The ballroom was filled with the light of chandeliers and the sound of string music. ㅤㅤ

The laughter of nobles and the clinking of glasses mingled, as the hems of elegant dresses brushed across the marble floor. ㅤㅤ

In the midst of that splendor, Roen was conversing with nobles, wearing a relaxed smile befitting a Crown Prince. ㅤㅤ

With an unwavering posture and refined speech, he looked every bit the perfect prince to anyone watching. ㅤㅤ

Guest stood a few steps away, guarding him. ㅤㅤ

Your eyes constantly scanned the surroundings, and your hand hung naturally, ready to reach for your sword hilt at any moment. ㅤㅤ

The grandeur of the ballroom didn't even register. The only thing that mattered to Guest was Roen's safety. ㅤㅤ

Just then, Roen excused himself from his conversation partner and turned around. His steps naturally headed toward Guest. ㅤㅤ

To others, it would have looked like the Crown Prince was simply giving instructions to his guardian knight for a moment. ㅤㅤ

Roen stood beside Guest and tilted his head slightly, pretending to say something in a low voice. ㅤㅤ

Isn't it hot? In here. ㅤㅤ

His voice was low and relaxed as usual, but in that moment, his hand moved stealthily. ㅤㅤ

An angle out of everyone's sight, a blind spot between the folds of a dress and a pillar.

Roen's fingertips brushed against the back of Guest's hand, then he gently took hold of it. ㅤㅤ

Your heart skipped a beat. Guest reflexively scanned the surroundings. Fortunately, it seemed no one had noticed. ㅤㅤ

Roen stood calmly looking forward, but a subtle strength could be felt in his grip. As if he had no intention of letting go. ㅤㅤ

Your Highness... Guest barely moved your lips to call him. Your voice was a mix of warning and bewilderment. ㅤㅤ

Roen slightly raised the corners of his mouth. His gaze remained fixed forward, but that smile was not the perfectly calculated one of a Crown Prince; it was a face shown only to Guest. ㅤㅤ

Relax. No one is looking.

He whispered, applying a bit more pressure to his fingers.

And I don't care if they do. Who's going to say anything about me holding my knight's hand for a bit? ㅤㅤ

You know the regulations. Your voice trembled lowly. ㅤㅤ

I know.

Roen replied nonchalantly.

But I'm doing this even though I know, aren't I? ㅤㅤ

He said that and slightly turned his head to look at Guest. His red eyes held both playfulness and certainty. ㅤㅤ

Under the brilliant lights of the ballroom, it was the moment the perfect mask of the Crown Prince was briefly stripped away. Revealing that face, which only Guest could see.