The Marquis’ Daughter Acts As A Pawn

There was a large crowd of people in the eastern part of the hall.
A man stood in the center.
His name was Edward Rowlands.
He was the second prince and first in line to ascend the throne.
Contrary to the expectation for a cunning beauty, his well-featured face, accented by his platinum-blond hair and clear, blue eyes, carried a gentle smile, giving a lovely and kind impression.
That was how those who viewed him as the “ideal prince” appraised him.
He was like the embodiment of a fairytale prince.

Surrounding him were elegantly dolled-up young ladies ogling over him.
Not a single hint of displeasure appeared on his smiling face.
He was the ideal prince today as well.

“Would you like to dance with me, Lady Macmillan?”

“Lord Edward, I believe I’ve always told you to please call me Isabella, yes?”

“My apologies.”

Seeing Edward smile and offer his hand, Isabella blushed bright red and answered with moist eyes.
The ladies who had been surrounding him looked at the chosen Isabella with envious eyes as Edward and Isabella moved to the center of the hall.

On the opposite side from where Edward was, at the western part of the hall, another large crowd had gathered.
A woman stood in the center.
Her name was Julianna Lewis.
She was a direct descendant of Marquess Lewis, one of the “Three Pillars of the Royal Family” and loyal retainer of the king since the nation’s founding.
If ten people saw her, all ten would consider her beautiful with her loose, wavy, honey-blonde hair and deep purple eyes.
That was how lovely and attractive her appearance was.
Surrounding her were young men dressed formally in evening attire.
She greeted these men with a graceful smile.
Everyone in Rowlands recognized her as the belle of society.
Appearance, pedigree, refinement, dance, and gestures—all were perfect, earning her the name of the “perfect lady.” People said that she was like a fairytale princess.

“Lady Julianna, w-would you like to dance with me?”

“Y-yes… it would be my pleasure.”

Julianna replied bashfully to the young man offering his hand.
Seeing that such a timid man, stuttering in the face of Julianna’s smile, should be chosen before them had the surrounding men oozing with frustration.
The two, hand in hand, moved to the center of the hall.

A new tune began to play in the dancehall.
The two sparkled like the most remarkable jewels, the centerpieces of the constantly changing dance floor.

Each time the tune changed, Edward and Julianna changed partners, but they never once danced with each other at this party.