Balance of the World

Episode 23 First Dance

I decided to sit down and rest for a while after the greetings had settled down. She's going to dance after this, so it's best to save her energy.

In my previous life, I also practiced swordsmanship, so I had a little more stamina, but in this life, I hardly swing a sword.

Instead, they are forced to do embroidery and music, but these are hardly connected to physical strength. I guess I should exercise more...

Brother Tyrolite seems to be talking with a friend at a distance.

Snacks are also prepared by the wall, but I don't feel like eating too much because the corset is tight.

After getting a few drinks and staring blankly at the venue, it seemed that the greeting procession had finally ended.

The royal orchestra, which had been preparing for the arrival, began to play music quietly. It is the signal for the start of the ball.

People start moving around.

The young ladies with slightly nervous expressions headed for the young lady they were looking for. The young ladies took their hands with their cheeks blushing happily or embarrassed.

It's not the time to say things like youth. I have to dance with my brother too.

Onii-san also parted ways with his friend and walked over here. When I stood up and tried to take my older brother's outstretched hand, a man stood next to me.

"Hi, good evening. Linaria."

"...Agen-sama"

I look up at his face in surprise. A boy with lustrous black hair and blue eyes, who has a soft demeanor... but also has an air of trepidation.

I'm Agen, the eldest son of the Duke of Pyrope. Behind him is his confidant, Streng.

Both of them are the same age as me, and they are noble sons who will be new students this year.

"Good evening, Agen-sama. It's been a while."

The Duke of Pyrope has been a heavyweight in this country for generations, and its power ranks among the top five among all nobles. It's a big deal that can't be compared to our Jarossis family, but it's a house that maintains a good relationship because the territory is close.

I've known him for a long time, and I've been invited to tea parties and parties once a year, but I haven't been able to say hello today. I think I didn't see him, but I wonder if he's late.

"Has it been since the beginning of spring that I saw you? I misunderstood you. You've become more beautiful with each passing year, but tonight you're catching everyone's attention. It's as good as your mother. It's like a lake. She looks like a fairy."

"Thank you very much. I am very honored."

I bow my head while smiling. Perhaps it's because my family uses water magic, or because of the silver hair and blue eyes I inherited from my mother, the fairy of the lake is a popular analogy.

But why are you calling me now? The dance music will start soon.

Calling out to me at this timing means that I'm trying to apply for a dance... I don't think that's possible, but I can't find the reason why.

After all, he is the heir to the Pyrope family. Among the noble sons of new students in this venue, he has a position next to His Highness. You should be able to hope for a daughter with a higher family status than a lowly Marquis like me.

Didn't you make a promise to anyone? Why?

He smiles kindly at me who is confused.

"Linaria. If you'd like, with me..."

"Please wait"

When Agen reached out his hand, he heard a familiar voice coming from somewhere.

… Spinel. For some reason, he was rushing towards me.

Spinel stood beside me as I stood still, unable to comprehend what was happening. He faces Agen with a serious expression.

"Agen-dono. I'm sorry, but could you hand over this place to me?"

I looked at Spinel in amazement. …What are you talking about?

"... me? you?"

Agen raises one eyebrow. His expression seems amused, but his eyes don't look like he's smiling.

Naturally, Spinel and Agen are both members of a ducal family, but Agen's Pyrope family is more powerful. Spinel is in a special position as a prince's servant, but that doesn't directly translate into strength of power.

Agen looked at Spinel and me for a few seconds, then smiled and said, "Good."

"It doesn't look bad to owe you something....Linaria, I'll dance with you later. I'll be quietly waiting for my turn."

"Yes..."

I manage to reply, and look up at Spinel beside me timidly, even though I'm confused.

Spinel looked at Brother Tyrolite who was diagonally behind me. Onii-san, who was watching the situation with a surprised face, came to himself and laughed, "Go ahead."

"...Linaria. Will you dance with me?"

Spinel said so with a serious face, and I had no choice but to take his hand with a smile on my face.

The waltz has begun.

I take careful steps and whisper to the spinel in front of me.

"...I was surprised. What kind of wind is it blowing around?"

"I have a lot of things to do, too."

"Haa... what is it..."

A lot of things happen all of a sudden and I can't keep up. Before that, if I was thinking about it, I might have made a mistake in the steps.

While Spinel accurately leads, she whispers to me with a gentle expression on her face.

"Okay, just shut up and focus on dancing. What if I bite my tongue while talking?"

"I don't bite"

"Don't step on the hem of the dress"

"Don't step"

"Don't step on my foot"

"It might step on it."

When I answered that, Spinel glared at me so slightly that it wouldn't be seen by others.

"Didn't you say you improved properly?"

"is that so"

…Was good. I don't know what it is, but it's the usual spinel.

"Don't worry. I'll show you the results of my practice.”

When I smiled gracefully, Spinel gave me a quick smirk and then led me with a clear face.