Reflected in Cui Ciyou's eyes was Alice's stubborn face, flushed faintly with nerves and determination.
At the sight, a trace of tenderness stirred in Cui Ciyou's heart.
Finally, he smiled faintly.
Under the gaze of all the guests around them, Cui Ciyou offered Alice an impeccable greeting in the formal etiquette of the Asla Kingdom's nobility.
Cui Ciyou bowed slightly and elegantly extended his hand.
"It would be my honor, Lady Eris Boreas Greyrat."
Alice stared at the long, strong hand Cui Ciyou held out to her, momentarily stunned.
She clearly had not expected him to respond with such formal, solemn courtesy.
Then, a sudden surge of burning heat
rushed from Alice's neck straight up to her cheeks.
In an instant, her little face turned as red as a ripe apple.
Alice was a little flustered, yet unable to suppress a flicker of delight.
She gently placed her small hand, clad in a white lace glove, in Cui Ciyou's palm.
Holding Alice's hand, Cui Ciyou led her step by step into the center of the dance floor beneath everyone's watching eyes.
The lilting waltz seemed to grow even more enchanting at that moment.
The guests around them obligingly cleared a generous space for the pair.
They watched this somewhat "unusual" couple with curiosity and interest-one was a tall, black-haired "knight" with a cool, mysterious air; the other was a petite, red-haired noble lady with an imposing presence.
Alice's body was still a little stiff.
Her breathing had also quickened from sheer nervousness.
Alice pressed her lips tightly together, her ruby eyes fixed on her feet.
She seemed terrified of missing a step again, repeating her mistakes and embarrassing herself on this most important of occasions.
"Relax, Alice."
Cui Ciyou's voice sounded beside her ear, low and steady, with a reassuring