A welcoming ball will be happening in autumn.
It will be held on a large scale by the auspices of the Academy. The purpose of it is for students to further interact with others and it will partake at the end of the season when autumn approaches.
"You know, the ball is still a long way off ..."
Countless layers of fabric wrapped around Rozalia's body as she was sighing heavily.
Today, Miria was in the middle of taking her measurements.
"If we don't prepare now, we won't be able to finish it in time. I'm really excited about dressing you up on that day~!"
"But my body shape will probably change by then."
"At least pretend to be cheerful about it, Miss."
"Pretending to be enthusiastic requires sheer effort."
It takes time to prepare the dress and find a partner for the ball, so the academy was already on their hectic schedule. Rozalia could feel the bustle and joyous atmosphere around her.
The reason why she couldn't look forward to the ball was that Cade isn't going to participate in it.
It's not surprising since he's not a student, but it was enough to discourage Rozalia.
Rozalia preferred not to attend as well, but she couldn't afford to lose the deducted credits if she didn't participate in the event. Rozalia wasn't amused of the fact that her absence would hurt her accumulated achievements she worked hard for.
But no matter what happens, she couldn't have any expectation in the ball itself.
"It doesn't matter to me anymore. Do whatever you want."
"Then let's put angel wings on your back, get you a wand with a cute star symbol, and dress you up with a fabulous pure white dress~!"
"... Miria, on second thought, please continue with the measurements."
Rozalia immediately straightens her back at the threats of her maid and gave in.
Gredior, who was preparing tea, chuckled as he overheard the sister-like exchanges that took place behind the door.
Rozalia met Cade regularly since that day they shared each others secrets. Oftentimes he was with Renwild, and sometimes the two of them will be left alone.
Today was the precious day they were left alone.
Cade blinked as he listens to Rozalia complaining about her day off just spending it on measuring her dress.
"Why are you looking so down? I'm sure Lady Rozalia will look gorgeous in any dress."
"... Sir Cade, your choice of words."
"Ah, ye-yeah! Sorry!"
Cade became flustered as he scratched his tanned cheeks after Rozalia pointed it out.
In front of them, tea and sweets were placed which Miria had prepared in advance. Lemon jam cookie sandwich were served more than the other sweets.
"Please forgive my rudeness. Lady Rozalia's refined way of speaking made me feel nervous."
"But you're already polite as you are."
With a smile, Cade brought tea to his mouth in order to hide his blushing face.
It's hard to tell how flustered he was due to his tanned skin, but she can easily tell it with his misty eyes. He looked so cute that she giggled a bit behind her cup.
"I'm the "Rose Princess". I'm sure I'll come around, though I've never participated in any ball before."
Many of them were anxious of the possibility she might hurt herself at the ball. Rozalia has doubts about whether she could find a partner for that reason.
Rozalia hadn't even attended a single party hosted at the Sertfell mansion because of her circumstances.
Even though Rozalia can feel the joyful atmosphere nearby, that world was unreachable for her. That was Rozalia's impression of a ball.
Though it's a school event, Rozalia wasn't feeling it even if she would be able to participate for the first time.
However, Cade came up with a much more straightforward opinion than Rozalia.
"It would be a loss if you don't enjoy this opportunity, especially if it's your first time attending. I'm sure it will be fun. You can dance and eat delicious food to your heart's content, right?"
Cade was showing a carefree smile while getting excited for her attending the ball. It would have been the best if he could join her.
"It seems like you know a lot. Did Sir Cade in the previous life participate in any ball?"
"No, not at all. Back in my previous world, I didn't even realize that there was a thing happening in real life. But I'm sure the old Cade Grant used to go a lot."
"Oh, I couldn't agree more..."
It can be said that he was a regular at any ball because of the impressive rumors about him spreading in social circles. He must have been quite a sociable person who never rejected any invitation he received.
But for Rozalia, the current Cade is more attractive. He got a serious personality that was disproportionate to his rough appearance. Other than the lack of knowledge of this world, there seems to be no problem moving forward with his new life.
Even though Rozalia was still savoring the happiness in her heart, a good idea came to mind that she suddenly stood up from her seat.
"Oh, right. Shall we try dancing for today?"
"What? We're going to dance? But I..."
Cade tilted his head in a child-like manner. Rozalia couldn't even stop herself from being surprised by his innocent look yet again.
Rozalia was completely captivated, but she didn't want to miss this opportunity. Now is the only chance to dance with him since he wouldn't be attending the ball.
"Perhaps your body will remember it. Just like the first time you wield your sword. It's worth a try."
When she gave him a rational response, the simple Cade was immediately caught in her words.
"Uhm, that's not it, really. I've only learned Jenkka and creative dance. It's the first time I've danced one-on-one with someone."
"Jenkka? And what exactly does creative dance create?"
"Sorry, but it does not create anything—Ah, no, before that... Can we possibly dance in such a small space?"
"It's probably fine..."
Rozalia put her finger on her chin and turned her head, looking around the room.
The study room was indeed small, but there was a section that can be utilized if they move the table to the corner. However, if Cade doesn't improve after practicing so much then such trivial things wouldn't even matter.
"I don't think this room will be an issue for practicing dance. For now, let's move the table to the corner."
"I can manage this myself. Pardon me but will Lady Rozalia hold the vase for a bit? Thank you."
As soon as Cade stood up, he lifted the sturdy candy-colored table rather easily. Rozalia sneaked a peek at the muscles bulging on his arm.
Once again, the two completely faced each other.
Rozalia is in her one-piece school uniform, while Cade is in his Knight's uniform.
"The first thing to do is bow. Men put their hand on their chests like this."
Rozalia picked the hem of her skirt with her fingertips, pulled her right foot behind, and bowed her head. Cade's bow wasn't refined, but his stretched back was very lovely.
As they walked closer to each other, Cade's movement suddenly became awkward.
"What's the matter?"
"Uhm ... I didn't expect for us to be so close in this kind of dance. But don't worry, I'll be fine."
"If you say so... Then, put your left hand together with my right hand and support my back with your right hand."
Despite the instructions, his hands were just wandering in the air with nowhere to put them.
"Sir Cade?"
"Got it."
"I haven't said anything yet."
It seemed that it wasn't about Rozalia being the "Rose Princess" that he was nervous of. It was because he's the shy Cade.
After quite a while, Cade finally put his hand on her back, and he was so stiff like a statue that Rozalia felt sorry for him. Golden eyes were about to flood in tears.
If you look at the situation, the worries come first.
"Sir Cade. If it seems too difficult for you, should we leave it here for today?"
Rozalia was seriously worried about him, but Cade stubbornly shakes his head.
"No! I just remembered a little bit about my previous life. I didn't have any immunity against women and was always uncomfortable around them. But I'm really fine now. I'd rather move my body and focus on something else."
"Something else?"
"Ah, no. It's nothing."
After that, he picked up the steps with vicious speed. Cade said in his previous life, he had two left feet. But his overwhelming progress was probably due to his foundation as "Cade Grant".
Rozalia thought that if she could dance the waltz with Cade as an excuse, she might be looking forward to the ball a little.
However, as the mood shifted and Rozalia gave rigorous dancing instructions, she's not sure whether they've gotten more closer or not.
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