The Elusive, Mysterious Male Lead (34)

The banquet was held in the newly restored royal palace. The hall was ablaze with lights, filled with the scent of perfume and the rustle of elegant gowns. The nobles, wine glasses in hand, gathered in small groups, whispering in low voices, yet their attention was fixed on the entrance hall.

The guest of honor had yet to arrive, leaving everyone somewhat distracted.

Princess Daya wore a magnificent wine-red ball gown, its off-the-shoulder design revealing a broad expanse of fair skin. The ruby necklace at her throat gleamed brilliantly under the lights, and her pale golden hair seemed to emit a soft halo. Matching gemstone earrings and a bracelet, all in the same hue as her dress, added to her dazzling presence.

Many young nobles in the hall found their gazes drawn to her, whether intentionally or not. Even the ladies cast her looks of envy from time to time.

The stifled frustration Princess Daya had harbored lately was finally eased somewhat. She maintained a poised smile as she nodded to the gentlemen who offered her respectful glances, but inwardly she was still pondering—after waiting so long for Charles to invite her as his companion and being disappointed, should she still choose him for her first dance tonight?

"Daya, my daughter, you are truly radiant tonight," said His Majesty the King, approaching her side. "Are you still angry with your father for hosting a birthday banquet for Jianyu?"

Daya wrinkled her nose and let out a faint huff.

"She is an orphan—she doesn't even know which day is her birthday. In truth, this celebration is for you, my dear daughter."

"If this were truly for me, Father, then you should know what I detest most."

"His Excellency the Dragon God will be present tonight as well," the King said, his tone meaningful.

Daya frowned, unsure of her father's intent, and looked at him in confusion.

"I believe my clever and beautiful daughter will understand what I mean," the King replied with a knowing smile.

Daya thought, "Father knows well that the one I fancy is Lord Charles. No matter how powerful the Dragon God is, he is still just a beast. Does Father expect me to follow the shameless example of that commoner Jianyu and try to seduce—"

"You've never seen the Dragon God's human form, have you?"

"What difference does it make if he can take human form? At his core, he's still nothing more than a beast." Daya had barely finished her sentence when a ripple of excitement stirred near the entrance.

"The Dragon God has arrived."

"Ah, and Her Highness the Princess, as well as Lord Charles."

Daya turned and saw another young woman clad in fiery red.

The magic that had concealed her appearance had long since faded. Her hair had reverted to a lustrous black, as had her eyes, yet her face remained pale as snow—the contrast only making her gaze more striking. The fragmented lights reflected in her pupils, making them all the more captivating.

On either side of her stood a blond youth in a silver-white suit and a black-haired youth in a strange black robe.

At first glance, their features were uncannily alike—were it not for their different hair and eye colors, one might have mistaken them for twins.

The blond exuded a brilliant, easy charm, instantly seizing all attention the moment he appeared among the crowd. The black-haired youth radiated an aura of strength and mystery, his gaze deep and penetrating, equally arresting.

Yet these two outstanding men, each gripping one of the red-dressed girl's wrists, ignored all the stares around them. Instead, their eyes locked in a deadly glare, each wishing he could annihilate the other a thousand times over.

"Your Highness promised me first—I am your companion tonight, and will share the first dance with you. Dragon God, please let go."

"No."

Charles smiled, his words cutting like a blade. "Are you even capable of dancing, my lord?"

The "naive" Xiu was unfazed by this kind of veiled jab. "She will not dance."

Si Jiu could only feel exasperated. "Frankly, the two of you dancing together would make the most sense."

She wrenched her hands free from both men, then, with a look of feigned benevolence, placed their hands together and patted them on top. "I wish you both happiness."

Charles: "…"

Xiu: "???"

Si Jiu swept past them in long strides.

Charles and Xiu stood dazed for a moment, replaying that "I wish you both happiness" in their minds. They exchanged a glance, shuddered in unison, flung each other's hands away, and hurried after Si Jiu.

Daya stood frozen in place, watching the scene unfold—her wine glass nearly crushed in her grasp.