Grand Dukes are known to be closer to the royalties or rather, they're the royal family themselves. Usually, in order to not fight for the throne, they're given the title the Grand Dukes, which are divided among six families, like the six elements.
'Like the fire, water, bla bla bla, but then Viremont is on the Earth element? Is that why he married the FL, so they'll be the powerful earth couple?'
"Hmm."
'I should read more carefully next time instead of skipping important details of the story…'
'...'
I shake my head profusely.
'Its not like a care anymore.'
'This is not just a book, I'm already living in it.'
'I should focus more on surviving.'
'Either way, I still need to look for Marigold.'
I start to look around at people's hair.
'Yellow hair, yellow hair, yellow hair.'
I suddenly spot a yellow-haired girl getting food at the table. I step closer enough to be behind her.
I step closer to get her attention.
She looks at me, there stands a girl with long yellow hair, her eyes are reddish pink. Rather than a dress, she seems to be wearing a knight uniform.
'She looks like the crown prince.'
I scratch my head and bend my head down a little.
She's roughly around 145cm-ish while I'm over 152cm.
"Sorry it seems I interrupted you." I bow elegantly.
"Nice play for letting them know their place."
—chomp—
This small yellow girl eats while talking to me.
"What?"
"You must've wanted to embarrass that girl so she would leave early."
'WHAT MARIGOLD LEFT ALREADY!?'
'NOOO My golden ticket!!!'
"Thank you for telling me, if you'll excuse me."
"You must've wanted to embarrass that girl so she would leave early."
"Only daughter of the Rosethorne family."
—crunch—
She looks at me while eating an apple.
Her eyes lock onto mine.
"You lack respect as someone older than me."
'Huh... Who this puny kid?'
A mild scream echoes from a distance, getting closer.
"Ah!!!"
As I look in that direction, I see a knight in a light blue and white vest.
'Golden brooch... Knight of the 1st Division.'
'Aren't they supposed to guard a high-ranking noble? He doesn't seem young either.'
'I just realized… what about her?' I look at her and no brooch to be seen.
'What is this kid doing, wearing a knight uniform… don't tell me… a cosplayer?'
"Princess Iriselle!"
A knight rushes in, catching his breath.
"You left again without letting us know!"
"I got hungry."
'Are they close... Wait... princess????'
The knight finally looks at me.
"Ah, Lady Velora Rosethorne, Happy birthday. I apologize on the behalf of what my lady must've done."
"It's fine, to whom you might be?"
"I serve the Solvierre family."
'Solvierre? You mean the Grand Duke Solvierre family!?'
Hearing the name shocks me to the core.
'So that girl is the Grand Duke's daughter... I shouldn't have been ignorant and missed the hint when she had yellow and pink-like eyes.'
The features that represent the royal family are yellow hair and pink eyes. Either one is enough to be connected to royalty, as long as you have the blood. And Grand Dukes are only for royal families.
'So Caelrion has a blood of a royal family? Why am I suddenly bumping into royal families.'
"How rude of me not to recognize a member of the Solvierre family, Lady Iriselle."
"Princess."
"Pardon?"
"It's Princess Iriselle."
I smile, my eyebrow twitching in annoyance.
I calm myself down and repeat it again.
"Princess Iriselle."
"Now that's the reaction I prefer."
Iriselle takes a bite on the apple again.
—chomp—
"You may go now." She waves her hand dismissively while eating an apple.
"Please enjoy the event. I'm grateful for your presence." I bow gracefully and leave.
'Graceful my arse. If that kid weren't younger than me, I could've punched her even if she's the daughter of a Grand Duke! Since we're both girls and kids, I wouldn't even have to bring up gender equality and call it child's play instead..'
As I walk away, I hear the princess and the knight arguing.
I let out a sigh.
'I would never bump into them again.'
'Since Marigold left, I should also leave.'
"Velly!"
Rey suddenly appears, waving his hand. His hair is slicked back, finally revealing his forehead, which is usually hidden by his spiky hair. He wears a vest with brown tones, styled like a general's outfit, with red and gold lining.
'Looks like someone tries to put on a get up.'
I cross my arms.
"Rey, do you like someone."
Rey blushes.
'I knew it!'
'But aren't he 19?' I look at Rey dead in the eye.
"She's actually not here but her sister is."
Rey blushes.
"Heh."
'So he's trying to look cool so the little sister will tell her, huh.'
"Who's the lucky girl?"
I nudge him with my elbow, smirking.
Rey steps closer.
"She's from the Solvierre family."
"..."
'What the—!?'
'What kind of coincidence is this? It's like I'm actually stuck inside a book.' *You actually are.*
"Well good luck, brother Rey." I give Rey a thumbs up.
"But that's not why I came. I'm here for a dance with you, Velly."
Rey reaches out his hand.
"The music will start soon."
'Oh right... I forgot dancing is a thing.'
I gulp down and take his hand.
'This will be my first dance in both lives.'
'I did practice well during those painful lessons.'
—Velora taking lessons—
I straighten myself stiffly.
"Stop bending your knees!!"
She presses a long stick against my legs, forcing them straight.
"Ack!"
She uses the stick to lift my chin.
"Put your chin up."
Elegant steps, measured turns, heel, toe, glide. Posture held, shoulders aligned, every movement precise and controlled. A single misstep—...
"Again!"
—tak, tak, tak—
'The memory of the stick echoes in my head.'
My body shivers, remembering the sharp rhythm of the stick.
The music swells through the ballroom, soft yet commanding. People start forming in the middle and begin to move in unison, gliding across the polished floor with practiced grace. Hands meet, fingers align, and bodies follow the rhythm.
I follow the rhythm, moving with Rey as we glide across.
Turn.
Step.
Breathe.
Rey guides smoothly, his movements practiced, almost effortless.
'This is between an amateur and a beginner.'
I look at Rey.
'He's so cool, if only lady Velora was a guy, I would've dressed mens' clothes like this.'
—The music ended—
We ended it with a bow.
"Velly. Good luck with your next dance."
I wave at Rey goodbye.
'Huh I thought I'll only start the dance...?'
'What do you mean next dance!?'
I freeze in shock.
Young Lord Caelrion steps forward, along with other nobles waiting for their turn for me.
'Why is he here... Don't tell me...'
"Lady Velora, If you have no one to dance with, may I have this dance."
I turn my head immediately, scanning the room for Duke Lucien, blatantly ignoring everyone.
'AAAA I know we're not close, Duke Lucien, my oldest brother but that guy is literally a walking time bomb for meee!!!'
I pivot, nearly stepping on someone's foot as I look around and bump straight into someone.
I freeze.
It's Cassien, The High Priest.
'What the— Why's he still here?'
"Lady Velora, you seem to be in quite a hurry."
"I am looking for my oldest brother, Duke Lucien."
"Oh? I believe he left some time ago."
'Noooo!' I clasp my face in horror.
"I see… thank you for informing me."
"Ah, Lady Velora, the next piece is about to begin. It would be rather unfortunate for you to remain without a partner."
He tilts his head slightly.
"Especially when Young Lord Caelrion appears quite intent on asking you since he's getting closer."
'Ah crap why is he so persistent like some political side quest?!'
I quickly scan the room again and spot Ethan.
"Ethan!"
"My lady?"
I stride toward him and extend my hand without hesitation.
"You know how to dance right?"
"Y-yes?"
Ethan stares at it for half a second too long.
'He's taking too long!!'
"Hand!"
Ethan places his hand in mine, instantly.
To Ethan's view the world seems to stop as I reach for him, the noise slowly fades and the music dulls, his eyes widen and the reflection of his surrounding sparkles against his pupils.
I yank him forward before he can process anything.
"Good. You're dancing with me."
"W-Wait—my lady—?!"
"Too late."
I stare at him dead in the eyes.
The music swells.
I pull him into position, one hand in his, the other forcing his arm into place.
"Stand straight."
"Yes—!"
Ethan's hand tightens—firm, steady.
Before I can react, he steps forward and I follow.
Naturally.
'Eh?'
Another step, another turn, his hand pressing lightly at my back to guide me forward, and I catch myself reacting instead of thinking, following his lead without questioning it this time.
'Huh?'
I look up at Ethan.
His hand shifts slightly, adjusting my position with quiet certainty, and before I can question it, he turns, pulling me along with him in a clean, controlled motion that nearly throws me off—...
"Careful, my lady."
"O-okay..." I blush
'Wh-wha!?! I'm blushing!?!'