The Ventela Estate, Waltzing with the Belle of the Ball

Aliester and Magdalene arrived at Earl Ventela's estate.

As they stepped down from the carriage, their eyes were met with extravagant decorations. Every fence and pathway was adorned with elegant candles and breathtaking flowers.

Both Aliester and Magdalene were utterly mesmerized.

"Whoaaa... This is straight out of some fancy period drama. Maybe this is what noble parties were like back in the Victorian era?" Aliester thought.

Little Magdalene couldn't hide her reaction either. "Wow... this place is dripping in luxury! Like, if rich had a flavor, this whole estate would taste like gold-plated caviar!"

But that sense of amazement only lasted for a moment. After all, the fact that they were both trapped in someone else's body was far more shocking.

You could say their capacity for surprise had already been maxed out.

"Daddy~"

"Yes, Magdalene?"

"Daddy remember what we talked about, right?"

"Of course. Tonight, Daddy and Magdalene will dance together."

Hearing that, Magdalene's confidence soared.

They started walking toward the entrance, where two attendants stood ready to welcome them.

The moment they stepped into Earl Ventela's grand lobby, they were hit by a wave of exquisite music and the scent of luxurious perfume. The soft glow of candlelight shimmered, and naturally, the guests turned to see who had arrived.

Gasps filled the room as all eyes locked onto Aliester and his young daughter, Magdalene. The moment the pair stepped into the ballroom, whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire.

"Good evening, everyone."

Aliester's smile, his voice, his presence—it was all simply dazzling. And the moment he greeted the guests, exclamations of admiration erupted from every direction.

"W-What is this?! Is that really His Majesty, King Aliester?!"

"The princess is here too?!"

"I must be dreaming! His Majesty never attends parties!"

"Unbelievable! The King is actually here!"

The nobles rushed to bow before them. And of course, Earl Ventela arrived with his daughter, Lady Bernadette, to greet their esteemed guest with a refined yet overly enthusiastic smile.

"Your Majesty!!" The Earl looked positively ecstatic—or rather, too ecstatic. "I cannot believe this... Ah~ what a magnificent surprise!"

His reaction was a little too exaggerated. Occasionally, he reached out to clasp Aliester's hand, as if trying to demonstrate their supposed closeness. Naturally, Aliester picked up on his intentions.

"Ah, I see. He wants to spread some rumors, huh?"

"Well then... I suppose I should shut that down real quick."

With a casual motion, Aliester gently brushed off the Earl's hand and said, "Thank you for your invitations, Earl. Sending them every two weeks without fail must have taken a great deal of effort."

"..."

Earl Ventela was momentarily speechless, forced to respond with an awkward smile. Magdalene, meanwhile, was delighted by her father's firm response. But her attention soon shifted to Bernadette, who was staring at Aliester with glimmering eyes, her gaze practically dripping with longing.

Those sparkling eyes, that alluring expression—she looked like she was trying to ensnare him with her charms. Completely oblivious to the sharp glare coming from Magdalene.

"..."

The little girl's expression twisted in displeasure. Clutching her father's hand tightly, she spoke up.

"Good evening, Earl Ventela. Good evening, Lady Ventela."

"Or am I simply too small for you to notice, so you forgot to greet me?"

"Should I ask Daddy to pick me up so I can enter your field of vision?"

The two flinched before quickly forcing smiles onto their faces. They hastily bowed and greeted her.

"P-Princess Magdalene, please forgive our rudeness."

"I-It's a pleasure to see you, Princess Magdalene..."

Magdalene beamed. "Ehehe~ I'm so glad you're happy to see me too."

Before the hosts could make some meaningless declaration, Magdalene swiftly took control of the conversation. "Tonight, Magda is going to dance with Daddy~"

"Earl, Lady—you must watch as Magda dances with Daddy tonight~"

Their expressions stiffened. Especially Lady Bernadette, who immediately countered, "Wouldn't it be more fitting for the host to celebrate the occasion by dancing with the guest of honor?"

"You must have plenty of honored guests, right? Magda doesn't know them, so why doesn't Lady Bernadette dance with them instead? That would make them feel even more special, don't you think?"

The air tensed.

This was no ordinary five-year-old speaking. Magdalene's response was crisp, confident, and flawlessly delivered—completely shutting down Bernadette's advances in one blow.

Aliester was impressed. She must have matured a lot after spending so much time in solitude, waiting for a father who never paid her any attention...

Before the assembled nobles, even in the very presence of the hosts, Magdalene had spoken with the authority befitting a princess. And no one could afford to take her words lightly.

Not wanting to lose face, Earl Ventela quickly shifted the atmosphere. "Your Majesty, Princess Magdalene, why don't we move to the garden for the banquet?"

The banquet was already in full swing when they arrived at the garden. Nobles were gathered, engaged in idle chatter that Aliester soon found mind-numbingly dull.

The party wasn't even halfway through, and yet... he already wanted to leave.

"Honestly? I'd rather be buried under paperwork in my office than be stuck here."

Of course, he wouldn't say that out loud.

Taking advantage of the moment, the Earl exchanged glances with his daughter, silently signaling her to make her move.

Lady Bernadette wasted no time. "Your Majesty..."

"Yes?"

"Did you know that the ballroom dance will begin soon?"

"Oh?"

Aliester's expression brightened. "Ah, the ballroom dance! Truly the highlight of the evening!"

Bernadette took his enthusiasm as a good sign, her smile widening. "Indeed! That's why—would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

"You know, as the host, it's tradition to dance with the most distinguished guest—"

"Oh, absolutely. Tonight, I will dance with the most beautiful lady in the entire kingdom."

Blush.

Bernadette's cheeks burned red. She was convinced those words were meant for her. But... were they?

With a delighted smile, she started to respond, "Your Majesty, I'm honored—"

"I'm going to dance with my adorable little princess. What better night than this to make her happy, Lady Bernadette?"

"Eh?"

Magdalene turned bright red, holding her cheeks as she squealed, "Kyaa~ Daddy, you're the sweetest! Magda will do her best to dance beautifully!"

"..."

No words came from Bernadette as the music changed, and Aliester took his daughter's hand for a father-daughter dance. Magdalene's adorable movements stole the attention of everyone around.

She became the center of attention, twirling with her father in the cutest way possible.

"Look at that, His Majesty and Princess Magdalene are dancing."

"How precious~"

"The little princess wants to grow up fast, huh? Ahaha, her moves are just too cute."

Even though her tiny body couldn't dance like an adult, she totally owned the first round.

"Ha! Suck it, ugly hag! Told ya—there's no way I'm letting you dance with my Daddy!"

Magdalene flashed a triumphant smile. But the party was far from over, and she had to stay on her toes.