, I noticed a woman who was breathtakingly seductive.

She was dancing with the ‘angel’ in question that I had encountered in the castle tower lobby, and it was a seriously mismatched picture.

Whether it was just me who felt that way or not, the two were receiving strange gazes from many people.

Of course, the lady’s dancing was a bit… bad.

To exaggerate a little, she seemed to have as little talent as Christel.

But the unconventional outfit that contrasted with her partner and her unique charm were truly captivating.

“She must be very popular.”

I mumbled with my lips buried in the cup.

She had black wings on her back that resembled bats.

Batman… It couldn’t be, so it must be a demon concept.

A snake-shaped bracelet tightly wrapped around her wrist, and her ominous blue hair was rolled up in pigtails, looking just like goat horns.

The blood-red lips under the skull mask drew an arc. Huh?

“Whoa.”

I made a strange noise and quickly turned around.

My face was so hot that if I put cold food in my cheeks, it would be warmed up quickly.

An incredibly beautiful woman smiled at me? Is it real?

“Your Highness, your neck is red.”

“Please be quiet, Sir Johann.”

“If you’re interested in the young lady disguised as a demon over there, I can introduce you. I happen to know her.”

He had a subtly enjoying look in his eyes. Is this the余裕 [composure] of a married man? No, that’s not it!

“Really?”

“Prince Yeser.”

At the familiar voice, I flinched and turned my body.

I felt like I was being scolded for daring to have foolish thoughts while in someone else’s body.

The person who appeared right in front of me took off his mask in an instant. I was dumbfounded and lifted the veil.

“…Mr. Bakari?”

“I didn’t think I’d see you again so soon either.”

The prophet gave his respects, clicking like a nutcracker.

Then he whispered unbelievable words.

“Originally, I should have told His Majesty’s son, the Crown Prince, but I couldn’t tell what His Highness was disguised as, so I looked for Your Highness.”

“Does that mean I’m obvious?”

“You’re stating the obvious.”

What a bolt from the blue…

“Be careful. I see a shadow of death here.”

“Wait a minute, why is your nose bleeding?”

I was horrified and took a napkin from Benjamin.

It was because the little boy had started pouring blood from his nose.

After blocking his nose with a napkin and looking again, the prophet’s face was pale and his skin was cold.

Sir Johann quickly drew the chiffon curtain of the partition with a quick hand. I asked urgently.

“Is it usually like this? Do you have bleeding when you receive revelations?”

“No, it’s the first time… There’s never been such a malfunction before.”

“Don’t use those words.”

At my words, Bakari shut his mouth tightly and staggered.

Benjamin, Sir Johann, and I exchanged glances in turn.

Something seemed to be happening here.

*

‘It was different from ordinary foresight. My vision darkened and the stench of intrigue wafted. It felt like blood was flowing backwards…’

I pondered the head’s [Bakari’s] words and walked out of the curtain.

The teenager had found stability with the help of my healing circle and was now asleep on the sofa, being cared for by the servants.

At first, I was startled because I thought it meant terrorism.

But Bakari insisted that it was not that kind of revelation.

‘It’s about the pain of just one person. I didn’t see fire, explosions, swords, or blood.’

‘Anyway, there’s a suspicious person in here. It’s best to catch him before he leaves.’

‘…That’s probably right.’

Even so, I was worried about Bakari’s condition. A prophecy that’s different from usual…

Could it be that he saw something that wasn’t in the original work? So that’s why his body is reacting?

“There are too few clues. It’s all speculation.”

I mumbled and stood anywhere.

Benjamin left to deliver the news to Duke and Duchess Blanquer.

While Sir Johann was checking the terraces and balconies that were open from the first floor to the top floor, I decided to look around the guests in the hall.

If I found Eva or Sir Elisabeth’s couple in the middle, I would naturally tell them as well.

I wish Christel and the Crown Prince would talk to me first…

“Gasp.”

“….”

I gasped as I saw the person standing right in front of me.

It was the charming demon young lady from earlier.