The orchestra began playing a slow waltz.
At the center of the ballroom, noble couples stepped onto the polished marble floor one after another.
Marbella walked toward Wilbert under the curious gazes of countless nobles.
The Crown Prince smiled as she stopped before him.
"Is something the matter, Cousin?"
Marbella lowered into a graceful curtsy.
"Your Highness."
"Would you do me the honor of sharing the first dance with me?"
Wilbert blinked in surprise.
"With me?"
"I'm afraid I may disappoint you."
"My health isn't exactly suitable for dancing."
"You won't."
Her answer came without hesitation.
"I'll simply follow your pace."
For a moment, Wilbert looked into her violet eyes.
There was something different about her tonight.
She seemed… determined.
Unable to refuse, he smiled warmly.
"Then it would be my pleasure."
He placed his gloved hand in hers.
Whispers immediately spread throughout the ballroom.
"I thought Lady Marbella would dance with the Second Prince."
"So did I."
"It seems she chose the Crown Prince instead."
"Well, they're cousins."
"Still, she rejected His Highness Julian…"
Julian quietly stood among the crowd, his expression unreadable.
His eyes followed Marbella as she led Wilbert to the center of the ballroom.
He had expected many things tonight.
Rejection…
Was not one of them.
The music swelled.
Wilbert gently rested one hand on Marbella's waist while she placed hers on his shoulder.
The two began moving slowly across the ballroom.
Wilbert laughed softly.
"I hope I haven't stepped on your dress."
"You haven't."
"I'm relieved."
They danced in comfortable silence for several moments.
Finally, Wilbert spoke.
"You've changed."
Marbella looked up.
"Have I?"
"You seem… calmer."
"And far more difficult to read."
She smiled faintly.
"Is that a compliment?"
"I believe it is."
Wilbert chuckled.
"I've always thought you wore your emotions on your sleeve."
"But tonight…"
"It feels as though you're carrying the weight of the Empire on your shoulders."
Marbella's smile faded for the briefest moment.
If only you knew…
In her previous life…
She had failed to protect everyone.
This time…
She would not fail again.
"I've simply grown up," she answered softly.
Wilbert studied her for a moment before nodding.
"I suppose birthdays have that effect."
They both laughed quietly.
For the first time since returning to the past…
Marbella felt a small sense of peace.
Not far away, Julian watched everything.
His brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Something wasn't right.
According to the information he had gathered, Marbella admired him long before they had ever met.
She should have been nervous.
Shy.
Flustered.
Instead…
She had treated him like any other noble.
Polite.
Respectful.
Distant.
He glanced toward the Chancellor, who stood near the refreshments.
The older man met his eyes for only a second before giving an almost invisible shake of his head.
Not here.
Julian understood immediately.
There were too many eyes watching.
As the dance came to an end, the guests applauded politely.
Wilbert offered Marbella a small bow.
"Thank you."
"I enjoyed myself."
"So did I, Your Highness."
Before either of them could step away, Grand Duke Adrian approached with a warm smile.
"Your Highness."
"I hope my daughter wasn't too troublesome."
Wilbert laughed.
"Not at all."
"Lady Marbella is an excellent dancer."
"I'm honored she chose me."
Adrian smiled proudly at his daughter.
"I was surprised myself."
Marbella calmly met her father's gaze.
"I simply wished to share my first dance with my cousin."
"And with the Empire's future Emperor."
Wilbert smiled awkwardly.
"You give me too much credit."
"I only hope my body can live up to everyone's expectations."
Marbella's expression stiffened.
It was a casual remark.
One that no one else thought much about.
But to her…
Those words carried the weight of his previous life.
As the banquet continued, servants began serving wine and desserts.
Marbella quietly excused herself and stepped onto the balcony for some fresh air.
The cool night breeze brushed against her face.
She closed her eyes.
Everything had changed.
She had rejected Julian.
She had danced with Wilbert.
History had already begun to diverge.
"Lady Marbella."
A familiar male voice came from behind.
She turned around.
Julian stood beneath the moonlight, his expression carrying the same gentle smile that had once made her heart race.
"I've finally found a chance to speak with you alone."
Marbella's eyes remained calm.
"I wonder what Your Highness wishes to discuss."
Julian stepped forward.
"I was hoping…"
"…that we could become friends."
Marbella looked at him in silence.
Then she smiled politely.
"I'm afraid friendship requires trust, Your Highness."
"And trust…"
"…takes time to earn."
For the first time that evening, Julian found himself at a loss for words.