I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 147

Chapter 147: A Significant Intersection (3)

The hour-long crash course in ballroom dancing wasn’t easy.

It was an impossible task, trying to master a complex sequence of steps, to synchronize their movements, to embody the grace and elegance of noble etiquette, all within a single hour.

And they couldn’t settle for a simple dance, not if they wanted to impress those judgmental noble ladies. The dance had to be intricate, challenging, a dizzying display of intertwined limbs and rapid footwork.

And to make matters worse, one of them was a complete novice, and the other had only practiced with a mannequin.

The pressure of time, the looming deadline, only amplified their struggles, turning their practice session into a series of stumbles, missteps, and awkward collisions.

But there was another reason, a more fundamental one, for their lack of progress.

-Step.

Someone had stepped on his foot. It seemed like Carsein, the novice dancer, had accidentally stepped on Harnie’s foot. But…

“Ouch.”

“Oh, I’m… I’m so sorry.”

Ironically, it was Carsein who was wincing, not Harnie. She had stepped on his foot, not the other way around.

“Let’s… try again.”

“O-Okay…”

Carsein, despite the discomfort, didn't give up. He was determined to master the steps, and Harnie, following his lead, tried to regain her composure.

But then…

-Step.

“Harnie, you stepped on my left foot.”

“S-Sorry!”

-Squeeze.

“Harnie? I can’t move like this.”

“Gasp! S-Sorry!”

-Screech!

“W-Whoa! We’re going to…!”

“Aah!”

-Thud!

She kept stepping on his feet, holding him too tightly, losing her balance, and even bumping her head against his. She was distracted, her mind elsewhere, while Carsein, ironically, was improving, his movements becoming smoother, more fluid with each repetition.

“Perhaps… we should take a break,” he suggested.

It was clear that continuing to practice wouldn't help, and the risk of making mistakes due to her nervousness, outweighed the potential benefits.

Harnie, unable to meet his gaze, simply nodded.

“I’ll… I’ll do my best. And if it doesn’t work out… well, I’ll take the blame. It was my foolish lie that got us into this mess.”

Their practice session ended abruptly, and Carsein, wanting to blend in and avoid attracting attention, left the terrace, leaving her alone.

The moment he left, she slumped back in her chair, a sigh escaping her lips.

“Haa… I need to get a grip. Why am I…”

Carsein had improved significantly, far exceeding her expectations.

She had noticed his progress almost immediately, his ability to learn and adapt astonishing.

But she had been unable to focus, her mind filled with distracting thoughts.

She had been so anxious about the time, about mastering the dance before the ball, and yet, her thoughts had wandered, fixated on meaningless details.

His popularity with those ladies… It had bothered her, more than it should have. She had frowned, her mood souring, and she had dragged him away, her jealousy masked by annoyance.

She had gripped his hand, glared at him, and then berated him, accusing him of enjoying their attention. But he had clearly been uncomfortable, trapped and overwhelmed. Why had she reacted so poorly?

His explanation, his claim that he was “just passing through”, had annoyed her. And his inability to escape their clutches had frustrated her. The sight of those ladies’ hands on his arms, on his wrist… it had made her flinch. Why?

She didn’t know.

All she knew was that she had been acting strangely.

“Ugh…! Why am I like this…?”

She had been irritable, petulant even.

She had questioned him, almost accusing him of not using the “fiancée” excuse, of not taking advantage of their engagement.

And then…

She had pushed him away, her face burning as she had gotten too close.

Looking back, it was all so embarrassing.

The warmth in her cheeks, the rapid beating of her heart…

The funny thing was, despite her anger, his words, his explanation, had calmed her down.

-That’s true, but… I thought you might be… uncomfortable.

-I didn’t want to add to your burden.

He had considered her feelings, her discomfort.

It was the first time…

She had never felt truly understood, not by the women who envied her, not by the men who saw her as a pawn in their political games.

But here, in this strange, ambiguous relationship, bound by a contract…

He had shown her kindness.

It was then, she realized…

Her heart was racing, a flutter in her chest that wouldn’t subside.

“Ugh… Get a grip, Harnie.”

It was just a contract, a temporary arrangement.

They were destined to part ways, weren't they?

Just like he had said.

-You’ll need to find a good man someday and get married, right?

This wasn’t a real engagement.

“I need to focus. This isn’t the time to be daydreaming.”

She had to ensure her lie wouldn’t be exposed, to focus on mastering the dance, to synchronize their movements.

But as she stood up, her ankle twisted, sending a sharp pain shooting up her leg.

“…Of course.”

The pain, a familiar ache in her ankle and a throbbing in her back, intensified as she moved, the remnants of the Marquisate's "gift."

They had deliberately given her ill-fitting shoes and a dress that restricted her movements, hoping to prevent her from attending the party.

And Lady Helly’s gift, the one she had received with a flourish, accompanied by whispers and rumors that had spread throughout the city, was impossible to refuse.

The dress and shoes, both delivered with malicious intent, were designed to sabotage her.

But she would endure it.

“It’s fine, Harnie. You’ve been through worse. You’ll get through this.”

She had survived the Marquisate’s relentless attempts to control her.

She had endured the cruelty of those who sought to destroy her.

She was strong.

She wouldn't let this stop her. She wouldn't allow her pain to ruin Carsein’s chance at success.

-Click. Click.

She approached Carsein, her steps measured, her smile unwavering, concealing the pain that wracked her body.

***

Carsein had just finished his dance practice with Harnie and stepped out onto the terrace.

The Bagrand family had arrived.

“Look! It’s the Bagrand Duchy!”

“Oh my…”

Their entrance had sent a ripple of excitement through the ballroom.

He hated to admit it, but they commanded attention.

They were nobles, after all. The pinnacle of high society, each one exuding an aura of elegance and power.

“Lady Flora is as adorable as ever.”

“Adorable, but her manners are impeccable. A true noble lady.”

“Such grace, despite her small stature. Truly remarkable.”

Even Flora, who was, in his opinion, just an annoying brat…

“Is she… wearing a new design? Is that a promotional piece?”

“I heard Lady Claire started a new brand…”

“It’s stunning. A timeless classic. As expected.”

“She’s a trendsetter, a fashion icon. She creates new styles with every appearance.”

…and Claire, who constantly annoyed him with her snide remarks and condescending tone…

“Welcome! The next heir of the Bagrand Duchy!”

“Lady Arina is a role model for all nobles. ”

“She’s more than capable of leading the Bagrand Duchy.”

…and Arina, who insisted he was unworthy of the Duchy…

They were nobles, true descendants of the Bagrand bloodline.

And the onlookers’ reactions, their awe and admiration, were a testament to their status.

‘And me? Well, I’m just the unwanted guest.’

-Whisper.

“I don’t see the other one.”

“He probably knows his place and decided to stay hidden. That’s understandable.”

“Perhaps he’s finally learned some manners. Heehee.”

The whispers, the thinly veiled insults directed at Carsein, stood in stark contrast to the praise showered upon the other three.

Well, let them talk.

He scoffed, ignoring them, when he felt a hand on his.

He knew who it was.

“Do you think we’ll be alright?”

He smiled, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

“I’m not sure. I made a lot of mistakes during practice, so…”

She still seemed out of sorts, her demeanor subdued.

Well, dancing was an unfamiliar activity, and he wasn’t exactly a natural.

“I’ll do my best. And if it doesn’t work out… I’ll come up with an excuse. I’ll take the blame.”

“You don’t have to do that… ”

“It’s just a few insults. It’s nothing compared to what I’ve endured.”

He had been through worse. Much worse.

A group of ladies approached, their smiles a mix of curiosity and malice.

It was her.

“Lady Helly.”

“You two seem quite close. Just like last time. So, I assume you’re both prepared to dazzle us with your skills on the dance floor?”

They laughed, their voices echoing through the ballroom, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“We’re waiting, you two.”

They walked away, leaving no room for a response.

“Esteemed nobles of the Eastern Region! It is my honor to welcome you all to this grand occasion. I am your host for the evening…”

The lights dimmed, a single spotlight illuminating the stage as the host appeared.

“Tonight’s ball is graced by the presence of some very special guests! Please give them a warm welcome!”

He announced the start of the ball, and then the spotlight shifted, its bright beam landing on them.

It was a deliberate act, a clear signal for them to step onto the dance floor.

‘There’s no escape. I’ll just have to do my best.’

The entire Bagrand family was watching.

Failing now, making a fool of himself, would have consequences.

He might not be a good dancer, but he would at least try not to embarrass her.

-Ding!

‘What?’

▶ Emergency Mission! ◀

▶ Afterimages will appear, guiding your movements. Successfully mimic their poses to earn points! ◀

▶ Higher scores will negate any potential penalties and silence those who mock you. ◀

▶ You’re on the dance floor! Become the ultimate dancer! ◀

‘Wait, this means… ’

Maybe…

I could actually dance.

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