23. Auction Banquet (4)
I took Grace’s hand and moved to the center of the stage.
The nobles who were dancing at the appearance of the princess became conscious of this side.
Even those who chatted outside began to focus on this side.
In that burdensome gaze, I faced Grace.
“You shouldn’t blame me for stepping on you later.”
“Hmm… . If there is even an opportunity to blame Ian-nim, I would rather be stepped on.”
“… … .”
“Come on here.”
Grace, with her bright blonde hair tied up, led my hand.
The eyes with amber pupils smiled in the shape of half moons.
“Hands here.”
He rested his right hand on Grace’s waist and clasped his left with her right.
Grace’s left hand gripped my waist.
“This is the basic posture.”
“You mean you’re moving like this? The world of dance is hard to understand.”
The extremely restricted posture was more than uncomfortable and cramped.
If this is the case, I think it will be difficult to respond flexibly and promptly even if someone surprises me.
… It’s strange to imagine such a situation while dancing.
“The basis of dance is to promote bonding. Because their movements are restricted to each other.”
Grace pressed her body tight.
“Couldn’t we be more intimate?”
“… If you are true to your purpose, you can say you are faithful.”
one two three four.
Grace’s fingers on my waist counted the beat.
“Left foot back.”
Before long, he moved his body along with her lead.
… It was a mess.
It was comforting that I didn’t step on my feet.
“You’re clumsy.”
Grace smiled and said.
“Wouldn’t everyone do that at first?”
“It is very new and enjoyable to see Ian, the man who shook the empire, floundering at just one step. Do you know?”
“That’s the truth I wanted to know.”
Unlike Grace, who spoke to me leisurely, I was busy paying attention to my body movements.
whether you know it or not
Grace chattered while leading me.
She was much smaller and lighter than me, but she was the center of movement.
“You must have come to get the things the warriors need, right?”
“I didn’t come to dance.”
“That’s too bad. How do you feel about having your first dance with me?”
“It’s an honor beyond compare.”
“Is that all?”
“Well… . You have grown up a lot.”
Actually, he didn’t grow much.
It barely reaches my chest, so it’s similar to Helena.
However, when I saw things like the image I showed in a high position earlier and the proficiency when leading a dance, I suddenly thought that way.
that he grew up a lot
Grace quietly looked at me at my words and tilted her head slightly.
“Ian. I am also an adult, turning 20 this year. Ian and I are only 4 years apart. But are you treating me like a child with such a big age difference on purpose to distance yourself?”
“… … .”
“What are you wary of?”
Boundary… .
No matter how much the emperor’s love is the youngest daughter, the princess is the princess.
Sharp.
However, there was no such intention in treating children.
It’s just because I thought that courting me unilaterally was immature when I was young.
‘Because it’s easy to mistake gratitude for a benefactor for such feelings… . Especially when you’re young.’
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Just in time, the song ended.
Grace stopped, and so did I.
She backed off abruptly, grabbed the hem of her skirt, and bent her knees lightly.
“It was a great dance. Ian.”
“You can honestly say it was terrible.”
“No way.”
Grace covered her mouth and laughed.
“Whatever you want, you will get it.”
“If my wallet can afford the nobles here.”
Grace smiled again, then turned around and walked back to her place.
As the organizer, she couldn’t leave her seat forever.
I thought I’d get some rest now.
“Oh. A handsome gentleman there?”
… I heard Lucia’s playful voice.
When I turned my head, I was sure it was different.
A grinning Lucia reached out to me.
“Even though I don’t have the same status as the princess, would you please give me a chance?”
She saw Vivian waiting with her hands folded in a seat a few steps behind her.
Now I wonder what the two of them meant by their gaze earlier.
I could understand why he had suddenly actively promoted dancing with Grace.
‘If this is the case, you can’t refuse… .’
It’s an outsider.
It’s an amazing strategy.
Unknowingly, I smiled and held hands.
“You know it’s an honor.”
“Oh my goodness. Thank you.”
Lucia, who came to the stage, took a step away, grabbed the hem of her skirt, lifted it up, and released it.
In line with the movement of the falling skirt, Grace covered her chest and bowed.
It was a greeting overflowing with formality and courtesy.
It’s a different way of greeting than Grace.
“Should I do this too?”
“The only greeting I’ve learned is to kneel in front of the emperor.”
“Then other people have to see and follow. Saying hello to your partner is basic.”
“Okay… .”
I checked the other male aristocrats around me with a sidelong glance and clumsily tried to copy them.
… I did it for nothing.
It was awkward and I wanted to die.
“Pee!”
“If you’re going to laugh at me, don’t make me do it… .”
“No, sorry. Being immature has a cute taste.”
“What kind of taste is that?”
“Iknow, right?”
Soon I took a basic stance with Lucia, just like I did with Grace earlier.
“I guess you learned something from the princess?”
“I was praised for not stepping on my feet.”
“Hey, that’s great.”
In the end, I had no choice but to follow the other person’s lead this time.
Lucia’s teachings were a bit different from Grace’s.
Grace monitored, coordinated, and guided my movements in a thoroughly educational way.
On the other hand, Lucia… .
“Aren’t you putting too much effort into your body? Did you learn from Ian that when you need strong power, you should rather relax?”
“When turning, you have to pay attention to the central axis, the stepping foot and the line of sight, right? The opposite foot does not get caught on the end. Who taught you this too?”
I’m telling you, but it’s as if you’re making fun of me.
That too while mentioning the things I pointed out during my usual training.
A glance at her face made her look quite amused.
“You are enjoying yourself more than anyone else.”
“So. I never thought bullying Ian would be this much fun.”
“It’s quite a one-sided pleasure.”
“Huh. If Ian follows along well, maybe we will become bilateral?”
She led with a mischievous smile, then suddenly called out in a serious voice.
“Ian.”
“yes.”
“Well… . By any chance, can’t a hero date?”
“… Are you in love?”
“yes. Whether it’s a hero and a hero, a manager, or something… . anyone.”
“no. There is nothing definite. Free. If something happens, you are responsible. … Did you happen to have any object? It’s all good, but if you do it, it’s better if you tell me about it. Because you don’t know what will happen… .”
“Oh, no no. It’s not like that. Well… .”
After a moment of contemplation, she lowered her gaze and spoke softly.
“Vivian unnie… .”
Did Vivian have a target?
“I watch love novels so hard… . I wonder if there is a rule against dating?”
“… ah.”
Is it the book you bought last time?
are you still watching it?
No, it’s not impossible that I bought a new one… .
“Isn’t it just because the book is interesting?”
“That’s why… .”
“Or, it could be something I want to do but hold back. Maybe because I think it’s not the time yet.”
She found out that I was Philip, and that the target of their comparison was the 1st warrior party.
As a woman who has admired them, she might have made up her mind to focus more on improving her skills.
“… … .”
Lucia’s eyes moved left and right several times, thinking whether to speak or not.
Then she laughed lightly.
“Maybe.”
After saying that, he suddenly looks at me and asks.
“But Ian, have you ever thought about that?”
“What do you think?”
“Something like love.”
“… ?”
“If any of us look like a woman… .”
“yes?!”
“What are you so surprised about? Honestly, where do you all say it’s lacking?”
“No what… .”
I was so flustered that I almost tripped.
Fortunately, it stopped me from stepping on my toes.
In response, Lucia burst into laughter.
“Oh, it’s fun. Are you cute today?”
“ha… . I didn’t know you were so good at teasing people.”
Lucia playfully stuck out her tongue and shrugged her shoulders.
Then, when the song was over, she bowed again as formally as before.
Of course I didn’t.
“Why don’t you do it again?”
“I don’t. Go back.”
“Chit.”
And as expected… .
“Ian… .”
Vivian came over.
I didn’t do anything, but my face was already flushed.
“hello… .”
She clumsily grabbed the hem of her skirt and said hello.
I laughed out loud at the sight.
Aside from saying hello, why do you say hello like you just met?
“Why, why are you laughing… .”
“Anyone else would have laughed.”
“Ugh… .”
by the way.
For the first time in my life, I had to deal with 3 people in a row.
how did it happen… .
“Uh… . By any chance, that, if you don’t like it… Shall I go in… ?”
Vivian asked cautiously if I had a bad impression.
“No, no.”
I even danced Grace and Lucia.
Except for Vivian, that wouldn’t be polite again.
I reached out my hand first to the shrunken Vivian this time.
… But what should I say?
“Um, that… .”
Instead of me who couldn’t speak, Vivian approached holding my hand.
“Ah, that, thank you… .”
Vivian approached and smelled sweet.
… It’s a wine scent.
“Have you been drinking?”
“yes… . Waiting a bit… .”
There’s a reason your face is red.
“A little bit of cake… .”
“What are you so embarrassed about? It’s all there to eat.”
“I ate cookies and fruit pie too… .”
“Good job.”
“Hehe… .”
Vivian and I awkwardly positioned ourselves.
“It’s my first time… Please… .”
“Today is also my first time.”
The dance between the two of us, beginners, was a mess.
At least, it was on a different level from when Grace and Lucia were experts.
“Ouch!”
Vivian’s feet were twisted and staggered all the time, and she often stepped on my feet or kicked me in the shin.
“Uh, what should I do… ! I’m sorry… !”
“it’s okay.”
Every time that happened, Vivian let out a strange moan.
“Ouch!”
“Hug!”
“Unyak!”
It was slightly louder than the song, so the other nobles dancing next to it laughed.
It has already become a fun and rare spectacle for people outside the stage.
She staggered greatly.
“Yup!”
He hit his face on my chest.
A big laugh spread off the stage.
Hearing that, Vivian leaned toward me.
It was as if he was trying to hide in my arms.
“Ugh, it’s eerie… . I think everyone is looking… .”
She murmured with her face even redder than before.
“It’s not the same thing, I’m really looking at you.”
“Ugh… !”
Vivian snuggled closer to me, covering her face.
By that point, the beat of the music slowed down.
Only the sound of the violin softly touched the stage.
Those who had been moving around and dancing were now just shaking their bodies in place.
In line with that mysterious atmosphere, Vivian and I had no choice but to do the same.
It worked out well for Vivian and my legs.
Because there is no more kicking or being stepped on.
Actually, it didn’t hurt.
It was nice that I didn’t have to move clumsily either.
Is it an illusion that somehow the lighting has become more mellow?
Vivian, who held her body close to me, almost leaned on me.
“… Ian.”
Vivian called with a voice as deep as the atmosphere.
The light green eyes looking up trembled silently.
“I have a question.”
“ask.”
“Ian… Do you like someone?”
I heard that you seem to be interested in dating, but it seems to be true.
Actually, asking the people around you about this is the fastest way to see it.
Before answering, I pondered for a moment.
It was because there were memories I didn’t want to recall.
‘… Sylvia.’
But I don’t want to deny that past.
I don’t even feel emotions anymore, but anyway, the fact is the fact.
Next came Kati.
Kati spoke directly to me, and Katie stopped me from even holding back an answer.
Because that was the way Kati wanted it.
‘If you say this is mutual… . It would be to ignore Kati’s consideration that day.’
It’s not like his feelings toward Kati were clearly organized.
The conversation ended before I could organize it, and since then I’ve been busy with no time to organize it.
In the end, my answer was short.
“… There was.”
“… … .”
obvious past tense.
That would have been enough for Vivian to understand.
Vivian lowered her gaze, seemed to be thinking about something, then stared at my left hand.
There was a red tooth mark on the ring finger of her hand.
“What is this?”
“ah. Kati bit off before coming out today.”
“Katie… .”
“It happens often.”
It’s the first time I’ve bitten in human form like today.
“With Kati… . Oh no.”
Vivian muttered something, but kept her mouth shut.
The quiet atmosphere continued.
Whether this was the posture of the dance or hugging, it was a posture so close that it was confusing.
“Ian.”
Vivian said with her head down.
“yes.”
Hearing my answer, he raised his head.
A soft light flickered in the light green eyes.
It smelled of fruity wine and the subtle sweet smell of cosmetics.
“Last time, you said I matched you so well.”
“It was.”
“in fact… .”
Vivian lifted her tiptoe and whispered in her ear.
“It was so cool… .”
She fell slowly and looked up at me.
Wait a moment for the red lips to catch your eye.
She leaned close to me and leaned against me.
“… Ah yes. thank you… .”
Unbeknownst to me, he replied one beat late.
Vivian didn’t answer.
It stayed that way until the music ended.
***
“Could you show me the invitation?”
In front of the banquet hall in the city of Fiorene.
Sylvia was blocked by the manager.
“yes?”
invitation?
I didn’t know you needed something like that.
“Oh, well, that… .”
“Sorry, but you can’t enter without an invitation.”
Sylvia stomped her feet impatiently.
‘What do we do?’
You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this day.
You don’t even know how much you prepared for today.
I even did my own makeup.
It was awkward at first, but it wasn’t bad.
I also brought a note with incorrect answers in my bag.
‘I don’t know if I’ll ever get a chance to talk… . But I brought it just in case.’
All that effort was about to go to waste.
Seeing Sylvia in trouble, the manager also smiled troubledly.
Sylvia had no choice but to use a cowardly method.
“I, uh, Sylvia… It is.”
“… Yes?”
“This is Silvia from the 1st Hero Party… .”
All I could come up with was the name.
Even that, the status has fallen recently.
The nobles who were checking the invitation turned around when they heard the name.
Even if notoriety was added, the reputation of the 1st party remained the same.
“ah… .”
The manager looked at Sylvia as if he was embarrassed.
I don’t know if it was the other three.
Sylvia’s name, which had been officially acquitted, still had something worth writing about.
Even if he hadn’t been invited, it was hard to get rid of Sylvia easily.
“Well, it will take a while. Wait a minute, I have someone to see… .”
“You mean there is an acquaintance who promised to meet inside? Are you qualified as a companion?”
“no… . It’s not a promise, it’s not even a companion… .”
“Hmm… .”
The manager, who had stroked his chin, nodded helplessly.
“Please don’t forget my consideration.”
“Yes Yes! thank you so much! Absolutely! thank you!”
Sylvia bowed her head several times before going inside.
I could see the freely spread nobles conversing in groups.
The pre-ceremony ball was still in progress on the stage in the middle of the banquet hall.
‘Ian… . Will you be here?’
Sylvia crossed the banquet hall ignoring those who recognized her.
My heart was beating fast.
It is a tickling thrill.
‘Ian… !’
see Ian
happy, happy, happy
Other than that, I couldn’t think of anything.
The injured side no longer hurts.
Near center stage, Sylvia spotted a familiar woman.
dark purple hair.
It was a woman who exuded an atmosphere somewhere between coldness and calmness.
‘Lucia… Was it?’
Lucia was staring at the stage with complicated eyes.
Sylvia’s gaze followed that direction.
and there.
“… ah.”
I saw a tall man with long red hair.
And holding her… .
“Ian… .”
It was Ian.
The two of them clung to each other, as if they were part of slow-moving music.
It may be an illusion to feel affectionate.
However, that misunderstanding pierced Sylvia’s heart.
Her gaze moved from Ian back to the redhead, Vivian.
Sylvia observed Vivian as if she were adorning herself in a mirror.
From head to toe, there was no place where the ball was not put in.
Her thick, wavy red hair was like a flowing flame.
A turquoise dress embroidered with gold embroidery was a princess of any kingdom.
The elaborate make-up seemed prepared only for Vivian.
The face on Ian’s chest was as red as his hair.
like a shy girl.
It was like looking into a mirror, but it wasn’t.
He could never be compared to his infinitely shabby self.
A shabby dress and clumsy makeup for a place like this.
What contrasts more than that is the empty seat next to it.
She wasn’t hugged by Ian.
– Took.
The bag fell.
Sylvia didn’t know that, and painfully captured the scenery she could see.
‘That’s… .’
A place that could have been mine.
Ian doesn’t dance, but if I had been by his side, I might have gotten to where I am today.
‘me too… me too to you… .’
I wanted to be hugged.
Like this, in a place where soft music is flowing, people don’t care.
I wished for a time filled with just the two of us.
I have dreamed of such romance.
“Ah, ah… . turn it off… .”
Sylvia sat down and groaned at the pain that felt like her heart would sink.
People around her approached her.
“Are you okay?”
“It’s not Sylvia… ?”
“Manager! Where is the manager!”
It became a fuss.
A contradiction bloomed in Sylvia’s mind.
Ian shouldn’t be disturbed by this commotion.
I want Ian to see me because of this commotion.
‘Sorry… . I, I’m so selfish… . I’m so late, sorry… .’
Sylvia couldn’t bear to lift her head.
What Ian finds himself and what he doesn’t.
Neither could have hoped for it.
So I couldn’t even look at him.
‘Sorry… .’
Sylvia sat down and sobbed.
Ian sensed that there was a commotion somewhere offstage, but he didn’t care.
The banquet manager decided it was an issue to deal with.
So, I just hugged Vivian until the music ended.
There were only other thoughts in his mind.
‘… When will the music end? This is too much, something touches me blatantly… . uncomfortable… .’
Ian would bit a quite good main character, if he wasn’t so freaking dense. Why the hell asian authors like so much to write dense main characters?