Chapter 6

......What does it mean to observe the situation through dance?

I thought he was saying something strange, but I couldn't refuse. I was led by the hand by the Earl of Margret, whom I had just met, and joined the circle of dancers.

The music that played at that moment was a waltz. We stood with our hands clasped and our shoulders touching.

The height difference wasn't a problem, but... wait, isn't this old earl touching my waist a bit too low?

I felt something was off, but I wanted to believe it was just a coincidence that his hand happened to be in that position. However, after a short while, I realized it wasn't a mistake.

His fingers would move occasionally.

An unpleasant, creepy movement.

He didn't do anything more, but I had already figured it out.

—This man isn't marrying a second wife for the sake of appearances!

"Ugh..."

A growl of disgust almost escaped me. I had thought that even if I were to marry him, since he was elderly, I would only be a nominal wife, and there would be no need to worry about my chastity. So, I had been considering the possibility of becoming a nun if I were to marry him.

What should I do? This is not good.

Just imagining kissing this man, who is even older than my father, made me shudder. I wondered if my father was really okay with this, but from the way he was smiling at me from a distance, it was clear that he just wanted me to marry into the nobility.

It's hopeless.

Under normal circumstances, it might have been different, but with the anxiety of possibly not being able to have a normal marriage with a nobleman, even for my last daughter, my father's judgment was clouded. If I were to offend the Earl of Margret here, it would only lower my father's reputation. My own reputation would plummet, and I might lose any chance of finding a serious suitor.

While I was struggling, the music ended.

I was relieved, but the Earl of Margret was still in the mood to dance. He showed no signs of leaving the center of the ballroom.

Oh, I really don't want to anymore.

I almost scowled, but I regained my composure when I heard the next song.

If it's a quadrille, his hand won't be on my waist the whole time.

It's a dance where eight people form a group and move back and forth within it.

I'll endure just one more dance. Then, I can go home and think calmly.

Besides, I don't have the courage to act rashly. I believe it's better to maintain a peaceful surface if possible.

That's why I've been holding back from turning the garden of the capital's mansion into a field, and I've been following my father's advice to attend matchmaking events and even became engaged to Felix...

I decided to dance the quadrille, but I noticed Celian, who hadn't been nearby a moment ago, in the same group.

He was with a young lady from a noble family related to the Celian family. Had he come to escort her today?

I didn't really care about that. If he had planned to attend, he must have made the escort arrangement quite a while ago. ...Women need time to prepare their dresses and get ready, so they can't accept such requests at the last minute.

What worried me more was what Celian might think of my situation.

Even though he had only sympathetically discussed marriage with me, seeing me dance with an unknown, elderly man might hurt him.

I was concerned that he might be hurt.

I didn't want to make my kind friend feel bad. It wasn't Celian's fault. My father had just pushed the marriage arrangement too quickly, but I had no chance to explain.

I thought I could talk to Celian when I switched places with the opposite lady, but when the time came, I chickened out.

I could at least apologize to Celian by saying "sorry" when he helped me turn and return to my position.

Or would saying something suggestive first make Celian think the wrong thing? I was hesitant.

Celian, who welcomed me with a touch of his hand, whispered softly,

"Can we go out to the garden?"

I was startled. Celian was trying to hear my side of the story.

I replied, "Of course," and returned to my original position as the dance continued.

Later, I was next to Celian again during the dance, but he didn't say anything more.

But just having the opportunity to talk was enough.

The problem was that if I were still under the Earl of Margret's control afterward, I wouldn't be able to go to the garden.

"You seem to be a very honest young lady. I look forward to seeing you again."

The Earl of Margret said this to my father as he took his leave.

I was relieved.

Although I was extremely unhappy about passing the earl's test, at least I could get away from him today.

However, as he was leaving, the Earl of Margret whispered to me,

"If you want to marry, don't flirt with other men."

"......"

A chill ran down my spine, and I couldn't respond.

Even though I had tried to be discreet, I felt that he had noticed my brief exchange with Celian.

If I were to meet Celian afterward... would the earl reprimand me?

No, that would be fine for me.

If he thought it was improper for me to talk to a friend and called off the engagement, that would be perfect.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to speak to my father first.