TOPWL 83

His once-pale skin now glowed with a smooth, radiant sheen, and his cheeks bloomed with a soft rose hue. Yudit was dressed in a silk shirt tinged with pale pink, paired with an ivory cravat and a subdued red waistcoat that suited him strikingly well. A slim, plum-colored frock coat and polished brown leather shoes completed the look—each item seeming tailor-made for his frame. Yudit hadn’t known his appearance could be transformed to this extent.

“Thank you.”

At his words, some of the servants who had kept stiff expressions finally allowed their faces to soften. Just then, a knock came at the door. A servant quickly went to check, then opened it. Khalid stood at the threshold, dressed formally, gazing at Yudit.

He looked as though something had caught him completely off guard.

Yudit, waiting for the silence to break, couldn’t help but ask, “Do I look strange?”

At the question, Khalid’s eyes seemed to come into focus, as if waking from a dream. He shook his head.

“No. You look wonderful. Truly.”

At the unexpected compliment, Yudit reflexively pressed his lips together. The balm made them slick and soft beneath the touch.

“Shall we?”

Khalid extended a hand toward him. Yudit stepped forward. It was just a carpet, yet walking on it felt like gliding through clouds. Shane followed them quietly.

“Do you go through this whole process before every banquet?”

“What process are you talking about?”

“I’ve spent all day being groomed from morning till evening.”

Yudit replied with a hint of weariness. Khalid gave him an amused look.

“Perhaps it’s because I’ve never been one for ornamentation, but I’ve never gone to such lengths. A few of the servants looked rather thrilled earlier, though. Must’ve been because of the prince.”

Yudit tilted his head, unconvinced that they’d been that excited. Khalid asked again,

“So, what are your thoughts on today?”

“Honestly?”

“Yes, honestly.”

“If I had to go through that every day, I don’t think I’d blame anyone for starting a revolution.”

Khalid couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the unexpected answer. It was strange, seeing him laugh so freely.

“I didn’t mean I hated it. It was more… on the pleasant side.”

“That’s alright. I wasn’t laughing at that.”

Yudit looked at him, puzzled. Khalid met his eyes and said,

“When I opened the door just now and saw you… I thought I finally understood what I was searching for. But maybe, that’s not all.”

Speaking in riddles, Khalid now stood before the grand banquet hall. Inside, the noise of a crowd already filled the air.

“Are we late?”

“The main guest should always arrive fashionably late.”

“Ah…”

“Shall I tell you a secret?”

Khalid leaned in as though sharing something confidential. As Yudit turned his ear toward him, Khalid whispered,

“There’ll be plenty of uninvited guests at this banquet.”

The doors opened. Bathed in light, Yudit looked out over the crowded room. The hall was far too large to be part of a townhouse. A grand crystal chandelier sparkled at the center of the high ceiling, scattering light across the hall. Ivory walls were adorned with portraits and fine artworks, each perfectly placed.

One side of the room held a long dining table, decked with food and elaborate floral arrangements. It was remarkable how they had sourced so many blooms in the middle of winter. The décor struck the perfect balance—neither excessive nor lacking—and in that, Khalid’s aesthetic sensibilities were evident.

“You must be hungry. Let’s eat first.”

Ignoring the people eyeing him, waiting for a chance to speak, Khalid led the way to the table.

He pulled out the chair next to the seat of honor. Yudit, unsure what he meant, looked at him curiously.

“Well? Aren’t you going to sit?”

Only then did Yudit realize Khalid had pulled the chair out for him. The fact that a duke had done something a servant normally would—startled not just Yudit, but everyone nearby.

“Did you just see that…?”

“There were rumors, but to think they were true…”

“It’s been going on longer than I thought… Could they be planning to marry?”

“Surely not…”

“But His Grace isn’t exactly young anymore.”

Whether people murmured in front of them or not, Khalid remained unbothered. He seated Yudit and even began placing food on his plate. He tried to debone fish for him, which Yudit barely managed to stop.

“Your Grace should eat too.”

“I’ve noticed before—you’re far too easily embarrassed.”

Yudit’s eyes shifted warily, unsure what Khalid would say next. But Khalid smiled, full and bright.

“You should’ve said, ‘Khalid, eat too’.”

“…”

The words firmly cemented the nature of their relationship in public. Unable to restrain himself, Yudit leaned in under the pretense of reaching for bread and whispered in his ear,

“Why are you doing this…?”

“I told you. There are many uninvited guests today.”

Yudit glanced around. As Khalid had said, many familiar faces were present—nobles known to support Reginald, Hiore, and Azil. As Yudit examined them one by one, his expression faltered.

A wine-colored silk tunic, a deep violet coat delicately embroidered with gold thread, and a belt set with large gemstones—those lavish garments unmistakably belonged to Hiore. Nearby stood Aisa and Azil as well.

Khalid placed a perfectly prepared piece of fish on Yudit’s plate.

“Which is why,” he said, “we must show them something worthy of their attention.”

His gaze flicked to Yudit’s lips—the spot where Hiore had struck him. At last, Yudit understood. Khalid was making Yudit’s place unshakable in front of these nobles—to protect him. No matter how powerful Khalid was, could he truly afford to take such a clear stance?

“Your Grace… will you really be alright with this?”

When Yudit asked with a worried expression, Khalid looked momentarily puzzled—then let out a quiet laugh.

“You’re worried about me?”

Yudit gave a small, hesitant nod. It seemed clear now—Khalid intended to make a public declaration that he had chosen him this evening. And Yudit couldn’t help but worry—what if it ended up harming Khalid?

“It’s ridiculous, but… not unpleasant,” Khalid said, placing a light hand on Yudit’s head. “That’s not something you need to worry about. Eat before it gets cold.”

He pushed the plate closer toward Yudit. Before long, Khalid was speaking with the nobles seated beside him, and that gave Yudit the chance to focus entirely on his meal.

As expected from a duke’s banquet, the food was exquisite. The table featured an array of fresh seafood and fish dishes, with the grilled trout seasoned with herbs and lemon, and the shrimp and mussels marinated in wine sauce standing out as particularly delicious. Many had already finished their meals, sipping wine and nibbling on cheese as they chatted in clusters.

After finishing off a moist slice of raspberry pie, Yudit rose from his seat, satisfied. Sensing his movement, Khalid also stood.

“Where are you off to?”

“I thought I might take a short walk. I’ve finished eating.”

“It’s dangerous—I’ll come with you.”

Dangerous? In this banquet hall? What was the worst that could happen—crawling beneath the table? But regardless of how ridiculous that sounded, Khalid looped an arm halfway around Yudit’s waist and guided him toward the ballroom.

“It’s cold outside. Shall we dance instead?”

He extended a hand toward him. Yudit looked flustered.

“I… I don’t really know how to dance.”

“You’ve never learned?”

“Just the basic steps… and only the male part.”

He spoke awkwardly, embarrassed. It was Bashur who had taught Yudit to dance—but Bashur hadn’t been very invested in dancing himself, so Yudit had only learned the bare minimum.

“That’s fine.”

Khalid leaned in and whispered something to a servant passing by with a wine tray. The servant made his way to the conductor, and meanwhile, Khalid led Yudit to the center of the ballroom.

Before long, the music shifted. The change was so seamless that most didn’t even notice the transition—but the new melody was familiar enough that a few quick-witted guests exchanged subtle glances. Yudit, too, recognized it at once.

“This one should work.”

Khalid’s lips curved in a faint smile. The song he’d chosen was known for its steady rhythm and simple melody—commonly used for learning the basics of ballroom dance. It was plain, but with the orchestra’s layered variations, it quickly transformed into a refined piece.

Khalid placed a hand on Yudit’s waist and gave a slight nod of his chin.

“What are you waiting for? A gentleman is supposed to lead.”