I Accidentally Saved The Male Lead’s Brother Chapter 140

One of the unspoken rules of high society: the higher one’s rank, the later one arrives at a ball.

Charlotte and Carcel adhered to this rule unintentionally, being among the last to appear. Their tardiness was not deliberate—they had simply been delayed while calming Theo.

However, the waiting nobles, unaware of this, eagerly anticipated their arrival.

“Do you think we’ll finally see the Duke’s fiancée tonight?”

“Perhaps it’s just a rumor. It’s hard to believe the stoic Duke of Heinst would actually get engaged for love. A political match seems more likely.”

“Or she might be so stunning that she melted even his icy heart.”

“Either way, I’m curious. I hope they arrive soon.”

As nearly all the guests had gathered, the announcement rang out:

“The Duke of Heinst and Lady Lannia have arrived.”

All eyes turned to Carcel and Charlotte as they entered the grand hall.

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd as attendees took in the sight of Charlotte. Some let out soft exclamations, while others nodded in approval, whispering amongst themselves.

“She’s certainly beautiful.”

“It’s no wonder the Duke fell for her at first sight.”

Her golden hair shimmered under the chandelier lights, framing her delicate, doll-like features and soft blue eyes. Her alabaster skin glowed, and her graceful presence was captivating even next to Carcel, widely considered one of the Empire’s most handsome men.

The gentle smile she offered whenever she met someone’s gaze only added to her charm. Even strangers couldn’t help but feel drawn to her.

“That Lady Ohen I saw earlier was also beautiful, but Lady Lannia is just as lovely.”

“Why haven’t these women been part of society until now? Why stay in the countryside?”

“She’s from a baron’s family. I heard Lannia Estate is quite far from the capital.”

Charlotte felt sweat gathering at her temples as she endured the gazes piercing her from all directions. She had never been the center of attention like this before in her life.

I feel like they’re devouring me with their eyes.

Her goal tonight was to observe Penelope and the blond-haired, blue-eyed man and uncover their plans. However, the overwhelming attention made it difficult to focus.

At that moment, Carcel, whose arm she held, gently squeezed her hand. Surprised by the warmth of his touch, Charlotte glanced up at him.

“Do not worry too much,” he said softly.

“I’m not worried,” she replied, though her voice faltered slightly.

“You don’t have to interact with anyone if you don’t want to. If it becomes too much, I’ll shield you.”

Though his reassurance was comforting, Charlotte couldn’t help but feel uneasy as she caught sight of a young lady nearby, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Charlotte!”

The familiar voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

Turning toward the sound, she spotted Jake, dressed sharply in his Imperial Knight uniform. After excusing himself from his colleagues, he approached with long strides.

Jake looked so polished with his neatly pressed uniform and well-groomed hair that even Charlotte found herself muttering in disbelief.

“Is that really Jake?”

Jake laughed heartily.

“What? Do I look so good that you can’t recognize me? Think all the ladies here will fall for me?”

Charlotte frowned slightly, unimpressed. He did look striking enough to attract attention, but hearing him say it himself diminished the effect.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. Just keep your mouth shut, and you’ll have a chance. The moment you open it, you’ll ruin everything.”

“Why are your compliments always like this?”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

“Ugh.”

Jake playfully reached out to pinch her nose when a soft, almost breathy laugh interrupted them.

Both Charlotte and Jake turned simultaneously to see who had laughed.

It was Carcel, who was quickly stifling his amusement with a polite cough. Though his expression returned to its usual calm, there was a faint trace of a smile lingering on his lips.

“Carcel?”

“Ah, my apologies,” he said smoothly. “It’s just… I’ve never seen this side of Charlotte before.”

As he regained his composure, he added, “Watching you talk with Sir Jake is… refreshing. It’s… endearing, even.”

Jake clicked his tongue.

“You’ve got it bad, don’t you? I was foolish to ever doubt you.”

“Jake.”

Isaac appeared and gently tried to rein in his younger brother, but Jake was unbothered and continued.

“We didn’t show it, but Isaac was worried too.”

“….”

“See? He won’t deny it.”

Isaac shot Jake a warning glare, but Jake ignored him completely. Carcel, meanwhile, tried to keep up with their conversation.

“What were you worried about?”

Charlotte attempted to downplay the subject, but Jake, blunt as ever, cut straight to the point.

“I thought you were using Charlotte, Duke.”

Carcel didn’t immediately refute the claim, though it wasn’t due to guilt. However, Jake mistook his silence for displeasure and pressed on.

“When Charlotte suddenly announced her engagement, we were concerned. At the time, Lannia Estate was going through some turmoil, as you might know.”

“I am aware.”

“And to think she’d get engaged to a man she’d only met once—it didn’t seem genuine.”

“I understand.”

Jake inclined his head slightly in apology.

“I was rash. I apologize for my assumptions.”

Charlotte was taken aback. While she knew Jake could be hotheaded, she hadn’t expected him to admit his mistake and apologize so readily.

And his suspicions were valid, to be fair.

Jake had no reason to apologize. Carcel, perhaps sensing this, shook his head.

“There is no need. The circumstances warranted suspicion. But you need not worry any longer.”

He placed a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder and said warmly, “I care for Charlotte deeply.”

Jake’s eyes grew misty as he nodded, then turned to Charlotte.

“You two look great together. I’m happy for you.”

Charlotte felt a lump in her throat as she replied, “Thank you.”

***

“I didn’t expect Sir Jake to accept our relationship so easily,” Carcel murmured as Jake and Isaac returned to their posts. Leaning closer to Charlotte, he added, “Honestly, I thought he might challenge me to a duel.”

Charlotte couldn’t help but laugh.

“Carcel, I didn’t realize you had such a sense of humor.”

“I wasn’t joking.”

“Well, he almost did. When he first heard about the engagement, he was furious. If Isaac hadn’t stopped him, he might have come after you with a sword.”

“I’ll have to thank Sir Isaac for that.”

Their lighthearted exchange was interrupted by a booming announcement:

“His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!”

At the proclamation, everyone in the hall, including Charlotte and Carcel, immediately bowed.

A powerful voice, filled with authority and experience, resonated through the hall.

“Raise your heads.”

The Emperor, though middle-aged, exuded an imposing presence. His physique was robust, and his reputation as a skilled warrior was evident even from a distance.

Charlotte couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe, one she hadn’t experienced since meeting Carcel for the first time.

“Another long winter has passed, and spring has come again. As always, I hope peace will prevail in this Empire and among its people,” the Emperor declared.

As Charlotte listened attentively, a strange feeling tugged at her. Before she could pinpoint it, the music began. It was time for the first dance.

Carcel turned to her, bowing slightly as he extended his hand.

“May I have this dance?”

“With you? Always.”

Taking his hand, Charlotte stepped onto the dance floor.

Yet, even as they swayed to the music, she couldn’t fully relax. She reminded herself of tonight’s goal:

Penelope and the blond-haired man.

Charlotte scanned the room, recalling the description of Penelope from the original story. Silver-blond hair, golden eyes—features that would stand out anywhere.

And soon enough—

There she is.

Charlotte spotted Penelope. Her striking beauty and presence were impossible to miss, even from a distance.

Beside her, dancing with effortless grace, was the blond-haired man.

Though she couldn’t see his eyes from afar, Charlotte had no doubt they were blue.

Leaning closer to Carcel, she whispered, “I’ve found Lady Ohen. Her partner has blond hair.”

Carcel’s smile faded as his face grew serious.

“Where?”

Charlotte subtly motioned toward Penelope. The young woman was laughing brightly as she danced, oblivious to Charlotte’s scrutiny.

“I’ll follow her if she heads to the lounge. We need to find out if she’s with him willingly or under duress.”

Given Penelope’s sharp instincts in the original story, Charlotte suspected the latter.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay alone?” Carcel asked.

“I’ll take Sir Selin with me. Don’t worry.”

Carcel hesitated but finally nodded.

“Alright. I’ll keep an eye on the blond man. Don’t take too long. Otherwise…”

“You’ll come looking for me?” Charlotte smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.”

As their conversation ended, so did the song. The stage was set for what was to come.