The Reincarnated Villainous Noble Still Won't Try His Best! - Chapter 42 : Asking For A Date!

Chapter 42 : Asking For A Date!

I won’t push myself.

Even if it means showing my weakness to Cecilia, even if it means being comforted by her, this is the one thing I can’t stop.

I know. I know all too well.

I’m grateful to Cecilia.

Thanks to her, I was able to face forward, even if just a little.

I was able to take a small step forward in my engagement with Lilia.

If I were to tell her this honestly, she’d probably just say something like, “It was only natural for me to do this as a childhood friend of my fiance.” But still, I truly am grateful.

For now, the unease that had been lurking somewhere in my heart is completely gone.

With a refreshed expression, I headed back to the party venue.

In the center of the floor, nobles are dancing, while others around them enjoy food and conversation.

I casually searched for Lilia.

I need to apologize to her for what happened earlier.

Just as I think that, my eyes meet Flora’s before I can find Lilia.

Had she been looking for me from the start? As soon as our eyes meet, she gives me a slow smile and begins walking toward me.

“Marius, I found you! I’ve been looking for you this whole time. Where were you?”

“Sorry. I just went to wash my hands.”

“Ah, I see. Well, this is the royal castle, so the hallways are unnecessarily long. Just going back and forth takes time, huh?”

“That’s right.”

In truth, it was the situation with Cecilia that took up my time, but there’s no need to tell her that.

“So, why were you looking for me?”

“Well, of course, to talk with you! And maybe… to dance together, too.”

Flora keeps glancing at me from the corner of her eye.

…She wants me to invite her to dance, doesn’t she?

At parties like this, it’s unheard of for a young lady to invite a young man.

The invitation to dance is always made by the gentleman to the lady.

“…Good grief.”

Oh well…

Thanks to Cecilia, I feel like I can start facing things head-on, even if just a little.

I guess I can go along with this much.

“Lady Flora.”

“Y-Yes?”

“If you don’t mind, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

I extended my hand as I said those words.

But Flora didn’t take it right away.

When I tilted my head in confusion—

“M-Maybe… if you said it a little more sweetly…”

She suddenly spouted something ridiculous.

“Flora… You know I can just refuse, right?”

“S-Sorry, sorry! I was just joking! I accept—”

“…Flora. Won’t you dance with me? Please?”

“Fueh~?!”

I gave in to her request just a little and sweetened my tone.

The effect was outstanding.

I even lowered my posture slightly to look up at her.

And that was it.

She answered me with a big smile on her face.

“Y-Yes! With pleasure! I’ll dance to as many songs as you want!”

“No, just one is enough…”

Holding her hand firmly, the two of us stepped onto the central dance floor.

As expected of a count’s daughter, her dancing was impeccable.

She moved gracefully, keeping in sync with me as if we were one.

“You’re quite good at this.”

“Oh, it’s nothing special. It’s just part of a lady’s education.”

“I see.”

We continued dancing while making light conversation.

Flora seemed eager to dance more, but unfortunately…

I could feel the piercing gaze of my fiancée, Lilia, from behind me.

I couldn’t just leave her alone and dance with another woman.

For… life-threatening reasons.

“Well done, Marius-sama. That was an excellent dance.”

“Thanks, Lilia. Are you done greeting the nobles?”

“Yes, I wrapped it up quickly. More importantly, would you dance with her next?”

“Her?… Oh, you mean her.”

From behind Lilia, Cecilia appeared.

There’s no doubt she is the one Lilia was referring to.

“What? Am I not good enough?”

“No, that’s not it… But you don’t really want to dance with me, do you?”

“Not particularly. Compared to the other noble sons, you’re much better… Is that a no?”

“Ugh.”

Don’t look at me like that.

She’s using the same trick Flora pulled on me just now.

That slightly pleading expression… It stabs right into my heart.

“Please, Marius-sama. I’d also like to have a word with Lady Flora.”

“Huh? Her Highness… with me?”

“You two seemed to be having quite the lively conversation. There’s something I’d like to ask, just for a moment.”

There was an odd intensity in Lilia’s words.

Flora’s face immediately stiffens.

Yeah… this is not someone to go against.

I decided to go with the flow for now.

“Understood. Then, shall we dance? I’m not very good, so don’t expect much.”

“I watched you dance with Flora. That was plenty.”

“…How arrogant. Well then, shall we?”

“Yes.”

We clasped our hands and returned to the dance floor.

The dance soon began as we matched each others’ pace.

Cecilia looked… oddly happy.

Does she like dancing that much?

“You seem to be having fun.”

“Do I? Well, I actually am.”

“I never knew you enjoyed dancing so much.”

“That’s not really it…”

“Then what is it?”

“That’s a secret. I’ll tell you some other time. More importantly, there’s something I want to say.”

“Hm?”

“I’m going to invite you on a date on our day off, so keep your schedule open.”

“A date, huh. Well, if I’m free—…Wait, what?”

“What?”

I think I just heard something shocking.

Maybe I misheard? So I asked again to confirm.

“Sorry, my ears might not be working. I thought I heard you say you wanted to go on a date.”

“I said I want to go on a date with you.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to. Is that a problem?”

“…..”

I glanced over at Lilia, who was watching from a distance.

She smiled gently and gave me a polite nod.

…She’s given her blessing.

“You got Lilia’s permission?”

“I did. That’s why I’m inviting you.”

“I see… So that’s why you are dancing with me…”

“Is it that unpleasant?”

“It’s not that… Not exactly… Haah. Well, if Lilia is okay with it, then fine. So when is this date?”

“Thank you, Marius. How about next week?”

“Next week, huh. Alright. I’ll clear my schedule.”

“With this… my feelings…”

“Hm? Did you say something?”

“No, nothing. Let’s just enjoy the rest of the dance.”

Cecilia gave the brightest smile ever.

On the other hand, I let out a deep sigh, my expression full of exasperation.

I wonder if I should’ve just refused.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : zenon_xt