Dance
Lux’s Side
I waited, still tense, for Felisiana-sama and Violet-san to return to the guest room. After a while, the door opened and they stepped back inside.
“F-Felisiana-sama! Violet-san!”
The moment I called their names in joy, Felisiana-sama and Violet-san spoke up.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting, Lux-kun.”
“I am terribly sorry, Rodwell-sama.”
As soon as they reentered and apologized, I shook my head and said,
“Oh, truly, there’s no need to apologize, so please don’t worry about it!”
“Thank you, Lux-kun… By the way, you spoke such kind words to Violet; as her mistress, I must thank you.”
“Oh, th-thank you… I didn’t really say anything of any consequence.”
Even as I said that, Felisiana-sama looked at me as if she had something on her mind.
“Felisiana-sama…?”
“…It’s nothing.”
I felt a flicker of curiosity, but since Felisiana-sama insisted it was nothing, it seemed wiser not to press her.
Then Felisiana-sama continued.
“Lux-kun, there’s something I’d like to do with you outside this room… would you come with me?”
“Of course I will follow you… but where are we headed?”
When I asked, Felisiana-sama’s expression brightened as she said,
“That’s a surprise for once we arrive.”
“I-I understand.”
And so, with Felisiana-sama leading, we walked along the castle corridors, descended to the first floor, continued through more halls, and at last entered a vast open space.
This room featured numerous large windows, each paired with curtains of equal size.
Though the curtains were currently drawn back, several chandeliers hung in rows above, ensuring the space would remain magnificent if the drapes were closed or night fell.
The walls were simple yet carried lavish embellishments, and a single grand painting adorned one side.
“T-This place is…?”
“The royal castle’s ballroom.”
“The royal castle’s ballroom…”
The castle ballroom was reserved for the royal family and their guests to enjoy dancing, or to strengthen bonds with visiting royalty from other nations.
The latter purpose was rare these days, but the hall retained its special importance.
“W-Why have you brought me here?”
Confused by being led to the ballroom, I hesitated, then Felisiana-sama extended her hand with a smile and said,
“Lux-kun… would you dance with me?”
“…!”
To think I would dance with Felisiana-sama…!?
Dancing with someone of the opposite sex carried significant meaning, all the more so when that person was of royal blood.
Felisiana-sama understood that, of course. Even though only the three of us were present and the dance would not change anything formally, its significance was undeniable.
“…”
Since Felisiana-sama had asked me, I had no reason to doubt her.
What mattered now was whether I wanted to dance with her.
Having spent time with her, I had seen Felisiana-sama’s regal composure and also her moments of shy warmth.
And after all that… I wanted to dance with Felisiana-sama.
With that resolve, I took Felisiana-sama’s hand and said,
“Yes, let us dance!”
“Lux-kun…!”
And so, for a fleeting moment, the two of us danced together in joy.
Violet’s Side
From the edge of the ballroom, Violet watched them dance, the corners of her mouth lifting as she murmured softly.
“…Truly, the two of you are perfectly matched… Someday, I too will dance with Rodwell-sama…”
Realizing her cheeks were flushed, Violet quickly drew the black hood over her head. Still, as she watched the pair dancing, she could not help but feel a newfound hope for the future.