Upon hearing the announcement of an unfamiliar arrival, everyone's gaze turned to the end of the hall. A girl in a long crimson evening gown entered with slow steps. Ignoring the crowd, she walked toward the nearest window and stood there.
Even from this distance, Elias could feel the weight of her presence.
Arthur straightened up to see better:
"Walker? Which family is that from?"
It seemed that, seeing Daisy's disinterest in socializing, people returned to their previous conversations. But Elias's eyes remained fixed on her.
Daisy—alive and well—was there.
Elias took a deep breath:
"Arthur, I want to ask you something important."
Arthur, thinking they were still talking about their earlier subject:
"What?"
Elias, in a calm but serious voice, said:
"I intend to do dangerous things. I might get into serious trouble because of it. But I have to do it."
He stood up:
"As a friend, I want you to stay by my side even if the worst happens. Even if you can't help. Will you do that?"
Arthur, confused by Elias's sudden seriousness, replied nervously:
"You're acting strange. That doesn't sound like you."
Elias pressed harder:
"Will you?"
Arthur laughed at Elias's intensity:
"Of course! I know you can't survive a moment without me."
Elias hoped this time Arthur would keep his word. Smiling, he said:
"Thank you. Well, now I want to have my first dance."
Arthur gave a small grin:
"Really? And who's the lucky lady?"
When he saw Elias descend the steps without answering, ignoring the disappointed looks of the girls and heading toward the corner of the hall, Arthur muttered under his breath:
"Don't tell me…"
Daisy had turned toward the window, unaware of the heavy gaze Elias carried with him—until she saw a reflection in the glass.
"It's been a long time… hasn't it?"
Daisy turned to see who had spoken so familiarly. Seeing the Emperor standing there with a smile, she flinched. Only for a moment—then her face returned to its cold composure. She bowed:
"Greetings, Emperor Neora. Congratulations on your coronation."
Elias extended his hand and leaned slightly forward. Through Daisy's loose black hair, he looked into the cold eyes set upon her pale, round face and said:
"Miss Daisy Walker, may I have the honor of the first dance with you?"
Whispers spread through the hall:
"What is he doing?… Who is that girl?… Really?… I can't believe His Majesty's first dance…"
Daisy had intended to pass the evening quietly. But now, if she refused the Emperor's request, she would draw even more attention. She had no choice but to take his hand.
"It would be an honor."
Elias led her to the center of the hall. As the music began, so did their dance.
A new topic entered the guests' conversations:
Who was this Walker girl who had caught the Emperor's eye?
Among the crowd, only Elias knew Daisy thanks to his past.
Her father, Eric Walker, had risen through the spice trade to become a formidable rival to the Five Families.
Just as the Walker name was gaining recognition, Mr. Walker and his wife died in a carriage accident.
Mrs. Walker had been an acquaintance of the Empress, which was why Elias attended the funeral with her.
There, he last saw Daisy—a girl who, without shedding a single tear, stared at her parents' grave.
After that, the doors of the Walker estate closed to everyone.
The story faded with time… until today, when the family's sole heir reappeared.
As the second round of dancing began, attention gradually shifted away from them, and the celebration returned to normal. It was now a good chance to talk.
Elias said:
"It's been five years since we last met. I was almost forgetting your name."
Daisy gave him a questioning look, perhaps trying to recall which meeting he meant.
Elias continued:
"You could have attended any ceremony, but you chose the coronation. What reason could there be?"
Daisy, puzzled by the conversation, said:
"I don't know what you're talking about."
But Elias thought things were going well so far.
"Let me guess… This is your first appearance in society, so you wanted everyone to remember a name that had been forgotten."
Seeing Daisy's expression, he knew he was right.
"I think you and I have a lot to talk about."
With a turn, the dance ended.
"I would like to speak with you, Miss."
Daisy pulled back:
"But I would not."
Elias knew he was moving too fast. But if he chose a gentler path, it would take too long—and perhaps this chance would never come again.
He leaned closer, almost whispering in her ear:
"I know what plan you have."
Then he straightened and looked at her surprised face. With a faint smile, he said:
"How about we talk in the garden?"
Daisy's expression showed her reluctance, but she turned and left the hall.
Elias followed right behind her.