SFBLFD - Chapter 77

Even with the agile movements, the hem of the rabbit mask's cloak only spread out softly.

As a wolf mask rushed forward to snatch the ribbon from her waist, the rabbit mask dodged by turning half a turn and instead snatched the ribbon in an instant.

With a breathing rabbit mask, Odelia firmly fastened a new ribbon at her waist beneath her cloak.

"It was taken away!”

"Good heavens, look at those reflexes."

Her movements drew people's attention.

Meanwhile, Allan was wandering frantically around the castle wearing a wolf mask.

"Madam! Where are you, Madam! Argh, my ribbon!"

As he hurriedly ran away, someone snatched the ribbon from his waist.

"Aaaah! That's mine! Give it back!"

That wolf mask is a total klutz.

"Will I be able to protect my wife's ribbon?"

Allan's clumsy charm actually piqued people's interest, and the hall became boisterous with laughter.

Meanwhile, Odelia calmly gathered the ribbons and took the lead in an instant.

"Good heavens, the rabbit mask is in the lead."

"That's already five!"

Odelia came out into the hallway to look for those who had left the hall. The moment she turned a dark corner, a wolf mask emerged from the shadows.

Unlike others, the footsteps were quiet, the breathing was restrained, and every movement was smooth and free of any imperfections.

The familiar shoulder line and gait—all of it made Odelia's heart pound. She felt as if her breath had been caught in her throat.

Did he recognize her, too? The wolf mask approached slowly without a word.

One step, another step.

The distance narrowed, breaths intertwined, and body heat was faintly transmitted to each other. Calix's hand reached out to grab the ribbon and brushed against the back of Odelia's hand.

Odelia's heart began to pound like crazy.

The intense heat was transmitted through the cold gloves. It was a sensation that no one but him could ever feel.

"..."

Odelia bit her lip and tried to push him away, but Calix bent slightly at the waist and turned his body behind her.

At that moment, as his fingertips brushed the side of her waist instead of the ribbon, Odelia's breath trembled slightly.

Gasping for breath and facing Calix straight in the eye, she slowly moved her toes.

Calix also lowered himself toward her without wavering.

The only sounds echoing in the dim hallway are the rustling of clothes brushing against each other and the breathing of two people.

As they crossed bodies eyeing each other's ribbons, the hems of their cloaks brushed against one another, heightening the tension.

As Calix's hand aimed for the back of her waist, Odelia lifted her body to counterattack. The two moved quickly as if dancing, reaching out their hands toward each other's waists.

Even though she knew the person before her was a very familiar presence, she said nothing. It was a game permitted only in anonymity.

"...!"

Just as Calix leaned in to grab her waist, Odelia's toes touched the slippery sea of rocks.

As her body lurched forward, Calix instinctively reached out and tightly wrapped his arms around her waist.

Their breaths crossed, and the world fell silent.

But right then.

Odelia's fingertips moved sharply.

Odelia, seizing the opportunity, burrowed deep into Calix's waist and snatched his red ribbon with a rustling sound.

She sprang backward from his embrace and threw herself to the end of the hallway. Her fluttering cloak spread out like a black wave.

The red ribbon in her hand felt hot. When she turned around, Calix was standing there, staring at her.

And finally, the ringing of bells.

At the sound of the bell signaling the end of the game, the banquet hall was once again filled with joy and cheers.

Gasping for breath, Odelia clutched the ribbon tightly.

However, the warmth remaining at her fingertips proved all too clearly the truth she could never speak.

Nobles clad in black cloaks gathered in the hall one by one. With faces half nervous and half expectant, they all checked each other's waists.

"I will tally the number of ribbons obtained!"

The Grand Duchess's voice rang out solemnly. The attendants approached each participant, checked the number of ribbons, and recorded them.

The ribbon Odelia handed over was a whopping twenty.

"My God, a rabbit mask is that impressive?"

"I chased after her in the hallway earlier, but she vanished in an instant."

"Who on earth is that lady?"

That overwhelming achievement was the talk of the town at the banquet hall. The Grand Duchess smiled brightly and spread her hands.

"Alright. I will announce today's winner! The honor of being recognized as the best couple of the year goes to this Mrs. Rabbit!"

Thunderous applause shook the banquet hall.

At the Grand Duchess's gesture, Odelia, who had won first place, carefully raised both hands and removed her mask.

Beneath the rabbit mask that had slipped down, Odelia's slightly sweat-drenched hair cascaded over her shoulders. Gathering the hair clinging to her forehead, she slowly raised her head.

"By the way, Madam, where is your husband? It's a married couple game; surely you haven't lost him, have you?"

Odelia shrugged slightly and pointed her finger at a man standing shabbily on one side of the hall.

Indeed, it was Allan wearing the wolf mask. With his shoulders slumped and scratching the back of his neck, he walked out slowly.

“...I am here.”

His voice was completely dejected. He held only three ribbons in his hand, and the banquet hall erupted in laughter.

"Hahaha! Three? At that rate, it's practically like getting caught!"

"As expected, Baroness Talamand is amazing. Like husband, like wife."

Odelia looked at Allan with an embarrassed smile. Allan let out a sigh and slowly removed his wolf mask. As his handsome, sweat-soaked face was revealed, the people let out exclamations of admiration.

Allan muttered softly to Odelia.

"I'm sorry, madam, I could only gather three..."

"It's okay. I've saved a lot."

As Odelia smiled kindly, Allan's expression softened a little.

"It was meant to be a competition to find the best couple, but somehow we ended up choosing the best wife."

Everyone burst into laughter at the Grand Duchess's words, and only then did Odelia and Alln go to the center of the stage together to receive the award.

Far away, between the dim pillars, she met the eyes of a man wearing a wolf mask. An intense gaze that could not be hidden; Odelia's heart pounded for a moment.

Odelia smiled slowly, took the last remaining red ribbon from her waist, and held it high.

The ribbon, sparkling in the light, was proof of the fierce battle with him just moments ago.

Odelia tilted her head slightly and let out a small laugh. 'See, Your Majesty? I won this game.'The words didn't come out of her mouth, but her gaze conveyed it fully.

Only then did Calix slowly take off his wolf mask.

His wet, disheveled hair draped over his forehead, and a slow, deep smile bloomed at the corners of his lips. It was an expression that acknowledged defeat while simultaneously seemingly reveling in her victory.

The moment the two people's gazes firmly met in the air.

The Grand Duchess, standing next to Odelia, staggered violently.

"Your Highness, the Grand Duchess!"

Odelia hurriedly supported her arm with a surprised look on her face.

The air in the banquet hall froze heavily. Everyone held their breath in unison and glanced at one another.

The Grand Duchess forced a smile and waved her hand slightly.

"Don't worry. I just lost my balance for a moment."

Her voice was gentle as usual, but strangely lacked strength.

"But the body..."

“I said it’s okay.”

The Grand Duchess cut her off firmly and called her attendant.

"I need to rest for a while. You all continue enjoying the banquet here."

As the attendant supported her, the Grand Duchess held the back of Odelia's hand tightly one last time before leaving. That hand contained deep trust and encouragement at the end.

"Odelia. Nobles are simpler than I thought."

She whispered quietly, but clearly so that it could be heard.

"They look up to you just for the ribbon-snatching game. As you saw in their eyes today, you must have confidence."

"You mean... to look up to such a person?"

"There is no need to be ashamed. You are already rebuilding the Talamand. That is the reason I invited you to this banquet today."

Her voice became much lower, but it resonated just as strongly.

"Nobles look for results rather than eloquent words. Prove for yourself just how much the Talamand has been revived, and this very banquet will be the stage for that."

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