The Northern Duke’s Daughter Will Never Fall

Chapter 34: The Ball (4)

There is a time to step forward and a time to hold back.

Akemilla knew this well. Here, at this moment, she was not the one who should be standing next to Leopold. 

Her rational mind screamed at her to step back, to yield. But emotions don’t always follow logic.

Astrid von Miterien, known for her fiery temper, lack of social grace, and inability to handle subordinates.

Astrid von Miterien, the so-called “White Snow Leopard of the Snowfield,” who hunted savages and monsters in the north with the ferocity of a beast herself.

A girl who, without her noble title, would have no qualifications to become the empress.

“Know your place, Cadet Akemilla.”

The title of “squad leader” had vanished from her address.

But Akemilla didn’t even register it.

“I, I also…”

Just by standing beside Leopold, her status would rise.

Even if she had no feelings for Leopold, the mere fact that she stood next to him could announce to the world that she was a candidate for Crown Princess. For Akemilla, there was nothing to lose.

Unconsciously, her hand reached out toward him.

But before she could reach him, a white, slender hand struck hers away.

Slap!

A sting of pain shot through her hand. Akemilla pulled it back and turned to face the one who had struck her.

A pair of mint-green eyes filled with fiery anger.

The shadow cast by the chandelier fell across her face, highlighting her sharp, unforgiving gaze. Those eyes, like a beast’s, locked onto Akemilla with the intensity of a predator eyeing its prey.

“I told you to know your place. I will not tolerate any further disrespect. Step back.”

Her commanding presence made Akemilla take a step back without realizing it.

She seemed like a different person.

It felt as if she might really sink her teeth into Akemilla’s neck at any moment. Akemilla’s instincts kicked in, and she backed away further.

Astrid stood in front of Akemilla like a shield, her eyes locked on her, while Leopold glanced briefly at Astrid before moving forward.

Only after Leopold had passed Akemilla did Astrid finally follow behind him.

A cold chill, like a winter wind, wrapped around Akemilla, who stood frozen in place.

“Oh my, Cadet Leopold. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other.”

A woman with violet hair styled in a rolled bun approached with a sparrow perched on her shoulder. 

Although she addressed him as “cadet,” there was no mistaking that the person she faced was none other than the crown prince of this empire.

“Ah, Cadet Emilie. My apologies for the late greeting. I’m grateful for your help last time.”

It was Emilie von Jorgien who had assisted Leopold in finding Astrid the day she’d broken a desk and stormed out of class.

“I’m honored that you remember, Your Highness.”

“How could I forget? It’s only natural.”

If it hadn’t been for her help, it would have taken much longer to find Astrid. Leopold had no excuse for that incident, and he’d been grateful to Emilie ever since.

‘…I saw a different side of her that day.’

He’d seen her differently since then. And considering everything that had happened since, it was clear that Astrid had changed after recovering from her illness. Of course, all of that perception had been shattered during the dance earlier tonight.

“Thanks to Cadet Astrid, I had the rare chance to see Cadet Leopold caught off guard. It was quite the sight.” Emilie’s smile was polite but teasing. “Oh, I didn’t see you there, Cadet Astrid.”

She’d been standing there the whole time.

【Hold it in! You can’t lose your temper now! You know you’re in the wrong here!】

‘…Be quiet. I’m holding it in as best I can.’

Her fists had already clenched tightly. At least she wasn’t trembling, which was the only saving grace in this moment.

“Cadet Leopold, you truly love your fiancée, don’t you? I’m surprised to see you following her even here at the academy.” Emilie’s smile deepened.

【It’s just a courtesy! Why are you so happy about it?】

‘Leopold might genuinely think that way too. Don’t read my emotions so carelessly, impostor Astrid.’

【Hey, it’s not like I’m doing it on purpose. Besides, it’s just small talk. Don’t get too excited over it. You’re way too simple-minded.】

“By the way… Have you heard the strange rumors going around lately?” Emilie’s voice dropped slightly, her tone conspiratorial.

“Strange rumors? Are they about me and Cadet Astrid?” Leopold’s eyes narrowed.

He’d never heard of any such rumors until now.

“Yes. I’ve heard people say that your engagement was canceled and that you’re searching for a new crown princess. I’ve even heard that Cadet Akemilla has already declared her candidacy.”

【No! Stay calm! You’re going to cause trouble for the crown prince if you react!】

‘I almost fell for it. Of course she’d say something like that. She’s not the type to just let things be.’

【No one’s trying to deceive you! You’re the one jumping to conclusions!】

“Is that so?” Leopold rubbed his chin, his face thoughtful.

He recalled something his father, Emperor Kreutz, had said to him before he left for the academy.

“A strong-willed person who doesn’t listen to others easily and only believes what she sees with her own eyes is unlikely to be swayed by the words of schemers. She speaks directly about right and wrong, which will serve as a guide for you as the future emperor, helping you to rule wisely. She’s undoubtedly the best partner for you.”

Father, you’re wrong… Leopold muttered to himself.

If such rumors were already spreading, how should Leopold respond? It was a situation where he couldn’t outright confirm or deny anything.

“Wow, he’s not saying anything, so the rumors must be true!”

A loud voice cut through the air.

Everyone—Leopold, Astrid, and even Emilie—turned toward the source of the voice. The one responsible was forcing her way through the crowd of cadets, ignoring all decorum.

“Oh, Cadet Violet.”

With short light-blue hair, tanned skin, and a tall, voluptuous figure, she was hard to miss. Her half-unbuttoned dress exposed a hint of her cleavage. 

This was Violet de Autria, the second daughter of Vice Admiral Baikar de Autria, who commanded the empire’s southern coastal fleet.

“I had no idea such an amusing rumor was going around while I was away. But judging from how quiet he’s being, it must be true, right? Hah, should I throw my hat in the ring too?”

“…Everyone, please calm down. Let’s not be reckless with our words.”

A cold voice cut through the growing murmur of the crowd like a blade of ice.

Everyone—Violet, Emilie, and even Leopold—looked at Astrid in surprise. The air around her seemed to shift, and her tone carried an undeniable weight of authority.

“How dare you casually speak of ‘throwing your hat in the ring’ like it’s a trivial matter? Since when did the discipline of this empire become so lax that even commoners like Akemilla feel free to declare themselves candidates for Crown Princess? Violet, Emilie, do you think the position of Crown Princess is something to be mocked?”

【…Sigh.】

A deep, exasperated sigh echoed in her head.

But Astrid paid it no mind and continued speaking.

“For the daughters of the founding houses like Jorgien and Autria to make such foolish remarks—”

【You’re about to get us all in trouble! If His Majesty the Emperor hears this, he’s going to be furious… Huh?】

Suddenly, Astrid’s words stopped.

Leopold, Emilie, and Violet all glanced at her, puzzled.

“…Ahem, you’ve all grown up so splendidly… and set your sights on… aiming to become Crown Princess… No, aiming for Leopold… No! Anyway, it’s wonderful to see how accomplished you’ve all become. Truly, it’s a blessing for Einthafen. Don’t you agree, Cadet Leopold?”

“Uh, y-yes. I suppose so.”

Leopold glanced at Astrid, puzzled. Her demeanor had shifted so suddenly, but there was nothing outwardly different about her. The only notable change was that the sharpness in her gaze had softened slightly.

“What’s going on? You were dancing so well earlier,” Leopold asked.

“…It’s nothing,” Astrid replied.

But it definitely wasn’t “nothing.”

【Why did you have to switch at that exact moment?! You should’ve put them in their place!】

‘That would’ve caused a scandal. How would you have handled the aftermath?’

Dealing with Leopold’s questions and the “real” Astrid’s outrage in her head was exhausting. It was getting harder to focus.

The ball was now entering its final stages, and it was almost time for the closing dance with Leopold.

【You can’t even dance. What’s the point of you being here?】

‘…’

【Hey, just follow my lead and—】

“Like before, I’ll lead. Just follow my steps.” Leopold’s gentle but firm tone cut off the voice in her head.

【No, no, follow His Highness’ lead this time.】

‘You’re awfully devoted to him, huh?’

A sigh escaped her lips.

Nothing made sense anymore. She didn’t understand why everything had suddenly changed, or why her body had begun behaving like this now of all times.

“You’re acting strangely, Astrid. You’re not yourself today.” Leopold’s sharp observation left her momentarily speechless.

“…I’m fine,” she muttered.

The words, “Actually, the real Astrid just took over my body,” hovered on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them. If she said something like that, Leopold would probably think she’d finally gone mad.

And if that happened, their engagement would be canceled on the spot.

‘…Wait. That’s not a bad idea.’

【Don’t even think about it. If you pull something like that, I’ll bite my tongue and end it right here.】

‘Why are you suddenly talking so casually?’

【Because you’re doing it too.】

‘Do as you like.’

It wasn’t a threat she could dismiss. From what she’d observed so far, if anyone was crazy enough to actually do it, it would be the “original” Astrid.