Chapter Fifteen: Dance of Shadows and Secrets
Kailon Valcondra, the Crown Prince, arrived accompanied by Elara Lumiura, the Healing Saint and his fiancée, entering the hall where Rin and Cecilia were waiting for them.
Kailon nodded lightly and said,
"Hello, Cecilia, Rin."
Cecilia replied in a cold, reserved voice,
"Hello."
Rin's voice was calm and cool,
"Hi."
Elara smiled and said,
"Pleasure to meet you, Rin."
But when Elara extended her hand to greet Rin, Kailon's sharp eyes noticed Cecilia's angry and jealous gaze that never left Rin's eyes for a moment.
**
The time for the celebration dance began. Soft lights illuminated the hall, and gentle musical notes filled the air, played by string instruments that tenderly embraced the atmosphere.
Rin stepped forward toward Cecilia and gently took her hand—an unusual gesture for him. It was spontaneous, yet inside he didn't understand the true reason behind it.
Looking into her deep violet-tinged eyes, he felt a strange confusion stirring within him. Their steps were synchronized, moving in harmony as if they were part of the same melody, but Rin silently wondered: Why am I doing this? Why do I feel this urge to get close to her despite everything?
Cecilia, maintaining her apparent coldness, reflected through every movement a commanding mystery. Her smile was like a delicate painting—calm yet harboring hidden severity.
Every step, every touch between them told a complex story of struggles and unspoken feelings. As they danced, Rin felt an inexplicable heaviness in his chest.
**
At that moment, away from everyone's eyes, Malphus, Galen, and Lady Luna of Lumiura gathered in a private room within the palace.
Galen said seriously,
"Demons have started creeping toward the western border, where five noble families of the Marquis rank govern. There is also a Duke-rank demon apparently heading there."
Malphus responded firmly,
"I will handle this Duke myself. We won't allow him to expand any further."
Luna nodded worriedly,
"The situation is serious and requires utmost caution."
Galen nodded gravely,
"The demons' presence near our borders is a direct threat to all of us."
**
The scene returned to the hall, where Rin and Cecilia continued to dance, their steps embraced by the mystery of emotions, while Rin wrestled internally with his thoughts, questioning his true motives.