The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 98

Eloise arrived at the party quite late.

Though she had matters to attend to, her timing was also calculated. Her presence often shifted the focus of any gathering, effectively turning her into the main guest even at private parties. 

So she made it a rule to only arrive after the atmosphere had warmed up and guests were enjoying themselves without formality.

She instructed the doorman not to announce her arrival and entered quietly. Scanning the ballroom with a quick sweep, she spotted Artizea and headed toward her.

Despite her discreet entrance, guests who recognized Eloise quickly bowed to greet her, and attention turned toward her in an instant. With light nods and a pleasant smile, she made her way around the dance floor and approached Artizea.

“Hello, Tia. Happy eighteenth birthday.”

“Your words are too generous. Thank you for coming, Crown Princess.”

Artizea offered a polite curtsy, lifting her skirt.

Eloise gave her a once-over, from head to toe, and smiled in satisfaction. The dress she had sent suited Artizea perfectly.

Milaira, standing nearby, also gave a courteous bow.

“It’s been a while, Marchioness Rosan. You look lovely as ever.”

“…Thank you.” 

Milaira replied begrudgingly. Eloise smiled, finding even that reluctance picturesque. She didn’t particularly like Milaira, but she had to admit, the woman was strikingly pleasing.

Then her gaze shifted to Pavel, who was standing half a step behind Artizea.

“Why are you escorting Tia? Where’s Ced?”

“Exactly what I want to know.” 

Pavel replied bluntly.

Just then, Lysia arrived with a plate of bite-sized canapes for Artizea and, upon seeing Eloise, quickly curtsied.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Crown Princess.”

“Oh, Lysia.” 

Eloise’s eyes ran over Lysia’s attire, and she chuckled. 

“So it wasn’t Pavel after all, it was Lysia who took the role. Looks like Ced lost.”

“That’s not it.” 

Artizea’s face was turning pale. She was already uneasy about Cedric leaving the ballroom, and Eloise’s teasing only stirred her anxiety further.

“No? I assumed he got sulky after losing his spot and stormed off. Haven’t seen him.”

“No, that’s exactly what happened.” 

Graham, who had just stepped off the dance floor with Lady Atia as the music ended, approached. The lady, flushed and breathless with excitement, curtsied deeply to Eloise.

Eloise returned her greeting with little fanfare and gestured for a nearby servant to bring a tray of champagne.

As she lifted her glass, the others followed suit.

Pavel muttered as he raised his own glass. 

“Honestly, it’s not like Tia did anything that bad. She danced first with Lysia, then with me. That’s it.”

“The third was the butler.” 

Graham chimed in and Lysia shot back..

“But from the third dance on, he didn’t come near. Isn’t that giving up too easily? If he hates competition, the least he could do was put his name on the dance card and then leave.”

“Lysia.” 

Artizea tugged at her sleeve, clearly distressed. Pavel grumbled too.

“He acts like he’s all grown up and thoughtful, but he’s sulking over this? What great betrayal did he suffer, exactly?”

There was a bitter undercurrent to Pavel’s tone. This wasn’t just about the engagement rumors. It seemed like long-held frustrations were surfacing.

“And wasn’t this what he wanted? He said he wanted to let Tia go free first before courting her. So now what? Shouldn’t he be the one making the first move?”

Everyone present knew this story well, except for Lady Atia, who had inadvertently joined the group. She blushed with excitement and wiggled her toes. 

Being in the inner circle of the Crown Princess and princes was a great honor, but the juicy drama made her all the more eager to gossip.

Eloise snorted in amusement and gave Artizea a look.

“No use getting angry. You know what they say, you don’t interfere in lovers’ quarrels.”

Artizea looked overwhelmed with anxiety and worry. She seemed ready to burst into tears or dash out after Cedric at any moment.

“That’s why we’re going to tease you to our heart’s content.”

“Your Highness!” 

Artizea finally raised her voice.

Eloise burst into laughter and lifted her glass again.

“Come now, Tia. You still haven’t accepted my birthday toast.”

The official toast had already ended, but this was a perk of power. As Eloise raised her champagne glass high, so did the others.

Having sensed what was coming, the ever-efficient Ansgar had already made sure everyone in the ballroom had a fresh glass. Even the orchestra had paused.

“Now then.”

Eloise had just begun to speak.

“Please wait a moment.”

A loud voice rang out just as the doors swung open. Everyone turned. Eloise paused and turned her head.

Cedric strode quickly and walked straight toward them.

No, straight toward Artizea. With a mix of surprise and amusement, Eloise asked,.

“Interrupting the Crown Princess’s toast? Surely not for Tia’s sake.”

“Tia doesn’t handle alcohol well.”

“There he goes again. Let her be. Let Tia make her own choices.”

“I’m not trying to control her. But if she gets drunk now, she won’t be able to make an important decision.”

Eloise stared at him, asking what he meant.

Ignoring her, Cedric stepped up to Artizea, took the champagne glass from her hand, and handed it to Pavel.

Artizea, startled and confused, asked. 

“Why… why are you doing this?”

“I was going to wait until we were alone…” 

Cedric sighed.

Then he pulled a small box from his coat and knelt before her.

Everyone gasped. Hazel, Lady Atia, and several others let out soft cries of excitement.

Artizea’s face turned bright red. Cedric’s voice, not particularly loud, still echoed through the quiet ballroom.

“But I thought maybe it would be better to say it in front of everyone.”

He opened the box. Inside, a large diamond ring caught the light and dazzled.

Smiling, he asked. 

“Will you marry me, Artizea?”

Artizea couldn’t breathe.

This had been somewhat expected. He had suggested they date with marriage in mind. And like Milaira said, she had never doubted that Cedric would toy with her and then discard her.

Still, the weight of the moment made her heart feel like it might burst. Whether they were alone or in a ballroom full of people, it didn’t matter.

Because she couldn’t think of anything else.

“Yes. Yes… please marry me!”

She shouted the words, one hand covering her mouth.

Cedric took the ring from the box and slid it onto her left ring finger.

Then he stood and gently cupped her cheek, placing a kiss on her lips.

“Wow! Congratulations!”

The ballroom erupted in cheers.