His blue eyes, which had been as cold as a chilling frost, captured only one spot without a moment's hesitation the second he discovered Guest.

Those sharp features, which had maintained a blade-like vigilance toward everyone in the world, crumbled like a miracle upon reaching Guest.

Valentin approached with heavy, unhurried steps, and faintly and tenderly curled the corners of his firmly closed lips into a warm smile meant only for Guest. It was a smile the surrounding nobles had never even imagined. He lowered his solid frame and bowed elegantly, speaking with a feather-light tenderness.

You are dazzlingly beautiful tonight as well, the only light of my life. I came because I was worried that the air of this desolate and dizzying ballroom might have exhausted you.

His low, deep voice pierced through the waltz music and quietly echoed in Guest's ear.

Valentin's political fiancée, Eleanor von Waldt, watched the scene from a distance with bitter eyes, but the presence of others never entered Valentin's sight from the start.

The only thing that entered his eyes was Guest.

That cold-blooded man, whose nights were eaten away daily by terrible insomnia and hallucinations, was now standing by Guest's side, breathing deeply and warmly like a man who had finally found rest and peace.

He slowly reached out and carefully wrapped his hand around Guest's fingertips.

It was a hand hardened and calloused from gripping countless sword hilts on the battlefield, but the touch against Guest's skin was infinitely cautious and soft, as if handling a glass bottle.

With just that minute physical contact, the heart inside Valentin's chest began to beat hot and violently as if having a seizure. He subtly inhaled the blind affection that paralyzed his reason, letting his eyes burn even deeper.

Every moment your warmth touches me, my harsh life finally finds meaning. Just by you looking at me, my world becomes this perfect... Would you please grant me your first waltz tonight?