"I'm honored to see the beautiful embodiment of Goddess Anthea."
Ober approached Marianne without any hesitation. She looked at him when he offered polite greetings. Those around them also began to focus on one place quickly.
"…Sir."
Marianne gracefully extended her gloved hands. Ober rose slowly after touching his forehead and lips on it.
"I would like to say hi to the emperor, too."
"His Excellency… He hasn't arrived yet."
"Really? I'm sorry to hear that."
"You don't have to say sorry."
Ober stroked her cheeks as he looked at her with ardent eyes. At that moment, he was in the mood to show that kind of tolerance.
The emperor didn't appear at the ball on the eve of his engagement. Marianne was alone. Those present at the ball already thought that Ober and she were an unfortunate couple who failed to get engaged.
"It's a gem that matches very well with the Spring of the North."