My Second Engagement: Loved by the Duke’s Son and Thanked for My Healing Magic ~ My Selfish Sister Took My Fiancé, but Gave Him Back Because She Didn’t Want Him Anymore~ - Episode 37

Finally, the time for social dancing had arrived.

It seemed there were certain rules for the royal ball.

First, married couples and engaged partners would perform their dances.

After that, the unmarried attendees would take their turn.

The purpose of this ball was to create new marriage opportunities.

—

Setting aside Almia for now, I was feeling both nervous and excited about dancing with Julite.

After all, this would be our first time dancing together.

—

“You’ll be fine.”

Julite spoke gently and placed his hand softly on my shoulder.

—

“You practiced with Coco, didn’t you?”
“Eh? How do you know? I made sure to train in secret whenever you weren’t around.”
“Haha. I can tell just by looking at you, Reina. Your posture has improved just a little. You always take a bath before I return, meaning you must have been doing something that made you sweat. Besides, there’s no way Coco wouldn’t be concerned during this time. She’s been paying attention to a certain social dance practice…”

—

I had trained with Coco, so I felt it would be wrong to her if I couldn’t dance properly. That’s why I had kept it a secret…

—

“Reina, you’re kind, aren’t you? You were worried about Coco’s opinion.”
“How do you know that…?”
“I’ve started to understand how you think. I’ve been watching you closely.”

—

My heart suddenly began to race.

I was already nervous enough as it was.

—

“Since Coco trained you, you’ll be fine.”
“I’ll do my best to live up to expectations.”
“No, you don’t have to try so hard.”
“Huh?”

—

I was surprised by his words and looked up at him.

His usual warm smile slowly melted away my tension.

—

“Just being able to dance with you makes me happy, Reina. Don’t worry about what others think—just enjoy yourself.”
“I can’t afford to bring any more disgrace to the duke’s house.”
“Haha. No matter what happens, I will always stand by your side. Even if our reputation falls or we are criticized, I will protect you.”
“You’re too kind…”
“Don’t worry about making mistakes. Just enjoy this moment, Reina. Let’s create wonderful memories together!”
“Y-yes!”

—

Thanks to Julite’s kind and gentle words, the unnecessary pressure faded away.

I decided to cherish and enjoy this time dancing with him.

With that resolution in my heart, we stepped onto the dance floor.

—

♢♢♢

—

What a happy moment it was.

Julite supported me the entire time.

Even though my movements were still awkward, he adjusted to match me.

When he effortlessly lifted me, it felt as if I were floating in zero gravity, and I felt completely safe in his arms.

—

It was fun.

I had never realized social dancing could be such an enjoyable event.

—

“Thank you!”
“No, no, I should be the one thanking you. I was happy just to dance, but I never imagined you would dance so beautifully.”
“It was all thanks to your support, Julite.”
“Not at all. I merely helped bring out your natural charm.”

—

Julite was not the type to give empty flattery.

As proof, a thunderous applause followed our performance.

At first, I thought it was directed at everyone who danced, but that didn’t seem to be entirely the case.

—

“Reina, not only are you incredible at that, but your social dancing is also amazing! I admire you even more now!”

—

Maria, who had been dancing nearby, showered me with praise.

I wanted to thank Coco when I got back.

It was thanks to her that I was able to enjoy this moment.

And, of course, I needed to thank my dance partner, Julite, too!

—

Then, I suddenly felt concerned about Almia and looked for her.

She was glaring at me sharply, her expression filled with frustration.

—

♢♢♢

—

“Who is the man dancing with Almia?”

—

I still wasn’t familiar with all the nobles.

Since it would be rude not to know, I tried to confirm with Julite whenever possible.

Julite whispered in my ear.

—

“He is the eldest son of a dangerous noble that my uncle has his eye on. He should be losing his title soon, so there’s no need to remember him.”

“Huh? Someone like that is attending this ball?”

“Actually, this ball also serves as a way to expose corrupt nobles. Of course, nothing will happen here, but it’s a trap to gather important evidence.”

“I see…”
“Viscount Falrune was also supposed to be a target, but I only see Almia here.”

—

My former father had been overly lenient with Almia, but he was very intelligent.

Perhaps he had sensed something about this ball.

—

Ah, the dance was starting.

Almia smiled brightly as she took the man’s hand.

It almost seemed like she was the one leading him.

—

“Fufufu~! Follow my movements carefully, alright?”
“Yeah, I got it.”

—

I barely caught their conversation.

As the music started, they began moving—no, they started *singing*.

—

“Ei! Eiya! Kora-sa! Ei! Eiya! Kora-sa!”

—

Before Coco trained me, I used to dance exactly like Almia.

Looking back, I couldn’t believe I never noticed.

Shouting loudly while dancing at a formal ball—how had I not realized how inappropriate it was?

—

People around us chuckled, but I didn’t laugh.

Instead, I just wished for it to end quickly.

—

However, for some reason, Almia’s partner started copying her movements.

—

“Ei! Eiya! Kora-sa! Ei! Eiya! Kora-sa!”
“Ei! Eiya! Kora-sa! Ei! Eiya! Kora-sa!”

—

The nobility was strict.

Even if their movements were miraculously in sync, this was nothing like a proper social dance, so it would never be accepted.

—

The song felt endlessly long, but finally, it was over.

Almia looked satisfied.

—

“How was it? My flawless performance?”
“It was garbage.”
“Huh…?”
“What was with that shouting? Your movements were stiff. That wasn’t a dance—it was a child’s game.”
“W-what? But you followed along perfectly!”
“Dance only works if both partners are in sync. You forced your movements on me, and if I hadn’t adapted, it would have been even worse. Do you really not get that, you idiot noblewoman?”
“Ugh…”

—

Almia collapsed on the spot, crying.

She had likely never been scolded so harshly before.

She must have been incredibly frustrated.

No one could say anything, and she fled from the palace.

—

Later, the man was paired with a different woman, and he was shockingly skilled.

His parents might have been problematic, but he himself was polite and well-mannered.

In fact, his performance earned high praise from the royal family.