Chapter 10 - Count's Nimbel Ball

Rowan rose to his feet and began gathering his tools.

"Well then, I'd better get ready too."

With that, he pushed aside the tent flap and stepped outside.

Sebastian was already waiting there, arms folded across his chest. Rowan spared him a brief glance.

"Why aren't you going in?"

Sebastian strode over, stopping beside him.

"I think you should be more mindful of your behavior. I put you in the ladies' tent for a reason."

Rowan closed his eyes with an amused smile before pressing the tip of his finger against Sebastian's forehead, gently pushing him back.

"Watch your tone, pretty boy."

As always, he unfolded his fan with effortless elegance.

"I think you're the one who needs to mind his behavior."

For a fleeting moment, a sharp glint flashed behind his smile.

"My sweet Rosella is finally ready."

His smile returned as though nothing had happened.

"So why are you just standing here instead of seeing her?"

Sebastian let out a quiet sigh before pulling open the tent flap.

The sound of footsteps made Rosella turn around.

"Sebastian?"

He stopped.

His eyes settled on the girl sitting before the tall mirror.

Her soft curls cascaded over her shoulders, and the deep maroon gown embraced her fair complexion as though it had been made just for her.

For a brief moment...

Sebastian simply stared.

Without saying a word, he walked toward her.

He knelt gracefully before her and lifted her hand, placing a gentle kiss upon the back of it.

"Red suits you beautifully."

Rosella awkwardly scratched her cheek.

"I-I think... I've heard that several times today."

A faint smile curved Sebastian's lips.

"Then they were simply telling the truth."

He rose and offered her his hand.

"Come."

"We should get going, my lady."

Her cheeks flushed crimson.

Rosella nodded and followed him outside.

---

Isaac and Sahila were already waiting.

The moment Sahila saw Rosella, she rushed over.

"You look gorgeous!"

"You should've dressed up like this ages ago!"

Not far away, Isaac froze.

For a split second, the reflection of lantern light shimmered in his widened eyes.

Against the starlit sky, beneath the warm glow of countless oil lamps...

He could only stare.

Before anyone noticed, he quickly looked away.

"We're going to be late."

"Let's move."

As soon as Isaac had taken several steps, Sahila called after him.

"But Rowan's still getting ready."

Isaac stopped.

Slowly, he turned around.

"How much longer am I supposed to wait?"

"First the ladies..."

"...and now Rowan?"

"And why does he even need to dress up?"

Sebastian chuckled.

"If you keep complaining like that..."

"Rowan's going to hit you."

"Tch."

Isaac folded his arms with an irritated click of his tongue.

---

Far beyond the camp...

High upon the branch of an ancient tree overlooking the city...

A solitary figure stood motionless beneath the night sky.

The wind stirred the hem of his black cloak.

From the darkness, a pair of silent eyes watched the warm lights of Happy Carnival's camp.

His gaze lingered on neither the performers...

...nor the bustling camp itself.

It settled upon a single girl...

A girl dressed in crimson, who had just stepped out of the tent.

"...Finally."

The whisper vanished into the night.

A heartbeat later...

So did the man.

As though he had never been there at all.

---

One by one, elegant horse-drawn carriages rolled to a stop before the magnificent Nimbel Manor.

The guests stepped down from their carriages with effortless grace. Luxurious gowns brushed softly against the stone pavement, while the tailored coats and cloaks of noblemen shimmered beneath the warm glow of oil lamps lining the grand entrance.

The moment Rosella stepped into the grand ballroom, she froze.

A gentle melody drifted through the air as violinists poured their hearts into every note. Crystal chandeliers hung from the lofty ceiling, casting shimmering light across polished marble floors covered by crimson carpets embroidered with intricate golden patterns. Guests danced and chatted merrily, creating a scene Rosella had only ever encountered in the pages of her books.

Her eyes sparkled with wonder.

"So... this is what a noble's ball is like."

It was far more magnificent than she had ever imagined.

Amid the bustling crowd, Count Nimbel spotted the members of Happy Carnival entering the ballroom. The middle-aged nobleman's face instantly lit up with a warm smile.

"Sebastian!"

Sebastian offered a courteous bow.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, my lord."

"The pleasure is mine."

Standing just behind Count Nimbel was a young woman with cascading golden-blonde hair. Her calm hazel eyes and graceful bearing spoke of someone who had spent her entire life surrounded by nobility.

"Some of you may not have had the chance to meet her yet," Count Nimbel said proudly. "Allow me to introduce my daughter, Noelle Nimbel."

The troupe bowed politely.

"My name is Sahila, Lady Noelle," Sahila introduced herself before glancing at Rosella. "And this is our newest member, Rosella."

She gently nudged the girl.

"Rosella, greet Lady Noelle."

Rosella lowered her head respectfully.

"My name is Rosella, my lady. It's an honor to meet you."

A gentle smile graced Noelle's lips.

"That gown suits you beautifully."

Rosella blushed and lowered her gaze shyly.

"Thank you... but I'm nowhere near as beautiful as you are, my lady."

Noelle simply smiled.

Before the conversation could continue, a butler approached Count Nimbel and whispered something into his ear.

"Ah, my apologies." Count Nimbel excused himself with a smile. "The celebration is about to begin. I must deliver the opening address."

With that, he disappeared into the bustling crowd.

Before long, several young ladies gathered around Sebastian, eagerly striking up conversations with him. Rowan proved no less popular, quickly finding himself surrounded by a group of admiring women.

"Mr. Rowan, what's your secret? Your hair looks absolutely gorgeous," one of them asked.

Rowan smiled as he elegantly unfolded his fan.

"I have quite an extensive beauty routine, my lady."

He tilted his head playfully.

"Would you ladies like me to share a few of my secrets?"

The young women nodded enthusiastically.

Watching from the edge of the ballroom, Rosella couldn't help smiling.

"Rowan is surprisingly popular."

Isaac, standing beside her, frowned.

"What? Are you comparing me to those two now?"

Rosella blinked in confusion.

"No. Why are you always so defensive?"

Isaac nearly choked on his own words before quickly looking away.

Sahila grinned mischievously.

"Want to try the perfume that merchant recommended?"

"No!"

Isaac snapped immediately before storming off.

"I'm getting something to eat!"

Rosella and Sahila exchanged amused glances before laughing quietly.

"See?" Sahila whispered. "That perfume seller was right. He's hopeless with women."

Just then, Count Nimbel cleared his throat from the balcony overlooking the ballroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

The lively chatter gradually faded into silence.

"Welcome to the Nimbel family's annual ball."

"Tonight, we gather to celebrate the twentieth birthday of my beloved daughter..."

"Noelle Nimbel."

Noelle stepped forward with effortless elegance, earning warm applause from the guests.

"Lady Noelle is so beautiful..." Rosella murmured.

Sahila gently nudged her arm.

"Did you know?"

"Know what?"

"Back then..."

She raised her little finger.

"...Sebastian and Noelle."

Rosella tilted her head in confusion.

"Your little finger?"

"It means they were lovers."

Rosella's eyes widened as she quickly covered her mouth.

"They... used to be together?"

Sahila nodded.

"They did."

osella's eyes widened, and she instinctively covered her mouth.

"They... used to be together?"

"They did," Sahila replied.

Rosella's gaze drifted back toward the center of the ballroom.

"So... she's his former lover..."

She watched in stunned silence as Sebastian stopped before the young lady of the house.

"My lady," he said with a courteous bow, extending his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Noelle accepted his invitation without hesitation.

As the orchestra resumed its melody, the two stepped onto the dance floor.

Beneath the shimmering crystal chandeliers, they moved in perfect harmony, every step graceful and effortless. The guests could only watch in silent admiration, captivated by how naturally they complemented one another.

"They really do look perfect together," Rosella murmured. "Why did they break up?"

"What else could they have done?" Sahila folded her arms. "Don't forget. Lady Noelle is a noblewoman. Sebastian... no matter how handsome he is, he's still just a wandering man who leads a carnival troupe."

Rosella glanced at Sahila before looking back toward the dance floor.

"...That's such a shame."

Sahila shot her a teasing grin.

"What? Are you jealous?"

Rosella shook her head calmly.

"Not at all."

"I just think... they look perfect together."

She was right.

If this truly was the world that continued The Travelling Carnival and the Shadow Bandit, then Sebastian and Lady Noelle were meant to be its protagonists.

Rosella was nothing more than a stranger who had wandered into someone else's story.

Love is a destiny...

Between two people who share the same stories...

"They share the same story..." Rosella whispered beneath her breath.

Sahila turned to her.

"Hm? Did you say something?"

Rosella smiled awkwardly.

"No... it's nothing."

The music came to an end, and applause echoed throughout the ballroom.

Before the guests could disperse, Rowan approached Sahila and gracefully extended his hand.

"I believe it's our turn now."

Sahila accepted it with a smile.

Moments later, the butler announced a special performance by the Happy Carnival troupe.

As Rowan and Sahila took the floor, the entire ballroom fell silent.

Their movements flowed together flawlessly, each step perfectly synchronized with the music. Every elegant spin drew murmurs of admiration from the audience.

Rosella couldn't take her eyes off them.

Isaac returned carrying a small plate of refreshments.

"You're back."

He simply nodded before holding the plate out to her.

Rosella smiled.

"Thank you."

She picked up a pastry and continued watching the performance.

She had always known Sahila was an exceptional dancer, but this was the first time she'd seen Rowan perform.

She had assumed he only worked behind the scenes as the troupe's stylist.

"Rowan is amazing..."

"Of course he is." Isaac replied between bites. "Who do you think he is?"

"He's been with Happy Carnival for ten years."

"He's practically a veteran."

"Really?" Rosella's eyes widened.

"No wonder he's so incredible."

Isaac nodded proudly.

"Naturally."

"We're talking about Happy Carnival, after all."

When the performance finally ended, Isaac dusted off his hands.

"Well then."

"Now it's our turn to enjoy the party."

He extended his hand toward Rosella.

"May I?"

Rosella hesitated.

"Um... I've never danced before."

"I mean... I've practiced a little..."

"But..."

Isaac sighed dramatically.

"Stop overthinking."

"Just take my hand before I embarrass myself."

"Huh?"

Before she could protest, Isaac gently pulled her onto the dance floor.

"Relax."

"I'm actually a pretty decent dancer."

Rosella tried to follow his lead.

She recalled the steps she used to practice back in Faraway.

Unfortunately...

Her nerves got the better of her.

Crunch.

She stepped squarely on Isaac's foot.

"...How many times have you stepped on me already?" Isaac grumbled as he spun her around.

"S-Sorry..."

"Relax."

"You're doing fine."

Crunch.

She stepped on him again.

"I literally just said..." Isaac muttered under his breath.

With an exasperated sigh, he suddenly lifted Rosella into the air.

"Good thing you're light."

Rosella let out a startled squeak.

He gently set her back down, bringing their dance to an end.

At that moment, Sebastian walked over with his usual gentle smile.

"Perhaps it's my turn now?"

Isaac turned his face away without answering.

"I'll go get more food."

Without another word, he walked off, leaving the two of them alone.

Sebastian extended his hand.

"May I?"

Rosella stared at it for a moment before timidly placing her own hand in his.

"I'm sorry..."

"I've never really danced before."

Sebastian chuckled softly.

"You just did."

"With Isaac..."

Rosella immediately shook her head.

"I kept stepping on his feet..."

Sebastian looked into her eyes.

"Then don't think about the steps."

"Hm?"

"Trust your instincts."

"The same instincts that guided you through the city this afternoon."

"My instincts?"

A gentle smile spread across Sebastian's face.

"I know you're a wonderful dancer."

He drew her a little closer before guiding her into a graceful turn.

"So dance the way you always do."

"The way your feet carry you toward every place that sparks your curiosity."

---

"Lady Noelle?"

A maid called softly.

Noelle remained silent.

Her eyes were fixed on the center of the ballroom, where Sebastian was dancing with the new girl from Happy Carnival.

Another girl from the troupe.

Another person who could spend more time with Sebastian than she ever could.

She slowly shook her head.

She's no different.

Just another girl traveling with the carnival.

Nothing more.

Yet her gaze lingered on Sebastian once again.

Her eyes widened ever so slightly.

He was laughing.

Not the polite smile he wore out of courtesy.

Not the gentle smile he offered everyone.

This was different.

It was bright.

It was carefree.

It was genuine.

A smile she had never once seen during all the years she had known him.

...Has Sebastian always smiled like that?