Second Life's Revenge

Laura and Erwin put on their masks before getting off the carriage, and it didn't surprise Laura that all eyes were on them, wanting to see their faces hidden by the mask.

Erwin got out of the carriage extending a hand to Laura, who looked dazzled with his actions. She wasn't used to his gentleman act though he is one. 

To not be rude and suspicious, Laura accepted his hand and carefully got out of the carriage, and heard some Nobel gasping out loud. They both ignored their reactions and moved on. 

There is no point in fighting an endless battle.

Laura's hair did stand out amongst the crowd, but Erwin's hair stood out more. Everyone in the empire knew this. Having silver hair means you are part of the royal family. And it was rare to see someone of royal daily.

Not only that, what made them stand out the most was their masks. It was weird to hide their faces in the grand party. But what choice did they both have? Laura needed to try to conceal while Erwin hid his face from the public since his birth.

The nobles who first walked up the stairs felt immense pressure and aura coming from Laura and Erwin. They all froze and made way for the pair to go and enter the ballroom first.

Still, the whispering continued, and Laura was a bit worried. Knowing that she isn't supposed to go out to the public, she needed to fulfill their agreement. It wasn't like she can move the day of the crowned prince's celebration.

"It seems we're quite famous now," Erwin said with amusement as he looked at Laura, who sighed, shaking her head.

"Well...whose fault is that?" Laura said, shooting a threatening smile at Erwin, who backed off immediately upon meeting her gaze.

"It's not like you can do anything about it," Erwin sheepishly smiled.

"Sometimes, I wish you were much more mature," Laura said and rolled her eyes.

"Well, sometimes, I wish you can accept me for who I am," Erwin backfired, making Laura realized she had done something wrong without noticing it earlier.

Laura stopped walking and sincerely looked at Erwin. Her tongue slipped words. She said some things out loud unintentionally. She thought that she might have hurt his feelings and wanted to apologize.

"I'm alright. You don't have to apologize," Erwin said as he kept the smile on his face.

Even if Erwin assured that he was alright, Laura didn't feel good about it. She knew what it feels like to be judged, to tell you to change because you are not good enough. She felt guilty.

"It's not alright. I'm sorry," Laura apologized and continued walking up the stairs, leaving Erwin a few steps behind.

Erwin felt like his heart was about to break. Seeing the hurtful face on Laura was a sight he wished not to see at all. Even if they were friends, he still doesn't know much of Laura.

All he knows is that she has memories of her past or rather her first life. Erwin wanted to apologize to Laura, but he found it difficult to talk to her. The air between them has suddenly become awkward.

'What now, Erwin?" Laura muttered, making Erwin sigh and slightly loosened his necktie.

By the entrance, Laura waited for Erwin to reach the top because there was no way she would enter the ballroom alone. And the only person she can rely on is Erwin even though the air between them is awkward.

"Don't make that face. It makes my heartache," Erwin frowned, looking towards the entrance door.

Laura felt like crying, but if she does cry, the make-up Mary had done with great effort would go to waste. Instead, she straightened her back and looked at Erwin as her lips lifted ear to ear.

"I'll just say this once... I'm sorry."

"It's alright, next time no need to apologize," Erwin said with a smile and placed a hand on Laura's head.

The air between them lifted, and everything was back to normal. Erwin showed the invitation card to the palace guard, who granted their access to the ballroom.

But before entering, Erwin asked for the hand of Laura, which she happily accepted.

"Let's go, my lady," Erwin smiled, leading Laura into the ballroom.

Unlike the first time Laura visited the palace, it was a different venue and different ballroom. The first time Laura entered the palace, the event was held in Maria's hall, which was smaller.

This time it was held in Rose's hall, where it was twice as big and extravagant. Mainly, Rose's ballroom was used for grand parties like royal families' celebrations or significant achievements from a royal family member.

Laura and Erwin both entered the grand hall, and from the outside, instruments could be heard playing. As expected, no noble would want to miss the birthday party of the crowned prince.

It would be a disgrace if they ever missed such a great party like this. And not only that, it would be a waste of an opportunity to experience pure luxury.

The timing of their entrance was great. The lights dimmed and flashed on the aisle in front of them. First, the emperor walked down the aisle, and behind him was Prince Winston.

After the king and Prince Winston sat on their chairs. The Crowned Prince, Elijah, walked down the aisle, wearing a mask.

The Crowned Prince's face reveal is probably the one thing that everyone was anticipating, especially the young ladies.

Erwin leaned lower to Laura's height and whispered, "When that mask gets off. The ladies in the hall will start fawning for him."

Laura laughed softly, concealing her laughter with one hand and whispered back, "How do you know?"

"Just watch and wait," Erwin said, lifting a brow.

Prince Elijah stands on the platform, and the hall became silent. Laura wondered just what kind of person he is. Because just like the mysterious Erwin, Prince Elijah was in the same position as Erwin.

"I come today to celebrate my 18 birthday and reveal my face in front of hundreds of nobles. I, Elijah Frederik Quinn, want to thank each of you for making time to attend my party. I want to thank my father and younger brother for supporting me when I hid in the dark. However, this time, I'm going to show the world I am worthy and why I exist. Once more, welcome to my party and have a great time."

Laura clapped her hands as she anticipated to see the face of Prince Elijah. And secretly, Erwin looked at Laura's anticipating face and which brought a weird feeling to his stomach.

"I'm so much better than him," Erwin muttered.

Prince Elijah then slowly removed the mask on his face, and the nobles clapped around of applause. His golden eyes shined even brighter without the cover, and his expressionless appearance caught the ladies' eyes.

Like Erwin predicted, the young ladies fawned other Prince Elijah, and some even acted shy—trying to catch his attention. Ladies tend to act shy around the people whom they are interested in. But for sure, none of the ladies caught his eyes.

The speech ended, and the nobles continued talking to one another. But Erwin needed to greet the emperor and his cousins and asked Laura to stay in a corner before returning.

Laura didn't want Erwin to leave her side and insisted on going with him. But Erwin said it's alright for her not to go because it is a family thing. But the truth was deep inside, he just didn't want to introduce Laura to his cousins.

Laura then agreed to wait for Erwin and watched Erwin's back as he disappeared and blended with the crowd. She leaned and rested her head on the wall, wishing for him to come back sooner.

Erwin kneeled onto one knee, greeting The Emperor and his two cousins. He was happy to see his cousin revealing his face out in public because the Crowned Prince cannot forever stay in the dark.

"It has been a while, Erwin," Prince Elijah smiled, hugging him.

"It sure is, oh, and by the way, happy birthday, dear cousin," Erwin said genuinely, patting the back of Prince Elijah.

"Thanks. So I was just curious, who's that lady you brought with you," Prince Elijah nudged Erwin using his elbow.

"Guess."

"You're future fiancee?" Prince Eliah teased.

"Who knows," Erwin laughed.

"Say, Erwin, I think you need to help your future lady out," Prince Elijah pointed towards Laura, surrounded by men.

"Those bastard old men," Erwin clenched his fist.

"Go save your lady," Prince Wiston, joined wooing.

"Then, I must leave. See you soon," Erwin nodded his head and rushed to save Laura.