Chapter 39

Dinner ended, and the dance began.

Lord Joshua was surrounded by guests other than Lord Orsein, and he didn’t invite me to dance for a long time, so I thought I might be a wallflower. Then Leopold approached.

"Would you like me to bring you some wine, Priestess?"

Please!

"I would like to, but if we get caught, Lord Joshua might scold me."

"...I think the soldiers here have bad personalities. Who trained them?"

Leopold laughed heartily. There's nothing more terrifying than a grudge over food!

Leopold decided to go to that inn.

"Because the Priestess drinks too much."

"That's different. Not serving wine at dinner is cruel!"

They serve it to others, but it's mean to me!

It's rude to the guest of honor!

Even though I was really angry, Leopold just laughed.

How can I make these people's faces turn blue?!

"The Priestess changes her eyes when it comes to food."

"Everyone does, right?! I'm not just a glutton. But today was really bad. It's a declaration of war against the Echua Temple."

"Wow, scary. We'll have to prepare barrels when the priestess tours."

"Yes, do that. One won't be enough. I'll drink half of it."

"You might actually do it, Priestess. Really, where does it all go in that small body?"

No matter what, I can't drink half a barrel.

But today, I feel like drinking a lot. I'm tired, and it's been a rough day.

"Can I invite you to dance today?"

Oh, you're inviting me?

"I might step on your feet."

"That's fine. If you're as small as the Priestess, it won't hurt. Besides, it would be an honor to dance with you."

Leopold smiled.

I saw him dance briefly at the last ball; he was very good, leading the ladies gracefully.

"Leopold, don't invite her. I've already asked her."

Lord Joshua approached, putting on his gloves.

Why can he make people shrink with just a glance? Is it his height?

"Understood. Then after Lord Joshua, please."

"No. She's tired today. After this, I'll take her to her room."

Flatly.

When Lord Joshua stepped back, Leopold mimicked whistling.

Commander-level officers are surprisingly casual with Lord Joshua. Maybe it's because of the trust they have.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Arietty."

He smiled and bowed deeply.

This contrast.

Is he intentionally making me misunderstand?

Taking Lord Joshua's hand, I joined the dance, and a sigh escaped me.

I was pulled closer to his waist.

"Did you want to dance with Leopold?"

Lord Joshua pulled the right hand that was on top of mine.

Focusing on my feet, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, Lord Joshua asked.

Don't talk to me!

I'll step on your feet!

Without taking my eyes off my feet, I shook my head.

"Then are you angry about the wine?"

Without lifting my face, I growled.

"Haha."

Lord Joshua's steps faltered, and I stepped on him again.

It's not my fault!

Still, as if nothing had happened, Lord Joshua smoothly pulled the right hand that was on top of mine.

"It's because you don't reflect."

I am reflecting!

I suffered the consequences of a hangover.

But tonight, I'm the guest of honor, right?

Shouldn't you show more respect?

Really, the people in this castle are so rude.

"Despite the delicious food. Taking away someone's enjoyment is a sin. Those who cause mischief will surely lose the goddess's favor."

1, 2, 3, focusing on the steps again, I replied.

Lord Joshua laughed.

"I wanted you to show that."

Of course, you wanted to put me in the spotlight.

Spare me.

"I don't want to waste my efforts."

Ahahaha! Lord Joshua laughed heartily.

"Really, I'm completely outmatched by your talent. Your intelligence is impressive! You're truly the High Priest's favorite!"

What? That nickname.

Lady Romelia said it before.

I don't remember being treated that well.

If that were the case, I would be the priestess by now, right?

I don't have the talent to be a priestess, and no one chose me.

That's proof.

I was sent here to a remote border where no one wants to go, knowing I would embarrass myself.

Even the High Priest knows I'm a soft-hearted person.

Just because I did something new that caught the Queen's eye, it wasn't something I thought of myself. Even composing music was thanks to Cecilia's efforts.

I don't have the talent to lead and make things bloom.

I never had any desire for that, so I wasn't dissatisfied.

I never pushed others aside to grab what I wanted.

I thought that was my virtue.

I never imagined it would bind me so much.

A priestess who stands next to the talented Earl Carving should be the one who has reached the pinnacle of singing talent.

No matter how much Lord Joshua likes me, I can't take the place of a real priestess, who was chosen and is the real deal.

I don't have the strength for that.

Lord Joshua, smiling beautifully, pressed my shoulder to the music and released my body, keeping our left hands connected.

He pulled me strongly, embracing me from behind, and swayed our bodies, a more advanced dance technique.

Lord Joshua's chest enveloped my shoulder.

"You're good."

You're a good leader.

Again, he pressed my shoulder from behind and released my body.

Pulling the connected left hand, we returned to the original position.

You're really good.

Did you dance like this with Lady Alicia at the ball?

The lid that shouldn't be opened almost opened again, and I let out a small sigh.