Chapter 12

There was no conversation between the two as they headed to a deserted place. It was because they were each lost in their own thoughts.

“Thank you for your help.”

Prillance said when she finally came to her senses.

“I made a lot of mistakes while the Duke and I were dancing so the Duke became very upset.”

She stated calmly. Her voice and facial expression seemed to indicate nothing was wrong. She tried her best to show it.

“Was it really about the dance?”

Ver asked even though he knew. He hoped she would open up to him a little more. Roman was not the type to be upset just because she had made a few mistakes during their dance.

“I played a little trick on his partner while I was dancing with Duke Tonz.”

There was bitterness in her voice. In the end, Ver and Cecia did not meet separately, and the four-way encounter still took place. Moreover, it would not be strange to misunderstand Prillance’s actions, since Cecia was called to another place.

Despite her answer, Ver looked at her calmly. Unlike Roman, there was no anger in his eyes.

“It was just a harmless prank.”

However, she could no longer look straight into his eyes and looked away.

“Is it…really alright?”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t do anything to harm her.”

As he asked carefully, Prillance did her best to answer him brightly. However, she seemed to be unaware that she couldn’t even hide her trembling voice.

“Not her. I’m talking about Lady Weiand.”

He corrected the subject. Didn’t both of their eyes confirm Cecia’s safe return? Ver was more concerned that her heart might be hurting. Last time, and this time as well, she seemed to be the type to wallow in sadness. Her current expression reminded him of himself.

“I didn’t want to leave you on your own.”

Was this what she felt at the time? When he had shut himself in his house and kept in all sorts of sorrows, her voice suddenly came to him.

Thanks to her, he was able to come out of his rut faster than expected. Hence, he couldn’t leave her on her own either. Just in time, the sound of the music played by the orchestra drifted to the place.

“Now that I think of it, I haven’t been able to dance yet today.”

“Pardon?”

Ver straightened his clothes.

“Lady, would you join me in my first dance?”

Then he politely reached out to Prillance.

“Oh, by the way, if you go home without dancing with me, it will bring dishonor to your family and you’ll have to stick your nose into a dish filled with water[1].”

It was a common jest made by men. He emphasized each word and looked at her in an absentminded manner, hoping to make her smile a bit.

“Pft.”

Prillance couldn’t hide her laughter that spread. He had a serious face, but she knew he was jesting. Similar to last time, his face was full of mischief. And she understood. That he was once again being considerate toward her.

“Hmm. Then I think I should join you.”

Prillance, with a smile, raised her hand with an exaggerated expression.

“It would be an honor for my family.”

As a token of gratitude, he kissed the back of her hand. Facing each other, the two began to dance. In the tranquil garden, with no one else watching, the two let the melody carry themselves.

The two, who held serious expressions after the dance began, eventually burst into laughter somewhere in the middle.

It was because they found themselves dancing so seriously, similar to the habits they have shown toward others. Since then, the two peered and smiled at each other. Their dance fell at a comfortable pace, but the pleasure remained the same.

As they were dancing, the surrounding garden suddenly brightened. The two were amazed as they saw flowers shining around them. Perhaps it was a new event prepared by Countess Moran.

“Wow, it’s very……”

“Beautiful.”

Prillance nodded with real delight. As her head was absorbed in the view of the flowers, she didn’t notice where Ver was looking as he spoke.

The twinkling flowers spread around her like a background. As he stood before her, he wanted to say these words.

“Truly beautiful.”

The woman in front of him slightly lowered her gaze when she noticed the subject was omitted. Then, a slight blush crept on her cheeks. She seemed to be embarrassed. He thought her current expression was quite lovely.

‘So please don’t be sad.’

He swallowed the end of his words. But she nodded shyly as if she understood.

“Truly wonderful.”

This moment.

She also omitted the subject.

The two thought this moment was probably something they will never forget.

[1] Figurative speech. Means she will be struck with bad luck.