Saving The Villainous Monster From The Male Lead

'They think I'll make a scene,' Eleanore thought with a wry smile. She had, after all, earned a reputation for causing trouble at events like this.

The last time she and Stella had been in a room together, Eleanore had poured her wine on Stella's pristine white gown, making it look like she had just drowned herself into a pool of blood. At the hunting event, last year, she had pulled out Stella's chair during a tea party, causing her to fall on the mushy ground and ruin her delicate pink dress. 

'But tonight will be different.'

Eleanore approached the couple, her gaze softening as she looked at Stella. She was beautiful, dressed in a sky-blue gown that perfectly matched her sapphire eyes. Eleanore could see why Caelestis was so drawn to her; she looked every bit like an enchanting female lead, carrying with her elegance and grace.

"Lady Eleanore, I will—" Caelestis began, his voice laced with irritation. But Eleanore cut him off with a calm smile, one that was both sincere and surprising to everyone present in the ballroom.

"Baroness Stella," Eleanore said, her voice light, almost sweet. The crowd murmured, taken aback by this unusual display of civility. "Would you mind if I stole a dance with your… man, just this once?"

The question hung in the air, and Stella blinked, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. "I-I don't think he's mine to claim, Lady Eleanore," she stammered, clearly flustered by the unexpected request.

Eleanore let out a soft laugh, it sounded genuine and almost playful. "I understand. So, does that mean I may?" she asked, inclining her head toward Stella, who nodded, though a little bewilderedly.

Caelestis's eyes widened as he processed the exchange. 'What's gotten into this crazy woman?' he thought, the formality of her tone catching him off guard. Eleanore, who had once been obsessively familiar with him, was now addressing him as if they were mere acquaintances.

"Grand Duke Lancaster," she said, turning to him with a slight courtesy. He could hardly believe the words coming out of her cuss mouth. "May I have the honor of this dance, good sir?" She extended her hand to him, her posture graceful and respectful, her expression calm.

The entire ballroom seemed to have held its breath, watching the two of them with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Caelestis looked at her outstretched hand, his brow furrowing as he tried to read the emotion in her eyes. But her expression remained serene, and with a soft sigh, he took her hand.

Caelestis sighed, narrowing his gaze. "Tut," he muttered, though he accepted her hand briefly, the hint of reluctance in his movements betraying his caution. But before Eleanore could fully process the moment, his attention shifted abruptly to Stella. He walked forward to her.

"May I have the honor of your second dance, my lady?" Caelestis asked, bowing to Stella with his palm extended. Stella hesitated for a split second before placing her hand in his, blushing as he gently kissed the back of her hand, leaving the room abuzz with whispered admiration.

"Announcing, the Emperor and Empress of the Seraphine Empire, Isadora Seraphine and Rowan Seraphine." The sound of the herald's announcement cut through the murmurs, and every head turned in attention. 

Through the ballroom doors walked a regal yet slightly frail woman, her presence commanding despite her age. Her pale pink hair was done up elegantly, her eyes a clear blue as they swept over the gathered crowd with an assessing gaze.

Beside her stood the Emperor, his features dignified, though his face showed the markings of age. His hair bore the same cyan color as Flora's, while his sharp, amethyst eyes glinted with the authority of royalty.

"Announcing the Crown Prince, Alastor Seraphine." 

At this, a ripple of excitement passed through the noblewomen in attendance, eager to catch sight of the young heir to the throne.

Alastor had the same piercing amethyst eyes as his father, but his features carried the softness and grace of his mother's, making him one of the most desired bachelors in the kingdom, third only to Caelestis and Eleanore's brother, Hael.

Eleanore felt a tug on her sleeve. "Elle?" Hael had finally managed to maneuver through the crowd of admirers to reach her. His face held a worried expression. "Why did you do that?" he asked quietly, glancing toward Caelestis and Stella. "I thought you said you were over him."

Eleanore's gaze softened, and she looked down for a moment before answering. "I just wanted to give him a proper farewell." She offered her brother a reassuring smile, but Hael's eyes lingered on her face, skeptical of her actions.

Before he could question her further, the distinct chime of a wine glass being tapped by a spoon filled the room, and all fell silent as the Emperor prepared to give his speech. Rowan Seraphine cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the quiet room, and began to address the crowd.

As the Emperor's speech droned on, Eleanore tried to shift her weight off her aching feet, hoping for any relief. The long monologue was beginning to feel endless.

She stifled a sigh as her gaze wandered to the crystal chandeliers above, their light reflecting in a dazzling display. The moment was beautiful yet exhausting, and the urge to rest her feet almost overwhelmed her.

At last, after what felt like an eternity, the Emperor's speech concluded with a flourish. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, let us enjoy the ball. You may all dance now."

***

||Chapter 1: Stella Belongs To Caelestis

Caelestis Lancaster, one of the two pillars of Seraphine, grows obsessed with his best friend Stella. On the occasion of the Crown Prince's 20th birthday, he finally confesses his love. However, Stella rejects him in front of the entire court, sparking a rage in Caelestis that drives him to kidnap her from the party.

Eleanore Sinclair plays a key role in ensuring Stella's abduction, arranging matters so that everyone believes she was recuperating in Caelestis's mansion during the incident.

Quest 1: Stop Stella's Kidnapping.

Task 1: Ask Caelestis for the First Dance.

Do you accept the quest?

Yes|No||