i became the villainess twin sister

Part 12

"Your highness, I really can't compare to your radiant beauty. It's an honor for this unworthy subject to remain at your side throughout this event."

"Please, you're more than worth my company. I'm honored to have the bright future of the Henituse family spare time for me."

"You're too kind, your highness."

"I can only echo the magnanimous kindness you've offered me, Lady Henituse."

Roksu giggled sweetly. "How modest of the future sun! Indeed, the future of the Roan kingdom is great with you at the head."

Alberu smiled like the sun, gently guiding her across the ballroom. "You're far too sweet, my lady. I'm left feeling bashful."

Cale wanted to gag. Choi Han was walking at her side with the stiffness of a woman ready to strike.

To all the audience around, his highness crown prince Alberu Crossman and the second daughter of the Henituse household looked like a pleasant match arranged by the heavens themselves.

No one was quite able to catch how strained Alberu's smile was getting or the devious gleam in Roksu's eyes.

The prince had immediately been able to recognize the sort of glib person Roksu was presenting herself as and wanted very little to do with it. In fact, her constant compliments sent chills down his spine. But he was far too stubborn to give up so easily and so he bantered back with his own glib tongue running the show.

Thus far, they'd actually managed a way to communicate. The conversation thus far consisted mainly of really, I don't want to stick by you the whole time so can you fuck off? Followed by Alberu's response of oh, you started this. You get to finish this. And so on and so forth.

Roksu was nearly at her limit with the number of compliments she could tolerate as well. She was pretty amazed that the prince even managed to come up with so many considering her nonexistent presence in high society.

He'd managed to complement how the light reflected off of her hair to give it a unique hughe that was just her own as well as quite a few dedicated to just how verbose she was.

It was exhausting.

Roksu only planned to stay at the prince's side for a short while, assuming that if she showed him that she was the sort of person he disliked that he would make an excuse to leave quickly.

Unfortunately the prince was a dedicated escort, even if he hated being there as much as she did. Roksu glanced towards where Choi Han and Cale were trailing after them with regret weighing her down.

She much rather have been able to spend the evening with Choi Han. And despite her warnings not to bully her, Cale probably had judging by how unhappy Choi Han looked.

Really. In all the novel, Cale never had managed to make Choi Han sad. How had she managed to make her look like a forlorn puppy in such a short time?

Roksu caught Choi Han's eyes and Choi Han looked away hurriedly. Roksu turned her attention back ahead. '...what the heck was that? Did Choi Han just avoid me? What'd I ever do to that punk?'

She frowned softly, forgetting to wear the mask of delight she'd been putting on for Alberu.

"Are you feeling alright, lady?" Alberu asked, worry lacing his voice. "Would you like some fresh air?"

She glanced up at him, beaming brightly. "Of course, how kind of you to consider my well-being! Such attentive gentleness is a pure expression of your grace."