Chapter 171

Chapter 171

It was on the brink of developing into a romantic atmosphere.

But, as always, that sort of thing didnt happen in my life.

Not even 10 minutes after we started dance practice, I stepped on Serenades foot four times.

Ugh... Uh...

At first, Serenade laughed it off, saying it was fine, but after her foot was stepped on four times, she finally crouched down, tears welling in her eyes.

Im, Im sorry. Does it hurt a lot?

Are you doing this on purpose, My Lord...?

Serenade looked up at me with teary, reddened eyes.

Youre not tormenting me because you dislike me, are you...?

I swear Im not. I have no such wicked pleasure.

Teaching a dance and repeatedly stepping on her foot to torment her? Its creative but overly complex torment.

Looking down at Serenades reddened foot, I sighed softly.

Im really sorry. I must be a klutz.

Moving in sync with someone was much more difficult than I had thought.

As much as this was true, I hadnt expected to step on my fiances foot so carelessly.

It reminds me of our engagement ceremony. That was 10 years ago.

Serenade, who stood up with my support, muttered.

Looking back, you really couldnt dance then either.

Did I step on your foot then too?

Just my foot? You tripped over my skirt, and we both fell flat on our faces.

Serenade covered her mouth and giggled.

It hurt, and it was embarrassing, but that moment was... the happiest in my life.

Serenade, who was murmuring distantly, shook off her foot a few times and then energetically nodded.

Alright, the pains gone! This time, Ill teach you from the beginning!

Serenade took a step closer to me.

Now, again. Lets start with the hands.

My left hand and Serenades right hand clasped together.

She held my right hand with her left, guiding it to rest below her left armpit.

Place it here. Yes, like that.

And Serenades left hand rested on my shoulder.

This was the basic stance for the waltz, a representative social dance.

Our bodies were almost close enough to feel each others breath. If we listened carefully, we might hear each others heartbeat.

...Ah.

Serenade, whose eyes met mine, quickly looked down and took a deep breath.

Now, lets try stepping. Ill lead until you get used to it, My Lord.

I moved my feet cautiously as Serenade led. Being careful not to step on her feet.

Relax your body, dont tense up, and go slow. Left foot forward. Right foot to the side. Together, good. Right foot back, left foot to the side, together. Youre doing well...

As time passed,

One, two, three. Good. One, two, three. Thats it.

Whether it was because the tension had eased and our bodies had warmed up, from that point on, I was able to practice dancing without stepping on Serenades foot.

Serenade too looked more relaxed, her face softening into a comfortable smile.

Youre learning fast, My Lord!

...

With a bit more practice, youll have no problem at formal gatherings.

I quietly stared at her newfound natural smile.

Serenade couldnt maintain eye contact for long and quickly looked down again, her cheeks flushed.

Watching her intently, I slowly spoke.

Serenade.

Yes, My Lord.

Your family is about to be exterminated.

The previously gentle atmosphere froze.

At my unexpected words, Serenades shoulders stiffened, and her steps faltered.

Her face hardened as she stammered,

...What? What does that...

Its exactly as I said, Serenade. Your family will soon be exterminated.

I glanced briefly at the window. Our dancing could be seen from outside the building.

Keep dancing. There may be eyes watching us.

I smiled and looked back at her.

"Were engaged, arent we?"

"Do you not... dislike me, a lowly girl from a merchant family?"

"Never. Not once."

From Crossroads perspective, they were always a trading partner I wanted.

From Ashs point of view... well, they said it was first love.

Ive lived a life far from such sweet and bitter words, so I dont quite know the feeling.

But I have no reason to dislike.

I wish for a good partnership. Both in business and in social dancing.

"Ill come again tomorrow."

Serenade bit her lip and looked at me with troubled eyes. I pointed to her foot with the tip of my finger.

"Apply ointment to the top of your foot."

***

Afterward, I visited Serenade every day to learn social dance and party manners.

I felt watched from all around, but Fernandez did nothing to stop me afterwards.

I decided not to worry too much and act as I pleased.

Three days later, in the morning.

After dancing for several days in a row, I was dragging my sore body, low in Stamina, to the Star Palace restaurant for breakfast when I noticed the atmosphere was more bustling than usual.

The excitement was clear on the faces of the passing servants.

"Whats going on today? The victory celebration isnt for a few more days, is it?" I asked Alberto, who was serving my meal.

Alberto responded with a kind smile.

"News came this morning. Prince Lark is returning today."

"...!"

Prince Lark, the first prince, had returned from the western front.

"They are preparing a return parade at the Imperial Capitals west gate. Its only natural that the citizens are excited."

Alberto, pouring tea into my cup, gestured outside.

"How about it, will you go to greet your brother?"

"Of course!"

As someone from the Eastern Country of Etiquette (TL Note: Hes saying that Korea is known as the Eastern Country of Etiquette), I must! I must go and welcome my brother after his long journey. I want to see his face too.

So, I rode in a carriage with Alberto towards the Imperial Capitals west gate.

The western road, where access was restricted, was already ringing with cheers, signaling that the return parade had begun.

The streets were already bustling with people, so Alberto parked my carriage a little off the road.

The soldiers lined up along the road saluted one by one as the parade approached.

"Behold the Emperors eldest son and the Imperial Armys Commander-in-Chief, Prince Lark Avalanche Everblacks return!"

Waaaaaah-!

The citizens on both sides of the road cheered and threw flowers. It felt like fans welcoming home an idol from the airport.

Amidst the showering bouquets, cheers, and applause - Prince Lark was riding in, leading the parade.

He looked to be in his early thirties.

Dressed in practical and somber metallic armor, the white cape billowing behind him was the only splash of grandeur.

His jet-black hair was neatly combed back, blue energy swirling around it.

His deep-set eyes were also a dark blue color.

This man was the supreme commander of the entire empire, the commander of the western front, and an undefeated knight.

"Lark..."

Waaaaaah...!

Despite the blessings and cheers from all the citizens, Larks expression remained stoic.

Even though it was a return parade, he could have at least smiled once, but he drove his horse forward with a stony gaze.

"Why does my brother look like that? Did something upset him?" I asked.

Alberto chuckled darkly.

"Hasnt he always been like that? Hes someone whose expression rarely changes."

Ah, so thats his personality. It felt like his face had been frozen like a marble statue since birth.

Just then, Lark, who had been leading the parade, suddenly lifted his head and looked left and right. Then, he turned his eyes sharply towards us. Huh?

His dark blue eyes met mine unmistakably. Uh...?

Taaah!

Lark spurred his horse, leaping over the crowded citizens on the roadside.

The citizens screamed in unison, but he paid no attention, starting to approach my carriage.

I unwittingly swallowed dryly.

What, whats happening? Whats going on?