8. Just Take It

As the Prince strode with irritation on his face, people watched him with curious eyes.

Unknowingly taking a step back, Olivia realized that she couldn’t escape further and firmly planted her feet on the ground.

“I’m sorry, but if you ask questions randomly, I won’t be able to answer. I also have to go and see Princess Marguerite, so please excuse me for a moment.”

Even though her steady gaze as she spoke clearly of her intention with unwavering eyes seemed clear, it was of little use amidst the overwhelming numerical disadvantage.

Moreover, from the perspective of the men, they couldn’t easily step back, knowing that if they missed this opportunity, they wouldn’t get another chance to see her up close like this. Despite pleas from her to make way, they kept approaching and narrowing the distance.

Her breathing became heavy.

‘Ah… Professor, where are you?’

Uncertain of how to escape from this crisis, she scanned her surroundings. However, there was a wall behind her and the nobles on all sides, leaving her unsure of whom to seek help from.

At that time…

Just as the situation grew chaotic behind the layers of nobles, their movements parted like waves. Olivia slightly lifted her head and looked above the heads of the nobles, only to find Prince Noah parting the crowd.

Once again, just like the first time she met him, she froze on the spot.

When Noah noticed the frozen expression on Olivia’s face as she stood huddled in the corner, he let out a deep sigh.

His father should have at least assigned a proper attendant to this woman once the interview was over. Then again, it might have been unexpected to witness such behavior since it was the first time they had a commoner guest.

He approached Olivia, who stood frozen like a rabbit in the corner with wide eyes.

Surprisingly, his own reflection was visible in her darkening pupils. He gazed at his reflection in her eyes for a moment before reaching out his hand.

However, she seemed to look at his extended hand with a puzzled face.

“Just take it.”

His voice was soft yet cool, an outstretched hand and an awkward situation.

Olivia, feeling dazed as if entranced, placed her hand in Noah’s as he had suggested. Unlike her bare hand under the blouse, he was wearing soft black gloves. Under the smooth texture of the gloves, she felt the firmness of his hand and its warmth emanating from the fingertips.

As their hands clasped, her heart, which had been beating haphazardly, calmed down.

When he took her hand and turned to look at the disappointed faces of the prodigal men, they retreated silently without a word.

Through the noble crowd that split, he led the way, and she followed, hand in hand. She gazed absentmindedly at his profile, leading the way just a half step ahead. Her heart, which she thought had settled for a moment, began to beat vigorously for a different reason.

At that moment, the melody changed to a lively tune. Young nobles who had been engaged in idle chatter flocked to the center of the hall.

It was an unexpected turn of events.

Beyond the crowd that had gathered to dance, Noah’s eyes met with Marguerite’s, who was standing with her eyes wide open. It was so painfully awkward and heartbreaking. He was only doing this to escort this young lady to his aunt.

“I…”

When Olivia opened her mouth in a small voice, Noah turned to her with an embarrassed look.

“Thank you. I’ll go around that way to see Princess Marguerite.”

He glanced briefly in the direction she was pointing to see noble ladies from prominent families fanning themselves while observing Olivia. He briefly looked down at her smooth white hand before turning his head to watch the crowd start dancing.

“It seems difficult to go around there. Do you see all the noble ladies gathered?”

“….”

“It might be even more challenging than dealing with the prodigal men. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“In that case, I’ll stay here for a while until the dance is over…”

“The dance tunes are played continuously, one after another. There is no break in between.”

After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke in a gentle tone, offering words that might reassure Olivia.

“This dance isn’t that difficult. Shall we try dancing it once?”

“Yes?”

As she asked back in surprise, he pointed to the crowd dancing with his left hand, which was not holding her hand.

“Do you see them moving to the right? After a few rounds, we’ll reach Princess Marguerite.”

Then, he reached out his left hand toward her.

“I’ve never danced before.”

She whispered anxiously, but Noah did not withdraw his outstretched hand and merely raised his eyebrows at her. After all, when the royal family invited a guest, it was customary for a member of the royal family to dance with them lightly.

It was a brief moment when the intense gazes of the surrounding debutantes and chaperones began to feel burdensome at the same time.

Olivia struggled to stay alert, her mind on the verge of drifting off, but eventually, she reached out and took the Prince’s extended hand. Even though she had no knowledge of royal etiquette, she was convinced that refusing the Prince’s hand in this situation would not be a wise choice.

As she took his hand, Noah gently released his right hand, which she had been holding, and lightly placed it on her back.

“Use your left hand to hold onto my shoulder.”

Olivia, who was extremely confused, put her hand on Noah’s shoulder like a machine following commands. He looked down at her, who was frozen nervously, and explained the dance.

“Four steps to the right, then turn twice and repeat. There’s no need to be so tense.”

He uttered, explaining the dance with a dry, humorless tone that surprisingly helped her regain her composure. When she opened her eyes wide and scanned her surroundings as if she was facing the greatest challenge in the world, indeed, people were dancing as he had described.

“Four steps to the right, and turn twice.”

Seeing Olivia whisper determinedly as if preparing for an exam, Noah smiled faintly and led her into the crowd.

This dance was easy enough for even young Princess Lucy to do, so it shouldn’t be difficult for her.

Despite the numerous gazes directed their way, it didn’t bother him. Looking into each other’s eyes would mean romance was involved. What did it matter if Olivia from Pulder was added to it? Besides, this woman would be leaving in a few days anyway.

Noah skillfully guided Olivia.

“One, two, three, four, let go, turn. Once more, hold it again. It’s not that difficult, right?”

With the simple rhythm that seemed familiar, the Prince personally counted the beats for her, and as he had said, it wasn’t as difficult as she had initially thought.

Moreover, the lively and cheerful nature of the dance itself made the experience of holding hands and dancing closely with the Prince, whom she had just met today, less awkward than expected. In fact, as they moved to the beat, she found herself enjoying the familiarity of the last three steps.

After the two of them completed two turns, she was surprised to find Margot right in front of her, just after three rounds.

Noah released the hand that had been supporting Olivia’s back and then let go of her hand. With a perfect posture, he greeted her before turning smoothly towards Margot with a bright smile with no hesitation.

Olivia, who had been watching him walk away with seemingly leisurely steps, snapped out of her daze and turned her head towards Margot.

“Professor.”

She blinked in embarrassment, but Margot gently took her arm and led her away.

Margot was dumbfounded.

Upon returning to the terrace, she found that the weak Queen had left before Olivia finished the interview, and Noah was doing courtesy to her. Despite her disapproval of him mingling with the prodigal nobles and occasionally indulging in debauchery, she couldn’t help but think that he was fulfilling his duties on behalf of the royal family.

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