episode_0108

He held Grace’s hand and moved to the center of the stage.

The nobles who were dancing became aware of the princess’s appearance.

Even those who were chatting outside began to focus on this area.

In that burdensome gaze, I stood face to face with Grace.

“You shouldn’t blame yourself for stepping on it later.”

“Hmm… . If I get a chance to blame Ian, I just want to step on him.”

“… … .”

“Now, come here.”

Grace, with her bright blonde hair tied up, led my hand.

His amber-colored eyes drew a half-moon shape and smiled.

“Hand here.”

He placed his right hand on Grace’s waist, and his left hand held her right hand.

Grace’s left hand grabbed my waist.

“This is the basic posture.”

“Are you saying it moves like this? The world of dance is difficult to understand.”

The extremely restricted posture was not only uncomfortable but also stuffy.

If this happens, it will be difficult to respond flexibly and immediately even if someone surprises you.

… It’s strange to even imagine such a situation while dancing.

“The basis of dance is to promote bonding. Because movements are limited to each other.”

Grace pressed her body close to him.

“Couldn’t we become more intimate?”

“… If you are faithful to your purpose, you can say you are faithful.”

one two three four.

Grace’s fingers on my waist counted the beat.

“Left foot back.”

Eventually, I moved my body along with her lead.

… It was a mess.

The only consolation was that I didn’t step on my toes.

“You’re clumsy.”

Grace said with a smile.

“Isn’t everyone like that at first?”

“It’s very new and enjoyable to see Ian, the man who shook up the empire, struggling with just one step. Do you know?”

“That’s the truth I wanted to know.”

Unlike Grace, who spoke leisurely, I was too busy paying attention to my body movements.

Whether you know that or not.

Grace led me and chatted chatteringly.

She was much smaller and lighter than me, but the center of movement was on her.

“You must have come to get the items needed by the warriors, right?”

“I didn’t come here to dance.”

“It’s a shame. How do you feel about dancing with me for the first time?”

“It is truly an honor.”

“Is that it?”

“Hmm… . You’ve grown a lot.”

Actually, my height didn’t grow much.

It barely reaches my chest, so it’s similar to Helena.

However, when I saw the performance he showed in a high position earlier and his proficiency in leading the dance, I thought about it again.

He said he has grown a lot.

Grace quietly looked at me at my words and tilted her head slightly.

“Ian. I am also an adult, turning 20 this year. There is only a 4 year difference between me and Ian. But is treating them like children with such a large age difference intentional to keep them at a distance?”

“… … .”

“What are you on guard for?”

Be alert… .

Even though she is the youngest daughter who monopolizes the emperor’s love, she is still a princess.

Sharp.

However, there was no such intention in treating children.

It’s just because I thought that courting me one-sidedly was just immature behavior from a young age.

‘It’s easy to mistake gratitude for a benefactor for such feelings… . Especially when it happens when you’re young.’

Just then, the song ended.

Grace stopped, and I followed suit.

She gently stepped away, held the hem of her skirt, and lightly bent her knees.

“It was a wonderful dance. Ian.”

“You can honestly say it was terrible.”

“No way.”

Grace covered her mouth and laughed.

“You will get what you want.”

“If my wallet can handle the nobles here.”

Grace smiled again, turned around and walked back to her place.

As the host, she couldn’t stay away forever.

I was wondering if I should get some rest now.

“Oh my. Is there a handsome gentleman there?”

… Lucia’s playful voice was heard.

When I turned my head, I saw that it was indeed different.

A grinning Lucia extended her hand to me.

“Even though I don’t have the same status as the princess, would you please give me a chance?”

A few steps behind her, Vivian could be seen waiting with her hands folded.

Now I wonder what these two meant by looking at each other earlier.

I could understand why he was suddenly actively pursuing the dance with Grace.

‘If you do this, you can’t refuse… .’

It’s a rumor.

It’s an incredible strategy.

I smiled and held hands without realizing it.

“You know it’s an honor.”

“Oh my. Be thankful.”

Lucia, who came to the stage, took a step forward, grabbed the hem of her skirt, lifted it, and then let go.

Grace covered her chest and greeted me in sync with the fluttering movement of her skirt.

It was a greeting that was somehow overflowing with formality and courtesy.

This is a different greeting method than Grace.

“Ian should do it too, right?”

“The only greeting I have learned is to kneel in front of the emperor.”

“Then other people should watch and follow suit. Greeting your partner is basic.”

“Keu… .”

I looked at the other male nobles around me out of the corner of my eye and clumsily tried to follow them.

… I did it for no reason.

It was so awkward that I wanted to die.

“Fut!”

“If you’re going to laugh at me, don’t do it… .”

“No, I’m sorry. There is something cute about being immature.”

“What on earth does that taste like?”

“Really?”

Soon, I established a basic posture with Lucia, just as I did with Grace earlier.

“I guess you learned something from the princess?”

“I also received praise for not stepping on toes.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

In the end, this time too, I had no choice but to follow the other person’s lead.

Lucia’s teachings were somewhat different from Grace’s.

Grace monitored, coordinated, and guided my movements in a thorough educational manner.

On the other hand, Lucia… .

“Aren’t you putting too much strain on your body? I learned from Ian that when you need strong strength, you should rather relax it, right?”

“When turning, you need to pay close attention to your central axis, your stepping foot, and your line of sight, right? The other foot doesn’t get stuck on the end. Who did you learn this from?”

They tell me, but it feels like they are making fun of me.

Also, I mentioned the things I usually pointed out during training.

When I glanced at her face, she looked quite happy.

“You’re enjoying it more than anyone else.”

“That’s right. I never thought bullying Ian would be this much fun.”

“It’s quite a one-sided pleasure.”

“Huh. If Ian follows along, it might become a two-way street?”

She led the way with a playful smile, but suddenly called in a serious voice.

“Ian.”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… . By any chance, are heroes not allowed to date?”

“… Love?”

“Yes. Whether it’s a hero or a hero, a manager, or something… . Anyone.”

“No. There is nothing set in stone. It’s freedom. If something happens, you are responsible for it. … Did you happen to have any object? That’s all good, but if you decide to do it, it’s better if you tell me about it. Because you never know what might happen… .”

“Oh, no, no. It’s not like that. hmm… .”

She lowered her gaze and pondered for a moment, then spoke softly.

“Vivian unni… .”

Did Vivian find a target?

“I read romance novels too hard… . I was wondering if there were any rules against dating.”

“… Ah.”

Is this the book you bought me last time?

Are you still watching that?

No, it’s not impossible that he bought it new, but… .

“Isn’t it just because the book is fun?”

“That doesn’t mean… .”

“Or, it could be something you want to do but are holding back. Because I don’t think it’s time yet.”

She found out that I was Philip, and that the target of their comparison was the first warrior party.

As someone who has envied them, she may have vowed to focus more on improving her skills.

“… … .”

Lucia’s eyes moved left and right several times as she was contemplating whether to say something or not.

Eventually, she laughed lightly.

“It could be so.”

After saying that, he suddenly looks at me and asks.

“But Ian, have you never thought about that?”

“What do you think?”

“Dating or something.”

“… ?”

“If any of us looks like a woman… .”

“Yes?!”

“Why are you so surprised? Honestly, where is everyone lacking?”

“No, what… .”

I was so embarrassed that I twisted my foot and almost fell.

Luckily, I stopped myself from stepping on my toes.

Lucia burst out laughing at that reaction.

“Ah, it’s fun. Are you cute today?”

“Ha… . I didn’t know you were so good at making fun of people.”

Lucia stuck her tongue out playfully and shrugged.

Then, when the song ended, she bowed again as formally as before.

Of course I didn’t do it.

“Why don’t you do it again?”

“I don’t. Please go back.”

“Chit.”

And as expected… .

“Ian… .”

Vivian approached.

Even though I didn’t do anything, my face was already red.

“Hello… .”

She clumsily grabbed the hem of her skirt and greeted him.

I laughed heartily at that sight.

Let alone saying hello, why do you say ‘hello’ as if you just met?

“Why, why are you smiling… .”

“Even if it were someone else, I would have laughed.”

“Ugh… .”

by the way.

For the first time in my life, I was dancing with three people in a row.

How did it end up like this… .

“Uh… . If you don’t like it… Shall we go in? ?”

Vivian asked cautiously, probably because I had a bad impression.

“No, no.”

Even Grace and Lucia danced.

Except for Vivian, that wouldn’t be polite either.

This time, I reached out my hand first toward Vivian, who was cowering.

… But what should I say?

“Um, that’s… .”

Instead of me, who couldn’t continue speaking, Vivian suddenly took my hand and approached me.

“Ah, thank you… .”

Vivian approached and there was a sweet, sweet smell.

… It’s a wine scent.

“Have you had any alcohol?”

“Yes… . While waiting a little… .”

There was a reason why my face was red.

“A little cake… .”

“Why are you so embarrassed? It’s all there for you to eat.”

“Cook, I ate cookies and fruit pie… .”

“Good job.”

“Hehe… .”

Vivian and I awkwardly took our positions.

“It’s my first time… Please take care of me… .”

“Today is my first time too. What.”

As beginners, our dancing was a mess.

At least it was on a different level from when Grace and Lucia were experts.

“Ugh!”

Vivian constantly twisted her feet or stumbled, and often stepped on my feet or kicked my shins.

“Uh, what should I do… ! sorry… !”

“It’s okay.”

Every time that happened, Vivian let out a strange moan.

“Ugh!”

“Geek!”

“Wognac!”

Because it was a little louder than the song, the other nobles dancing next to him also chuckled.

It has already become a fun and rare sight for people outside the stage.

She stumbled greatly.

“Yes!”

He hit his face against my chest.

There was loud laughter outside the stage.

Vivian heard that sound and leaned towards me.

It looked like he was trying to hide in my arms.

“Ugh, it’s scary… . It feels like everyone is staring… .”

She muttered, her face redder than before.

It’s not like “, it’s really looking at you.”

“Ugh… !”

Vivian pressed closer to me and covered her face.

By that time, the beat of the music had slowed down.

Only the sound of the violin softly touched the stage.

Those who had been dancing and moving around were now just swaying in place.

Vivian and I had no choice but to match the mysterious atmosphere.

It was a good thing for Vivian and my legs.

Because there is no more getting kicked or stepped on.

Actually, it didn’t hurt.

It was also nice that I didn’t have to move around clumsily.

Is it an illusion that the lighting somehow seems to have become darker?

Vivian was pressed close to me, almost leaning against me.

“… Ian.”

Vivian called in a voice as profound as the atmosphere.

The light green eyes that looked up trembled quietly.

“I have a question.”

“Ask.”

“Ian… Is there someone you like?”

They said he was interested in a romantic relationship, but it seems to be true.

Actually, asking people around you about these things is the quickest sign.

I thought for a moment before answering.

Because there was a memory I didn’t really want to recall.

‘… Sylvia.’

But I don’t want to deny that past.

I don’t even feel emotions anymore, but facts are facts anyway.

Next, Katy came to mind.

Kati spoke her mind directly to me, and I was stopped from even trying to withhold my answer.

Because that was the way Carty wanted it to be.

‘If we call this a business name… . It would be ignoring Katy’s consideration that day.’

It’s not like my feelings toward Katy have been clearly resolved.

The conversation ended before I could organize it, and I was so busy that I didn’t have time to organize it after that.

In the end, my answer was short.

“… There was.”

“… … .”

Clear past tense.

It would have been enough for Vivian to understand.

Vivian lowered her gaze, seemed to be thinking about something, and then stared at my left hand.

There was a red tooth mark on the ring finger of her clasped hand.

“What is this?”

“Ah. Kati bit me before I came out today.”

“Katiga… .”

“It happens often.”

It’s my first time biting in human form like I did today.

“Kati and… . Oh, no.”

Vivian, who was muttering something, kept her mouth shut.

The quiet atmosphere continued like that.

It was so close that I was confused as to whether this was a dancing position or an embrace.

“Ian.”

Vivian said with her head down.

“Yes.”

He raised his head after hearing my answer.

A soft light flickered within light green eyes.

There was a fruity scent from wine and a faintly sweet smell unique to cosmetics.

“Last time, you said I look great on you.”

“It was like that.”

“Actually… .”

Vivian lifted her tiptoes and whispered as if tickling my ear.

“It was so cool… .”

She slowly fell and looked up at me.

For a moment, the red lips caught my eye.

She leaned in close to me.

“… Ah yes. thank you… .”

Without realizing it, I answered a beat late.

Vivian didn’t answer.

It stayed like that until the music ended.

***

“Would you like to see the invitation?”

In front of the banquet hall in Fiorene City.

Sylvia was intercepted by the manager.

“Yes?”

invitation?

I didn’t know something like that was necessary.

“Ah, um, that’s… .”

“Sorry, but you cannot enter without an invitation.”

Sylvia became anxious and stamped her feet.

‘What do we do?’

I don’t know how long I’ve waited for today.

I don’t even know how much I prepared for today.

I even tried makeup on myself.

It was awkward at first, but it wasn’t bad.

I also brought a note of incorrect answers in my bag.

‘I don’t know if I’ll have a chance to talk… . Still, I brought it just in case.’

All that effort was on the verge of being in vain.

Seeing Sylvia looking embarrassed, the manager also smiled as if he was embarrassed.

Sylvia had no choice but to use a cowardly method.

“I, uh, Sylvia… ”

“… Yes?”

“This is Sylvia from the first hero party… .”

The only thing I could offer was that name.

Even so, its status has fallen recently.

The nobles who were checking the invitation turned around when they heard the name.

Even with the added notoriety, the reputation of the first party remained the same.

“Ah… .”

The manager looked at Sylvia as if he was embarrassed.

Maybe it was the other three.

Officially acquitted, Sylvia’s name still had something worth writing about.

Even if she wasn’t invited, it was difficult to easily kick out Sylvia.

“Well, it’ll just take a moment. Wait a minute, I have someone I need to see… .”

Are you saying that there is an acquaintance in “ whom you have promised to meet? Are you eligible as a companion?”

“No… . I didn’t promise, and I’m not your companion… .”

“Hmm… .”

The manager, who was stroking his chin, had no choice but to nod.

“Please don’t forget my consideration.”

“Yes, yes! thank you so much! of course! Thank you!”

Sylvia bowed her head several times and went inside.

Nobles spread out freely were seen talking in groups.

The pre-ceremony dance was still in progress on the stage in the middle of the banquet hall.

‘Ian… . ‘It’ll be here, right?’

Sylvia crossed the banquet hall, ignoring those who recognized her.

My heart was pounding.

It’s a tickling excitement.

‘Ian… !’

I see Ian.

Joyful, joyful, happy.

Other than that, I couldn’t think of anything else.

My injured side doesn’t even hurt anymore.

Near the center stage, Sylvia spotted a familiar woman.

Dark purple hair.

She was a woman who exuded an aura somewhere between coldness and calmness.

‘Lucia… Was it?’

Lucia was staring at the stage with complicated eyes.

Sylvia’s eyes followed that direction.

And there.

“… Ah.”

I saw red hair being hugged by a tall man.

And holding her… .

“Ian… .”

It was Ian.

The two were close to each other, as if they were part of the slowly flowing music.

The feeling of affection may be an illusion.

But that illusion pierced Sylvia’s heart.

Her gaze moved from Ian back to the redhead, Vivian.

Sylvia observed Vivian as if she were decorating herself in a mirror.

From head to toe, it looked like there was no effort put into it.

Her thick, wavy red hair was like flowing flames.

The turquoise dress with gold embroidery was worthy of being the princess of any kingdom.

The elaborate makeup seemed prepared just for Vivian.

The face buried in Ian’s chest was as red as his hair.

Like a shy girl.

It felt like looking in a mirror, but it wasn’t a mirror.

He could never be compared to himself, who was infinitely shabby.

A shabby dress and sloppy makeup to wear in an event like this.

What contrasts even more is the empty seat next to me.

She wasn’t being held by Ian.

-Tuk.

The bag fell.

Silvia painfully captured the scenery she could see without even knowing it.

‘Over there… .’

This is a place that could be my place.

Ian doesn’t dance, but if I had been by his side, I might have been able to get to where I am today.

‘me too… Me too… .’

I wanted to be hugged.

Like this, in a place where soft music is flowing, people can see it or not.

I hoped for a time filled with just the two of us.

I once dreamed of such a romance.

“Ah, ah… . Ugh… .”

Sylvia sat down and groaned as the pain felt like her heart was going to sink.

People around her approached her.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s not Sylvia… ?”

“Manager! Where is the manager?”

It became noisy.

A contradiction arose in Sylvia’s mind.

Ian shouldn’t be disturbed by this commotion.

I hope this commotion makes Ian look at me.

‘Sorry… . I-I’m so selfish… . I’m so late, sorry… .’

Sylvia couldn’t bear to raise her head.

Ian either discovers himself or not.

I couldn’t wish for either one.

So I couldn’t even look at him.

‘Sorry… .’

Sylvia sat down and sobbed.

Ian sensed that there was a commotion somewhere offstage, but he didn’t pay any attention.

It was decided that this was a problem that could be handled by the banquet manager.

So, I just hugged Vivian until the music ended.

There were only other thoughts in his mind.

‘… When will the music end? There’s something about this that’s so blatant… . uncomfortable… .’