The Villain is Being Suspiciously Kind - Chapter 111

Chapter 111

The banquet in Selene Hall began.
Today, Selene Hall opened its doors to accommodate an unusually large number of nobles.
“Now entering, Duke Desian Pietro and Lord Aaron Pietro of the Pietro Duchy.”
A knight announced in one breath.
“Now entering, Baroness Citrina Flang of the Flang Barony”
Through the door, the three of them-Desian, Aaron, and Citrina-entered. Today, Citrina was flanked on either side by Aaron and Desian. It was the same as the previous banquet.
Back then, they accompanied her simply as a patron.
But today she was here as Desian’s partner.
As they entered, Aaron whispered to her.
It’s unusual for Selene Hall to be open on such a cold day!”
“That’s incredible…”
In response to Aaron’s comment, Citrina stepped closer to the wall.
‘Instead of drawing attention to ourselves, let’s just take in the atmosphere.’

Everyone knew that Elaina who had returned to the Holy Kingdom was Citrina’s sister, but Citrina hadn’t been punished in any way.
This was a far cry from the usual punishment. Since Citrina and Desian didn’t bother hiding their relationship, the number of people who witnessed them steadily increased.
In other words, there are probably fewer people in the room who don’t know about Citrina and Desian’s relationship.
‘No one would dare to ask directly.’
Citrina leaned back against the wall. She could feel Desian and Aaron watching her every move.
There was plenty of food on the table, but it didn’t look appetizing. She was busy looking at the banquet participants one by one. In particular, Citrina’s gaze hovered near the throne.

“Rina, what are you looking at?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking that no matter the location, family is family.”
Following Citrina’s gaze, Desian and Aaron’s gazes turned toward the throne. The emperor, empress, and Princess Iana were seated at the head of the table, chatting privately. A smile shone on the empress’s face. Except for the crown prince, who was absent, they seemed to be in good spirits.
“Like us, Citrina?”
Aaron asked cheerfully.
“Yeah. Like us.”
Citrina nodded. Her eyes fell to the center of the banquet.
Any moment now, it seemed, the banquet would begin.

Princess Iana rose gracefully to her feet and made her way to the center of the ballroom.
She and an unnamed knight danced, and the entertainment began. Citrina sipped her champagne, pretending not to see that Princess Iana’s dance steps got tangled a few times.
The orchestra’s song flowed throughout that ballroom for the princess’s first dance.
The mood was appropriately festive.
One by one, people began to make light conversation, except around Citrina, Desian, and Aaron. After the first dance, Princess Iana rose to her feet.

“I think it’s great to dance in front of everyone.” [Citrina is talking]
Iana must have been nervous about the attention, but she danced like a fairy. Desian replied bluntly to Citrina’s amused tone.
“Yeah.”
…He didn’t seem to think so at all.
Citrina grinned at Desian. Her gaze locked with his.
Citrina spoke in a small voice, barely above a whisper, almost drowned out by the music.
“I…like dancing when no one else is looking.”
“Just the two of us?”
“Yeah. Just the two of us.”
Desian grinned at her, his eyes twinkling.
They were reminiscing about the midnight dance they had shared as children. There is such an affectionate current that flows between lovers who share the same memories.
The air felt sweet.
The sweetness was interrupted by a knight in full regalia.

“Your Excellency.”
“What is it?”
“His Majesty wishes to see you.”
Desian stared at him without replying. Meanwhile, the knight leaned forward a little further and began to whisper in Desian’s ear.
Desian’s face frowned slightly. It softened a bit under Citrina’s gaze.
“…I shall go see.”
“Yes, he said to come immediately.”
Desian leisurely set down his wine glass. He looked at Citrina and spoke.
“Rina, please wait.”
Citrina looked at him. Desian didn’t look displeased, nor did he look indifferent. It was a little… odd.

“What’s wrong?”
“I have some business to attend to.”
It was the emperor’s orders, as Citrina had heard.
However, Desian casually refers to the imperial order as “business to be taken care of.
“Yes, go ahead. Be careful.”
Actually, he probably didn’t need to be told to be careful However…
A slight uneasiness settled into her mind, and his, too.
Elaina, Genfiros, and the order had all been disbanded.
Desian replied lightly.

“Don’t worry.”
“I’ll stay with Citrina.”
Then, Aaron quickly stepped in between them.
“I’ll keep her safe, don’t you worry!”
“Yeah, alright, I’ll stay with Aaron, Del.”
Desian gave Aaron a disapproving glance. Aaron’s twinkling eyes met Desian’s.

“Sure.”
Desian’s gaze shifted to Citrina, his eyes warming in a way that anyone could recognize by now.
Citrina looked at the back of Desian’s head. Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen Desian’s back very often.
He was always waiting for her.
From the first time, till the present.
Seeing his silhouette made her feel a little numb.