In the center of the ballroom, the crowd thickened. Guests whispered as the scandal between the noble houses unfolded, until suddenly they parted to make way for the Princess and the Hero. Their presence commanded silence at once.
"What is going on here?!" the Princess cried, her voice slicing sharply through the air. "What is this circus?"
Christina Silverwood stepped forward, her eyes flashing like lightning.
"The daughter of the Redwoods struck our Amelia, and their Red Knight called me a Silver whore!"
The Princess's gaze fixed upon the representatives of House Redwood.
"Is this true, House Redwood?"
Botond, Captain of the Red Wildrose Knights, stepped forward and bowed his head deeply.
"I… lost my temper when I saw my lady crying. I am ashamed. Forgive me, Christina."
Christina's eyes glinted sternly, though her voice softened slightly.
"Your apology I accept. But what of the Redwood girl's deed?"
The Princess turned to Annerose.
"What is your name, Redwood girl?"
"Annerose Redwood," the girl answered, her voice trembling.
"And yours, if I heard correctly, is Amelia. Amelia Silverwood, yes?" the Princess asked.
"Yes," Amelia replied, still tearful. "My name is Amelia Silverwood."
The Princess looked sternly at Annerose.
"So, Annerose. Why did you slap Amelia?"
"Because… because she said the Young Wolf would rather dance with her, since her aunt Christina is his comrade," Annerose confessed, her voice shaking.
"And for that you struck her?" the Princess pressed, her gaze piercing.
"I… grew angry," Annerose admitted, lowering her head.
"So Amelia said nothing insulting to you, nor to House Redwood, if I understand correctly?" the Princess continued.
"She said nothing cruel," Annerose admitted.
The Princess straightened, her voice ringing with authority.
"Then it is clear you were at fault, Annerose Redwood. For your deed you deserve punishment—unless you would choose the option of a duel. But I warn you: this ball is held in honor of the Hero. If blood is spilled tonight over such foolishness, Eris Scarlett's judgment of both houses will be sealed forever. And it will not be glorious for either of you. So, House Redwood: do you accept Annerose's punishment, or do you demand the duel?"
Botond stepped forward, his voice grave.
"We do not demand the duel. Annerose accepts punishment, provided the judgment is just."
Annerose, struggling with tears, nodded.
"I… was wrong. I accept the punishment."
The crowd waited in tense silence for the Princess's verdict, while Eris Scarlett watched grimly. Even before the royal dance began, a heavy shadow of decision loomed over the noble houses.
In the center of the ballroom, tense silence reigned, every eye fixed upon the Princess and the Hero. Christina Silverwood stepped forward, her gaze flashing with resolve.
"Since the daughters of Silverwood are all strong women, and a slap does not wound our pride," she declared firmly, "we are willing to settle this matter with a minor punishment, one we shall personally decree."
The Princess lifted her head curiously.
"And what punishment would that be?"
Christina's words rang clear and sharp.
"Since the incident arose from the question of who would dance with the Young Wolf, I propose this: Annerose Redwood shall apologize to our Amelia for the slap, and as punishment, she shall not dance with Andras Wolfwood this evening."
The Princess considered, then nodded.
"Indeed, that is a minor punishment, and it harms neither noble house's honor. No blood will be spilled, which pleases me. Very well, I accept this judgment. Amelia Silverwood shall officially be the Young Wolf's dance partner, while Annerose Redwood shall not dance with him tonight. And you, House Redwood—do you accept this punishment?"
Botond, Captain of the Red Wildrose Knights, stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Lady Annerose's punishment is mercifully light. We respectfully accept this judgment. Is that not so, my lady?"
The girl, struggling with tears, nodded.
"I… accept the punishment. And I am sorry for striking you, Amelia."
Amelia Silverwood slowly rose, still touching her aching cheek, but her voice was calm.
"I accept your apology."
The Princess smiled with satisfaction.
"Very well! The matter is closed. Now let the royal dance truly begin!"
The crowd sighed in relief, the musicians prepared once more, and the tension slowly dissolved. Yet Annerose Redwood could not hold back her tears—she fled the ballroom, with Botond loyally following. She danced with no one that night.
Back at the Redwood residence, her parents received her with stern faces. They did not approve that their daughter had caused scandal before the Princess and the Hero. Annerose knew: the punishment at the ball was only the beginning. The true judgment would come from her own family.
With the incident resolved, the ballroom slowly calmed, and the guests' attention returned to the dance floor. The Princess, Anabella, approached the Hero, Eris Scarlett, with graceful steps. The crowd respectfully parted before them, every eye fixed upon the pair.
"Eris, will you be my dance partner?" the Princess asked, her voice soft yet firm.
Eris smiled awkwardly.
"But, Princess Anabella… wouldn't you rather dance with a handsome young man?"
The Princess's eyes gleamed playfully.
"With whom? The noble girls are already fighting over the Young Wolf. But see how considerate I am: I'll let Amelia dance with Andras tonight, while I shall dance with you."
Eris thought for a moment, then smiled.
"You're right, Princess. It's kind of you to think of others. Very well, I'll be your partner."
The Princess's heart beat triumphantly.
"Yes! I wanted only to dance with you, my dear Eris. Only you. This incident turned out perfectly for me. Hehehe!" she thought, as she gracefully took the Hero's hand.
The musicians struck up their instruments, and the first notes of the royal dance filled the hall. The Princess and the Hero stepped onto the center of the floor, every gaze upon them. The true highlight of the ball had begun.
Christina slowly approached the Young Wolf—though in truth it was Noelle, perfectly disguised through the magical technique. None suspected a thing, for such shapeshifting magic had never been seen before. The technique was the Young Wolf's own creation, born from his deep research into water‑slimes, a unique power unlike any other.
Noelle, in the guise of Andras, was savoring a royal cream pastry, her thoughts critically dissecting the dessert.
"Hmm, not bad, but there's too much foam, leaving less filling. And this strawberry doesn't suit the top. My cream pastry is far better. The Young Wolf doesn't even like foam—better to have rich cream filling between two layers of puff pastry."
Christina spoke then.
"I'm sorry you had to witness that foolish incident. This was not how I intended to introduce my niece, Amelia."
Noelle answered calmly, perfectly mimicking Andras's voice.
"Our girls quarrel all the time—over things even more ridiculous than this, believe me."
"I suppose so," Christina nodded. "So, if it's not too much trouble, Young Wolf, would you dance with Amelia? The slap and this silly incident have left her quite downhearted. Unless you have other plans…"
"So Amelia is to be my partner? Very well," Noelle replied briefly.
Christina's face brightened.
"You truly don't mind? You're wonderful! How about this—half an hour with her, and half an hour with me, hm?"
At that moment, Floralys stepped in, her eyes flashing.
"Hold it! That's not what we agreed! He dances half an hour with Amelia, then fifteen minutes with me, and fifteen minutes with you, Christina. What do you say to that?"
Christina sighed, then relented.
"Fine, let it be as you wish. Is that acceptable, Young Wolf?"
Noelle nodded.
"I already promised Carla… I mean, my mother… that I would dance with all three of you."
"I'll fetch Amelia right away, just a moment," Christina said, hurrying off to lead her niece to the dance floor.