Ch. 2: Dance Lesson
The next day, the weather was beautifully fine…-
Sefir: “Come to think…”
We were in the middle of afternoon tea as Sefir remembered something and spoke.
Sefir: “The night before the celebration, there will be a dance party. Would you care to dance together?”
OO: “Eh, me, dance…”
I couldn’t find my bearings at his sudden request.
Sefir: “Could it be...you don’t have much experience with dancing?”
OO: “It’s a little embarrassing...but yes.”
Sefir: “If you like, I can instruct you.”
Sefir’s smile was so kind as he looked at me, and he set down his tea cup.
Sefir: “I am particularly skilled at dancing, and I believe I could be a good instructor. Would you like to decide on if you'll dance at the party after seeing the results of a few lessons?”
I don’t know how well I can dance but…
[CHOICE]
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Please do (SUN)
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Decline (MOON)
And so I began to take dance lessons.
Evening…-.
Dancing in these thin heels…
My lessons started immediately, and I wore a pair of beautiful high-heeled shoes that Sefir had prepared.
Seifr: “Straighten your back.”
The light of the setting sun slanted in through the window, dyeing the dance hall a warm color.
Sefir: “Please excuse me, this is the customary position.”
Sefir wrapped his arm around my back, and my heart gave a small leap.
Sefir: “Now then, let’s begin the waltz.”
The strings started playing, and as Sefir guided me with his hand, I awkwardly started to follow the steps.
Sefir: “You’re very good.”
His smile was so elegant that I naturally smiled in return when...
OO: “Ah…”
Unaccustomed to the heels, my foot came out of one and I slipped.
Sefir: “Are you uninjured?”
Sefir still held me in his arm, and his voice was quite close to my ear.
H-he’s so close....
Flustered, I blinked, and Sefir gently lifted me up.
Sefir: “It appears you have a blister on your foot...”
Sefir sat me down in a chair and knelt at my feet.
Sefir: “I apologize for not noticing...Lady OO.”
He removed my heels, and lightly kissed my injured foot.
OO: “...!”
He’s...Sefir is like a prince straight out of a story book.
Sefir treated me like a noble lady, and I felt my cheeks flush.
OO: “But...well, I wonder if it’s really ok for a beginner like me to dance. It’s such an important ceremony…”
Sefir: “...”
As I said it, I noticed Sefir’s expression stiffen slightly.
OO: “...Sefir?”
Sefir: “Ah, nothing....my apologies. This celebration of diplomatic relations is a very important event being held after 14 years...It is for that very reason that I wish for you to dance Lady OO. If you, a member of the Dream Royal Family, are to dance, it will be as a symbol of peace and everyone will be delighted.”
OO: “Doing something that important…”
Sefir: “All will be well. The dance party is technically the night before the celebration after all. I will take the lead, and you just enjoy the dance.”
OO: “...”
Sefir: “I shan’t force you, so please use your heart to decide.”
Sefir...I wonder why.
Though the smile he gave me was kind and elegant…
For some reason, it felt as if that expression was stuck to his face.
OO: “I would appreciate you giving me some lessons.”
Sefir: “I look forward to doing just that, Lady OO.”
Sefir smiled in delight.
OO: "I don't really think I can dance well."
Sefir: "Just leave everything to me."
Sefir looked deep into my eyes.