A Dance with Danger

Elaria felt the sharpness of Caelum Ravenous' gaze slicing through her resolve.

A warning. A threat.

As if daring her to step out of line, as if a single misstep would end her right here in this hall.

She did the only thing that made sense. She broke eye contact.

Lifting the hem of her midnight-blue gown, she stepped past the entrance of the banquet hall, entering the sea of noble guests, chandeliers, and murmuring whispers.

Her father immediately drifted toward the nobles, an easy shift into political maneuvering. Her brother, however, was already making his way toward Seraphine Lumere, the original female lead, his true priority.

And Elaria?

She was left alone.

A delicate tension wrapped around her presence as nobles whispered behind their gloved hands.

"Strange… shouldn't she be trying to gain Young Master Ravenous' attention again?"

"Has she finally given up?"

"Hah, maybe she's planning something bigger tonight."

Elaria ignored them all. Instead of forcing herself into the center of the room, she turned sharply toward an empty corner, sinking into the plush couch with practiced indifference.

A nearby servant offered wine, and she accepted, swirling the crimson liquid in its crystal glass.

A deep exhale left her lips. She wanted nothing to do with this drama.

…But the system wouldn't let her.

She had to gain Caelum's favorability. Yet approaching him would only spell disaster. So instead… she would do nothing. Let them think she was no longer interested.

She was invisible. Or atleast that's what she thought.

But to one pair of eyes, her newfound indifference was far too interesting.

Across the room, the Crown Prince, Ruvan Adryen Noctis, leaned back against a polished marble column, swirling his own glass of wine as he observed her.

Amusement flickered in his gaze.

"How unexpected… Elaria Velchanth is finally behaving?"

For as long as he could remember, she had been predictable. Always making a scene. Always reaching for Caelum's attention in the most ridiculous ways.

And yet, tonight? She was quiet. Cold. Unreadable.

And Ruvan hated being bored.

Before she could process what was happening, a shadow loomed over her.

"What an interesting sight. I never thought I'd see the day Elaria Velchanth would sit in silence."

Elaria froze.

Her grip on the wine glass tightened as she slowly tilted her head upward, straight into the cool, unreadable gaze of the Crown Prince.

This... This has to be a mistake. He was far more dangerous than Caelum.

Before she could think of a response, his gloved hand extended toward her.

"Since you seem to have lost interest in my dear friend Caelum, I suppose you wouldn't mind entertaining me instead?"

Her blood turned to ice.

No. No, no, no.

There was no event in the game where Ruvan ever asked her to dance. This wasn't part of the system's pre-determined script.

And yet…

[SYSTEM NOTICE: MISSION UPDATED]

> Objective: Gain Caelum Ravenous' Favorability. Unexpected Condition Triggered: Crown Prince Ruvan's Interest. Reward: ??? Penalty for Refusal: Severe Decrease in Social Standing.

Elaria's stomach twisted.

She had no choice.

Slowly, with an unreadable expression, she placed her hand in his.

Suddenly...

The hall fell into stunned silence.

Elaria and the Crown Prince stood in the center, under the shimmering golden chandeliers, all eyes fixated on them.

She could feel the weight of Caelum's gaze burning into her back. Her father's sharp stare. Her brother's clenched jaw. Even Seraphina's lips parted in surprise.

The music started.

Ruvan led effortlessly, his movements smooth, precise, completely in control. His hand rested against her waist, firm yet deceptively gentle.

Then, his lips parted, voice just above a whisper.

"I heard you lost interest in Caelum."

It wasn't a question. It was a test.

A provocation.

Elaria's pulse quickened.

She could feel the weight of his amusement. Waiting for her reaction.

And yet… she gave him none.

Her expression remained unreadable, cold, as if his words meant nothing.

[SYSTEM NOTICE: FAVORABILITY INCREASED]

> Crown Prince Ruvan Adryen Noctis +1% (Total: 1%) Condition: Amused. You're no longer predictable.

Her stomach sank.

That wasn't supposed to happen.

Before she could even process the notification...

[SYSTEM NOTICE: FAVORABILITY INCREASED]

> Caelum Ravenous: -2% → 1% Condition: ???

Elaria stiffened mid-step.

What?!

She risked a glance toward Caelum...

And the look in his eyes was unreadable.

She had expected him to ignore her. Expected him to scoff at her as always. But for the first time, he was watching.

And that?

That was even more terrifying than his usual disdain.