The Princess is Going on Strike - Chapter 34
Chapter 34
My eyes grew wide with surprise at Ethan’s appearance. When the song ended, the dancers around me were busy finding other dance partners, but Ethan and I just stared at each other. His brown eyes looked at me, shifted down then back up.
“Do you like the dress?”
“What? Ah, this…..”
I glanced at the dress I was wearing again. It was a bit revealing, but it was definitely beautiful. I nodded. I smiled to myself as I saw Ethan’s expression brighten.
Now that I think about it, Estian said Ethan chose this dress. I wonder if he likes exposure.
“Does it look good on me?”
Ethan shifted his eyes in embarrassment and nodded when I asked him softly.
“It’s my first time seeing it in person. I only chose the color. The overall design was chosen by Estian, not me…..”
“Really?”
No wonder.
It was too fancy and revealing and I had thought it was strange for Ethan to have chosen this. Ethan brought his head closer. He slowly placed his hand on my shawl and took it off with a smile on his face. That’s when he stopped and flinched after seeing the complete appearance of the dress. One should always show the person how the gift looks when presented with one.
The dress with the exposed shoulders and low chest was a design far different from ones before. I wasn’t too knowledgeable about the history or fashion of clothing, but I knew that this was the first time such a dress was revealed in the open.
So it’s obvious what others would think when they see it.
In the midst of the commotion, I could feel people’s attention turning towards me with the sound of their murmurings. Ethan, who was also in the center of people’s attention, lifted his hand and extended it to me. I recalled Estian’s words saying that the practice round was good enough, and accepted Ethan’s hand as he put his other around my waist. I could feel the rough calluses, but it was a delicate touch. Ethan loosened his expression as he gently held me and took a step closer. We slowly started to move our feet with our bodies attached to one another and the music began as if in waiting. I began to enjoy myself as the melody was slower and more beautiful than the previous one. I looked at Ethan and could see his eyes sparkle behind his mask, and felt the warm temperature of his body through his hand that held mine.
“Ethan.”
“Yes?”
“May I ask you something?”
I asked him as I looked up to his face and saw his head slowly nod.
“Did you truly have no ulterior motive?”
“What?”
He replied in a voice as if embarrassed by my question.
“I’m referring to my dress. I’m sure you could tell what the design was like even when it was hung on a hanger. Did you really only choose the color?”
“…..”
Ethan’s eyes shifted back and forth.
So he knew.
His expression, which he made no effort to hide, clearly said it all. Even when his lips moved slightly, his hands never shook and his feet stayed firm to the dance steps. Ethan closed his lips tightly, blinked, then sighed.
“Actually Aerylle, it’s…..”
“It’s fine.”
“What?”
I raised my brows and smiled at him.
“That answer is good enough for me.”
“I see…..”
I tilted my head and looked up at Ethan who gave me a helpless reply.
Ethan Lloyd Berlstein. I’m sure we never met in my past life, but there were many changes between us over the past week. How did I come to dance with him like this? It has been less than a month since I returned to the past and much has changed from before. It all started with me giving a hint to Velfor about the corruption, here I am now at the ball taking turns dancing with the Crown Prince and Lord Berlstein. Did the small change create an even bigger one?
I looked at our conjoined hands and spoke quietly.
“You said before that I had an honest (upright) gaze.”
“Yes.”
“Do you still think so?”
“I believe so, then and even now. Although your eyes are behind your mask, they seem more clear than anyone else’s that I’ve seen. Your thoughts and feelings, I mean.”
“I’ve been thinking about what you said, but isn’t it possible that it’s a misunderstanding or a delusion? We’ve only known each other for a week, plus I don’t believe I have an honest gaze.”
Ethan calmly shook his head.
Honestly, I really don’t know.
I didn’t know what others thought, but I had no idea what Ethan was referring to when he said I had an honest gaze. I thought it was a word that didn’t suit me since I was someone who hid behind a mask.
“If…”
Our bodies drifted apart then came back together again, and I continued to speak.
“What would you do if it was only a coincidence or a misunderstanding?”
“…..”
“It could just be a moment of curiosity, right?”
A princess wearing a mask. Ethan could just as well be curious about me because of my unique and bizarre nickname. This was why I didn’t want to misunderstand the favor he was showing me. Also, when I came back to the past, I swore that I wouldn’t show kindness or favor towards anyone. But Ethan continued to catch my eye and caused me to be emotional.
Is it because he showed favor to me when I didn’t take off my mask? If that’s the case, then I should also be feeling the same way about Estian, but I don’t.
The song was almost over. My feet hurt quite a bit since I had danced to 2 songs in a row. The shoes were new and I could feel the tightness of my legs as they were swollen, as I waited for Ethan’s reply. The sound of the song’s major key was heard and the dance was nearing its end, but Ethan remained silent. But I didn’t pry. Just because one urges another, doesn’t mean they’ll get an answer. With the final note played, our feets halted with the finishing move of the dance. I glanced at Ethan’s face and saw him open his mouth.
“That’s possible. It could be because of a short period of curiosity.”
“Is that so…..”
I would be lying if I said Ethan’s answer didn’t disappoint me. But I was still grateful for him being honest.
This is why it’s better not to look forward to anything.
Ethan slowly took off his mask and softly spoke to me, revealing his face with a grave expression.
“Which is why I believe I need more time to get to know you.”
“…..?”
The corners of his lips slowly pushed up as he continued to look at me.
“It seems I will be seeing you more often after this, Aerylle.”
Regalius Tome: Sorry for the slow releases lately. Life’s been busy trying to adjust with my new job, plus the upcoming Lunar New Years. We’ll be taking a short break so that I can adjust better to my new schedule~ Hope to be back sooner than later!