Chapter 166: Seven Stars Ball (I)

“Mhm… Jasmine, do I look good?”

Gray asked lightly as he observed himself in the mirror, now wearing the suit he had prepared for the ball.

The suit clung to him like it had been made only for him, with sharp lines, clean edges, and a depth of black so dark it seemed to refuse to reflect any light.

It was the kind of black that made everything around it seem a shade lighter.

His eyes, pitch black and steady, studied every detail.

His eyebrows were naturally straight and firm, giving his face an intense look even when he wasn’t trying.

His lips were a little pale, but shaped neatly, giving him a mature aura.

His hair, also black, had been combed back in a simple but mature style, a few strands falling near his forehead just enough to soften the harsh lines of his face without ruining his neat look.

[You do.]

“Why, thank you.” Gray lifted the corner of his lips.

Even that small smile looked cold… distant… almost uncomfortable on his own face. Only now he could see what it looked like.

But as he forced more of his smile, just to imitate his past times as a playboy, his face mucles finally relaxed as a perfect smile appeared.

[If only you could truly smile… that would make you even more handsome than you already are.]

Jasmine sighed softly.

Gray simply nodded, as if accepting the truth without protest, his gaze still locked on that distant-looking man in the mirror.

“…Time to head out.”

Gray adjusted the small silver embroidery of the suit, pushed open the door of his dormitory, and stepped into the hallway.

His footsteps echoed softly as he walked almost lazily, but the moment the girls saw him, the air shifted.

They tried to act casual…, but upon seeing him, they all failed miserably.

Whispers bloomed like wildflowers behind him.

“Is that really Gray…? Holy shit! He looks so damn good in a suit!”

“I knew he was handsome, but this is unfair…”

“Ugh, why does he look so mature like that… I wouldn’t mind getting played if it’s him…”

“I-I’d gladly be part of the ’playboy rumor’ if he asked…”

“Shut up, he’s not even looking at us, just let me dream!”

Their voices overlapped, a mix of excitement, envy, and shameless desire.

Some girls stopped in the middle of the hallway just to watch him walk past. Others squeezed their thighs together, cheeks flushed, trying not to look too eager.

Of course, Gray barely glanced at them.

When he reached the Headmistress’s personal room, he didn’t raise his hand to knock. He just pushed the door open and stepped inside before closing it behind him.

Gloria’s voice rang out instantly.

“Oh my~! What if I was changing my clothes?” she gasped playfully, her tone dripping with teasing amusement.

Gray only rolled his eyes.

Gloria stepped into view, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. She stopped right in front of him, her lips curling into a bright, confident smile.

“Well?” she lifted her arms a little, then spun gracefully, her gown lifting just a bit with the movement.

“Do I look beautiful?”

Saying that she looked beautiful was an insult…

She was simply divine!

Her long blonde hair flowed down her back in soft waves, catching the light like strands of sunlight.

Her golden eyes sparkled, framed by her phoenix-like eyebrows that arched elegantly over her golden gaze, leading to a high-bridged nose and cheekbones that could cut glass.

Her lips, painted a deep, succulent red, were full and glistening, parted slightly as if in a permanent invitation

A touch of light makeup, not to hide, but to enhance, made her every feature seem more vibrant, more alive, more devastatingly beautiful.

But it was her body that truly would steal someone’s attention.

She was poured into a golden ball gown that seemed forged to worship her form.

The bodice was a marvel, a corseted masterpiece of satin and lace that pushed her breasts up and together, creating a valley of cleavage so deep and perfect it seemed a sin to look away.

The sheer, impossible size of her bust was accentuated by the gown’s design, the golden fabric clinging to every curve, straining against the massive frame of her perfect orbs.

Her waist, cinched to an almost impossible degree, flared out into hips that were wide and womanly.

The gown’s skirt, a cascade of shimmering gold, fell to the floor but was slit high up one thigh, revealing the long, toned line of her leg with every step.

On her feet, she wore golden heels that made her calves taut, and her entire posture was one of regal nobility.

Gray gave her a slow, honest look and said quietly:

“You look absolutely gorgeous.”

For a second, Gloria froze.

Her golden eyes widened into soft crescent shapes, surprise melting into a warm, delighted glow. Then that bright smile spread across her lips as she stepped closer, looping her arm through his.

Her chest pressed against his arm on purpose, not even trying to hide it.

“Mmm~ you’re too sweet,” she laughed lightly. “And you look very handsome yourself. As expected of my partner for the ball~”

She leaned in just a little more and lowered her voice, trying to whisper—but Gray was far too perceptive to miss it.

“At least now those women won’t call me a single old woman…”

Gray didn’t comment on it. He simply gave a small nod, the kind that showed he heard her but wouldn’t poke at her pride.

“Phew~” Gloria exhaled and straightened up, regaining that regal presence.

“Let’s not waste more time,” she said with a bright smile, lifting her hand.

Fwip!

A small portal rippled open in front of them, glowing softly with pale gold and starlight.

She tugged him forward.

They stepped through.

Instantly, the warm air of her office vanished, replaced by the cool, gentle breeze of the night.

The sky was dark, filled with bright stars that shimmered like scattered diamonds.

And right in front of them towered the emperor’s palace, an immense, flawless masterpiece of stone and light, its white pillars glowing faintly under the moon.

Gray looked at it for a few seconds, causing him to relive some memories, but he quickly shut his eyes, then let it all slide back into the dark where it belonged.

When he opened them again, he turned toward Gloria.

“Surprised? The palace tends to have that effect. Even on people who’ve seen it before.” She was smiling gently, almost proud.

Gray shook his head once.

“No. Just remembering a few things.”

Before she could ask, he let out a slow breath… and that smooth, dangerous smile curved onto his lips, calm, confident, and sharp enough to make Gloria’s eyes flicker.

He lifted his hand toward her.

“Shall we go, my lady?”

The gesture, the posture, the tone… it was like a noble escort straight out of an old imperial play.

Completely natural, and perfectly executed.

Gloria blinked, taken off guard.

Then her red lips curved upward as she placed her hand in his, her fingers pressing against his palm gently.

“Oh my… it seems I don’t need to teach you etiquette after all,” she teased quietly.

Gray’s eyes narrowed a bit at that, because it told him something she didn’t realize:

She had no idea he was a Fallen Noble.

That alone surprised him for a moment… but he hid it behind a relaxed expression and led her into the palace without saying anything.

They entered a massive hallway that stretched so far it almost felt like a ballroom on its own. Golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

White marble floors reflected the light like glass.

Countless nobles stood in elegant clusters, in their expensive suits, shimmering gowns, sparkling jewelry, soft laughter, and slow chatter.

But strangely, no one had touched the food or was drinking wine.

At this, Gray pushed the sleeves of his suit and checked his watch.

It was exactly 8:57 PM, which means that the king hasn’t given his speech yet… so the event hasn’t truly started.

“Shall we head to one of the corners?” Gloria asked suddenly.

Gray turned to her.

“…Aren’t you going to socialize or something? I’ll just follow your lead.”

“Mhm…” Gloria let out a delicate hum.

“Not yet. The king should be the first to greet me. It’s formal etiquette between us. So don’t worry, you won’t be dragged into anything just yet.”

She slid her hand a little tighter around his arm, then gently pulled him toward a quieter corner of the hall.

“Naturally,” she added with a small smile.

“You’re staying right beside me until then.”

Gray nodded lighly at her words. That just eased his job by a ton, not to mention that he was trying to find his big sister.

Of course, he wouldn’t approach her directly… because he knew…

He knew that she would be the one approaching him. But for now, he just needed to hide a little, as he didn’t want to meet the first princess of the kingdom.

The reason?

Well…

She’s his ex-girlfriend… and also, his so-called first love.

Meeting her while being Gloria’s partner… would just be awkward.

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