Time passed quickly, and so did my lifespan.

This is hell.

Today, I realized that hell wasn't just composed of the deep lava underground. There were many kinds of hell in this world.

Perhaps the hell I was in was the most beautiful of them all—a quiet hell that silently dried up sinners.

Am I really a sinner?

A feeling of injustice surged within me. I would humbly accept it if I had done something wrong, but to be in this situation without knowing why?

Yes. I didn't understand why Marghetta and the Mage Duchess were in a standoff, or why I was caught in the middle of it.

At least it’s quieted down.

Unlike before, there was now complete silence. I took this chance to carefully look around, careful not to disturb the peace.

And the moment I made eye contact with the Mage Duchess, I knew I had made a mistake.

"Baby, what's wrong? Do you need something?"

The Mage Duchess asked gently, smiling as soon as our eyes met.

"Carl. If you need something, just tell me. We're partners, aren't we?"

Marghetta responded immediately to the Mage Duchess's words. Maybe it was just my imagination, but it seemed like she put extra emphasis on the word 'partner.'

Damn this.

I closed my eyes in despair. I had been cautious not to provoke anything, and yet my cautious actions had sparked another conflict.

"He must have needed me if he looked at me like that."

No. It was just a coincidence.

"No, Your Grace. It would be a bother to you, so I should do it. After all, I’m his partner."

Since when did 'partner' become a synonym for errand runner?

I didn't really need or want anything. I was just trying to find the right moment to escape but ended up making eye contact instead.

But those words just circled in my throat and were swallowed. Once again, I was sidelined in the middle of a fierce dispute between two noble houses.

I hate this hierarchy.

I cried in my heart. If only I were a duke instead of just a noble, I could have been more assertive.

Whoever made me possess this body must be heartless. If they were going to send me to the body of a nobleman, then why not send me to the body of a duke or a marquis? Couldn't they have been a bit more generous?

Oh, was it not generosity but sincerity?

Ha, how funny.

Damn it all.

My heart wept.

***

Oh, it was starting again.

"Your Highness."

The second round for the trophy known as the Executive Manager had just begun, but I abandoned watching it as I heard someone call me.

No matter how delightful the scene was, I couldn't ignore the Crown Princess.

“Crown Princess, why did you come so early? How is father-in-law?"

"I came because it pained me to think of His Highness being alone."

I couldn't help but smile at her chuckling response. Indeed, as delightful as any scene might be, it would never be as pleasurable as seeing her.

"But, Your Highness, what are you watching that you find so enjoyable?"

The Crown Princess, who had been giggling softly, tilted her head curiously and approached me.

It must seem strange indeed. After all, the Crown Prince was watching alone from the second floor instead of mingling with other nobles.

"Something interesting is happening."

Saying that, I guided her to the railing where the view was clearest.

"The Mage Duchess... and Lady Marghetta."

Following my lead to a scene unlike any other, the Crown Princess spoke calmly.

Oh, so she hadn't noticed the most crucial part yet.

"The Executive Manager is also there."

"Oh my."

The Crown Princess’s eyes widened as she belatedly noticed the Executive Manager.

"I had no idea."

She murmured to herself, seemingly surprised. That made me smile discreetly.

The Executive Manager was hard to miss even from a distance with his black hair. His insistence on wearing black also made him stand out even in a crowd.

But because he was sandwiched between the two women, his presence faded into the background. It didn’t help that he was standing still and stiffly like a statue.

"That's a unique combination."

"You’re right. You wouldn't see this anywhere else."

I couldn't help but laugh after saying that.

Indeed. Where else could one witness such a scene? The Mage Duchess, who never left her tower, the lady, who was a student in the academy, and the Executive Manager, who would normally be at the Prosecutors’ Office, were all in one place.

Under normal circumstances, these figures wouldn't come together, but here they were, miraculously at a banquet held for the Crown Princess.

It’s a gift from the gods.

That was the only way I could think of it. It was either a gift from Enen to me, who was burdened with tedious duties, or a blessing from Amanca the Great.

Of course, the combination of these three would barely lead to anything trivial. But what did it matter? The future would be dealt with by the future me.

It's not like it's going to happen anytime soon.

Based on the unfolding scenario, it seemed that the romantic conflict had just begun. Even though nobles typically refrained from casually discussing a duke's private life, rumors were bound to spread when two dukedoms clashed over one man.

And to think that I was only just learning about this? This was an incident that the public had never seen, and it was happening for the first time in this place.

Even if things moved quickly, it would be a few years before any marriage would take place. There was plenty of time to prepare a strategy.

"Your Highness?"

Suddenly hearing my laughter, the Crown Princess looked at me curiously.

Oh dear. I got too carried away enjoying the moment in front of the Crown Princess.

"Sorry. But it's quite an interesting scene, isn't it?"

"Well, it's unique, but..."

She trailed off, glancing back at the Executive Manager while tilting her head right, then left.

I nearly laughed again at the cute scene, but I held back. She often got upset when I laughed while she was being serious.

"The reason those three are together is quite amusing."

I could feel the Crown Princess working hard to figure it out. It was tough to come up with the answer, but I knew she'd figure it out, as I did thanks to her words.

"Ah."

As expected, she came up with the answer on her own.

"Isn't it interesting?"

I hugged her from behind, feeling a rush of satisfaction.

Up until now, it had been fun and yet frustrating. Watching this century's love battle gave me joy, but it also frustrated me that I couldn’t speak carelessly to anyone about it.

But now, I could share this joy with the Crown Princess. How could it not be enjoyable—?

"Hmm."

"...Crown Princess?"

Her hum made my body stiffen.

Why?

That was the sound she made when she was upset.

Her hand then rested on mine, which was still wrapped around her. Her gentle touch, which was usually comforting, now filled me with dread.

"Your Highness."

"Speak, Crown Princess."

"Are you having fun?"

Suddenly, my mind went blank.

***

The banquet was so grand that the food was served buffet-style.

"Carl, try this too."

"Thank you..."

"Baby. This is good for your health."

"Thank you..."

However, I couldn't tell if I was eating with my mouth or my eyes. It didn't feel like anything was really entering my mouth.

With Marghetta on my left and the Mage Duchess on my right, I had a solid lineup beside me. They kindly filled my plate with care, and the meal was thrilling as tension simmered between them.

And just when I felt like I was about to choke from frustration, a glass of water would miraculously appear before me. There were always two of them.

I'm dying.

I've never wished for a banquet to end as quickly as today. Honestly, I even felt a slight urge to flee halfway through.

But to have a noble flee from the birthday banquet of the Crown Princess? The fallout would be terrifying. Plus, it would make things awkward with the Crown Prince.

I'll go straight to bed when I get back.

Fortunately, I had the next day off. If I had to go to work the next day with this mental state, I might actually go mad.

Yes. I felt tired, but I should hang in there a little longer. There wasn’t much left of the program now.

***

Enen seemed to be a severe xenophobe.

I’m going insane.

I could hear everything, including the faint music and the murmuring that even the music couldn’t drown out.

Thinking that there wasn't much left of the program, I let my guard down. I never imagined that such a trivial schedule would turn back on me like a dagger.

What is this?

I just stared at the hand extended in front of me.

Then, slowly and with great effort, I moved my stiff neck, gradually lifting my gaze upward toward the white hand, the slender arm, and then toward the face.

There, the Mage Duchess was smiling. Marghetta was also there, glaring at the Mage Duchess while also looking at me with desperation.

"Baby. Are you going to keep a lady waiting?"

As I stood there, stunned, the Mage Duchess spoke up.

"Carl..."

Marghetta didn't say much. She just called out to me with a trembling voice.

This was hell. Earlier was just like purgatory. This was the real hell.

Damn it.

I was trapped in an awkward situation brought about by the final event of the banquet.

The last dance of the evening was intended to celebrate the unity and friendship among the host and participants.

Of course, I was naturally planning to dance with Marghetta. After all, she was my partner, and I had no one else in mind.

"Baby. If it's okay with you, shall we dance together?"

Surprisingly, there was someone I hadn't even considered.

The sudden invitation from the Mage Duchess caused silence to sweep through the ballroom.

Nobles who were planning to dance with their spouses, those looking for peers to dance with, and even those who just came to watch—all fell silent and turned to look our way.

...I pretended not to see the Iron-blooded Duke staring at me like he was going to kill me.

"C-Carl! How about dancing with me?"

Marghetta, who had been momentarily stunned, rushed over. However, that didn’t change the fact that the Mage Duchess had asked first.

Regrettably, choosing Marghetta was difficult. The Mage Duchess had asked first, was of higher status, and was older. To firmly reject such a person would be extremely challenging.

At the same time, choosing the Mage Duchess was also difficult. Even if the Mage Duchess had made the first move, Marghetta was my partner. Besides, dancing with someone else in front of my future wife would be... quite awkward.

If we were officially engaged, then I could use that as a reason to decline. But Marghetta and I weren't even in any sort of formal relationship yet. It wasn't enough to justify a refusal.

...Should I bite my tongue?

No, biting it would just be painful but not deadly.

Should I cut my hand?

That seemed like a good idea. If I couldn't hold a lady's hand, then I wouldn’t have to choose anyone—a beautiful conclusion.

Not bad. I should just... just give up my hand for a moment—

"Fortunately, it hasn't started yet."

Just then, the Crown Prince's voice boomed.

He had been out of sight until now. Because of that, all the attention that was on me shifted to him.

Where was he?

Since everything was in chaos, even trivial things felt annoying. That jerk of a Crown Prince was always wandering off to strange places.

But regardless of my irritation, the Crown Prince seemed pleased to have the attention on himself and nodded contentedly.

"This banquet is for the Crown Princess. I'm grateful to all of you for making it shine, but I would like her to adorn the final moment."

With those words, the Crown Prince took the Crown Princess's hand and walked to the center of the ballroom.

"Allow us to be the ones to adorn the final part."

...What?

I doubted my ears for a moment at the Crown Prince's declaration.

"So everyone, look forward to the next opportunity. After all, the New Year's Ball is just around the corner."

With that, the Crown Prince glanced at me briefly and then looked away.

It was just a split second, but I could tell.

Your Highness...

He was my savior.

***

As everyone watched us dance, the Crown Princess whispered softly.

"You did well, Your Highness."

"I'm glad you're pleased, Crown Princess."

"Fufu. Your Highness always satisfies me."

I smiled back at the Crown Princess, who was smiling gently.

I survived.