Chapter 98

“…I’m not very good at dancing, Your Highness.”

“That’s all right. I’ll lead.”

Even though I tried to politely refuse, he still stubbornly offered his hand. If I turned him down again in front of all these people, there was a high possibility that Vien’s favorability would drop this time.

‘Actually, with how prideful he is, it’s not just likely… It’s basically guaranteed.’

“…Then, I’ll be in your care.”

Since I couldn’t find a suitable excuse to refuse him without bruising his pride, I had no choice but to take his hand in the end.

As I moved my feet to the music, he skillfully took my hand and led me.

‘How did things end up like this?’

I hadn’t even unlocked his route, yet here I was, dancing with him anyway.

My mind went blank. Up until now, I had thought he only asked me for the first dance because I had opened his route and raised his favorability to a certain extent.

‘But his favorability is at zero right now. So does that mean dancing with Vien happens regardless of favorability?’

I forced myself to cut off my wandering thoughts and focus on the music instead.

The first time I danced with Vien, I was so bad at dancing that just keeping my feet in time with the music was a struggle. Now, watching my feet move naturally to the music, I realized that repeating the same life over and over had its benefits, after all.

“….”

I followed Vien’s lead, moving easily with him. Things were going smoothly, so I tried to read his mood, but when I looked up, our eyes met. Even though I quickly looked away, he spoke up, almost as if he had been waiting for that moment.

“You claimed you couldn’t dance well, yet you’re far more skilled than I expected.”

“….”

“Or was that just an excuse to turn me down, and I was too oblivious to catch on?”

He hit the mark so directly that I flinched without meaning to, but quickly composed my expression and answered smoothly.

“Not at all. I think it’s only because Your Highness is leading so well that my lack of skill doesn’t show.”

“….”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

At my reply, Vien’s eyebrows twitched.

The corner of his lips curled into an inscrutable arc as he observed my calm expression.

“It seems I’m reminded once more that blood is thicker than water.”

“….?”

“Those words just now made you sound exactly like the Marquis, Lady Aidelis.”

‘Who knew being told I resemble my father could feel this unpleasant… But I guess it’s not surprising, since it wasn’t meant as a compliment.’

It was clear that Vien didn’t like Aidelis or my father.

So, his comment was basically a sarcastic remark. Still, I couldn’t let any sign of displeasure show on my face.

“…Compared to my father, I still fall far short.”

He seemed to pick up on the message behind my words and let out a low chuckle.

With the tension slightly easing, I felt some of the tension in my shoulders melt away. As I followed the music, I caught a glimpse of his face tightening, like he was in pain, and it reminded me of when I saw him at the boutique a few days back.

‘Does he still have that headache?’

Since his complexion didn’t look bad today, I figured he must be fine. But up close, it looked like he had just covered up his pallor with makeup. Wondering if his condition was more serious than I’d thought, I cautiously spoke first.

“Is your headache still troubling you?”

At my question, Vien’s face noticeably stiffened for a moment. He lowered his gaze briefly, then looked at me and gave a small smile as he asked.

“I didn’t realize you were so concerned about my health, my lady.”

‘As if I’m actually worried.’

That was what I thought, but on the outside, I had to at least pretend to be concerned about him. If his mood got worse, my health would only get worse.

I gave him the most harmless smile I could manage and replied.

“You didn’t look well the last time I saw you, maybe it was because of a headache?”

Right then, the mood shifted noticeably.

I started to wonder if I’d asked something I shouldn’t have, so I glanced at him cautiously. After a moment of silence, he raised his eyebrow and asked.

“No matter how I consider it, it doesn’t seem like you would be worried about me…”

“….”

“There’s only one person around you who’s interested in my health.”

He spoke as if he were certain, then glanced around the room. With the atmosphere turning uncomfortable, I had a bad feeling.

Right as I was planning to slip away the moment the music stopped, he leaned in close to my ear and whispered.

“Did the Marquis ask you to check on my health? Did he send you here to question me?”

“What are you talking abou—hhk!”

Before I could even react to Vien’s low murmur, he suddenly pulled me toward him, his arm locking tightly around my waist. Surprised, my eyes went wide, and I stared up at him.

His golden eyes glinted dangerously.