Chapter 16

"There will be a king's birthday party in two weeks."

"Got it! Leave it to me!"

The dance teacher grins.

It's been three months since we got married. We've become a well-coordinated dance partner.

To prepare for the birthday party, I'm wearing a practice outfit that resembles a tuxedo, and Cerea's skirt is one that flares out.

Starting today, a pianist will come to play for our dance lessons.

We had been practicing to the sound of the teacher's clapping and a music box, but for the king's birthday party, we'll be dancing to a full-length piece played by a live orchestra, which can only be replicated by the pianist.

The pianist can stop or start from the middle of a piece at will.

First, we'll listen to the pianist play the entire piece to get familiar with the music.

The teacher will then demonstrate shadow dancing, explaining as she goes.

"Got it? You're still ten-year-old children. You don't need to dance like adults. Dance energetically and cheerfully to liven up the atmosphere with a smile. Act like the ideal children that adults expect."

"Understood."

"There will be a children's dance time early in the evening. After you children leave and go to bed, the real social games begin—the probing and scheming among the adults, the foxes and raccoons, and the guessing games of love. That's what the social scene is. Understand that you're there for entertainment. You don't need to dance so impressively that the adults feel embarrassed. Got it?"

"Understood."

"You'll inherit the throne and become king and queen in the future, so you can't look foolish. Make sure you appear intelligent and mature."

The teacher is truly amazing... She understands everything.

A mediocre teacher might try to make us perform difficult dances to impress the audience, but she's different.

"This is a dance that the king of Siam once performed with a foreign governess."

Facing each other, we hold hands and say, "One, two, three! One, two, three!"

Ha ha ha ha! It's so powerful!

There's a slight pause in the three beats, then four beats. We do a side skip and spin around.

"Be energetic! Fly! Make Cerea's skirt float so her steps are visible!"

"What if her underwear shows?"

"Children don't worry about that! Now, spin around the entire hall! Spin, spin, and keep spinning!"

Pulling each other's hands, we spin Cerea around like a top!

"Kyaa! Ah! Ha ha ha ha!"

"That's it! Cerea, that smile!"

Dancing together is so much fun. We're not acting; we really feel this way right now!

"Shin, Cerea. A modest lady is being spun around by an overly energetic prince, surprised but enjoying it immensely. This is the first time she's danced like this. Make it a dance like that."

"Understood!"

"Make the audience, the old raccoons and vixens, feel warm and fuzzy, as if they're witnessing the first time these children fall in love. That's the heartwarming scene we want."

"We're already engaged..."

"Love and marriage are separate. It's sad, but that's the way of the nobility. The entire country is watching to see if you can be used as pawns or if there are any weaknesses to exploit. The important thing is to show that you truly love each other and are in love, so no one can take your hearts. That's your goal, right?"

...The teacher is really amazing. She sees through everything.

Seeing our surprised faces, the teacher smiles.

"How many years do you think I've been a dance teacher? I can tell. You two are too serious. Most children hate dancing, so I've never seen anyone take it this seriously."

"Did we really look that way?"

"Dance speaks louder than words. You can't fool my eyes. What you need now is to enjoy dancing from the heart."

She winks. It's a bit unsettling.

"Use the entire hall and be careful not to bump into others. It's called floor craft. Move through the gaps between people. Now, it's going to get a bit more challenging."

We set up chairs and tables randomly in the dance hall and practiced the dance, moving through the gaps.

The king and queen enter, followed by many guests offering their congratulations, and then the banquet begins. After dinner, we move to the dance hall for a standing reception with drinks, including the children. We enter in our tuxedos and dresses, with me escorting Cerea, trying not to draw too much attention. Yet, we are immediately greeted by many people, and we can't let our guard down for a moment.

"Congratulations on your engagement, Your Highness. Lady Cerea as well."

"Thank you."

I feel tense and stiff. The greetings are formal, so we can't be too relaxed. Cerea's smile is also stiff.

We also exchange greetings with many other children who have come with their parents.

"I'm hungry."

"All the food looks delicious. But don't eat too much?"

"I know, I'll have it brought to our room later. Here's some soda."

"It might make me burp."

I stay by Cerea's side the whole time. When we move, I hold her hand.

Women are like babies who can't do anything without an escort. That's the idea. Chivalry and 'ladies first' are based on the notion that women, like children, should be protected by men. It may seem old-fashioned, but it's a requirement for gentlemen in public. Chivalry is strict.

The music changes, and it's dance time.

Despite being next to each other the whole time, I deliberately create some distance, then bow and ask Cerea to dance.

She takes my hand and smiles.

I smile back and join the other children in the center of the hall.

The music starts with a lively rhythm, and I take Cerea's hands, stepping to the right and left.

One, two, three! One, two, three! One, two, three! Here we go!

Skip, skip, skip! We spin around!

"Kyaa! Ha ha!"

It's like a merry-go-round!

We fly through the gaps between the older children who are dancing more formally!

"Wow."

"Indeed, the prince is energetic."

The adults watching smile.

"That's good, they look so happy."

"Truly."

Of course, we are having fun!

"Oh my..."

Mother covers her mouth with a fan.

"Haha, that's great! They're doing well."

Father is very pleased.

The music changes, and I take Cerea's right hand with my left. We raise our hands.

I gently place my hand on Cerea's back and transition from a children's dance to an adult dance. We practice the basic steps.

"Hehe."

"Ha ha ha!"

We laugh together. We don't do anything special, just dance normally.

We turn, slowly like swimming fish, one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four.

And here!

Tee, tee, tee, tee!

The moonwalk!

Some people in the audience might have noticed.

They look a bit surprised.

We continue dancing as if nothing happened.

Did they imagine it? Was it just a coincidence?

That's the feeling.

We spin Cerea around, and the music ends.

We bow and Cerea curtsies to the audience.

After receiving the king's goodnight greeting, the children leave.

We return to the royal family's waiting room.

"Did it go well?"

"I think it did."

Cerea is relieved. We ask the maid to bring us a light snack.

"Did anyone notice the moonwalk?"

"Ha ha! I don't think so!"

That's right.

Even if I did, with Cerea's skirt, no one could see my feet.

When we asked the maid about the party, the feedback was excellent. The upper class was impressed by our chemistry and concluded, "Those two will be fine."

"Everyone praised you two for being such a good match."

The maid smiles and returns to her duties.

I'm glad. I'm suddenly very hungry.

I start eating the food on the plate.

"Master Shin, your mouth..."

Cerea wipes my mouth with a napkin.

"Cerea."

"Yes?"

"Can I kiss you?"

I gently pull her close and do it.

Next time: "17. The Villainess' Past Knowledge"