The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 137. Dance invitation

Chapter 137: 137. Dance invitation

With his purple eyes walking through the crowd, Nimbus crept through the grand hall. With their clinking glasses, laughter, and elegant silks, the nobility moved. When he saw a familiar figure making his way to the seating area where Lucian and his group were seated, his tail fluttered.

Lucian leaned toward Velmira in the seating area, teasing her with a smile in his eyes. Playfully swatting his arm, Velmira laughed, their effortless warmth contrasting with the gleaming splendor of the hall. Sitting close by, Vivien swung her legs while her inquisitive gaze swept over each passing noble.

Their conversation was interrupted by a bold, clear voice. "The birthday boy, enjoying his own feast while seated in a corner? That won’t work."

Glancing up, Lucian’s smile widened upon seeing Princess Thalia Elaris Duskbane, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief and her golden hair glowing under the mana-lamps.

She looked absolutely royal in a flowing dark blue gown adorned with silver stars. Erin was standing next to her. Being the sole royal present, Thalia attracted everyone’s attention and was followed by whispers.

Lucian and Velmera stood. With a small bow and a smile, Lucian said, "Princess Thalia, thank you for honoring my banquet." "It means a lot."

With a light yet forceful voice, Thalia laughed. " "Happy birthday, Lucian Caulem. I wouldn’t pass up a Caulem celebration." With a playful smile, she accepted his gratitude and tilted her head.

Erin took a step forward. "Lucian, happy birthday. Tonight, try not to outshine the chandeliers."

Lucian nodded and laughed. "I’ll try my hardest, Lady Erin. I appreciate you coming."

Vivien looked back at Thalia with wide, inquisitive eyes. With her gown flowing around her, the princess knelt gracefully, bringing herself down to the little girl’s level. With a gentle yet inquisitive tone, she questioned, "So, this is the girl everyone’s talking about?"

Lucian nodded. "Yes, Princess. This is my younger sister, Vivien."

With a knowing gleam in her eyes, Thalia glanced at Lucian. "Now that half of the noble houses are present, I can understand why this banquet is so lavish. Isn’t that a statement? After what happened no one is willing to touch the Caulems." A tiny, witty smile curved her lips.

Her voice was gentle as she turned back to Vivien. "Hello, young one. My name is Thalia Elaris Duskbane. I’m glad to have met you."

With a shy but appropriate curtsy, Vivien hopped up, her frilly dress swaying. "I’m Vivien Caulem, Your Highness. Nice to meet you too," she said, her voice clear.

Thalia laughed softly, charmed by the girl’s endeavor. "Lady Vivien, you are just as endearing as your brothers." She got up and looked at Velmira and Lucian.

"Where is my cousin, by the way? I anticipated that he would be with you in the corner.

Velmera’s eyes glistened as she laughed. "He’s granting a woman’s wish."

Erin grinned broadly and gestured toward the middle of the banquet hall. "On the dance floor over there. He and Rin Valarune are dancing together."

With the nobles whirling on the dance floor and the golden glow of the mana-lamps bathing them, the great hall was filled with movement.

Leo led Rin through a waltz with practiced ease, his feet moving smooth and fluid as though he had danced a thousand times.He had, of course, attended such opulent banquets in his previous life for work.

His crimson eyes met Rin’s with a tugging intensity, and he had a slight smirk on his lips as he led her with ease.

Rin tried to keep up, her pink eyes wide with wonder and a little bewilderment, her sapphire gown flowing like starry water. She was surprised by how good he was, how fluid his movements were, and how steady his hand was at her waist.

Leo covered her mistakes flawlessly, changing his pace to make her mistakes blend into the dance, even though she occasionally stumbled—a slight misstep, a tentative turn.

Her cheeks turned a deeper pink each time their eyes locked, and her heart raced as his firm yet gentle touch pulled her back into the rhythm.

As they spun, she whispered, "You’re full of surprises, Leonhardt," in a gentle yet playful, almost accusatory tone. "Where did you learn to dance like this?"

Leo’s tone became playful as his grin widened. "I’ve practiced. Rin, stop worrying so much about it. You’re not doing half bad yourself." His voice lowered to a whisper as he drew her a little nearer. "You’ll be alright if you follow my lead."

Rin sulked, a smile concealed behind her pout, but she eased into his rhythm, her steps becoming more steady as the music intensified.

The nobles surrounding them murmured, their gazes fixed on the remarkable duo—Leonhardt, the once-tormented heir, now quietly confidently controlling the floor, and Rin, glowing and agitated next to him.

Princess Thalia sipped her wine as she reclined on a comfortable couch in the sitting area, her blue eyes gazing at the dance floor. Tipping her head and smiling contemplatively, she watched Leo and Rin. With a touch of astonishment in her tone, she said, "I never thought Leonhardt had this side of him."

She remembered the last encounter they’d had, all hard angles and watchful intensity. "He’s always so. hard."

Erin smirked as she sat next to her, her violet eyes glimmering with amusement. "Princess, we cannot make snap judgments about tough guys. They are multi-layered."

Her eyes darted around the room and found Adrian standing in the distance, staring at Thalia as he listened half-listening to some nobles.

Erin’s smile turned sly as she stood, smoothing her gown. "Excuse me, Princess."

She marched toward Adrian, cutting through the crowd with purpose, and grabbed his arm, interrupting his talk with a polite but firm, "Sorry, I need to borrow him for a bit."

Ignoring his surprised look, she pulled him away, muttering, "What are you doing, staring at the Princess from afar while she’s alone?"

Adrian’s voice was low and agitated, and his face flushed. "I can’t just—it’s not that easy, Erin!"

Erin gave him a playful shove in Thalia’s direction. "Stop overthinking and just go."

Adrian had no choice but to approach Thalia, his normal confidence shattered by her presence, his steps uncertain. With a tiny, apprehensive smile, he cleared his throat. "Hey, Princess Thalia, want to dance with me?"

As Thalia put down her glass and got to her feet, her eyes glowed with laughter and her smile was genuine and warm. She said, lightly but with a playful undertone that caused his blush to deepen, "Sure, for you, Adrian."

As the music encircled them, she took his hand and they made their way to the dance floor, her elegance matching his deliberate steps.