Chapter 22

I was unaccustomed to the dance, and I thought my head would spin.

But even if I wanted to leave, Lord Aldar Saul said cheerfully, "Oh, the song has changed. Let's do one more, shall we?"

"...You seem to really enjoy dancing."

"No? I will only convey that Her Majesty the Queen Mother has taken care to ensure that not too many people approach you."

"...?"

"There are not a few men who try to approach debutantes. Moreover, as a noblewoman, you might be surrounded by other women due to your prominent dress. And above all, it is a well-known fact that you have long served as the head maid to Lady Primera. Considering these factors—"

"That's enough."

I couldn't help but frown at the reasons he listed.

Oh, why didn't I realize it?!

It's not about avoiding women; it's about protecting me!

I'm glad I didn't say anything about the misunderstanding that Lord Aldar Saul and I are in a passionate relationship!

Well, even if such rumors spread, this country is quite liberal about love, so I could just say we broke up, and it would be fine.

"But dancing in an unfamiliar place must be tiring. Shall we go to the terrace?"

"...I'll leave it to you."

I decided to comply quietly.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother is interested in the good relationship between Sir Dean Dain and Lady Primera, and it seems Lord Aldar Saul is following her instructions.

Besides, he knows the social scene much better than I do!

The terrace was, of course, incredibly luxurious. It's just a terrace, but it's a terrace.

Compared to the royal palace, my home's equivalent is just... a simple outdoor passage.

"Still, I was really surprised."

"Surprised that I could dance?"

"Well, that's part of it. I didn't underestimate you, but you've been away from the social scene, and you said you didn't particularly enjoy dancing when you were at the Viscount Fandied's house."

"Yes, that's true. I was honestly not very good at it."

"But what surprised me the most was your appearance."

"Oh."

Of course, it would be surprising!

I was surprised myself. Actually, I was surprised when I saw the dress that arrived.

It's a style that's completely different from the current trend, but I can't say I'm the one who starts trends.

The fabric is incredibly beautiful, so I'll try to promote it to Count Ceres. The dress has a unique design, but it's beautiful, and I want to spread the name of the seamstress, but I'm a bit hesitant to do it myself.

I feel bad wearing it as a model!

No, I'm not fat, but I'm not thin either (emphasis here). The mermaid line doesn't make me look bulky!

My chest isn't particularly large, but it's not small either, so the mermaid line that smoothly shows the waist to the hip is a savior.

I applied a cool eye makeup that accentuates my long, single-fold eyes... it's my first time drawing a blue line around my eyes. It's not flashy, but it subtly follows the lower eyelid, and I didn't expect it to change my usual makeup so much!

The lipstick is a deep red that makes my lips look plump.

All of this was actually done by my junior maid! And the hairstyle too!

It's a one-sided ponytail with a light blue flower hair accessory... it's quite difficult to have someone else do it, but I was impressed by how well the ladies manage to do it every time.

"It suits you."

"Huh?"

"The expression 'beautiful appearance' is not just flattery."

"O-oh..."

"You seem to lack confidence, but you are quite charming. I felt a sense of superiority while dancing with you!"

"Oh."

Lord Aldar Saul's smiling face made me realize I was being teased, and I tried to calm myself down.

He quickly noticed my reaction and added, "I'm not lying," so I guess... it wasn't completely baseless.

"Well, I think it's about time..."

"Huh?"

"Let's leave with Lady Primera. Count Ceres will take care of the rest."

"Huh?"

"Excuse me. This isn't something we should discuss here... right?"

He pulled me close from behind and whispered in my ear. From the outside, we must look like a couple flirting on the terrace.

The combination of a man who can't inherit the Baum family and the unusual eldest daughter of the Fandied family might be seen favorably.

Of course, we are not in such a romantic relationship.

I have no immunity to handsome men or romantic situations, so my face turned red, and I could only look down!

Oh no, I'm getting nervous, and my face and ears are getting hot.

"Count Ceres is trusted by Her Majesty the Queen Mother but does not belong to any faction. He is very cheerful and friendly, so anything he talks about in the social scene quickly becomes a rumor. If the good story of you and your brother, along with the Viscount's struggles, is spread, the topic of your retirement will be received positively."

"Y-yes... I understand."

"Also, my close relationship with a noblewoman with Her Majesty's backing can lead to the unofficial recognition of the relationship between Dean Dain and Lady Primera."

(He's so close, so close, so close!)

What? Why is he so calm? He's telling me necessary information, so it's not strange, but am I the one being inappropriate?

My heart and ears are about to burst, and why does he smell so good? I was wearing perfume too, but...

Oh, right, I was dancing a lot just now. Am I sweaty? Do I smell bad?

I'm getting all sorts of information, but it's just passing through my mind without sticking. What should I do?

"Lord Yuria?"

His chuckling voice knew I was in trouble.

I looked up in frustration, and his face was even closer than I thought, so I quickly looked down again.

He's so handsome I can't look at him directly. Even with glasses, I can't look at him directly. What should I do?

"...Are you angry?"

"N-no! It's not that, but... please don't tease me. I... I'm not used to such things, and I'm quite embarrassed..."

"I see. So, was I your first dance partner?"

"Huh? Well, when I practiced at home, my father and brother were my partners. But in the sense of a non-family partner, yes, you were my first."

"I see. That's quite a pleasant surprise."

"Huh?"

"Speaking of which, here comes Lord Merlek Lavi to escort you. He will take you to your room, and then you should go to the princess. She is expecting you."

"O-oh... and what about you, Lord Aldar Saul?"

"I plan to make a few more rounds with my brother before leaving. See you later."

Of course, he smoothly stepped away and escorted me to where Merlek and Sir Dean Dain were approaching.

They exchanged pleasantries and exchanged glances, confirming something. They must have had many discussions.

It's strange, I'm a party to this, but... well, since the Rizil Chamber of Commerce is entrusted to me, my brother doesn't know much about it. He must have been focused on becoming the head of the family and exchanging social information.

I don't know who my brother introduced to Sir Dean Dain, but they seem to have become good friends.

...Yeah, they look like a beagle and a Shiba Inu getting along! I'm so calm! Super calm!

Rather, they seem to have become even better friends than I thought. According to my brother, they plan to go on a horse ride together and even stay overnight at our estate.

What? They were making the rounds, right? I hope the boys are okay.

Well, it's a bit amusing to see my slightly older brother acting like a big brother!

"Sister, next time, please come back home properly."

"O-oh, yeah. I'll take care of it."

"We need to properly return and talk things over."

"Yes, of course... but can I have a bit more time?"

"Sure, I'll contact you as soon as I have everything in order."

"Thank you... you've really grown, Merlek."

"Hehe, it makes me happy to hear that. But I'm not yet a mature enough person to happily send my sister off in marriage, so keep that in mind!"

"It's not about me, but you need to find a good partner, right?"

"Uncle is supposed to introduce me to someone next time."

My brother is growing up so much...

"But before that, I want to go on a horse ride with Dean Dain. I plan to have him stay overnight, but are there any tips for hosting a friend, Sister?"

"...Be careful of food allergies and avoid staying up too late."

What should I do? I thought he had grown up, but my brother is still so cute.