|| ᴀ ꜱᴀɪɴᴛ ᴡʜᴏ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀᴅᴏᴘᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴜᴋᴇ || ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇᴛᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜱɪᴅᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀɪᴇꜱ ||

Side Stories 21-24

Side Story 21: Debutante (IV)

★★★

"His Highness the Crown Prince and Lady Esther of the Grand Duchy of Tersia will enter together!"

The imperial knight announced the entry of the two in a loud voice.

Then all eyes from all over the hall turned to the door.

"Oh my, His Highness the Crown Prince made a simultaneous entrance? Isn't this the first time...?"

"It's the first time ever. He has always stayed away from women..."

"The rumor that he has a special relationship with Lady Esther must be true."

With his outstanding looks and the status as the crown prince, Noah was very popular among noble ladies.

However, no one could approach him because he always kept a certain distance and drew a line.

Now that Noah had officially brought a partner, it was only natural that they were jealous of that target.

"But they really suit each other."

"Is it just my feeling, or are only the two of them sparkling as if the lights are surrounding them?"

Not only were many young ladies envious, there were also many young lords who were saddened to see Esther with someone.

"In the past, I couldn't even approach her because of the twins, but now... this! It's so unfair."

"I saw her at a birthday party the other day and fell in love at first sight... Ha..."

While all attention was focused on the two, a few who had regained their senses started to move.

"I am the eldest son of the County of Whitney. Please remember me!"

"It's such an honor to be able to debut together with you two."

Everyone tried to somehow get in the eyes of Esther and Noah and put in a word.

"Tsk tsk, everyone seems to have no self-respect."

"What's the use of pride in front of a lady who receives a lot of affection from His Highness the Crown Prince and His Excellency the Grand Duke? I want to go too!"

"Let's... let's go together."

Even the jealous people joined the crowd. Therefore, everyone's attention continued to be focused on the two.

★★★

Esther whispered in a low tone, exhausted from the people constantly talking to her.

"I think my face would get a cramp from smiling too much."

"Are you tired? We don't have enough time to talk to each other... Shall I take care of this?"

"Is there any good way?"

"Yes. Trust me."

After the whisper, Noah smiled meaningfully and raised his head.

With perked-up ears, he sorted out people's questions.

"A big party is going to be held in my family's mansion soon. I really want to invite you two."

"Lady Esther, that dress is so pretty. Which dressing room do you go to?"

Listening to the meaningless chatter, Noah's smile deepened.

"This is the first time both of you are here with a partner, are you two in a special relationship? You're still holding hands..."