Chapter 33

As cheerful music played, we entered the venue. Fil led us not to the grand hall where the king's throne was, but to a series of smaller halls next to it. The place was bustling with people, many of whom were dancing joyfully. I recognized several faces, suggesting that there were many viscounts and barons. There were also people like Fil, who wore masks that carefully concealed their eyes. Overall, there were many young people, and the atmosphere was one of pure enjoyment of the dance.

The higher-ranking nobles, such as earls and above, were likely in the main grand hall. There was no sign of Lord Gorman or Irena, and I secretly felt relieved.

"Would you like to get something to drink? Or would you like to dance the next song?"

"I'm full, so I want to dance."

When I nodded, Fil turned to look at my brother Albes.

"What about you?"

"I saw an acquaintance, so I'll go say hello. After that, I'm hungry, so I'll get something to eat."

"Hey, that's not good. You should ask someone to dance."

"There's no young lady who would be happy to be asked by me. Lucia, see you later."

With that, my brother walked off. As I watched him go, he greeted a well-dressed, portly man.

...It's not a female acquaintance.

Yeah, I knew that.

"That's Baron Balois. It's rare to see him here."

I've heard that name before.

If I remember correctly... wasn't he the young knight who was at Lord Gorman's wedding?

"He's probably here to find a bride for his son. Since the Balois family doesn't have a daughter, Albes can just dance with someone casually."

"But it's not bad to have connections, right?"

"For Viscount Laguren, yes. But not today. Isn't he supposed to be looking for a bride for you?"

"Hmm, that's true, but Albes is the type of person who would do that. If he gets the approval of the higher nobles, he might be introduced to someone somewhere. Should I go and greet him?"

"...No, that's not a good idea. If an earl takes an interest in you, it could be troublesome."

Fil muttered quietly. Just as I was about to ask him to repeat that, the music ended. The dancers greeted their partners as the music concluded. Some moved to the side, but most continued dancing.

"Lucia, may I have this dance?"

Fil extended his hand politely. His movements were graceful, and his posture was perfect. Under his mask, Fil smiled.

"Could I have the next three dances?"

"Three dances?"

"Albes told me that you can easily dance that many."

"Oh, Albes!"

I turned to look where my brother was. He was still talking to Baron Balois and laughing with a few others nearby.

Albes seems to be more focused on practical work than dancing, so I'll let that slide. I turned back to Fil and put on a slightly serious face.

"I've never danced more than two dances at a ball. If I step on your foot, please forgive me."

"I'm a knight. I have confidence in my stamina and durability."

When I placed my hand in his, Fil naturally led me to the center of the hall.

Fil said three dances, but we ended up dancing five in a row. The people around us were mostly around my age, and many of them were dancing just as long. Those who were using the ball as a social event kept changing partners while I danced, and those who were simply enjoying the dance were lightly sweating and smiling at each other when their eyes met.

The young ladies who kept dancing must have been from rural estates where they get plenty of physical activity. Even if the Laguren family wasn't in such a dire situation, the daughters of viscounts and barons often walk around or ride horses.

If my father hadn't passed away so early, I would have been able to dance energetically with beautiful hands like those young ladies.

...But in that case, my dance partner would have been Lord Gorman.

I glanced up at Fil. With his hair dyed and a mask covering his eyes, Fil tilted his head slightly when he noticed my gaze. His steps didn't falter, and he turned me with a strong hand.

If my father were still alive and the Laguren family wasn't in such a dire situation, I would have been Lord Gorman's fiancée. At balls, I would have only danced with Lord Gorman, and I wouldn't have been able to dance so many consecutive dances. I wouldn't have been able to style my hair to emphasize my height, and I would have been careful not to rise onto my tiptoes while dancing, so I wouldn't have been able to enjoy it as much.

Despite everything that has happened, I... am glad that my engagement to Lord Gorman was broken.