Chapter 43

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 43

Chapter Title: The Moment a Star Fell on the Count's House (4)

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I hesitated in the middle of the hall, my body stiffening from the tension. Lucas wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. As the distance between us shrank, he smiled at my startled expression and took my right hand in his other one. My head shook side to side in confusion.

"Lift your head."

"Pardon? Oh, yes."

I nodded, and Lucas smiled again.

"Relax your body and follow me."

"Yes."

Soon, a new classical piece filled the air.

My body grew even more rigid. He whispered for me to relax and slowly stepped forward. I followed his lead, shuffling tentatively. Little by little, I began to mimic him.

He matched my pace, moving slowly, and though I was a beat behind, I tried my best to keep up. After a few steps in time with him, dancing didn't seem so hard after all.

My skirt flared out and then gathered in with my movements. Right, then left, then a full spin. When I kept up well, Lucas's eyes widened in praise. I tugged at the corners of my mouth in a smile and stepped in time with him.

But then, the floor felt soft underfoot.

"Ugh."

"Gasp."

I'd stepped right on his foot.

"S-sorry."

"It's fine."

I quickly lifted my shoe. Lucas winced but forced a smile as he reset our position. Our rhythm steadied again, flowing naturally.

But this time, my foot tangled, and I kicked his shin.

"Ugh!"

Lucas let out a groan he couldn't hide.

"......"

I squeezed my eyes shut. I might not know much, but I knew I'd kicked him hard. The sensation of my heel digging in had been deep.

Lucas staggered for a moment before quickly regaining his balance.

"I'm so sorry. I'm just not used to this..."

"I-it's okay."

But his face said otherwise. I saw him rub his shin against his other leg—it must have really hurt. Ashamed, I bowed my head. My steps grew even more cautious in the aftermath.

I stepped on his feet a few more times after that. Each time, my head dipped lower. To make matters worse, the music dragged on. In that moment, the gentle classical melody felt like a curse.

"Paula. You're doing great."

"......I just want it to end soon."

Then, he whispered in my ear, "Shall we end it, then?" I nodded frantically, and laughter followed.

At that instant.

"Eek!"

He bent my waist backward sharply. One of my legs lifted into the air. I grabbed his shoulder, fearing I'd fall, but my vision flipped even further. Thankfully, I didn't topple. Lucas supported my body with one arm while gripping my raised leg with the other.

What was happening? My body was arched back almost flat, my right leg held high. It took a moment to register the pose. I just blinked up at the stunning chandelier on the ceiling, and suddenly, Lucas's face popped into view. Unlike my panic, he looked calm, smiling as always.

"That makes for a pretty convincing finish, doesn't it?"

"......"

I had no idea. All I knew was my heart nearly leaped out of my chest.

I calmed my pounding heart. He must have seen my frown through my disheveled hair—my silent plea for a warning next time. Lucas grinned mischievously. This was revenge for stepping on his foot and kicking his shin, no doubt.

Just then, the music ended. Applause echoed through the now-silent hall. I turned toward the sound and saw Ethan jumping to his feet, clapping. It would've been better if he didn't have meat dangling from his mouth.

I wriggled, and Lucas let me go. My feet safely touched the floor, and Violet applauded too.

"You looked beautiful, Paula."

"Thank you."

I smiled awkwardly and glanced at Vincent. He was looking elsewhere.

Suddenly, a hand appeared in my vision, waving up and down. I turned and saw Lucas with a strangely stiff expression. Our eyes met, and his face softened warmly, as if nothing had happened. He extended his hand again.

"Another dance?"

"I must decline."

This time, I shook my head firmly. Did he want my feet to swell up? I could dance if he insisted, but focusing so hard on not stepping on him had already worn me out.

My gaze shifted forward. Vincent and Violet were talking intimately, like lovers whispering sweet nothings.

Captivated by their beautiful sight, I heard Lucas murmur just loud enough for me.

"Paula."

"Yes."

"This time, dance with whoever you want to dance with."

His unexpected words made me look at him. He gestured ahead. I turned back to the pair, then at Lucas. He was still smiling, but it seemed somehow bitter. Was refusing another dance such a blow?

"Is that allowed?"

"Of course. It's just us here anyway. Our partners are just us. No one will think it's strange."

Fair enough. I nodded and walked forward. My dress rustled softly, my heels clicking against the floor. They turned toward the sound. I scanned their faces and stood beside the one I was most grateful to.

Her eyes widened. I placed one hand behind my back, extended the other, and bowed slightly—mimicking how Lucas had asked me. It was my first time, but lifting my skirt felt even more awkward.

"Lady Violet."

"Yes?"

"Would you dance with me?"

She blinked. I wiggled my outstretched hand, waiting. After a brief silence, loud laughter erupted behind me. Vincent, who'd overheard, covered his mouth and turned away—but couldn't stifle his chuckles.

Was there a rule saying only men and women could dance? Maybe, but I'd said it now, so I decided to own it shamelessly. Like Lucas said, it was just us. No need for formality.

Moments later, amid the lively laughter, Violet beamed and took my hand. We faced each other in the center of the hall. A brisker melody filled the space.

"Hee hee, so anyway."

"Yes."

Her lively voice, tireless even after whispering all night, continued. The lamp's glow—the only light in the darkness—illuminated Violet. We chatted happily, sharing everyday trifles and old memories.

In the midst of our talk, Violet rubbed her eyes. I suggested she sleep and pulled the sheet higher over her. She whined reluctantly but succumbed to drowsiness.

In the quiet silence, only the moon revealed itself. I extinguished the lamp and lay down. After watching the sleeping Violet, I closed my eyes.

A beam of light pierced the darkness. It spread, revealing a grand hall with sparkling chandeliers. Fast-tempo classics synced with clapping applause, lifting the mood. Joyful laughter, beaming faces, skirts fluttering, tailcoats rumpling—no one cared as we danced. Even the prim Isabella laughed along.

We cast aside etiquette, formality, manners, and class, pursuing pure joy—and laughed in delight.

I opened my eyes to darkness. The raucous laughter and music vanished, silence enveloping everything. The afternoon felt like a distant dream. My chest felt heavy, yet excitement still bubbled within.

I couldn't sleep.

Just a little longer—I wanted to hold onto this feeling.

I sat up, moving carefully so as not to wake Violet. I slipped from the bed, tiptoeing across the floor. In the dark, I found my shawl and draped it over my shoulders. I planned a short walk to savor the mood.

I picked up the lamp and left the room. Even closing the door felt delicate. Glancing at the brightly lit moon through the corridor window, I set the lamp on the sill and lit it. Suddenly, the door burst open. Startled, I turned to see Vincent standing there.

"Master?"

His pale face caught my eye first. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He looked unwell, so I approached. His hazy eyes fixed on me.

"......Is that you?"

He asked me that sometimes. I knew what moment prompted it.

"Yes. It's me."

"Really you?"

"Yes. It's really me."

His hand reached out, grasping mine. His fingertips trembled as they traced my wrist. Then he pulled me close, burying his face in my shoulder. I heard his ragged breaths.

"Bad dream?"

He nodded. His golden hair tickled my cheek.

"Then why did you come out?"

"Heard a sound."

"What if it wasn't me?"

"Felt like it was you."

It felt like you, so I came.

I stopped asking and fell silent. His rough breathing gradually steadied. The hand on my wrist moved to interlace our fingers. The tremors faded through our clasped hands.

I flexed and unflexed our intertwined fingers.

"Want to take a walk?"

He nodded again.

Holding his hand, I carried the lit lamp in the other as we walked the corridor. Our two sets of footsteps echoed in the quiet.

"I want some fresh air."

"Shall we go outside?"

I led his nodding figure out of the mansion. The night air was crisp. Outside was silent, no signs of life. Too late for a long stroll, so we headed to the garden. Everyone was asleep—no risk of running into anyone.

Stars dotted the pitch-black sky. It was clear tonight, making them shine brighter. Beautiful. I filled my eyes with their sparkle. A star streaked across the sky. Admiring it, we walked until the fountain appeared. Even at night, water still sprayed from it.