God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 501: The Eldest Princess

Briefly, Gabriel believed he might be wrong, with the veiled lady heading for another rather than himself, yet as she approached nearer, conviction dawned that she sought him out.

He stayed in his chair, one palm gently placed on the table as the other lingered by his cup. Beneath the hat's brim, his gaze tracked her with composure. Among all in the grand hall, he'd isolated himself the most—no efforts to draw notice, no words exchanged with others, every action performed in silence.

Why him, though?

That puzzle lingered in his thoughts as the woman glided over the gleaming floor, her steps deliberate and serene. Several guests close by had spotted her and now observed more boldly. Conversations slowed for some. Others twisted around in their chairs.

Yet prior to arriving at Gabriel, a different silhouette blocked her way.

A striking young aristocrat boasting chiseled traits and lavish attire appeared, stance rigid and demeanor assured. The likeness to General Aston struck Gabriel at once, revealing the family tie clearly.

He inclined his head faintly and offered a hand alongside a polished grin.

"Your Highness," he uttered fluidly. "Would you honor me with this dance?"

The veiled princess halted and regarded him. Her bearing stayed refined, her response delivered in even tones.

"I appreciate the offer, Lord Darius Aston, but I must decline."

The elegant lord maintained his smile a beat too long. He strived for poise, yet the subtle clench at his jaw betrayed him. His pride had suffered a blow, particularly from such a public rebuff.

"As you wish," Darius answered, withdrawing his hand. "Perhaps another time."

With contrived poise, he moved aside, though his gaze flicked toward Gabriel’s spot. The serene facade failed to mask the brewing annoyance beneath.

Even greater scrutiny now fell upon them.

The princess turned down General Aston’s heir.

And proceeded onward.

Straight to Gabriel.

That shift alone transformed the vibe near his table. Numerous nobles gawked outright. A handful of ladies arched their eyebrows. Certain gentlemen squinted faintly, pondering the identity of this unobtrusive figure at the edge.

Darius Aston’s interest morphed too. Rejection’s bite lingered, yet a fresh query emerged alongside it.

Who might this fellow be?

His inspection of Gabriel intensified. The hat, relaxed bearing, muteness, solitary seating without outreach—nothing shouted aristocracy, but he didn’t seem common either.

Concealed powerhouse?

Such an idea evidently sparked in multiple minds present.

Gabriel sensed the stares yet showed no response. He merely observed as the princess arrived at his table and paused before him. Briefly, their eyes met.

She spoke first.

"Would you dance with me?" she inquired.

Her words came gentle yet audible to surrounding tables.

Gabriel possessed the option to refuse.

Indeed, refusal tugged at him initially. However, the issue stood evident. Turning her down now, after traversing the hall and spurning another to confront him, would amplify the spotlight. It would spark further inquiries. At this juncture, agreeing proved the simpler path.

Thus, Gabriel rose gradually and offered a subtle bow.

"It would be my honor."

A soft buzz rippled among proximate attendees.

The princess proffered her hand. Gabriel accepted it steadily, and they advanced to the dance area amid the lingering melody. Hall lights appeared softer near the floor than at the vivid tables, chandelier warmth shimmering gently on the sleek surface.

Upon centering themselves, Gabriel positioned his hand correctly and led the dance assuredly. His motions flowed firm, precise, surpassing expectations from some adjacent elites. The princess synchronized flawlessly, form upright and graceful, veil concealing her features still.

The opening moments passed wordlessly.

Then she broke the quiet.

"It seems you were doing your best to avoid eye contact with me," she noted, a light playful edge in her voice. "Or am I simply not beautiful enough to hold your attention?"

Beneath the hat's shadow, Gabriel’s gaze sharpened minutely, expression unchanging.

"That is not the reason," he stated.

She angled her head subtly. "Then what is?"

Gabriel responded seamlessly amid the rhythm.

"If I set my eyes on anyone for too long, a great misfortune might fall upon them."

For the initial occasion since nearing him, authentic surprise flickered across the princess. Her footwork held steady, but her breath hitched momentarily.

"A misfortune?" she echoed.

Gabriel nodded faintly. "It is related to my talent."

Silence gripped her briefly. Then understanding dawned as she nodded deliberately.

"I see."

Gentle strains of music swelled softly as surrounding pairs swirled nearby.

Soon after, he posed the vital query.

"Then allow me to ask something as well," he said. "Why did Your Highness choose me out of everyone here?"

A smile hinted under her veil.

"Because of my talent," she answered.

Gabriel’s grip hesitated an instant before resuming. His brows furrowed just a touch.

Her talent?

Did she mirror his words playfully, or speak truth?

Perhaps the princess pierced his motives?

…

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