Flag-Breaking Villainess: The Story of How Breaking the Romance Flags of the Otome Game's Protagonist Ended Up Creating New Flags Between the Reincarnated Villainess and the Heroine - Chapter 18.1

Three days after Tarmine’s marriage proposal event, I was teaching Liel how to dance in preparation for the upcoming academy ball.

Despite the grand term, the ball was more about creating an atmosphere rather than an event that required elaborate dance performances.

That’s why I only taught basic steps suitable for beginners.

“Don’t look at your feet. It will ruin your posture.”

It was understandable—she was still getting used to dancing—but while I held her hands and led the steps, I noticed that Liel kept glancing down over and over again.

Even so, she picked up the movements surprisingly fast and quickly mastered the dance.

On the night of the ball, I changed into my dress with Sir Urs’s assistance.

As expected, I wore a violet lace dress, just like in the original story.

Meanwhile, Liel was dressed in a blue frilled-sleeve gown.

Originally, her dress in the story was pink, but for certain reasons, I had chosen blue—a color that suited her far better.

“I never imagined I’d get to wear such a magnificent dress.”

“You look adorable, Liel—just like a princess.”

Her soft demeanor blended beautifully with the elegance of the gown, making her look utterly radiant.

Without a doubt—the most beautiful in the world.

“Lady Lilia, you look stunning as well! Your dress is like a masterpiece of art!”

We exchanged compliments, and laughter naturally followed.

It was a moment of pure joy—a night that we could genuinely enjoy together.

Since the academy’s servants were handling the arrangements at the ball, we parted ways with Sir Urs before heading to the venue.

Arm in arm, Liel and I made our way into the brilliantly illuminated ballroom.

The hall was alive with grandeur.

Music flowed from the instruments of invited musicians, filling the space with an air of elegance.

Dazzling nobles glided across the floor in conversation, laughter, and dance.

Some twirled gracefully, others engaged in animated discussions, while a few stood by the refreshment tables, indulging in fine cuisine.

“Liel, shall we dance?”

Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement, and she responded with an enthusiastic nod.

“Yes!”

I extended my hand, and she gently placed hers over mine.

The warmth of her touch sent a deep sense of fulfillment through me.

Even though her fingers trembled slightly, betraying her nervousness, I found it endearing.

Without thinking, I pulled her a little closer before leading her into the dance.

As we moved in sync with the flowing melody, her golden hair shimmered under the chandelier’s glow, swaying gracefully with each turn.

Her blue eyes never wavered, locked onto me with unwavering trust.

The delicate flutter of her dress as she twirled stirred emotions deep within me.

It felt as if time had slowed—each step, each movement becoming a cherished fragment of eternity.

“I’m so glad I met you, Liel.”

It wasn’t just because she had helped me rediscover my love for art.

It was because every day spent with Liel was genuinely joyful.

The quiet moments we shared together were a kind of happiness I had never known before.

And so, I wanted to treasure these remaining moments—

To make the most of them—

Until the day Liel reached her happy ending with Tarmine.

“I feel the same way.”

Her smile was radiant, making my heart clench tightly.

“Without you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

She spoke so earnestly, her expression so sincere, that it made my chest tighten painfully.

I was so happy to hear those words, and yet—

At the same time, I dreaded the moment our dance would end.

“Dancing with you, Lady Lilia, makes me truly happy.”

Her soft voice carried a warmth that settled deep in my soul.

I wanted to hold onto this moment forever.

But, of course—all dances must end.

As the final notes of the melody drifted away, we came to a stop.

We exchanged smiles—a silent confirmation that this brief but cherished moment had been meaningful.

Then, with a bright, excited expression, Liel suddenly declared:

“I’ll go get us something to drink!”

And with that, she hurried off toward the refreshment table.

I watched her retreating figure, feeling a strange sense of longing settle over me.

Even though I knew—

Even though I understood…

This night wouldn’t last forever.

While Liel was away, I took a moment to scan the ballroom.

Among the dazzling nobility, I spotted the key figures of the original story.

Prince Aren was dancing with Shiroe, drawing the attention of many onlookers.

Vayne, on the other hand, was seated at a table with a braided-haired girl, the academy’s shopkeeper, who was also featured in the original story. She was delicately dabbing her mouth with a handkerchief as she ate.

Meanwhile, Makios stood off to the side, engaged in a lighthearted conversation with her vice president, a striking woman with glasses.

It seemed that, apart from Aren, the other love interests had already formed romantic connections outside of Liel’s route.

I never had strong feelings toward the original male leads, but I didn’t dislike them either.

Seeing them find happiness elsewhere reassured me—at the very least, my interference hadn’t left them stranded without a love interest.

Just as I was feeling a sense of relief, Liel returned.

But—

Her hands were empty, and her expression darkened with an unsettling gloom.

“I’m sorry… I couldn’t bring the drinks. There was… a problem.”

Her downcast face told me everything.

She had most likely been ridiculed by the other students, just like in the original story.

I couldn’t leave it at that.

“Come with me.”

Without hesitation, I took her hand and led her out onto the balcony.

A cool night breeze brushed against our skin as I exhaled deeply, allowing the crisp air to settle my thoughts.

“This is much better than that over decorated birdcage.”

Above us, the night sky stretched endlessly, its vast expanse adorned with countless shimmering stars.

The sight was breathtaking, a view that could ease any burden—

Yet, despite its beauty, Liel’s expression remained clouded.

As I pondered how to comfort her, she suddenly spoke up:

“Lady Lilia… why did you choose a blue dress for me?”

Ah—

I had never actually explained my reasoning to her.

Blue dresses were uncommon at ballroom events.

I should have told her sooner.

Now was as good a time as any to give her a clear answer.

“Because it matches your eyes.”

Her blue eyes widened slightly, filled with surprise.

“Your eyes are as clear as the open sky,” I continued, my gaze unwavering.

“I could look at them forever.

To me, they are the purest, most beautiful color in the world.

That’s why I chose a dress to match them.”

For a moment, her glistening eyes reflected the starry night, holding a glow as if they had captured the heavens themselves.

“Lady Lilia, I… I—”

She tried to speak—

Her voice trembled with emotion—

But before she could finish,

Tears spilled down her cheeks.

I didn’t know why she was crying,

But I knew I wanted to comfort her.

Without hesitation, I pulled her into an embrace, wrapping her in warmth.

Even as I held her, she continued to sob, unable to stop.

So I simply held her tighter, offering silent reassurance.

I waited, stroking her hair gently, until, at last—

Her tears finally subsided.

“Can you tell me why you cried?”

She hesitated before answering in a quiet voice:

“I… I can’t.”

I nodded without pressing further.

It wouldn’t be right to force her to speak.

Instead, I placed my hand on her head, offering a silent gesture of comfort.

She leaned into me, allowing herself to be held.

After a while, she slowly pulled away, her tear-streaked blue eyes still carrying a hint of sadness.

“I’m sorry… I think I’d like to return to my room now.

Just for a little while… I need some time alone.”

I didn’t try to stop her.

“I understand. I’ll stay here a bit longer and enjoy the night breeze.”

Alone on the balcony, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, I let my thoughts drift.

Why did Liel cry?

I wanted to understand.

I needed to understand.

Her tears hurt me.

I hated seeing her cry.

I wanted her to always be smiling.

But why?

I already knew the answer.

I had just been avoiding it, pretending I didn’t understand.

And now, whispering it aloud, I could finally accept it:

“I love Liel.”

It was as simple as that.

At first, I had only watched her as a player, observing her like a character in a story.

Then, as Lilia, I had stood beside her.

And somewhere along the way…

I had fallen in love with her.

This wasn’t a fleeting admiration.

It was real, undeniable love.

And so, I made my decision.

“Even if my feelings aren’t returned, I need to tell her.

No matter what, I don’t want to regret this.”

Liel, the protagonist of this romance game, was never meant to have a same-s3x route.

She was destined to end up with a male love interest.

Even if she couldn’t reciprocate my feelings—

I wanted her to know.

Because this was too important to keep inside.

Still, she had asked for time alone.

I would respect that.

When I finally returned to our shared room, she wasn’t there.

Perhaps she still wasn’t ready to face me.

I decided to prepare for bed and lay down, hoping she would return soon.

The empty space beside me felt far too wide.

The sheets were far too cold.

And as I closed my eyes, I couldn’t shake the thought—

I hated sleeping without her beside me.

The Next Day—

When I woke up,

Liel was still gone.