TOPWL 84

The music began in earnest. Yudit clenched his eyes shut and tried to follow the steps. Khalid’s laughter echoed in his ears. His vision spun as the crowd around them swirled, many lost in nostalgic memories, playfully stepping as they danced. The most serious of them all was Yudit. It was difficult enough to follow the steps precisely, but leading a Khalid who was at least a head and a half taller than him was a whole other challenge. Yudit’s breath became shallow.

He exhaled sharply and looked up at Khalid. Khalid met his gaze with a faint smile, all the while leading Yudit with skill as he danced the women steps. When had he learned to do this?

“When did you learn the women steps?” Yudit asked.

“It’s a secret. Curious?”

“A little.”

“This information comes at a high price.”

Khalid grinned mischievously. Before Yudit could refuse, Khalid quickly followed up.

“It’s not free, but if you kiss my cheek, I’ll tell you.”

Khalid tapped his own cheek lightly, his words dripping with playful confidence. His actions were so natural, like they were really lovers, and it left Yudit stunned.

“You really… seem to be good at everything,” Yudit remarked.

“I am good at everything, but… what exactly are you talking about?”

“Acting. How can you act so naturally?”

Yudit whispered into Khalid’s ear, careful that no one else heard. He was impressed—dancing and acting. If Khalid was so proactive, it only seemed right for Yudit to respond in kind. Yet, oddly, Khalid’s expression seemed a little off.

The music swelled toward its climax. Yudit held Khalid’s shoulder while Khalid gripped Yudit’s waist as they danced. Though the steps were basic, the latter part of the dance was quite intense. Left, left, spin, right, then back to the left. As they continued, Yudit couldn’t help but smile slightly. He realized that, perhaps, he enjoyed dancing more than he had thought. The final steps involved fast footwork to the rhythm of the music.

As Yudit gave his all with the footwork, his gaze briefly met someone else’s. A chilling gaze, like winter winds—Hiore. Just that fleeting moment was enough to make his legs buckle. He quickly regained his balance, but in doing so, accidentally stepped on Khalid’s foot. With his ankle twisted, Yudit stumbled.

“Oops. Looks like this lady will have to step in now.”

In an instant, Khalid’s arms wrapped around Yudit’s waist and lifted him up. As Yudit was swept off the ground, the scent of Khalid’s cologne filled the air. Khalid turned once, and as the music ended, he gently set Yudit down. The sound of the music and the tap of Yudit’s shoes hitting the ground were heard simultaneously. The crowd responded with light applause. Though they were not supporting Yudit, they likely wanted to impress Khalid.

Yudit instinctively felt that now was the time to respond actively to the audience’s attention. With a beaming smile, he said, “I had fun, Khalid.”

Rising onto his toes, Yudit pressed a kiss to Khalid’s cheek. The crowd responded enthusiastically, clapping. Khalid leaned in, his lips brushing Yudit’s ear as he whispered.

“Impressive.”

Yudit smiled silently, his cheeks flushed from the warmth of the moment. Whether it was from the intense dance or the heat of the room, his throat felt dry. After a deep breath, Yudit waved his hand to cool his face, and Khalid led him to the bar.

“Care for a drink?”

Yudit shook his head.

“No, I’m fine.”

Now that he knew Hiore was here, he didn’t think it was wise to drink. Khalid, as though anticipating Yudit’s response, handed him a punch mixed with fruit juice. The refreshing, sweet juice seemed to ease some of Yudit’s fatigue.

“I didn’t know dancing could be so enjoyable.”

It wasn’t as wild as the dance they’d had on a rainy day with Huyan and Wadiram, but dancing with Khalid was still incredibly enjoyable.

“I should have learned more.”

“You can start learning now.”

Khalid said, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Yudit.

“I can teach you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I can teach you just about anything.”

“Ah.”

Yudit finally understood the implication of Khalid’s secret. Khalid seemed to have realized they were thinking the same thing and spoke again.

“Come to my room sometime when you have a chance. I’ll show you something interesting.”

“I’ll do that.”

Yudit agreed cheerfully. Khalid made a face like he had just tasted something strange, before ruffling Yudit’s hair.

“It’s nice that you listen, but for some reason, it feels… strange.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

Yudit didn’t catch what Khalid said, as he was too busy fixing his hair. Just then, he noticed Azil approaching from afar.

“Brother.”

“Azil.”

It seemed true that children grow up quickly. His neck, once fragile, had thickened, and his features, once boyish, had matured slightly. Was it the competition that had helped him grow? Yudit couldn’t help but feel nostalgic at Azil’s transformation. Azil, who had been alternating his gaze between Yudit and Khalid, finally spoke.

“Are you and the Duke… together?”

The blunt question made Yudit cough awkwardly, thankful he wasn’t in the middle of drinking.

“Sorry if I overstepped. You two look good together, so I was curious.”

Azil apologized. Yudit’s eyes met Aisa’s from across the room. Aisa gave a small nod. Yudit also bowed in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to Ashil.

Azil’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Yudit. The people around them seemed to share the same curiosity. Though Azil appeared innocent, his question carried a distinctly political tone. It was likely that Aisa’s influence had played a part in it. While other nobles might have hesitated to ask such a question, Azil, being of the same generation as Yudit, had the freedom to do so. Before Yudit could respond, Khalid naturally draped an arm around his shoulder and spoke.

“I suppose my lover is still shy about telling his younger brother.”

“Ah…”

Yudit tried his best to look natural and respond to Khalid. But perhaps due to his lack of acting experience, it was harder than he expected. Khalid, ever bold, pulled Yudit in and planted a brief kiss on his lips. His lips brushed against Yudit’s skin, sending a shock through both Azil and the surrounding people, leaving Yudit himself wide-eyed.

“You’re engaged, so don’t you think it’s time to tell your family?” Khalid said casually.

Yudit was so surprised that he almost blurted out, “Me?” He had to force his mouth shut, exerting all his willpower to avoid ruining the moment. Khalid had gone this far for him. He couldn’t let it fall apart now.

“Just as I thought. Congratulations, Brother,” Azil said with a bright smile. His face still held the innocent charm of a child, and seeing him like that made Yudit’s conscience prick at him.

“We’ll be holding the engagement ceremony soon. It would be an honor if you could come and celebrate with us,” Khalid continued.

“I’ll gladly come and congratulate you both,” Azil said, beaming. He gave a small bow before turning to approach Aisa. As he whispered something to her, it seemed to be about Yudit and Khalid’s engagement. Khalid, pretending not to listen, turned to the nearby nobles and addressed them.

“I’m sure you all have many questions… but let’s save them for the invitation to the engagement ceremony I’ll send out soon.”

With Khalid’s definitive words, the room began to buzz with excitement.

“Congratulations on your engagement!”

One of the nobles, who had been eager to speak with them, shouted out. Khalid gave a smile and made eye contact with him.

“Thank you.”

“Congratulations on your engagement.”

“You two look perfect together!”

“When and where will the ceremony be held?”

As soon as Khalid started responding, the nobles clamored to speak, all congratulating the couple with broad smiles. Yet, Yudit couldn’t help but wonder how many of them were truly sincere in their well-wishing.

“Oh, are you leaving already?”

Khalid called out to one of the departing nobles. Yudit recognized him—Hiore Friedrich Adanauer. He stopped in his tracks at Khalid’s words, awkwardly lifting his head.

“There are so many people. I thought I’d wait for my turn to congratulate you later. But, congratulations to you both on your engagement,” Hiore said.

Even from a distance, Yudit could sense the crack in Hiore’s expression. Watching his face, Yudit felt an odd, unsettling sensation. Discomfort, irritation, and fear.