Escape

“~♪”

The dance music began, signaling the highlight of the evening.

“Haah…”

At last, we maids could take a brief rest.

The nobles started seeking out their dance partners.

But the true focus of the night was, unsurprisingly, those two.

…Perhaps because this is an otome game world, the room was filled with stunningly attractive men and women.

Yet even in a world of such high standards, the young lady and the Second Prince stood out like cranes among chickens.

Dressed impeccably for the occasion, they were even more striking.

…They seemed like a match made in heaven.

Prince Edwin bowed gallantly, extending his hand to the young lady.

“May I have this dance, Lady Caterina?”

The young lady placed her hand in his, smiling softly.

“I’d be delighted, Lord Edwin.”

With that, they began to dance.

Despite it being their first dance together, their chemistry was astonishing. Under the spotlight, they spun and swayed with grace and freedom, their steps light as if floating on clouds… Even the orchestra seemed to follow their rhythm.

All eyes were drawn to their dance, so captivating that other nobles forgot to join in… Their performance was simply that mesmerizing.

…Amid my awe, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

I could never dance as beautifully as the Second Prince.

If I had that skill, would I be worthy of dancing with the young lady?

…What am I even thinking?

I shook my head, trying to dispel these strange thoughts.

Just then, the first dance ended.

Clap, clap, clap!

The dance floor erupted in fervent applause, enveloping the young lady and the prince. This wasn’t mere courtesy—it was genuine admiration, brimming with passion.

Amid the enthusiastic applause, the two drew closer.

Their faces neared… as if they were about to kiss.

Oh… right, there’s that part too.

Yes, this is proof of their betrothal.

I should be congratulating the young lady…

But why does my chest feel so heavy?

Is this the loneliness of an older sister watching her younger sister marry?

I tugged at my hair in frustration, but the weight in my chest didn’t lift.

No… I can’t breathe.

I can’t keep watching…

“I’m sorry… Head Maid, I’m not feeling well. I’ll take my leave for today.”

“Hm… Alright. It’s mostly cleanup from here. Go rest. You’ve worked hard today.”

“Thank you.”

I fled the hall as if my life depended on it.

(Caterina’s Perspective)

“Lord Edwin, I have a request.”

Before the ball began, I sought out my fiancé.

“Speak freely.”

After a moment’s hesitation, I spoke:

“Lord Edwin, could we… skip the kiss after the partner dance tonight?”

I knew my request was selfish, even outrageous. It could bring shame to the royal family…

But after that night, I could no longer lie to my heart.

Kissing anyone other than Ailena was unthinkable.

I braced myself for a scolding.

“Is it because of that maid?”

To my surprise, Lord Edwin didn’t reprimand me—he hit the nail on the head.

“…How did you know?”

“Don’t you think it’s obvious? Claude complains to me daily about how his sister’s been stolen by a maid.”

“…”

I felt a flush of embarrassment.

…Brother! Why do you tell everyone everything!

Seeing my reaction, Lord Edwin chuckled.

“Haha, I’ll grant your request. After all, you know our marriage is purely political. I don’t mind.”

“Eh?”

…He agreed so easily?

“But… don’t you find it strange?”

“Strange how?”

“Well… we’re both women!”

“What does love have to do with gender? Isn’t it about your feelings?”

To my surprise, he tilted his head, questioning me.

“…”

I’d never considered it that way.

“I understand how you feel. Even after meeting her once, I could tell she has this… strange charm that makes people reveal their hidden selves, makes them rely on her…

For nobles like us, who wear masks every day, that’s an irresistible poison. It’s only natural you’d fall for her.”

His perspective was novel. I’d never thought of it that way, but it made sense.

Still…

“…For nobles like us, duty and status come before feelings. Even if Ailena weren’t a woman, I couldn’t marry her.”

“Indeed…”

Lord Edwin likely understood this better than I did.

To secure his inheritance and protect his mother, he’s always pushed himself, even agreeing to marry a woman he doesn’t love for power.

“Haha, this got too serious…”

Sensing the heavy mood, Lord Edwin gave a dry laugh, lightening the atmosphere.

“That’s why you should embrace your youth while you still have freedom. I’ll support you. But… we’ll need to keep up appearances. At the ball, we’ll fake the kiss. With the right angle and our bodies blocking the view, we can make it look convincing.”

“I understand. Thank you. I’ll find a way to repay you.”

“No need for repayment. I’d rather you spar with me more often in the future.”

“If that’s what you wish, I’m happy to oblige.”

“Haha, it’s a deal then.”

Hiss… ha… hiss… ha…

Outside, I sat alone under a tree, taking deep breaths to ease my heartache.

But… it was useless.

The sorrow lingered, nestled in my chest, refusing to budge.

By now, the young lady must be kissing Lord Edwin.

I left to avoid that sight, yet my mind keeps conjuring it.

…Then what was the point of leaving?

“Sigh…”

I let out a heavy sigh.

Spotting a pebble by my foot, I kicked it away in frustration.

…Why is it like this?

It’s the young lady’s birthday ball. She’s found her happiness… Two joyful things combined… So why, why does it feel like this?

No matter how much I thought, I couldn’t understand.

Clutching my sorrow, I couldn’t sleep all night.