Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Winter Break (3)
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Late evening.
Because she'd gotten angry and run off during the day, Elena never showed up at the lounge even for the evening.
It probably wasn't because I'd bluntly commented on her dancing skills. At least, not judging by Elena's behavior so far.
Above all, she was likely the one feeling the most frustrated right now. She must have built up a ton of anger because things weren't going her way.
The best approach with Elena in times like these wasn't empty comfort or sympathy—it was providing a concrete solution.
...Which was why I'd called Hadi and Eri to the lounge at this late hour.
"Alright, let's begin. Hadi, you lead the steps first, and Eri, follow his rhythm."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Understood."
Just like any nobles dancing, Hadi and Eri moved slowly with their bodies close.
I hadn't called them here to admire their dancing. Though it was true I needed their dance for a purpose.
-Tap, tap.
...Alright, next."
"Yes, Your Highness."
-Tap, tap.
......Good, now the next one."
They paused after every one or two steps. Each time, I took an ink pen to where Eri's feet had been and drew footprints on the floor.
I even numbered them to avoid any mix-ups in the sequence. If she could just memorize the order of steps, even Elena wouldn't suddenly step on feet or stumble.
'A bit crude, but for Elena, this is probably the most reliable fix.'
Elena, who could cast instant spells without incantations or magic circles, would surely excel at memorizing things too.
Swordsmanship was, in a way, much the same—memorizing every possible scenario in your head and reacting. Her footwork slipping during dances probably stemmed partly from her swordsmanship knowledge.
Dance at a ball required syncing with your partner, unlike martial arts where you moved unpredictably against an opponent.
As I traced Eri's footprints with the pen, Hadi's voice came from above.
"Your Highness, wouldn't it be better if I drew them? Even if it's for Lady Elena, seeing you sprawled on the floor like this..."
"Don't worry about me—focus on syncing with Eri, Hadi."
"Couldn't we call another servant...?"
"I don't want Elena's weakness spreading to more people. I trust you two, that's why I'm asking for your help."
......Yes."
...Understood."
Seeing my firm stance, they didn't argue further and resumed their steps in rhythm.
I'd considered having Eri sync while Hadi numbered the floor, but scrapped it. This was my chance to dance with Elena on stage—I didn't want to feel like I was practicing with someone else first.
And, just in case, Elena might suddenly walk in. Servant or not, I didn't want her seeing me dance with another woman.
After about an hour sprawled on the floor drawing, one full set of choreography was complete.
The overlapping footprints looked a bit messy, but they were distinguishable enough. This should suffice for Elena.
"This looks decent enough. Good work, both of you."
"I hope we've been of help, Your Highness."
...I hope so too.
I'd decided to dance with Elena at the Entrance Exchange Party no matter what.
Even if it meant this hassle, I had to make it work.
"Elena."
"Not dancing."
"I won't force you. Just come over here for a bit."
...Not practicing dance either."
"I won't make you. Just come and take a quick look."
......What now, seriously."
She refused twice, but eventually stepped onto the footprints I'd drawn.
Seeing the countless numbered footprints on the lounge floor, she tilted her head in confusion.
"What is this?"
"Footprints for dance practice reference. Follow them in order, Elena, and you won't mess up like last time—at least."
...I said I'm not practicing dance.
"How about trying just the footwork as a test?"
......
"I'll hold your hand so you don't fall. Come on, Elena."
......
-Swish.
She looked hesitant for a moment, then silently placed her hand over mine.
And began slowly stepping onto the drawn patterns, one by one.
-Tap.
......
-Tap, tap.
......
Just following the numbered footprints while holding my hand—it already looked quite like a dance.
No matter how unfamiliar with dancing, Elena exuded innate noble grace. If she kept quiet and followed the steps, that was enough.
'A little awkward, but this is plenty.'
As long as she avoided the ridiculous mistakes from two days ago.
Slow or awkward was fine, as long as she could dance. No lady in the kingdom would dare question the dance skills of Rozier Duchess Elena, my fiancée.
"See? Pretty fun, right?"
...Well, good idea. Just memorize and follow these?"
"Exactly, Elena."
"But is stepping enough? Don't hands or whatever need to move too?"
"I'll handle that during the dance. Don't worry about it, Elena. I won't let go of your hand from start to finish."
......Okay.
Her face slightly flushed, she quietly took a few more steps.
As she'd said, it seemed like a solid idea— a faint smile began creeping onto her face.
"If it's just memorizing this, maybe I can manage."
"Really?"
"Not hard if it's rote. Compared to cramming social studies before high school exams, this is nothing."
"Sorry, explain in terms I can understand?"
...Anyway, confident in memorizing.
With that, she started over from the first footprint, stepping slowly.
Unlike her initial wariness, she moved a bit quicker now. Seeing that, I smiled quietly.
"Seeing you like this makes the effort worthwhile."
"I don't exactly like it... Huh? What'd you say?"
"Said it makes the effort worthwhile. Did I misspeak?"
...No way—you drew these yourself? Not some servant?"
...I got help from Eri and Hadi, but I did the drawing. Didn't want to risk other servants leaking your weakness.
......
She fell silent at my words, quietly averting her gaze for some reason.
Her cheeks seemed redder than before—or maybe they'd been all along—as she fanned them lightly with her palm.
"Well... good work."
"Is it because I told Eri and Hadi? They're trustworthy, Elena—no need to worry."
...What. Not worried.
"Really? Then why'd you go quiet all of a—"
"Hey, Cedric."
...Yes, Elena."
"Hold hands like in the real thing and practice steps properly."
"Got it, Elena."
Not sure why, but she seemed ready for serious practice, extending her hand first.
Of course, I took it without hesitation and prepared to continue the choreography.
"Hand goes on the waist normally?"
"Shoulders work if it's uncomfortable. Or hold both hands, but that takes more focus—not recommended."
...Not uncomfortable, just asking.
One hand on my waist, the other clasped in mine, she began moving.
In the slow music, our footsteps slowly synced.
Three days since starting serious dance practice with Elena.
She'd clearly memorized the footwork—her movements grew smoother by the day.
"Light spin here. Right after, when I lean forward, arch your back slightly, Elena."
...Okay.
She dove into practice earnestly, following every instruction without refusal.
Honestly, she was so obedient it felt a bit disconcerting. Like this Elena was someone else from the one I'd known.
Even outside practice, her grumbling had lessened, her tone softer. Or at least, that's how it felt.
'Come to think of it, we've mostly just practiced dance in the lounge lately.'
Normally, she'd lounge on the sofa reading or napping while I watched and did my own work.
Today, she'd even suggested practicing before I could bring it up.
'This side of Elena is nice too.'
I didn't know what sparked the change, but this was a chance—no doubt.
A chance to advance our relationship, stuck as mere fiancés without even proper lovers' progress for years.
-Swish.
"Eek..."
"Might lose balance in the real thing, so closer is better, Elena."
...Whatever.
I pulled her waist bolder toward me; she just nodded with an "alright."
Of course, I was careful not to cross lines. If she snapped back to normal and glared in disgust, it'd be trouble.
After a fun practice session with Elena, we rode the carriage back to the academy.
With my lead, she could now dance at a decent noble lady's level. We headed back per the Entrance Exchange Party schedule.
"Elena."
"Yeah."
"Sleep like usual if tired. I'll lend my thigh like always if you need."
...Not really tired.
"I see."
Yet her eyes were narrower than usual.
Normally, she'd nap in the carriage regardless, complaining it was boring and books made her motion sick.
'And she's been subtly avoiding my gaze since getting in.'
Honestly, I'd hoped for her usual head on my thigh today.
Practice had increased our time together, but what if our physical closeness pushed our hearts apart? A strange anxiety sprouted.
With that uneasy feeling, Elena and I returned to the academy.