What kind of situation is this exactly?
I'm standing on the terrace of the Detached Palace, sharing tea with His Highness the Third Prince.
Of course, attendants and escorts wait nearby—but still, it feels like we're alone.
When I turn back from the garden, I meet his friendly amber eyes. His smile, warm and open, almost makes me forget to breathe.
"How are you, Lady Spica?"
I answer softly, "It's nothing, Your Highness. I suppose my heart started dancing ahead of me, knowing I'd be your partner today."
Yes. My Cavalier for tonight's dance is none other than His Highness Arthur, the Third Prince.
He shares the same clear eyes as his younger sister, Lady Ana, but his calm amber hair and gentle expression set him apart.
Perhaps that warmth comes from his mother, the Second Empress.
He chuckles. "You were surprised, weren't you? I was too when I heard. But relax—you're only one of my three fiancée candidates. If it were up to me, though, I'd choose you. Your brothers speak highly of you."
So that's how it is. Somehow, I've become a fiancée candidate for the Third Prince himself.
I thought this Debutante Ball was just a social event for Lady Ana and her friends.
And yet here I am, completely unprepared. My brothers warned me countless times to stay away from His Highness, saying he could be careless with women.
It's an honor, of course—but my heart can't catch up.
Right now, everyone's meeting their assigned partners to exchange opinions.
His Highness Arthur is charming, but I can't forget my brothers' words.
Still, he keeps the conversation flowing—stories about the academy, neighboring kingdoms, and politics I barely follow.
Then he glances at me and smiles knowingly.
"Lady Spica, you seem a bit wary. Did Fret say something about me?"
My heart jumps, but I answer calmly, "My brothers have spoken of you often, Your Highness. But right now, I'm simply nervous. If I've offended you, I must apologize."
I start to bow, but he stops me with a gentle hand.
He doesn't seem offended at all. In fact, he looks amused.
When our half-hour meeting ends and we return to the ballroom, I notice the other debutantes chatting easily with their partners.
And then, an announcement shocks the entire hall: tonight's ball also serves as the formal introduction of the Imperial Family's fiancée candidates.
The first pair—me and His Highness Arthur.
The second—Lady Patricia Klaus Mitzberg and His Highness Gawain, the Second Prince. That engagement is nearly confirmed.
The third—Her Highness Princess Altera and Crown Prince Alan of Balinbarth Kingdom, age fourteen.
It's a diplomatic match—equal in age, rank, and promise.
I'd heard the prince was studying at our academy, but I never imagined it would lead to such an event. Even the princess seemed surprised.
She won't attend tonight's ball due to security concerns, and rumor has it she'll begin special lessons soon.
It may be a long time before anyone sees the two together again.
Other pairs include Lady Shasha with Marquis Thomas Colloid, Lady Yuna with Count Zand of Ebon, Lord Galahan of Tottuna with Lady Vivi Ann Morgan, and Lord Time Rossini with Lady Rosemary Steakin.
None of these appear to be official engagements, but each match hints at potential alliances.
When everyone returned, a tall woman stood gracefully at the center of the floor—a face we hadn't seen before.
"Good evening, everyone," she began. "Some of you know me, others don't. I'm Madame Rottenmeier, your dance instructor.
Today, we'll start with the basic waltz. I'll partner with Her Highness the Princess.
Think of this as an evaluation of your prior training. Escorts, step aside. We'll begin from the fold position. Ready yourselves."
She clapped twice, signaling us to form pairs.
Though the announcement was sudden, I didn't panic. I took my place near the small side door, my heart steady.
His Highness Arthur extended his hand with confidence. As the soft strains of music began, I took my first step, guided by his lead.
Our family always valued refinement, so my brothers often practiced dancing with me. My body remembered the rhythm.
Arthur moved with ease—experienced, polished, utterly composed. His lead was firm yet considerate, and I followed naturally.
Then, just as I relaxed, he leaned close to my ear and whispered playfully,
"You're quite the dancer, aren't you?"
Flustered, I nearly missed a step. "Please don't tease me! You already know I have three elder brothers," I protested.
He laughed softly and kept whispering, clearly enjoying my reaction.
I'd never been this close to a man before. My heart raced, my cheeks burned, and by the time the dance ended, I was exhausted.
"Your Highness, that's enough!" I snapped at last.
He grinned. "Flirting with your partner during a dance is normal in high society. You'll get used to it."
I couldn't help thinking, This man is a child!
Before I could respond, Madame Rottenmeier called us together again.
"Without naming names," she said sternly, "certain ungentlemanly behavior must stop—or we'll consider assigning a new partner."
Her timing was perfect. I could finally breathe again.
Everyone passed the basic waltz test. But at the soirée presentation, all debutantes would perform a more elaborate routine together. That would be our next challenge.
By the time the lesson ended, twilight had fallen. We were dismissed for the day, and I prepared to leave with the others.
As I stepped out from the anteroom after changing, a voice called from behind.
"Sorry about earlier! You looked so cute when you blushed. Let me make it up to you—how about a date?"
I turned and answered coolly, "If Father and my brothers permit it, I'll consider it."
I was rarely angry, but this time I was. Before he could say more, I stepped into my carriage and left him standing there.
When I told my family what happened, they were furious.
Well—Father looked the most uncomfortable.
After all, he had approved my candidacy as a fiancée.
Even though he'd been ordered to keep silent, he could've at least told me!
To vent my frustration, I brought him Grandmother's special recovery tea—bitter enough to sting—for three days straight.
Let's call it "compassion through herbal therapy."
In the following weeks, I realized His Highness wasn't entirely unserious.
Though he still teased me, he also gave genuine, thoughtful guidance.
When I stumbled through a difficult classical step, he said,
"Try letting me take the lead here, and relax your stance during the turn. It'll flow better that way."
His advice worked perfectly.
When I thanked him, he laughed. "I struggled during my own debut, so I get it. Wouldn't it be cool if I mastered this first and helped the others?"
He winked, boyish but kind. Somehow, that charm made him hard to dislike.
Later, he even invited me on a few secret outings.
At first, I was hesitant—but truthfully, the discomfort had faded long ago.
Sometimes my brothers tagged along after finding out, which led to chaos, but Arthur only laughed.
During lessons, even when dance wasn't scheduled, he joined etiquette classes or offered to escort me.
Despite his playful side, he could be surprisingly dependable.
Before I realized it, I stopped seeing him as a reckless prince.
He felt more like one of my good-natured brothers—someone impossible to stay mad at.
Notes:
• Arthur - The Third Prince.
• Ana - Altera’s cousin, at the retreat before the Debutante. She shows her jacquard gown gifted by the Crown Prince, symbolizing alliance. The Imperial family hosts the event. She mentors younger nobles and shares affection with the Crown Prince. Elegant and composed.
• Fret - Third step-brother, five years older. Energetic, sword-loving, and determined to become a knight.
• Patricia - Duke Mitzberg’s daughter; joins pre-Debutante meeting; supports Ana’s friendly circle (direct: lesson prep; underlying: peer bonding); childhood friend of Ana; allied with Spica; bold yet kind, loves cute things.
• Altera - First Princess appearing at the etiquette retreat three months before the Debutante. She joins discussions on etiquette and dresses under Lady Nefera’s instruction. The retreat trains nobles by Imperial command. She bonds with Pearl and others. Known for wit and candid speech.
• Yuna - Count Yunaria’s daughter, youngest at the retreat before the Debutante. She overeats sweets and discusses dresses with peers. The training is led by Lady Nefera. She admires her older peers. No romantic links. Cheerful, gluttonous, youthful charm.