Estelle Will Not Forgive a Second Time: The Condemned Noble Lady Returns in Elegance to Dance with the Incompetent Prince - Chapter 2

“Oh my, Lady Estelle. You look more beautiful than ever today!”

“Thank you kindly. Your dress is absolutely stunning as well.”

Compliments and pleasantries echoed from every corner of the grand hall.

This was the Spring Ball.

It had been two weeks since I returned to this world—two weeks since I was brought back to a time three years ago.

In that time, I focused on gathering information while also helping with the Grandier family’s paperwork.

In the previous timeline, the Grandier family ultimately abandoned me when they could no longer protect me.
But even then, they had tried to help me until the very end. They were not the ones I sought vengeance against.

Thinking on this, I gently lifted the hem of my gown and stepped toward the center of the hall, bathed in the soft light of the opulent chandeliers.

Three years ago, I had stood in this very place, lost in innocent dreams.

But things were different now.

Tonight, I came to observe—especially one particular person.

Someone who could prove useful in my quest for revenge.

“You look so graceful tonight, Lady Estelle.”

“Do you think so? Thank you very much.”

Smiling politely at the young lady beside me, I casually scanned the far side of the hall.

There he was—First Prince Victor Wiesenberg—laughing boisterously as he chatted with his entourage.
His golden hair glimmered, and his followers eagerly vied for his favor.

He still knew nothing, of course.
No idea just how deeply I despised him.

A fire of vengeance surged within me, but I didn’t let it show.

I kept a pleasant smile on my lips and offered a slight bow as I continued forward.

“Lady Estelle, have you danced yet this evening?”

“No, not yet. I thought I’d wait until things settled down.”

“What a shame. Few can dance as gracefully as you.”

“I’d love to, truly. If the opportunity arises, I’d be delighted.”

I responded warmly, but then I noticed something—
The whispers around me were different from those I remembered in my past life.

Apparently, rumors were already spreading: “Lady Estelle has become quite capable lately,” “She’s begun supporting the Grandier household.”

Perhaps my efforts assisting with the estate’s paperwork were beginning to show.

My parents had been a bit surprised at first, but I had given them a simple excuse:

“Like Cousin Miriam, I want to do my part for the Grandier family.”

Miriam was the daughter of the Grandier viscount’s branch family—my cousin.
We didn’t meet often, but she was known for her competence, especially in finance, and had been handling the estate’s accounts for years.

There was a time I felt a flicker of jealousy toward her…
But now? Not at all.

“Lady Estelle, that baron over there wishes to speak with you.”

“Oh? Is that so? Then perhaps I should offer my greetings.”

I nodded slightly and gave the baron a polite curtsy.

From behind me, I could hear someone murmur, “Lady Estelle seems more proactive than usual tonight.”
I deliberately tuned it out and continued forward.

In my previous life, I often lingered quietly by the walls during balls like this.

But now, I was changing my approach in the social sphere—
Because it would better serve my revenge.

—At that moment.

“Lady Grandier, might I have a moment of your time?”

Someone stepped into my path.

I looked up—and standing before me was none other than Victor Wiesenberg.

His golden hair, like molten sunlight, fell just past his shoulders, giving him an air of refined elegance.
With a boyish face, he brushed his hair back with his fingers, offering a gentle smile—one that seemed kind and warm.

But I knew the truth.
Behind that smile lay eyes as cold as ice.

Around us, the nobles quickly stepped aside.

A prince’s presence always changed the air of the room.

“Your Highness. Good evening. I am honored to be your guest tonight.”

I curtsied respectfully.

Behind me, I could hear his retainers whisper.

“Lady Estelle has quite the reputation lately. They say she’s managing financial documents…”

“The Grandier family is gaining influence. Perhaps His Highness is taking an interest?”

Victor smiled, as if to brush off the murmurs.

A perfect smile—one that seemed plucked from a painting of an ideal prince.
But I knew the cruelty it concealed.

“Lady Estelle, your gown tonight is exquisite. When you entered the hall, you shone above all others.”

“I am humbled, Your Highness. You too are resplendent this evening—your presence clearly captivates those around you.”

Indeed, his entourage surrounded him in lavish attire, their eyes fixed adoringly upon him.

I lowered my gaze slightly.
Once, my heart would have fluttered at such words.

But now, I could barely contain the seething rage beneath my calm exterior.

“By the way… would you care to dance? I heard you have yet to take to the floor.”

“…Yes. It would be my pleasure.”

It would be unnatural to refuse—and if I didn’t dance now, it would only arouse suspicion.

Victor took my hand and led me to the center of the floor.

The music shifted to a graceful waltz, filling the ballroom with elegant notes.

Our steps aligned effortlessly.

“Your dancing has always been praised, Lady Estelle. They say you’ve become even more skilled recently.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness. It is your leading that brings out the best in me.”

A gentle twirl.

My silk dress fluttered softly, flowing around me.
As I sensed the attention of the entire ballroom on us, I forced a delicate smile.

Inside, the nightmare of the execution platform replayed over and over.

(Yes… you smiled as you condemned me. No matter how I cried or pleaded, you refused to listen. And worse…)

The memories came flooding back.

You fabricated documents and false testimony to frame me as a traitorous villainess.

All your crimes—you pinned them on me.

You manipulated my family, everyone around me, like pawns on a board.

Seeing that same smile now, so close, I could barely suppress the urge to retch.

“Lady Estelle? Is something wrong?”

“No… I’m simply a bit overwhelmed by the crowd, that’s all.”

I laughed it off with a polite smile.

Victor returned, “I see. That’s good to hear,” and spun me once more.

Applause rose from the crowd.

A typical flourish of elegance at a ball—yet to me, it felt cloaked in cold darkness.

“I hear the Grandier family has been rather industrious of late. I’ve also heard you’ve been assisting with document work.”

“I’ve merely been helping Father here and there. I lack your Highness’s talents.”

“Such modesty. I’ve heard nothing but praise about your competence.”

—I read between the lines.

He’s noticed I’m no longer just a foolish young lady.
How will he react? What new schemes will he concoct now that his old tricks won’t work?

“To dance with you like this is an honor. The Spring Ball is one of my favorite events, you know.”

“I feel the same, Your Highness. Has tonight been a memorable evening for you?”

“Oh yes. Meeting people, conversing, forming new bonds… Many times, one finds the partner to carry the future forward.”

(A partner to carry the future… That’s the guise you used to destroy me.)

I smiled as I whispered to myself inwardly.

When the music ended, applause thundered through the hall.

Victor offered his hand with a whisper, “That was delightful.”

“Thank you. It was all thanks to your guidance, Your Highness.”

I curtsied once more and prepared to leave.

I sensed he wished to prolong the conversation, but I glanced meaningfully at the waiting nobles around us.

“Your Highness, I believe others are waiting for you. I would hate to intrude.”

“Ah… that’s true. A shame, but we shall speak again.”

Feigning disappointment, Victor turned away as his entourage quickly rushed to his side.

I took a slow breath, steadying the storm in my chest.

(I managed to keep smiling… but it was unbearable.)

The memory of that execution would not leave me—the spectacle, the mock trial, the humiliation.

I loathed myself for having believed in him, even for a moment.

But now, all I could do was smile.

“Lady Estelle, your dance with His Highness was simply magnificent!”

“You were dazzling—like the lead in a grand play!”

Surrounded by ladies showering praise, I returned their compliments with practiced grace while choking down the bitterness within.

The ball was only just beginning.

I scanned the hall once more, determined to discern ally from foe.

Then—

“Estelle, may I have a word with you?”

A familiar female voice from behind.

I turned—and there stood Clarissa Foren, one of the most despicable traitors from my past life.

Her chestnut hair, tinged with red, was elegantly styled and adorned with a large ribbon.
Her honey-colored eyes sparkled with charm as she smiled sweetly.

But I knew, just like Victor, behind those eyes was a cold, calculating gaze.

And now, with that falsely affectionate smile, she fixed her gaze on me.

“Clarissa… of course. I’d be happy to.”

I returned her smile naturally.

Beneath it burned a fierce anger, but I would not let it show.

After the prince, it seemed her turn had come.

“I’m glad. I had something I wanted to ask you.”

Clarissa stepped closer, lowering her voice to a whisper.

What move was she planning during this Spring Ball?

(It’s fine. I won’t make the same mistake again. I’ll turn your schemes against you.)

Taking a steady breath, I met her gaze.

This ball was no mere glittering affair—it marked the beginning of my revenge.

Burning those words into my heart, I walked toward Clarissa.