Chapter 149 - Her Answer

‘Charles!’

Azriel received the Mayflower that Charles held out to her and took the Mayflower that she put around her ear as an exchange. Her Mayflower was hung on his chest. His Mayflower was also set around her ear as well. Watching that scene, the man with a pointy mask drew back, clicking his tongue. Soon, those who were studying the situation also gave up as Azriel’s partner was decided. When people nearby went away, Charles whispered softly. “Thank you for coming, Azriel. I am very glad to see you in a long while.”

“How did you recognize me at a glance? I didn’t let you know what kind of mask I’ll be wearing,” Azriel asked as if she was amazed. The corners of Charles’ mouth were raised below his mask. “It’ll be more strange not to recognize you. Oh, this is a Catlett song.”

New music was beginning. It was a rhythmical tune. He slightly bent his waist and reached out his hand. “Shall we dance to a song first?”

“Forgive me. I can’t dance,” Azriel hesitantly shook her head. Bewildered a little, Charles carefully asked. “Can you tell me the reason for your rejection? Do you not like to dance by any chance?”

“It’s not that… It’s because I don’t know what kind of dance Catlett is,” Azriel answered.

Charles’ mouth was slightly distorted as if he had not expected it. However, he quickly loosened up his facial expression and held his hand out, lifting her hand. “If that’s the only problem, it doesn’t matter. I will lead you. All you have to do is follow me.”

“Umm, I really don’t know anything. I might step on your foot,” Azriel said.

“Feel free to do it,” he chuckled and led her to the center of the room. The music was light and cheerful. Nobles changed partners while dancing and hems of dresses fluttered above the floor like flower petals. Azriel put one hand on Charles’ shoulder and held his hand with the other to his guidance. He slightly wrapped his arm around her waist. Hugging tightly was a rude gesture between people who were not lovers, so his hand was merely placed above her, almost touching her. Charles came very close to her and whispered to Azriel’s ear. “I’ll start with my left leg. Leave your body to me as I lead.”

“Ugh, o, okay,” she awkwardly answered.

“Don’t worry. You can just enjoy moving to the music. After all, that’s what dance is for,” Charles said with a smile on his face and began leading her. Azriel nervously moved and looked up at him. His blond hair under a chandelier shined like pure gold. Noticing her glance, he made eye contact. Then his blue eyes sparkled and bent. Music bounced lively around her ears and the rosy skirt of her dress was wrapped around her legs and loosened due to the swirling movement. It was a strangely sweet feeling. Is this what getting swept up in the moment feels like? Catlett was not a difficult dance. Even though it was Azriel’s first time, she soon got used to it. In addition, thanks to Charles’ competent lead, she did not step on his foot once. When the song ended, he let go of her hand and took a half step back.

“Now, we’re finished when we make a vow,” Charles elegantly bent his waist with one hand on one side of his chest. Azriel, who was vacantly watching it, was startled and bent her knees with the hem of her dress in her hand. It felt like she had dreamed for a moment, forgetting everything else. He straightened his waist and led her out of the center.

“How do you feel about your first dance? Did you enjoy it?” Charles asked.

“…Yes, it was more pleasant than I thought. Thank you,” Azriel  softly replied.

Charles slightly opened one of the curtains of the garden house that were placed instead of the walls and escorted her to a place between curtains. There was a small sofa and a table. It seemed to be a resting area. He let her sit down and said with a smile on his face. “I’m glad that you enjoyed it, to the point that I want to think that you are considering me positively.”

“Well, that’s…”

“Wait, don’t answer it. I’d like to enjoy this feeling for now. I’ll bring us some drinks,” Charles stopped her and leaned his face toward her mischievously. “Alcohol? Juice?”