The Earl’s ball had begun as the sun set, roughly around 6 PM.
It was a time when most people would have their evening meals.

Despite being called a ball, holding it at a time that straddled the dinner hour was a kind of aristocratic etiquette where the host simultaneously provided a delightful atmosphere and a meal.

Moreover, Earl Roland’s lands were abundant with wheat, which accounted for a large share of the Empire’s grain.
Thanks to this, the bread from the West was one of the extraordinary delicacies unmatched anywhere else.

However, the main characters of the evening banquet did not attend.

“… Surely they won’t be absent.”
“Well, many people were waiting for the Bronte couple.”

The tables were adorned with honey-glazed bread and cheese, showcasing the pride of the Roland family.
Yet, the Bronte couple’s absence cast a shadow on the dinner party’s atmosphere.

Watching this, the Countess Roland clicked her tongue.

“I never expected them to be absent.”

Even Earl Roland, sweeping his beard, sighed.

“I never thought Duchess Bronte would miss an event without notice.”
“I hear she’s always been reckless…”
“It seems the rumors were true.”

The Countess, as if pleased with her husband’s words, lightly hooked her arm around his.

“What’s the use of having a beautiful face alone? Nobility needs dignity, right?”
“But you have both a beautiful face and dignity… You are more splendid than the Duchess Bronte.”
“Hehe…”

Countess Roland smiled with satisfaction.
The faint jealousy she felt when Earl Roland invited Ania Bronte had transformed into a pleasurable sensation.

Earl Roland, known for his lavish enjoyment of women, would undoubtedly have extended the invitation to Ania Bronte with the intention of indulging in some mischief.

While this had its own charm, the concerning aspect was the rumors surrounding Lady Bronte.

As one of the most beautiful women in the Empire, she was said to use her looks to lure men and bring about their demise.

‘She might be a witch.’
‘Yeah, they say she uses dark magic.’

The mere whispers of the servants were enough to paint Lady Ania in an eerie light.

Despite not having strong feelings for her, the Countess did not want her husband to face that woman.

Just in case.

What if Lady Ania, in her pursuit of winning the Earl’s heart, was to drain his wealth entirely?

‘That would be disastrous…’

Earl Roland’s fortune was what she coveted.

According to imperial law, if the head of the family dies, the personal property is split evenly between the wife and the son in inheritance.
With no children, the Earl’s wealth would go to the Countess.

Therefore, the Countess had been adding a small amount of poison to Earl Roland’s food for the past few years.

According to the alchemist’s prediction, if consumed for more than five years, it would lead to sudden death.
With just over a year left, the once grand scheme could not be ruined by a witch.

“Anyway, let the ball proceed as planned. Even if Lady Bronte doesn’t come, many notable figures have gathered. Sir Wilhelm, the Knight Commander, and the most exceptional martial artist in the Empire, Yumiela, are both present.”
“That’s true…”

However, Earl Roland’s face seemed oddly somber, which made the Countess quietly uneasy.

She gnawed at her nails, glancing nervously toward the mansion’s main entrance. And then, it happened.

The doors began to slowly open.

“…Could it be?”

A sense of unease began to creep over her.
She had hired mercenaries from the underworld to prevent anyone from coming.

‘Impossible…’

All eyes from the dinner party turned to the entrance. Emerging from behind the doors were a man and a woman.

“I apologize for the delay.”

Leading the way was Edward, the eldest son of the Radner family, the man who had become the talk of the town by marrying the so-called witch, Ania Bronte.
He possessed a well-groomed and athletic physique, confirming the rumors about him.

“Some matters came up on the way, and we couldn’t make it on time.”

Following closely behind was Ania Bronte.

Known as the most beautiful woman in the Empire, rumored to lure and kill men, she entered the room.

As soon as the Countess laid eyes on Ania Bronte, she realized that the rumors were not exaggerated.

The tension in the air was palpable.

“Edward! Lady Bronte! Welcome!”

The Countess forced a welcoming smile as she greeted the unexpected guests.

***

Despite the late hour, Earl Roland welcomed us warmly.

“I apologize for the delay.”
“Oh, no need. I was just worrying if something had happened…”

The Earl, who had initially extended a warm welcome, suddenly gasped when he noticed my disheveled appearance.
Even to my own eyes, the sight was pitiful, and I could understand the shock.

My hands were scraped and bleeding, my hair was disheveled, and my clothes bore the marks of tearing.
Despite my efforts to tidy up, this was the best condition I could present.

“… What happened?”

Although the Earl asked with a concerned expression, Ania stepped forward.

“We’ll discuss it later, Earl Roland. For now, please prepare a room with medication.”
“Yes, yes! I’ll prepare it right away!”

While Earl Roland quietly called a maid, I looked around the mansion.
The opulent interior blurred the line between a residence and a ballroom.

The place was packed with notable figures, some recognizable by their faces, others by their impressive presence alone.

“People are staring at us.”

Ania pressed herself against my back, and as she said, the eyes of the crowd gathered on us.
I was unsure whether it was due to Ania’s appearance or my pitiful state.

Meanwhile, Earl Roland hurried over.

“Please follow her. She will take care of you.”
“Thank you.”

Following the maid, we entered deeper into the mansion. A lavish guest room awaited us.

“Feel free to call us whenever you need anything.”

The door closed behind us.

As soon as the maid left after greeting us, I grabbed the hem of Ania’s skirt, prompting a surprised yelp from her.

“Husband…!”
“Stay still.”
“No matter how much we’re a married couple… In someone else’s ballroom…”
“Such acting won’t work here.”

Lifting the wide skirt, Ania’s feet and ankles were exposed, just as expected.

“Look at this.”

Ania’s ankles were swollen and reddened.

“Why would you stay so composed even in this state?”
“…”

Seeing Ania redden, seemingly embarrassed, a sigh escaped me naturally.
I had considered her a somewhat unruly woman, but to maintain composure in such a state…

“You acted as if nothing happened in this condition?”
“Well, I tried my best.”

Ania puffed up her cheeks.

“I tried hard to endure it.”

Looking at her, I couldn’t help but feel awkward.
Even though she was in pain, she maintained a nonchalant façade.

“You don’t have to endure if it hurts. Just say it hurts.”
“How can I do that?”
“What’s so difficult about it?”
“Well…”

Her smooth hand gently descended near my face.
When I looked up, Ania’s face appeared to have a slight smile.

“I did my best because we promised to dance together.”
“True…”

So, that was the reason she endured.

“I’ve seen you practice hard. It’d be so disappointing if we can’t dance together.”
“There are more balls after this one.”
“But… it’s our first social event after marriage.”
“Is it more important than my wife’s…”

I couldn’t finish my sentence, frozen in place. I had said, “More important than my wife.”

“Hmm~? Did you say ‘my wife?’”

Ania laughed playfully, leaning forward.

“It’s nothing.”
“What is it? ‘More important than my wife’s… what is it?”
“Really, it’s nothing.”

Avoiding Ania’s gaze, I continued to apply antiseptic and wrap the bandage.
The sturdy support inside would ensure that walking wouldn’t be as painful as before, even with this injured ankle.

“More than that… Can you still dance with this?”
“If it’s with you, I can dance as much as you want.”
“Now is not the time to be playing with words…”
“Hehe…”

Ania stood up slowly, emanating a sweet fragrance.

“Does it hurt?”
“Not as much as before.”
“That’s good.”

Ania approached me from behind, reaching for my jacket collar and slowly removing my clothes.

“More importantly, you’re quite hurt too.”
“I’ll be fine. Just need a day of rest, and I’ll be back–”
“So you’re telling me you’ve neglected your wounds because you were worried about mine?”
“…”

As I spoke, my words faltered, and I let Ania undress me slowly. Beneath my shirt, there were numerous red stains.

“Stay still.”

With gentle movements, Ania squeezed the antiseptic from the bottle onto her fingertips and began applying it to my wounds.

Her touch was incredibly soft.

“…Be gentle.”
“You’re being a bit dramatic.”

Having her behind me was a relief.
I could only imagine the worry and care in her eyes as she attended to my injuries.