Saving The Villainous Monster From The Male Lead

A collective sigh of relief seemed to spread through the ballroom, and the musicians struck up a lively tune. Couples began pairing off, filling the dance floor with swirling gowns and bowing figures. Others eagerly approached the Emperor and Empress, seeking a brief moment with the imperial family.

To Eleanore's surprise, Caelestis suddenly appeared in front of her. Before she could react, he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Her hand landed on his chest, and she could feel the firmness of his muscles through the fine fabric. A blush spread across her cheeks at the sudden warmth that passed from him through her palm.

He extended his other hand, meeting hers in a firm yet gentle grip. Eleanore's free hand found its way to his shoulder, and he leaned down slightly. "Shall we?" he asked, his voice low.

Eleanore, a bit flustered, nodded. Caelestis led her into a graceful swirl, and the two moved together in perfect synchronization. But Eleanore couldn't help but feel tense. She focused on her every step, trying to keep from accidentally stomping on his feet.

"What do you mean by the 'last dance'? Are you really planning to stop bothering me?" Caelestis asked, a faint smirk on his lips as he looked down at her, barely able to see her expression.

Eleanore lifted her chin, her irritation flaring briefly. "I am completely over you, good sir," she replied through clenched teeth, her voice laced with determination. But in her frustration, she accidentally misstepped, her heel coming down hard on his foot.

"Ouch!" Caelestis winced, letting out a quiet, painful cry.

Eleanore's face flushed, and she quickly pulled back a little. "I apologize, Grand Duke. That was… unintentional," she muttered, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and satisfaction.

"Since when did you start dancing so terribly?" he teased, regaining his composure as they resumed their steps. "You used to be able to dance quite well, as far as I can recall."

"That's exactly why I was trying to focus," she shot back, irritated. "But you insisted on distracting me." She took a calming breath, shifting her gaze downward for a moment. "In any case, I have something important to ask you."

"Important?" he repeated, his curiosity piqued.

Eleanore hesitated, her eyes flickering up to meet him. "You're going to propose to Stella, aren't you?"

Caelestis stiffened, surprised. "How did you—?" He paused, staring down at her with suspicion. Only he had known his plans; no one else could have predicted it. Or so he had thought.

She offered a gentle, almost knowing smile. "Consider it my final piece of advice to you." She hesitated before adding, "If you truly want her to say yes, don't make your proposal in front of everyone."

Caelestis raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "And why should I take advice from you on such matters?"

Eleanore glanced away, her expression softening. "Because I am a lady, Grand Duke, and I understand what a lady desires. Stella isn't like me; she doesn't seek attention or grandeur. She's gentle, unpretentious. She'll respond better to a private proposal."

Caelestis listened, momentarily captivated by her words. Eleanore's suggestion was oddly sincere, her voice steady and thoughtful. "Take her to the balcony on the second floor," she continued, her tone gentle. "It has a lovely view there, and the quietness will make it special. She'll appreciate that sincerity from your side."

As the song drew to a close, Eleanore loosened her hold on his hand, ready to release him. But as her fingers slipped from his grasp, Caelestis felt a strange sense of emptiness—a sensation he hadn't anticipated.

For the past five years, he had dreamed of freedom from Eleanore's constant presence, but now, with her detachment so close, he found himself feeling… unsettled and ….strange.

Eleanore took a step back, offering him a final smile before bowing politely. Her gaze held a glimmer of sadness, a look that only Caelestis seemed to notice. This was her true farewell, the final goodbye she'd prepared herself to give. And though he'd spent years waiting for this moment, he couldn't shake the peculiar void left in her absence.

As he watched her retreat into the crowd, he felt a flicker of something he hadn't expected—regret.

Hael caught Eleanore's hand and guided her further away from Caelestis, effectively pulling her out of his sight. 

"Grand Duke, it is time to dance," Stella said. He held her with the utmost care, his touch as soft as if she were made of fragile glass. Yet, when he took Eleanore's hand, his grip was firm and unyielding.

His gaze shifted back to Eleanore. For a moment, Caelestis found himself watching them, mesmerized by the unexpected scene. Eleanore's laughter echoed through the ballroom as she danced with her brother, clumsily stepping on his feet in her excitement.

Hael laughed along with her, letting out a dramatic groan every time she stomped, and Eleanore's carefree laughter grew louder, drawing a smile even from some of the nearby guests. 

Caelestis struggled to pull his gaze away. 'Why am I only seeing her?' he wondered, feeling an unfamiliar pang somewhere in his chest.

Stella's sudden misstep pulled him back to the present as she accidentally stepped on his foot. "I apologize," she murmured, blushing in embarrassment.

"It's fine," he assured her, his voice gentle as he refocused on the woman in front of him. He knew what he had to do, yet his thoughts still lingered on Eleanore's laughter, a bittersweet sound that left him feeling oddly distracted and confused by the feelings lingering in his heart.

***

||Chapter 1: Stella Belongs To Caelestis

Caelestis Lancaster, one of the two pillars of Seraphine, grows obsessed with his best friend Stella. On the occasion of the Crown Prince's 20th birthday, he finally confesses his love. However, Stella rejects him in front of the entire court, sparking a rage in Caelestis that drives him to kidnap her from the party.

Eleanore Sinclair plays a key role in ensuring Stella's abduction, arranging matters so that everyone believes she was recuperating in Caelestis's mansion during the incident.

Quest 1: Stop Stella's Kidnapping.

Task 1: Ask Caelestis for the First Dance.

Do you accept the quest?

Yes|No||