Chapter 52
After one song ended, people began gathering in small groups again, chatting among themselves. Some started dancing, while others moved to where light refreshments had been set out.
What was it that Euphen wanted her to see? The sight of two people dancing so sweetly together?
Her toes tapped lightly against the floor again.
She just wanted to retire and rest. She hadn’t guided much, but thanks to that earlier contact, she had done enough. Staying here until the end would only make her a wallflower.
But that was impossible.
Had she been a noble guest, she could have given some excuse and withdrawn early, but Lynette was a maid. And it wasn’t an invitation she’d received, it was a ‘command’ to attend this party.
“Miss.”
Someone approached her then and spoke. When she lifted her head, a man came into view.
He wasn’t particularly remarkable in appearance. Since she had no memory of him from before her regression, he likely hadn’t been especially close to Euphen either.
“What is it?”
“If you don’t mind, would you grant me a dance?”
He extended his hand. Looking at the smiling face, she couldn’t help but wonder if he knew her identity when he made the request.
Should she simply refuse? Or should she confess she was only a maid?
After a moment’s hesitation, Lynette let out a small sigh and replied.
“I’m sorry. I’m not feeling well. But thank you for asking.”
“Ah, that’s a shame. Then, if another chance comes, I would love to dance with you.”
“Yes. If there’s an opportunity.”
She smiled faintly as she turned him away. The man, retreating without protest, was soon seen whispering something to his friends not far off.
He must be wondering about my identity. If I’d accepted the dance, he would have at least learned my name, and then he might have made some guesses about who I was.
Curious gazes on her grew even more intense. Lynette gave a small laugh.
The quickest way would have been to simply ask the attendant standing by the entrance. But it seemed none of them dared to do that. In high society, the proper way was to be introduced through acquaintances and slowly build one’s connections.
When the stares began to sting, Lynette quietly left her seat.
‘The lounges must be full already.’
And even if she found a spot, she would have to give it up the moment someone of higher rank arrived.
The only place she could really go was the garden.
She stepped into the garden, lit everywhere by magical lamps. The atmosphere was pleasant, and many couples were strolling about.
She wandered aimlessly, looking for a place without people. She had no idea how much time had passed when, deeper in the garden, she suddenly came face-to-face with an unexpected figure.
“Sillian?”
“Lynette?”
His expression was even more startled than hers. He was dressed not in his usual guard’s uniform, but in ceremonial attire.
“Ah, you said you were attending the party.”
As if just remembering, he murmured softly.
“What brings you here, Sillian?”
“I was assigned to security duty.”
“I thought as much.”
Lynette gave a light laugh.
Perhaps because he was on duty, the formal attire looked slightly unfamiliar on him, but surprisingly, it suited him well. She thought he would look good even in something more splendid.
“You’re beautiful.”
At first, she didn’t register his words, but then they sank in.
“…What?”
Her voice cracked faintly.
“I said, you are beautiful.”
“What are you…”
Her face flushed red. She wanted to laugh it off as a joke, but Sillian’s expression was utterly sincere. As though he truly thought of her as someone beautiful.
Lynette’s lips parted soundlessly before she managed a reply.
“I know very well that I’m far from beautiful.”
“Then it seems no one has ever told you the truth.”
He stepped closer and gently took her hand, raising it to his lips. Watching him kiss the back of her hand, she felt, for a moment, like a high-born lady of considerable rank.
“Surely many must have asked you for a dance.”
“Then Sillian’s eyes must be deceiving him. Only one person asked me.”
Ah, yes, there had been one. But it hadn’t been out of any genuine desire to dance, only curiosity about who she was.
“Just one.”
“Then the nobles of this country do not know how to recognize beauty.”
“Stop it. You’re embarrassing me.”
She tried to pull her hand back, but he held it firmly. Suddenly she remembered, because of this party, she hadn’t guided him today.
Instead of pushing him away, Lynette stood still, meeting his gaze. His expression softened slightly. After a pause, she spoke quietly.
“Thank you… for the compliment.”
At that, he smiled.
“Then may I ask one more favor?”
“What is it?”
Sillian stepped back and, with unexpected grace, bowed slightly in a style she had never seen before.
“My beautiful lady, would you honor me with a dance?”
The music from the ballroom reached them faintly, but it was enough to dance to.
Lynette lifted the hem of her dress slightly and curtsied.
“It would be my honor.”
He stepped close, placing his hand at her waist. As she set her hand upon his shoulder, she asked softly.
“You do know how to dance, don’t you?”
“I know a little.”
Sillian smiled faintly, then moved his steps in time with the music.
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