Chapter 74 - Madonna At The Ball (2) (1/2)

RotFK Ch. 74 Madonna At The Ball (2)

“Congratulations! Lady Elena from House Blaise is the star of tonight!”

Applause burst forth from the crowd.

“Ah…”

Her jaw dropped open without her even realizing it.

Even at a glance, there were far more roses before Elena than Yulia and Helen who were standing next to her. The expression of the people who applauded also varied. Some looked jealous, others looked bored, while others were took joy in celebrating such events. But the first thing Elena saw was Mirabelle’s expression of pure happiness. Mirabelle yelled out loud, holding out both thumbs in front of her.

“My sister is the best!”

Elena was so happy to hear her sister’s words and mouthed a “thank you.”

Just as Redfield had said, he approached her while holding the tiara. She did not know his reasons for it, but she wordlessly accepted the crown on her head.

“In my eyes too, Lady Blaise looks the most beautiful tonight.”

“…?”

The words he whispered caused her eyes to widen. If it was her innocent younger sister saying this, she would think nothing of it. But he was Redfield, the second son of the Emperor. It was rather dubious of him to say this, unless he had an interest in her? But there was one thing that she could not understand here.

‘Why on earth?’

There was no reason for him to be interested in her. Elena wore the tiara as she looked at Redfield with a complicated expression. He raised the corners of his mouth and whispered in her ear.

“Dance with me next time. I’m better than my brother.”

A sudden thought came to her. The reason why Redfield would pay attention to her…

‘Is it because of Caril? ’

Although they hadn’t announced their marriage yet, the pair had been wandering all over the ballroom advertising their relationship. Was that the cause for his interest in her? Elena’s scarlet eyes shone in suspicion.

“I’ll send you an invitation to my party next time.”

He gave her a secret wink then strode down the platform, leaving her frozen solid. She couldn’t make understanding of it and simply stared at his retreating back. Helen, who had lost the title of Madonna, also descended from the platform, but not before leaving her a warning.

“Lady Blaise, laugh while you still can.”

They never had anything good to say to each other, but there was an ominous air to her tone. A frown formed on Elena’s brow, while Yulia looked at her with strangely shining eyes.

At last only the host and Elena were left on the platform. She was distracted by the suddenness of events, but she returned her gaze towards Carlisle at the far side of the room. His expression was fierce. She guessed it was because of Redfield, but she didn’t come into this position willingly.

‘…I couldn’t help it.’

Elena stood on the platform, complaining with her eyes. The host next to her spoke in a bright voice.

“Well, how about a few words on what you’re feeling?”

“Ah, um…”

She was flustered for a moment before she composed herself.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as Madonna. I hope you will all continue to enjoy yourselves tonight.”

It was impeccable, but very short. In other cases the young ladies would normally be emotional and thrilled to tears, but Elena found herself quite embarrassed.

“Oh, yes. So that’s the end of the event. Everyone, please enjoy the rest of the ball just as Lady Blaise says.”

The Madonna ceremony ended successfully. Elena tiredly returned to her seat next to Mirabelle.

“Wow! Sister! I loved it.”

Elena smiled at Mirabelle’s joyous innocence. Her happiness was her only consolation.