Side Story 11. Dance Invitation

The banquet was held at the imperial palace.

When I kept regretting not being able to attend the 7-day banquet that took place right after our wedding, Johann said it wasn’t something to be so disappointed about and hosted a banquet for me. For something arranged in a hurry, it seemed quite grand in scale.

Thanks to that, I was able to wear the dress I had specially made and satisfy my lingering regret.

They’re all spring dresses though.

I wonder if I’ll be able to wear the other six before the season changes?

“The corset is so tight, I only want to eat a little fruit.”

“You only had a glass of orange juice for breakfast. You’ll collapse at this rate.”

Faye nagged with a worried voice.

But maybe because I was nervous about the banquet, it felt like nothing would go down well. I awkwardly smiled to silently ask for her understanding.

Faye, who was so excited while dressing me up earlier, now grumbled as she went out to fetch some fruit.

The other three maids had left right after finishing my makeup, so I was left alone in the room. I got up and aimlessly wandered around the room.

Reception room, powder room, bedroom.

Though separated by doors, these three spaces together made up my room. And if you open the door to my bedroom, Johann’s bedroom appears after a short corridor.

Knock knock.

Even though I knew no one was there, I knocked anyway.

Early in the morning, Johann would give me a light kiss on the forehead before getting out of bed first and disappearing beyond this door. Usually it would be when I was still fast asleep, but I had seen it a few times while half-awake.

If I open this door like Johann does…

Captured by an unfamiliar feeling, I lightly stepped forward.

The Emperor’s bedroom.

It’s my first time entering since getting married.

Is it okay to just enter the room when its owner isn’t here? Feeling guilty belatedly, I awkwardly stood in place.

But how should I put it?

There’s a strange chill in here.

Only then did I realize that Johann had slept in my bedroom every single night since we got married. Which meant his bedroom was being neglected.

“Hmm, should I suggest we sleep here tonight?”

It didn’t feel right for a person’s room to lack warmth like this.

Should we alternate between rooms? Why did they unnecessarily divide it into two and make people worry? We’re a married couple, so can’t we just use it together?

Thinking various thoughts, I returned to my room. As soon as I sat at the table in one corner of the powder room, Faye returned with a tray.

“The fruits are very sweet and sour, and in good condition.”

Faye set the fruits down on the table.

Apples, green grapes, and strawberries.

They looked delicious just by looking. I could eat these while waiting for Johann’s meeting to end, and then we could go together by carriage.

Thinking that, I pierced an apple first with my fork.

“Ugh…”

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Faye asked with round eyes at my reaction.

That’s what I want to ask.

Didn’t you say it was sweet and sour and in very good condition? Then why is the apple rancid? Was it cut on a cutting board used for fish?

Many thoughts crossed my mind in a brief moment, but I decided not to show it too much. It didn’t seem like Faye had cut it herself, and it looked like a maid working in the kitchen had made a mistake.

Thinking it might cause unnecessary trouble if I pointed it out, I decided to let it slide.

People can make mistakes once in a while, right?

If it happens again next time, I’ll mention it gently then.

I quietly put down my fork. I swallowed the apple I had already bitten, holding my breath.

Faye tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

“Why aren’t you eating?”

“Well, suddenly I can’t eat. Maybe it’s because of the corset.”

“Rosa and Whitney must have tightened it too much. Should I loosen it a bit?”

“No, it’s fine. His Majesty will be here soon anyway.”

The corset was indeed tight. But it was bearable. This wasn’t because of the corset, but because of the fishy smell.

How much time passed like that?

Click.

The door opened and Johann entered in a splendid outfit. Through the door connected to my bedroom, not from the corridor side.

Seeing him properly dressed in a tailcoat, it seemed he had stopped by his room right after the meeting to get ready.

“Johann, you changed so quickly. You look great.”

“I wanted to see you soon.”

Johann bent down and kissed my cheek as soon as he came in. I saw Faye hurriedly turn her head away.

Come on.

Please restrain yourself when the maids are around.

I wanted to say that, but conscious of Faye’s presence, I could only give a stern look with my eyes. Johann wasn’t looking at my eyes though, as he’s now kissing my lips.

“I-I’ll have the carriage ready.”

Faye hurriedly left, saying she would ready the carriage that was surely already waiting.

As soon as the sound of the door closing was heard, Johann tilted his head even deeper as if he had been holding back until now.

“Mmm…”

I became defenseless against his tongue gently invading between my teeth. His profound body scent made me dizzy.

I really can’t live like this.

Anyone would think we hadn’t met for days.

Even though we had persistently explored and gotten to know each other last night, Johann showed endless passion.

Well.

It’s only been two months since we got married.

It was still a time of intense heat.

* * *

We moved to the palace where the banquet was being held by carriage.

As I climbed the stairs with Johann’s escort and stood at the entrance of the banquet hall, the guard on duty announced the arrival of the Emperor and Empress.

Wow.

This is my first banquet.

“Don’t be nervous.”

Had my arm tensed up?

Just before the doors opened, Johann whispered in my ear.

“I’m not.”

When I tried to deny it, the tall and large doors opened wide, letting in bright light.

The melody of beautiful instruments flowed, pampering our ears. The nobles dressed in dazzling colors of all hues made it hard to know where to look.

The people gathered in small groups parted to the sides at my and Johann’s entrance.

It’s already been two months since I was enthroned as Empress, but I wonder when I’ll get used to this kind of treatment.

Not knowing where to look, I just walked straight ahead. I could see luxurious chairs that were clearly prepared for the imperial family to sit on.

As we sat down, people gathered again and started chatting and dancing. Some came up to us to offer congratulations.

“Congratulations on your imperial wedding. It’s an unprecedented joyous occasion for the empire.”

“Thank you, Marquis Lawrence.”

“I’m honored that you remember me.”

Today was the day for the noble genealogy I had memorized while being scolded by Countess Adria to shine.

Honestly, I didn’t know my memorization skills were this good. People can certainly do anything when pushed.

“With Her Majesty the Empress being so beautiful, it’s no wonder His Majesty finally agreed to marriage after refusing for so long. Ho ho.”

“Count Wales, that’s enough.”

Johann said something, seemingly embarrassed.

It was understandable.

About thirty people have come to greet us so far, and every single one of them said something similar. That is, about Johann finally getting married.

So this is why Ionia told us to produce an heir within a year.

When I first heard it, I felt really bad because it seemed like they were telling people to reproduce quickly, but sitting here for a while, I felt like I could understand why they set that condition.

Anyway, contrary to my worries, people were generally favorable towards me. There were some who sent wary glances, and others who seemed to be sizing me up.

However, no one crossed the line or was blatantly rude in their attitude towards me.

Well, I guess.

Who would dare to run their mouth recklessly when I’m sitting right next to Johann?

As the nobles who had come to show their faces disappeared and the surroundings became less crowded, Johann looked at me with a strange gaze.

“What is it?”

What’s that look for?

“I heard Countess Adria taught you how to dance as well.”

“What? No way.”

It’s not possible.

No, it’s not happening yet.

My steps aren’t perfect yet, so why would I embarrass myself in front of all these people?

But contrary to my wishes, Johann’s smile deepened.

With an ominous feeling, I shook my head very quickly from side to side with a look that said not to do this. As I kept shaking my head, Johann got up from his seat, grinning as if something was very amusing.

Don’t do this.

I’m really a complete beginner, I’m telling you.

But ignoring my desperate plea, Johann finally stood in front of me. Then, with one hand behind his back, he gracefully extended the other hand towards me in an elegant curve.

It was clearly an invitation to dance.

“Would you grant me the honor of our first dance?”

I looked up at Johann with a tearful face, pleading. Please withdraw this hand quickly.

There’s no way he couldn’t have read my eyes, but Johann shook his outstretched hand up and down once as if to say no chance. It meant to grab it quickly.

Starting with the perceptive people, gazes began to focus on us. Among them were Claude and Mihail, who were still hanging around in Elmon without leaving. Even from far away, I could feel their piercing glares.

Ah. More and more attention is gathering.

There was no way to refuse in this situation.

I reluctantly took Johann’s hand.

“I shall escort you with all my heart.”

Johann kissed the back of my hand lightly with a handsome yet playful smile.

We stepped forward to dance. A new piece of music was just starting.

As we took our positions, it felt like everyone in the banquet hall was looking at us.

I’m really not cut out for the stage.

My whole body stiffened from nervousness.

Johann leaned in and whispered in my ear.

“Relax. It’s okay even if you step on my feet.”

This man, really.

I’m not that bad at dancing, you know?