74 Meeting Dorian

74 Meeting Dorian
(Ella's POV)

My heart plummeted.

It was actually Dorian!

I'd expected at most a patrolling guard or estate servant. But unluckily, I'd encountered the one person I absolutely couldn't meet tonight.

I lowered my eyes without immediately responding, only lifting my skirt slightly to curtsy.

"Good evening, sir."

Dorian didn't return my greeting but looked me up and down. His gaze was unabashed, carrying the scrutinizing appraisal of someone examining a collectible.

I suddenly understood why Colin so despised this man. This wasn't admiration—it was an evaluating stare, like assessing merchandise.

Dorian slowly stepped closer, and I caught a faint wine scent in the air.

"I haven't seen you before," his voice carried casual indifference. "Beautiful lady, first time attending my banquet?"

I nodded, feigning shyness. "Yes, sir. It's my first time."

"Who brought you?"

"A friend."

"Does your friend have an invitation? Who is it?"

"You jest, sir. How could anyone enter without an invitation? The security here is so strict it makes me quite nervous."

Dorian chuckled softly. "If I've made you nervous, I apologize. It's just that at this hour, guests should be in the hall enjoying fine wine."

As expected, he suspected me.

I covered my mouth, saying quietly, "I'm sorry, Master Dorian. I only came to meet someone. I didn't mean to worry you. I'll leave immediately."

I turned as if to depart, while inwardly guessing why Dorian appeared here.

I'd just come from the garden, and my current position was directly on the path to the bell tower.

Before coming to the estate, Kyle, Colin, and I had studied the grounds map countless times. I'd memorized nearly every road and building location.

Dorian was heading to the bell tower? Why? What did he want there at this hour? Would something change? At this moment, Kyle might already be searching for Maris there.

If they encountered each other... my fingertips tightened slightly.

No, I absolutely couldn't let Dorian interfere with Kyle's mission!

I had to buy Kyle time. With this thought, I spoke up.

"This is my first noble banquet. Thank you for preparing such a wonderful event—it's quite eye-opening."

Dorian looked at me, interest flickering in his eyes.

"Oh? What impressed you?"

I deliberately continued the conversation, dutifully playing a naive girl who'd never seen the world. Well, I truly hadn't attended such a luxurious banquet, but I wasn't nearly as foolish as I was pretending.

"The garden is beautiful."

"The fountains too."

"And those statues—I've never seen anything like them!"

Dorian laughed. "You must be from somewhere quite remote."

"I suppose so."

"You know my name, but I don't know yours. That hardly seems fair."

"Even if I told you, someone as important as you would quickly forget." I sighed lightly, using my fan to cover half my face, pretending dejection. "Better not to tell you—perhaps I'll linger in your memory a bit longer this way."

Dorian stepped closer again. "Tonight every lady eagerly tells me her name. Only you keep avoiding me. Am I so frightening?"

I stepped back. "I have nothing worth introducing, sir."

"But I find you more interesting than any of them." He moved closer still.

He studied me. "Your accent isn't from the capital, though your hair color is quite lovely. Has anyone ever told you that you resemble someone?"

My heart skipped.

No way? Had he noticed something?

Dorian looked thoughtful. "Who was it... I can't quite remember."

I secretly sighed in relief. As long as he didn't recognize me, it was fine.

I continued giving evasive answers to his questions.

He'd say something; I'd dodge it.

He wanted to know my identity; I'd discuss the weather.

He asked where I was from; I'd praise the estate's beauty.

He asked if I had a fiancé; I'd comment on the evening's excellent orchestra.

I quietly calculated the time.

How was Kyle's mission going? Had he found Maris?

Time was nearly up. Once the ball began, Dorian would have to attend first.

Just then—

"Dong—" Deep, resonant chimes rang from the distance.

One, two... eight full chimes.

The ball was starting.

I exhaled quietly in my mind.

Eight o'clock—Dorian had to attend the ball, and I had to leave.

I feigned panic. "Ah! The ball's starting! I'm sorry, sir, I must go!" I turned and ran.

"Wait! You haven't told me your name!" Dorian shouted behind me.

I ignored him, lifting my skirt and disappearing around the corner at full speed. But just as I rounded the flower bed, my heel caught on a protruding stone.

My foot slipped. I nearly lost balance. Though I managed to steady myself in time, my left shoe remained on the stone path.

I glanced back—figures were already approaching from the distance.

No time to retrieve it.

I bit my lip and continued running barefoot.