The Extra's Rise-Chapter 280: Rose Springshaper (1)

I studied my reflection as Mia, my maid, carefully applied makeup to my face.

"I'm surprised, Lady Rose," she remarked, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You actually seem to be enjoying dressing up."

I smiled slightly. "It's not like I dislike it."

Mia tilted her head. "Funny. Weren't you the one who told me that since I wouldn't be at the Academy with you, there was no point in bothering with makeup?"

I shrugged. "Times change."

Mia's eyes sparkled with knowing mischief. "Ohh, I see now. It's that boy… Arthur, right?"

I gave her a look. "Mia, are we done?"

"Almost," she hummed, stepping back to admire her work. "After all, your competition is strong. You need to stand out."

I blinked at her words.

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Stand out?

My gaze flickered back to the mirror, and for a moment, I saw myself standing next to them.

Next to Seraphina—a girl with an ethereal, almost incomparable beauty. Next to Cecilia—who exuded a casual, effortless flirtation that made her irresistible. And next to Rachel—alluring, energetic, vibrant in a way that drew people in without even trying.

A weight settled in my chest.

Physically, standing out against them was impossible.

Mia caught my expression in the mirror and clicked her tongue. "Don't be disheartened, my Lady."

I inhaled slowly. "I'm not disheartened."

My reflection stared back at me, composed, elegant.

"After all," I said, smoothing out my dress, "today is a celebration."

Mia gave a satisfied nod as I stood, fully dressed and adorned.

The diamond earrings and necklace gleamed under the soft lighting, perfectly complementing the pristine white dress that contrasted against my auburn hair and deep brown eyes.

"We're done," Mia said with a bright smile.

I took a final glance at myself in the mirror before stepping forward, sliding open the door and stepping out into the hallway.

A knight was already waiting. He gave a small bow. "My Lady, the Marquis is expecting you."

I nodded and walked with him, my heels tapping softly against the polished floors.

And then—I saw him.

My father.

Marquis Everett Springshaper stood tall, his expression calm yet warm as his sharp eyes settled on me. His auburn hair was neatly combed back, his brown eyes mirroring my own.

Perhaps I had been lucky not to inherit my mother's features.

"Rose," he greeted, a rare smile crossing his face. "You look beautiful."

He extended his hand.

I took it.

Together, we began walking, our steps in sync as we made our way toward the grand hall.

"Is today also the day I finally meet this Arthur Nightingale?" my father asked, his tone light but carrying a distinct weight of curiosity.

I glanced up at him. "Perhaps."

His smile deepened slightly. "I'm looking forward to it. After all…" He tilted his head slightly, voice dropping into something more thoughtful. "He is an exceptional young man, is he not?"

I exhaled. "To a certain degree."

But that was an understatement.

Arthur was beyond exceptional.

The towering entrance to the grand hall loomed before us, its massive doors gilded in intricate patterns of enchanted silver. As we approached, the doors swung open with smooth, mechanical precision, revealing the dazzling interior.

A herald in immaculate white and gold attire stepped forward, his voice carrying across the hall.

"Presenting the Marquis of House Springshaper and his daughter, Lady Rose Springshaper."

All eyes turned toward us as we entered, but mine sought out one in particular.

And I found him immediately.

Arthur stood near the center of the hall, dressed sharply, exuding an effortless confidence that made him stand out even in a room filled with royalty and nobility.

His sharp, intelligent gaze flickered toward me, and for a brief second, I could see the moment he registered my presence.

I smiled.

Then, with a light wave, I greeted him.

The moment we stepped fully into the hall, my father's presence commanded attention.

Marquis Everett Springshaper was not a man easily ignored. His noble bearing, quiet confidence, and unwavering presence made him one of the most respected figures in the empire. And tonight, as the host of this event, he moved with the effortless grace of a man accustomed to power.

The nobles flocked to him like moths to a flame.

I stood by his side, offering practiced smiles and polite nods as a stream of guests approached.

"Marquis Springshaper," one of the high-ranking nobles greeted with a deep bow. "A most magnificent celebration. Your rise to Marquis is well-deserved."

"You honor me," my father responded smoothly, offering a firm handshake. "But House Springshaper has only begun its ascent. I intend for us to prove our worth."

A murmur of agreement passed through the surrounding nobles.

From my periphery, I could see Arthur still watching—calm, composed, unreadable. I wondered what he was thinking.

Then, another presence approached.

A presence that instantly shifted the atmosphere.

"Marquis Springshaper," a melodic voice spoke. "Your family's accomplishments are commendable."

I turned to see Princess Cecilia Slatemark.

Dressed in an elegant red and gold gown, she radiated a confident, teasing energy, her crimson eyes practically glowing under the hall's artificial lighting.

"It's good to see you, Cecilia," my father said, offering a respectful bow of his head. "And I thank you for gracing this event with your presence."

"Oh, come now, Marquis," Cecilia smirked, "as if I'd miss an event that Arthur was attending."

Her gaze flickered toward Arthur for a brief moment before settling back on me. "Congratulations on your family's ascension, Rose."

I nodded. "Thank you, Cecilia."

Just then, the orchestra began to play a soft melody. The air shifted as the first dance of the evening approached.

My father turned to me, his voice lowering slightly. "It's time."

I exhaled. I had expected this.

My father had no desire to dance with me for the first waltz. No, he had already chosen who would be my partner for the opening dance.

And there was only one person who made sense.

I turned my gaze to Arthur.

"Arthur Nightingale," I said, my voice carrying across the small space between us. "Would you grant me the honor of the first dance?"

Arthur blinked once before stepping forward, offering his hand to me with effortless grace.

"It would be my honor," he replied smoothly.

I placed my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his touch as he led me toward the dance floor.

The music swelled, and with the eyes of the entire noble society upon us—we danced.

We had danced together many times before.

We knew each other's rhythm, each other's pace. Our movements blended effortlessly, as natural as breathing, as fluid as thought. There was no hesitation, no misstep—only perfect synchronicity.

Arthur led, and I followed, not because I had to, but because I wanted to.

He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against my ear.

"You look really beautiful today."

The words sent a shiver down my spine.

"Thank you," I murmured, my gaze meeting his.

He looked as impossibly composed as ever—sharp, poised, exuding that quiet confidence that made it seem as if he always had everything under control.

And I wanted him.

I had him, but even now, even after everything…

I still wanted him.

By my side.

For myself.

Even when the past clawed at the edges of my mind.

Even though I was the daughter of one of the four worst humans to ever walk this world.

Even though I should have been unworthy.

I desired him regardless.

And I would give up everything for him.

I wanted to be loved by him.

Even if I didn't deserve it.

Maybe… maybe I wasn't as easygoing as I had always pretended to be.