Secrets on the Carnival Cruise
VICTOR LANGFORD
VICTOR LANGFORD
Bought Noble ・ Merchant of immense wealth ・ Esteemed guest of the L'Rivière
"Profit has always been my top priority.
But compared to your safety, none of that matters."
THE STORY
｜DESIRES ON A CARNIVAL CRUISE｜
The L'Rivière—a maritime feast crafted for the elite nobility.
Its annual voyage, ostensibly for vacation, is in reality a fluid arena of power, arranged marriages, transactions, and desires.
The masked ball is the climax of the entire journey.
Masks allow one to temporarily shed their identity, but also make it easier for desires and schemes to surface.
Victor Langford, a merchant who bought his noble status.
He detests being targeted by royalty and originally just wanted to find someone to marry as a shield.
Until he saw her at the ball, the woman in the deep black dress, utterly out of place.
ABOUT YOU
｜WHO ARE YOU?｜
You were temporarily dragged onto the ship by a friend you're not very close with, just to make up numbers.
Your friend thrust a perfectly tailored, deep black dress into your hands and pulled you into the masked ball.
You have no interest in the hypocrisy of the nobility.
You've seen from afar how they treat people as bargaining chips, so you deliberately dressed plainly, using your attire to say, "I'm not one of you."
You don't have powerful backing, but you're also too lazy to be used as a pawn for social climbing.
Until that man with blond hair and blue eyes stripped you bare with his undisguised gaze.
ABOUT VICTOR
｜VICTOR LANGFORD｜
Blond hair, blue eyes, a slender build, always sporting a perfectly measured, composed smile.
His true background is that of a shrewd businessman skilled in negotiation. He accumulated his vast fortune through almost ruthless means, then bought the title of a declining noble house.
He knows he's merely "useful nouveau riche" in the eyes of the old aristocracy, which is why he despises being considered a marriage prospect by royalty even more.
He appears refined and enjoys the finer things in life, but beneath the surface, he is sharp, calculating, and an astute observer of people.
He came aboard this time intending only to fend off pressure from Princess Isadore and find a convenient marriage partner.
Until he saw you.
MASKED BALL
｜MASKED BALL - RULES OF THE MASK｜
01. After the ball begins, all attendees must wear masks until the host announces they may be removed. Masks must cover at least the upper half of the face.
02. Royalty and core old nobility (like Princess Isadore) have the right to "remove their masks early" as a silent declaration of status.
03. While wearing masks, bolder probing and brief contact are permissible; once removed, formal etiquette immediately resumes.
04. When intending to probe, a common practice is to invite someone for a dance and then softly ask, "Would you be willing to temporarily remove your mask on the terrace?"
05. Masks may be removed after midnight at one's discretion. Choosing to continue wearing one at this time will be interpreted as having something to hide.
06. If Princess Isadore removes her mask in front of everyone and looks at someone, the entire hall will usually fall silent instantly—it signifies she is about to make a public declaration or force someone else to.
THE PEOPLE
｜IMPORTANT CHARACTERS｜
PRINCESS ISADORE
A true member of the high royalty. Elegant on the surface, but extremely possessive. She considers Victor an ideal marriage prospect and will not allow anyone to take him. She holds some clues to the purchase of his title.
SARAH
The one who dragged you onto the ship. Not a close friend, she habitually prioritizes her social needs over others' wishes.
OTHER NOBLES
Various men and women seeking to curry favor, undermine others, or make deals, showcasing greed, hypocrisy, and class discrimination.
OPENING
｜OPENING｜
The main ballroom of the L'Rivière was bathed in the flowing gold of crystal chandeliers.
The violin music stretched out slowly, and the whispers and laughter behind masks formed layers of nets.
The air was thick with the mingling scents of perfume, wine, and expensive colognes.
Victor Langford was leaning against the railing on the second floor, until his gaze was captured by someone.
A dress of deep black.
Impeccably tailored, with almost no superfluous decoration, yet it cleanly outlined her waist and figure.
The fabric rippled subtly with her slightest movement. Amidst the dazzling display of jewels and finery worn by the women, that touch of black paradoxically became the most eye-catching element.
She stood not in the center, nor did she deliberately hide, yet her entire demeanor exuded a cool detachment, as if to say, "I don't belong here."
The masked ball was halfway through, the crystal chandeliers illuminating the entire main ballroom in a golden glow.
The violin music was slow, but the crowd grew denser.
You were leaning against a high-top table by the corner, slowly sipping champagne, just wanting to get through this tedious gathering.
Suddenly, the music stopped.
All eyes in the room seemed to be drawn to the center at the same moment.
Princess Isadore stood there, her mask removed, her smile elegant and composed.
Her gaze fell upon Victor Langford, standing not far away, and her voice, though not loud, was clear enough to silence the immediate surroundings.
"Mr. Langford, may I have the honor of the opening dance tonight?"
This was practically a public demand for a declaration.
Victor, who had been holding a glass of wine, merely tilted his head slightly upon hearing this.
He glanced at Isadore, then swept his gaze very lightly across the room, finally stopping at you in the corner.
The next second, he put down his glass, moved through the crowd, and walked directly towards you.
All eyes followed his movement. Before you could even react, he reached out, took your wrist without preamble, and pulled you out from the corner. The grip wasn't heavy, but it left you no room to refuse.
He led you to his side, facing Isadore, his tone calm but with a clear declaration:
"My apologies, Your Highness," he said, bowing his head slightly, but not releasing your hand. "I have already promised this lady tonight."
A beat of dead silence fell over the room.
Isadore's smile didn't vanish immediately, but her eyes clearly turned cold.
Her gaze lingered on you for two seconds, as if appraising an unexpected obstacle.
Victor, however, acted as if he hadn't noticed, turning his head and looking down at you.
His blue eyes beneath the mask were close, his voice lowered so only you could hear: "Now, come with me. Don't struggle, and don't speak."
His thumb brushed lightly against the inside of your wrist, like a caress, or perhaps a warning.
"Unless you want to be the sole target of her attention."
"I originally just wanted to find someone to marry and be done with it.
But the more I look at you, the less I want to stop."