By the end of the second week of training—exactly seven days before the grand banquet, and a single day before the official announcement was set to broadcast across all public platforms—the system interface updated its log as she rested:
[Husband Affection Tracking Log]
—Lukas Deruno: 50% (▲ +28%)
—Philippe Deruno: 30% (▲ +20%)
—Sebastian Deruno: 2% (Unchanged)
[Current Life Expectancy Remaining: 62 Days]
Lukas’s affection had skyrocketed as his fierce, protective nature took root, and Philippe’s quiet respect had steadily deepened with every act she performed.
But Sebastian’s static 2% felt like a stubborn curse of its own.
Still, Blair did not let herself be disheartened. The fact that the 2% stayed still and did not dip was also another clue. He didn’t entirely hate her, she just hadn’t done what he liked yet to make him fond of her.
And as for what he liked, that was a challenge entirely.
Later that afternoon, classical music echoed softly through the grand ballroom.
Madame Mary was guiding Blair through the sweeping turns of a formal waltz.
Over the past two weeks, Blair had blossomed remarkably. Her skin was flushed with a healthy color, her movements fluid and elegant. She no longer looked like someone tethered to a dying lifespan, nor a helpless victim—she was vibrant, bright, and undoubtedly breathtaking.
"No, no, child—your frame is lovely, but the distribution of weight in a beastman waltz requires a partner of greater build," Madame Mary instructed, pausing the music with a sigh.
She had been playing the role of the male lead, but the height difference was far from ideal. "It would be much better to practice with a man. Shall we ask Sir Thomas to step in for dance practice?"
Blair let out a soft, melodic laugh, her clear eyes sparkling as she fanned herself with her hand. "Madame Mary, Thomas is already handling twenty different banquet logistics today! I don’t think we should burden him with dance lessons too."
Her laughter was light and genuine—a warm, radiant sound that carried clearly across the polished marble floor.
Standing in the shadow of the doorway, Sebastian paused.
He had simply been passing through the gallery wing after a long communications call, intending to return directly to his office. But the swell of the orchestral music had caught his attention, drawing his eyes to the center of the ballroom.
His golden eyes locked onto Blair. She was laughing freely, standing tall in her practice gown, glowing with an unbothered, striking beauty that seemed almost impossible compared to the shivering human he had met weeks ago.
Madame Mary’s sharp rabbit ears twitched and she turned her head. Catching sight of the tall, dark figure lingering near the archway, her eyes gleamed with sudden, bold inspiration.
"Ah! Master Sebastian!" Madame Mary called out fearlessly, bowing her head slightly. "Just the gentleman we need."
Blair’s breath hitched, her laughter instantly dying in her throat. She looked toward the door, her heart doing a nervous flip as she met Sebastian’s cold, golden gaze. He wasn’t even pretending to smile anymore.
Knowing how much he disliked unnecessary distractions, Blair quickly stepped forward, wanting to give him an easy out before he could deliver a sharp refusal.
"Madame Mary, please—Master Sebastian is extremely busy," Blair said softly, turning to her tutor with a reassuring smile. "We shouldn’t disturb his work."
"I am busy," Sebastian agreed, his voice smooth and cool as he finally stepped into the ballroom, his hands resting casually in his trousers pockets.
Blair offered a polite, understanding nod, preparing to resume her solo steps, but why was the busy man walking deeper into the ballroom instead of going on his way?
"However," Sebastian continued, stopping right at the edge of the polished dance floor, his unreadable gaze pinning her in place. "I have no desire to see you make a fool of yourself—or step on my boots—in front of three hundred nobles next week. Let us see if your progress matches your confidence, Mrs. Deruno."
Blair froze, her clear eyes widening in genuine shock.
Sebastian took off his suit jacket, tossing it casually over the back of a gilded chair. Rolling his white sleeves up to his forearms, he extended a long, gloved hand toward her, his face a flawless, unreadable mask.
"Well?" Sebastian murmured, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you going to keep your partner waiting?"
Blair gulped, staring at his extended, gloved hand. Her pulse hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird.
If he’s willing to step onto this floor... Does this mean he’s letting his guard down, even just a little bit?
She took a slow, steadying breath, placed her small hand into his broad palm, and stepped into his space.
The moment his fingers closed around hers, the overwhelming presence of an apex predator enveloped her. Sebastian didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward, his long fingers pressing firmly against the small of her back to guide her into position.
A subtle flicker of surprise crossed Sebastian’s golden eyes as his palm rested against her waist.
She’s still impossibly thin, he thought, his fingers spanning nearly half her torso without effort. Yet beneath his hand, he could feel the subtle change—she was no longer shivering, her frame no longer felt like brittle dry glass on the verge of snapping under the lightest pressure.
She had been eating properly, her cheeks held a healthy, rosy flush, and her skin practically glowed under the chandelier light.
And yet...
Sebastian watched her eyelashes flutter nervously as she deliberately fixated her gaze on his white collar, her lips pressed together as she avoided his eyes at all costs.
Timid, he noted inwardly, his jaw tightening slightly. More timid than a rabbit.
"Mrs. Deruno," Sebastian murmured, his low, smooth voice vibrating right above her ear as he swept her smoothly into the opening turn of the waltz.
Blair flinched slightly at the proximity, her steps faltering for a fraction of a second before her days of grueling practice took over, keeping her in perfect rhythm. "Y-Yes, Master Sebastian?"