The Villainess Just Wants to Study

Chapter 37 ~ The Night of the Ball

The walls of the enormous ballroom were a glittering gold that complimented the dangling chandeliers hanging above the ballroom's occupants. The luxurious fabrics of colourful skirts danced about the ballroom, moving with minds of their own.

Dylan noticed several people looking their way. People were openly staring in their direction, whispering and giggling, as kids do. She wondered what they thought and what they saw when they looked at her like that. 

She already knew people would stare at Grisa because her beauty was blinding like bright stars on a dark night. Dylan, however, thought of herself as average looking, with maybe above average hair. 

"Do you see your father?" asked Grisa. She was dressed in beautiful finery, attracting the attention of most men at the venue.

It was considered improper for unmarried ladies to attend parties without chaperones. Dylan wrote to the Duke in advance and asked him to accompany both her and Grisa. It was an essential part of her plan. 

She looked around and spotted him by a wall. "He's over there," she said.

Dylan led Grisa over and introduced them. The Duke was happy, since Grisa was a noble and the daughter of a viscount. Other than Edwin, the Duke knew Dylan didn't have many friends. It was nice to see her getting along with someone her own age.

"My daughter looks lovely," he said, patting Dylan on the shoulder.

"Thank you," she voiced with an insincere smile. "Father looks handsome today. Is that a new jacket?"

He said, nodding his head up and down, "I'm glad you noticed, since I had it especially made for tonight. I'm very thankful you wanted me to attend with you and Lady Grisa."

Everyone watched the father-daughter interaction with troubled expressions. It was obvious the Duke favoured his adoptive daughter. Were the rumours about his son's position not being secure true?

"Father, is brother not coming?" asked Dylan.

He chuckled quite a while and then went on: "I'm glad you two get along well. He was here a moment ago, but he left to greet his friends. I'm sure he'll ask you to dance later tonight."

Grisa's expression turned to one of mild disgust when she heard this. It was obvious Dylan was asking because she didn't want to run into that monster. Did the Duke really not know about his son's behaviour?

Before Dylan could reply, she noticed a familiar face had approached them. He bowed elegantly to her and she curtsied.

"Grandpapa!" she exclaimed, beaming a genuine smile. "You're here?"

Edwin smiled at her gently. "It's nice to see you again, Dylan. Did your midterms go well? I remember you mentioned them in your last letter."

They exchanged letters often. The truth was that she genuinely cared for Edwin like he was her real grandfather. 

"They went well," said Dylan; "but I'll have to wait for my marks to be sure."

The Duke, who had been watching their exchange, frowned visibly. He didn't like how close Edwin was with Dylan. 

"You remember my grandson, Laikin, I'm sure," Edwin said, gesturing to the man beside him. 

Dylan glanced at him with a confused expression. She had only just realized that Laikin had been there the whole time. In his formal grey suit, he looked extremely handsome with his brown hair smoothed down over his head.

'He looks like a fairytale prince.'

"Lady Dylan," he greeted her with a mischievous smile. "Shall I have the honour of dancing this set with you?"