Chapter 29

Joshua-sama took the hairpin from the maid and put it in his pocket.

"Please return it later! It's very precious to me!"

"It's fine, Arie. I won't be dancing tonight."

In the carriage, feeling gloomy and dazed, Joshua-sama spoke to me in a gentle voice.

"Huh, oh... yeah..."

Dance.

Oh no, I forgot.

I should have practiced dancing as well, not just the piano.

But, I can't do it without a partner.

"Do you dislike dancing, Priestess?"

Naga, wearing the navy uniform of a marching performer, asked me, and I nodded honestly.

"I'm very bad at it."

"Maybe you haven't learned it?"

"No. Songstresses learn to dance. But I've only practiced. And it's always with other songstresses. I've never danced with a man in a formal setting. It's not like we just stand side by side, right?"

We hardly practice the kind of dancing that involves moving around the hall freely.

I always bump into others and lose my rhythm. Romelia-sama and Alicia-sama were really good.

"I could have been your practice partner anytime."

Naga smiled.

While he doesn't shine like Joshua-sama, he is also a handsome man.

His well-built body suits the uniform better than Joshua-sama's. Despite his broad chest, his waist is slim, giving him a rugged and handsome look, which is actually very appealing.

The tour was extended to spread hymns throughout the territory. I intended to travel with a minimal entourage to avoid making the people nervous, but since Joshua-sama often accompanied me, the number of guards increased each time.

Naga and Leopold often served as guards on these trips, so they are quite relaxed around me.

The fact that they are here suggests they have been officially appointed as Joshua-sama's close aides.

I see, Naga and Leopold were staying in the same townhouse, so I should have asked them to practice with me.

But I was really busy getting ready, and it didn't occur to me.

I thought of practicing the piano, but not the dance.

I was called by the High Priest yesterday and by Prince Oscar this morning.

Cecilia also invited me, so I went to Prince Oscar's place.

When I told him about the evening ball, Lady Tiabelze, his wife, called in a maid who was an expert in beauty.

Prince Oscar became upset, but he couldn't win against his wife. I learned that today.

I was told to exfoliate my skin, and Prince Oscar was sent away. My hair was curled from the afternoon, and I even got makeup done.

Lady Tiabelze's favorite high-end cosmetics.

They have an amazing scent.

They are praised for not smudging even after a long time.

I received many invitations to tea parties and balls from nobles whose names I don't know, but since I'm leaving tomorrow, I decided to decline them and report to Joshua-sama.

Since it's an invitation for me, I need to write the response, but I haven't finished it yet. I need to write it as soon as I return from the ball.

"Please dance with me tonight. I'll lead so we don't bump into each other."

Hmm. Maybe Naga would endure even if I stepped on his foot.

"My escort for tonight is me. Naga, she won't be dancing tonight."

"Forgive me."

Joshua-sama said it coldly.

He's really strict with knights.

I don't think he's that strict with servants.

Leopold, sitting diagonally across from Joshua-sama, smiled at me.

No, this is Joshua-sama's usual behavior.

This could lead to misunderstandings among women.

Alicia-sama must be worried.

Ah, I'm just a stand-in.

Please, if you're upset, blame your own lover's actions.

Sigh.

I should have danced at the ball at least once.

Since I learned it, I might not get another chance.

With Naga, I wouldn't have been nervous, and maybe a romance could have blossomed.

...No, it wouldn't have.

Besides, there was Wilhelm, and I shouldn't do such things where Joshua-sama can see.

Ah, I really am getting old.

I feel so down.

I let out a soft sigh.