Cassius sighed as he timidly stood in the corner of the ball, averting the eyes of judging nobles as he deperately peered around the room for you.

He was a nervous wreck, stuttering and shaking in the presence of noblewomen, while having a nervous breakdown. That is, with the exception of you, his childhood friend and safe haven.

Why did he even come here? It's not like he received any attention anyway because he was the youngest of the 5 brothers in line for Viscount.

His eldest brother, Clarence was a whole different story though, always swarmed by ladies despite his indifference and disinterest towards them. Someone who was the absolute polar opposite of him...confident and charismatic.

How he wished to be stuck in his studio painting instead of being scrutinized by the nobles...that was the only thing he was good at anyway.