The World Has Become Kinder to Her

*Ah, damn! I completely forgot. If a debutante doesn’t ask someone for a dance within the first hour of entering the ballroom, the men are allowed to ask her instead.*  

The fact that Lotus hadn’t realized this sooner wasn’t entirely her fault. It was only natural for her to assume that no nobleman, especially one of high status, would be foolish enough to ask a disgraced illegitimate child like her to dance—especially one who showed no intention of participating in the ball.

*Why… why these two?*

To her left stood a man with dark navy hair and piercing blue eyes: Kenneth Zahard. The second son of the Marquis of Zahard, Kenneth would later earn a title of his own, becoming the Count of Owen through his swordsmanship and battlefield accomplishments. He was also the man who had taken her first.

*Kenneth… why are you here?*

Even back then, the rebellious younger version of herself had wanted her first experience to be with a “normal” man. That’s why she had approached Kenneth, a man known for his lack of scandal with women and obsession with swordsmanship, and made a brazen proposal—or rather, a plea.

—*I have a request for you, Count Owen. If you can’t find a hundred reasons to refuse, would you take my first?*

Kenneth, known for his unchanging, expressionless face, had looked at her with disbelief. His reaction reassured Lotus that he was a decent person, and she had asked again.

Of course, he hadn’t given in easily. Lotus had to alternate between threatening and pleading, clinging to his chivalry.

—*I’ll pretend I didn’t hear what you just said. Please, leave.*

—*Wait! Isn’t it a knight’s duty to protect the weak?*

—*What does that have to do with this?*

—*It has everything to do with it. I came to you because I want to live a life free of being controlled by others. If you don’t accept my request, I’ll likely end up devaluing myself and being forced into a life I don’t want.*

—*That’s absurd!*

—*Why do you call it absurd? There’s not a single lie in what I’ve said. Before coming to offer myself to you, can you even imagine the kind of determination a lady must have made?*

That memory, of their first encounter, remained vivid in Lotus’s mind. The man who reluctantly accepted her had been far gentler than his reputation suggested. During the entire time, Kenneth was careful not to hurt her.

—*…Are you alright?*

—*If anyone saw you like this, they’d never call you the “Knight of Ice.”*

That night, Kenneth had taken her in out of pity, acting out of a sense of chivalry. He had never been interested in women to begin with. Even after their encounter, there had been no rumors of him dating anyone. He remained focused on his training and his duties in the knights.

*And now, this man who never cared for women suddenly appears at a ball, asking me for a dance. How can I not be shocked?*

But Lotus forced herself to stay calm. The more she stared at Kenneth, the worse her headache grew. Turning her gaze to the right, her eyes met another man’s.

Her headache doubled.

It was Frederick Abran, the eldest son of the Duke of Abran, though he would later give up his claim to the title and become the Tower Master. His flawless silver hair and silver eyes, combined with his ethereal beauty and mastery of magic—one of the top three on the continent—made him famous. But at least within the Bahamur Empire, he was better known for his unpredictable, erratic personality.

True to his reputation, Frederick was the most mischievous and unusual of the men Lotus had ever encountered.

—*So, you’re the one who conquered “Kenneth,” huh?*

—*Excuse me?*

—*I’m not sure whether I should find that impressive or tragic. Either way, you ruined everything.*

—*What exactly did I ruin?*

—*You know that old saying, don’t you? If a man reaches thirty without losing his virginity, he becomes a wizard. Watching Kenneth, I thought I might see that rumor come true.*  

—*Pfft, what?*  

—*But alas, you ruined that. So, I’ve shifted my focus. From today onward, you’ll need to be my lover.*  

—*What are you talking about?*  

—*I’m curious why Kenneth fell. I plan to observe you up close.*  

—*And what do I get in return if I accept your proposal?*  

—*Hmm, what do you want?*  

—*Just a small favor, one that wouldn’t trouble you at all.*

The memory of that not-quite-deal with Frederick flashed through Lotus’s mind.

*At this point in time, there’s no reason for him to be interested in me. Could it be because, unlike the rumors, the Marquis and Marchioness seem to care for me?*  

With that thought, Frederick’s sudden interest made a bit more sense. 

*He’s truly a man beyond conventional understanding.*

There were few who could actually kill someone as powerful as Frederick, but Lotus wondered if locking him on a deserted island without any entertainment might be enough. Frederick, the hedonist, would likely die of boredom.

These idle thoughts were the only thing keeping her grounded as sweat gathered in her clenched palms.

*What should I do? I haven’t danced with anyone since arriving, so it’s hard to refuse their requests outright. And neither of them are the type to take ‘no’ for an answer.*

Yet, she didn’t want to break her resolve. After agonizing over her decision, Lotus’s soft lips finally parted.

“It’s an honor to receive dance requests from both of you. However—”

“Well, it seems I’m a step behind. But Lady Lotus, since you haven’t chosen a partner yet, would you mind considering me as well?”

A familiar voice—one that made her heart drop—cut through her sentence. Lotus’s gaze, which had been focused on Kenneth and Frederick, now shifted to the newcomer.

*No! Not you, of all people…*

Her pupils quivered as she locked eyes with the man who had spoken. His golden hair shimmered like molten sunlight, and his fresh green eyes sparkled like spring. 

Smiling like an angel from a cathedral mural, the man standing before her was Rikheus Hycen.

The man who had led Lotus to her death was now, as if declaring war, asking her for a dance. Lotus froze, as though she were prey facing a predator. 

In her shock, she failed to notice Kenneth’s eyes turning cold or Frederick’s lips twisting into a bitter smirk.

The situation was the complete opposite of what had happened in the past. No longer was there the timid girl who had nervously begged Rikheus—the man loved by all—for her debutante’s first dance. 

Instead, there stood a girl far more captivating than even the illustrious Lady Asilia from her past. A girl who now captured the attention of every eye in the room.

Contrary to Lotus’s wishes, she was swarmed with dance requests from the most sought-after men of the empire, men the young noblewomen dreamed about and the young noblemen admired. 

*Why is my life never going the way I want?*

She had refused it all, told herself she didn’t care, and yet the things she had once desperately wished for were now falling into her lap—when she didn’t want them anymore. It seemed the god who had sent her back to the past had a truly cruel sense of humor.

*How am I supposed to be grateful for this turn of events?*

Lotus bit down hard on her lip, her heart racing from the unexpected situation.

*What on earth does she have that makes these renowned men so eager to dance with her?* The curiosity on the faces of the surrounding noblemen made her stomach churn.

*”An illegitimate child, yet showered with affection from the Marquis family and capturing the attention of the most distinguished men.”*  

The jealousy and envy etched across the faces of the young ladies around her was unmistakable. Lotus could feel their eyes on her, waiting to see which of the three men she would choose.

*…Ridiculous.*

If she picked one of them or rejected all three by claiming ill health, she’d be moving exactly as these people expected her to. She would be playing into a game crafted by others, once again becoming nothing more than a puppet on someone else’s stage.

*Isn’t that what you promised yourself in this life? To live as someone easily swayed by others?*  

A voice inside her, one that echoed her own thoughts, taunted her. And it was right, logically speaking. She had sworn to let the current carry her in this life. But something about the present situation rubbed her the wrong way.

*…No! This isn’t what I want!*  

In that moment, Lotus realized the truth about her feelings. She had never truly wanted to live a life controlled by others. In her past life, she had sought love and been denied it. The sorrow, anger, and resentment from that experience still lingered, and in this life, she had built a wall to prevent herself from loving anyone again.

That’s why the sudden attention from the Marquis and Marchioness, and even Hession, had been so repellent to her. That’s why the kindness of the servants had felt suffocating.

*I thought if I entered into a political marriage, I’d never have to risk falling in love again. Without realizing it, I set the course of this life for myself.*  

This suffocating situation not only brought tension and fear but also clarity. Lotus now understood what she truly desired.

*I don’t want to become close to anyone! I don’t want to love anyone!*

With this revelation, Lotus decided to take control of the situation for herself.

*If I want to take charge, there’s only one way.*  

Her choice became clear. Ignoring the three men in front of her, she scanned the room, searching for the one she wanted. To her surprise, he was already watching her, seemingly intrigued by the unfolding scene.

*Perfect.*

Lotus moistened her lips slightly before speaking.

“I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding, you say? And what might that be?”  

Frederick asked, smiling playfully. Let him laugh. She only needed to say her piece, and then she would make her move.

Imagining Frederick’s smile fading once he realized her true intention, Lotus flashed a shy, innocent smile.

“I’ve been resting because I wasn’t feeling well, but the truth is, there’s someone I’ve been wanting to ask for a dance. I just didn’t have the courage… until now.”

With that, Lotus turned and began walking toward her chosen partner, her steps measured—not too fast, not too slow—the perfect pace to match the elegance of the ballroom.

Her target: Theodore William, with his amethyst eyes and violet hair, as fine as silk. The second son of the William Marquisate, Theodore had been hailed as a prodigy since childhood, predicted to become the fifth sage of the continent due to his extraordinary intellectual gifts. In fact, in the past—no, in the future—he had indeed earned that title, becoming the youngest sage ever known.

But Lotus knew better than most. Having dated him in her past life, she was familiar with his true nature. Theodore was less of a sage and more of a calculating strategist.

“Would it be alright if I asked you to dance, Lord William?”  

In the past, he might have gently declined, citing her illegitimate birth. But with all eyes on him in the ballroom, Lotus knew he wouldn’t refuse now.

And just as she expected, Theodore smiled faintly and nodded.

“The honor is mine, Lady Lotus.”