76 Beauty

76 Beauty
(Kyle's POV)

I have seen many beauties.

Elves, mermaids, humans, even noble ladies from the capital's palaces. For long-lived elves, beauty was never scarce. High elves born from the Tree of Life possessed nearly flawless features... Beauty was something within my reach. Or rather, they all looked much the same to me.

Only Ella was different. In my fallen dark elf's world of black and white, where heaven and earth had lost their color, she alone remained vivid and bright—the only splash of color.

Now she wore a pale yellow gown, its soft skirt like petals blooming in early spring. Her long hair was gently pinned up with only a few strands falling beside her ears. She clearly wasn't accustomed to such formal attire—one hand lightly pressed her skirt while the other uncomfortably adjusted her sleeves, like a young girl mistakenly wandered into court.

She lacked the practiced elegance of noble ladies, yet seemed more alive than anyone I'd ever seen.

She even reminded me of the Tree of Life.

The excitement I'd felt upon first gazing at that tree was now perfectly recreated. Looking at Ella, I found myself anticipating the future for the first time.

She looked up, saw me in the doorway, and gave a somewhat nervous smile.

"Does it... not look good?"

I paused.

She looked down, tugging at her skirt and explaining quietly, "I've never worn a dress like this. Something feels wrong."

I slowly approached and shook my head.

"No."

She looked up at me.

"You're beautiful," I said sincerely.

Ella froze, her ears gradually turning crimson.

Even more lovely, I thought.

She lowered her head, murmuring softly, "You must be trying to comfort me."

My gaze fell behind her—the dress ties had become a tangled mess.

Ella blushed, wanting to cover my eyes. "Stop looking. I haven't finished dressing..."

"Where isn't it finished? I'll help you." I grasped her hands, intertwining our fingers, hoping she could feel my heart beating wildly—because of her beauty, making me want to draw closer, ever closer.

"Turn around. I'll help you."

Ella obediently turned.

Through the thin fabric, I could almost feel the subtle rise and fall of her shoulders as she breathed. My fingers slowly untangled the twisted ties, then carefully rearranged them one by one, moving with extreme gentleness, wishing time would slow down, just a little more.

Let my time with Ella last longer, just a little longer.

I possessed an endless lifespan and had never craved time's mercy, but now I had to admit—I was afraid.

I was a dark elf; Ella was human.

I didn't know when my life might end, while Ella's lifespan was already predetermined. Even the longest-lived human archmages barely reached a hundred years.

How much longer could I stay with Ella? I didn't know. So I didn't want to miss a single second. Once this was over, I would confess my feelings. If things went well, perhaps I could find a way to restore my elven nature.

The air grew quiet enough to hear only our breathing.

I lowered my head, catching the faint herbal scent in Ella's hair.

It was the fragrance left by sun-dried medicinal plants—Ella's own scent.

I longed to draw closer, even just a little nearer.

But my hands only lingered on the final ribbon, tying it into a perfect bow before stepping back.

"Done."

Ella glanced at herself in the mirror, her eyes immediately brightening.

She was beautiful and adorable, yet the one accompanying her to the ball wouldn't be me.

Something pressed against my chest as irritation began building.

Everyone at the ball would watch her. Colin would hold her hand and dance entire songs with her... I suddenly began seriously considering how many seconds it would take to snap that mermaid's neck.

The thought stunned even me.

This feeling... was this jealousy? I'd lived centuries, and only today truly understood the word.

"Must you accompany Colin to the ball?" I finally couldn't help asking.

Yes, that was right—I was jealous of that despicable mermaid.

"It's part of the plan, Kyle..." Ella explained the strategy. How could I not understand these things? Sometimes emotions simply overcame reason.

I don't want you to go, Ella. Could you please not go?

Was thinking this too childish? I reminded myself this was part of the plan—Ella didn't want to dance with that mermaid; everything was unavoidable necessity.

I thought the dark elf curse had addled my mind.

Ella didn't notice my distress, instead smiling as she adjusted my uniform.

She stood on tiptoe, straightening my slightly crooked collar while earnestly explaining her thoughts.

I couldn't help watching her fingertips, then looking at her lips.

She was so close—close enough that I need only lower my head to possess her completely.

"You're very worried about me. That's why you must participate in this plan."

Admit it, Ella. You like me, you love me, don't you? Tell me—I want to hear you say it yourself. Admit it, don't make me guess uncertainly anymore. Give me a definite answer.

"Of course I'm worried about you." Ella looked somewhat shy. "If you died, who would carry my medicine chest? Besides, we have a contract—you still need to help me open my shop!"

This was the answer I wanted, but not quite definitive enough.

"Kyle." While I pondered, Ella suddenly stepped back, lifted her skirt corner, and extended her hand. "Would you dance with me?"

Quite unexpected, Ella—you always surprise me.

"A rehearsal before the banquet. I'd like my first dance of the year to be with you."

Was this a confession? This was a confession.

I removed my gloves and grasped Ella's hand. "My honor, my lady."

I lightly supported her waist, and with the wind blowing through the window, slowly took the first step.

I hadn't danced in years. Once in the elven court, balls were mere ceremony—I'd never truly felt them. But today, I wished time could slow down.

Ella's steps weren't skilled; she occasionally missed beats, always looking up at me apologetically afterward.

"Is this right?"

"Yes."

"What about here?"

"Very good."

After each response, she'd show that relieved smile. My gaze remained fixed on her face. If this moment could last forever, I'd trade anything for it.

Time, please slow down. I couldn't believe this was my thought.

Throughout the long ages, I'd countless times wondered if I had any interests beyond governing kingdoms.

Sereis once asked, "My dear brother, I always see you working. Don't you have any hobbies?"

"Hobbies? I don't have time for such things."

"But brother, we have so much time. Without finding things we enjoy, wouldn't life be terribly boring?"

So I'd always hoped time would pass quickly—countless political affairs, diplomacy, warfare, all of it rushing by. My first half of life was filled with these so-called "great events."

Now I wished for time to slow, simply because I wanted to dance with Ella.

If the rest of my life could pass so sweetly and purposelessly, that wouldn't be bad.

We spun round after round, hand in hand, like our fates would remain forever intertwined, cycle after cycle.

Ella breathed lightly, her cheeks flushed with a gentle blush from dancing.

I drew out that pendant from inside my coat—made by my own hands, containing a trace of my origin magic.

As long as she wore it, I could sense Ella's presence. Whatever danger she faced, I would protect her.

"This is my return gift. I made it myself."

Ella accepted it with some surprise. "You made this yourself?! It's beautiful!"

"Let me put it on you." Gently brushing aside fallen strands, I carefully fastened the necklace on Ella with more solemnity than when I'd first received the elven prince's medal.

"Keep it on always. If we become separated, it will guide me to you, Ella."

"What if you're the one who disappears?"

"Then you come find me."

After everything ends, I won't need to hide or live as a dark elf anymore.

Then I'll stand beside you in my true identity.

Then we'll be together forever, and nothing will separate us.