Reborn as the Villainess?!

Ballroom Dancing

The grand ballroom glimmered under a cascade of crystal chandeliers, each teardrop reflecting the warm glow of a thousand candles. Velvet drapes adorned the walls, embroidered with intricate golden patterns that whispered of a bygone era. The opulence of the room bespoke the grandeur of the occasion—an imperial ball, hosted by the revered Emperor himself.

Ladies adorned in lavish gowns twirled across the marble floor, their dresses a symphony of vibrant hues. Silk and satin rustled with every graceful step, while lace and embroidery adorned bodices and hems. The fashion of the evening, a harmonious blend of empire elegance, showcased by intricate corsets, billowing skirts, and elaborate updos adorned with jewels.

Gentlemen, their attire equally splendid, wore tailored suits adorned with silk cravats and pocket watches. Intricately designed waistcoats and tails completed the ensemble, transforming each man into a dashing figure that I had only imagined from the pages of a historical fantasy novel.

It was breathtaking.

Grimly, I tried my best to ignore the stares as we entered the ballroom. Our presence alone turned heads. Not only was this my debut ball, but Lucius and Rounen hardly ever attended functions such as these. They had seemed to inherit Kael's distaste for such events.

In this world, it was befitting of our station (and the occasion itself), that I would have to dance. Grimly, I did my best to focus on Lucius as I robotically tried to match the beat with each step. Thankfully, Lucius was a good leader, showcasing abilities that were beyond me.

The moment the song ended, I made sure to gracefully let go of Lucius's hand and make my way off the dance floor as quickly—and elegantly—as I could. The only reason I didn't make a fool of myself was that Lucius had known me long enough to understand that elegance was something that didn't come naturally to me.

Once the music resumed, I could feel myself relax as I took a plate and began stacking the food.

The women immediately flocked around both Lucius and Rounen. Being hardly present at social functions meant not many people knew their faces. It also meant they were not engaged. I could see the gleam in the eyes of mothers around the room as they ushered their girls towards them both. It made me smirk. Clearly I wouldn't be the only one suffering tonight.

As I walked around, I could feel the stares wherever I went. For once, the stares weren't entirely hostile. Some looked surprised, others slightly bashful when I made eye contact. I could feel my skin crawl.

I wasn't used to the male gaze looking at me as anything more than an opponent in the sparring arena. As I avoided their gazes, I found myself following the stares of many women. Just who were they staring at—

Oh.

Typhon stood off to the side, showing pleasant smiles to the ladies flocking around him.
He truly did draw attention. His dark suit and hair only accentuated his tall dark figure.

Realising I was staring, I quickly averted my eyes. His smile—although pleasant—made my stomach turn. Again, it felt as if I was missing something but couldn't quite place my finger on it.

Not wanting to be anywhere near him, I turned off in the other direction, towards the dais.
At one point in the night, the emperor, resplendent in regal attire, held court at the end of the ballroom, a level above the commotion of the dancing below. His crimson robe, trimmed with gold, billowed behind him as he conversed with dignitaries from every corner of the land. Courtiers draped in jewels stood at attention, their expressions a careful dance between reverence and composure.

To enter his private area, you had to be personally invited into his presence.
I was thankful, as that meant I could never accidentally bump into him.