Chapter 176: Side Story 32  

It was a refreshing shock.

Up until now, Alexa had walked a solitary path without rivals. She had Ysildus all to herself. It struck her anew just how small Thersion really was. The capital, after all, was full of people.

And the woman who had just approached Ysildus…

‘She’s… pretty.’

And if there was one more thing she realized, there really were a lot of pretty people in the world. Still, Alexa had assumed Ysildus would turn the woman down.

“Alexa.”

Ysildus called her name in a gentle voice. Only then did Jena’s gaze shift toward Alexa. Up to that moment, she’d acted like Alexa didn’t even exist.

“Hmm?”

“What do you think I should do?”

Ysildus asked softly. Alexa blinked. He’s not rejecting her outright? Why not? Startled, she glanced at Jena again. Was there something special about that woman? For the first time, another woman beside Ysildus actually bothered her.

But she couldn’t just tell Jena off to her face because that would make her look petty. Ideally, Ysildus would take the hint and refuse her on his own. Alexa clenched her fists. 

Blushing, she stammered out, “It’s… it’s just a dance!”

Ysildus’s brow twitched.

“Really?”

“Yeah!”

Alexa nodded stubbornly.

Ysildus’s lips curved smoothly into a smile. A certain amount of tension was necessary even between lovers. Perhaps there had been too little tension between him and Alexa until now. 

Turning his head toward Jena, Ysildus said, “Very well. Shall we have a dance?”

Alexa’s head snapped up in shock at his reply. Wait, he’s really going through with this?

Jena let out a soft laugh and took Ysildus’s hand. Her glance toward Alexa was brimming with confidence. Even someone like Alexa, who wasn’t all that familiar with romance, could tell what that look meant.

‘I win. This man is mine.’

Alexa instinctively reached out, grabbing hold of Ysildus’s clothes. 

She muttered anxiously, “You’re just… dancing, right?”

Ysildus suppressed a laugh, though amusement sparkled clearly in his blue eyes. 

Of all things, dancing was what Alexa felt least confident about. Honestly, Ysildus had been ready to wear a dress for her again today, but she’d looked so appalled he had no choice but to give it up. He didn’t understand why she insisted on doing things she wasn’t good at.

Still, her stubbornness was adorable. In any case, dancing with Jena like this might just provoke Alexa a bit more. Ysildus licked his lips and gave a calm nod.

“Maybe.”

His reply was nonchalant.

* * *

Alexa stared blankly at the dance floor.

She’s… good at dancing too?

Jena wasn’t just pretty, she danced well, too. Was she the reincarnation of a ballerina or something? 

Ever since Alexa had learned that interdimensional reincarnation was a thing, such thoughts didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore. Now she finally understood what it meant for someone’s movements to be graceful and elegant.

“They really do make a lovely couple.”

“The heir of the House of Jertho and Thersion together, it’s quite the match, isn’t it?”

Hearing the murmurs around her, Alexa got the sense that Jena came from a good family. A world apart from her own. Feeling suddenly glum, Alexa tapped the floor lightly with the tips of her toes.

She had no idea that quite a few men were watching her with interest. Powerful nobles from Thersion had appeared at the banquet, practically treating her like a sacred relic. Of course she drew attention. No one knew the exact reason why they were so reverent toward her, but they all assumed there had to be one.

If Terrun hadn’t appeared to scare off the circling hyenas, those men would’ve been lining up to speak with her by now.

“Alexa.”

“Terrun!”

Terrun came to stand beside her. At the sight of his large frame, the young noblemen who’d been eyeing her took a nervous step back.

“Why are you all alone?”

“Ysildus went off to dance.”

Alexa sighed heavily.

“Well then, you should dance too.”

“Huh?”

Terrun tilted his head as if to ask what’s the problem?

“This song… you learned it too, didn’t you?”

“I mean, yeah, but… You know I’m not good at dancing, Terrun.”

“Then dance with me.”

He shrugged his broad shoulders confidently.

“Hello there. I’m Terrsia.”

“Terrun…?”

Alexa shook her head in disbelief. Terrun grinned and held out his hand.

“Come on, take my hand, Alexa.”

Before that smug bastard comes back. Truth be told, Terrun was a little excited. The last time, he’d fallen for one of Ysildus’s tricks and lost his chance to be Alexa’s partner. This was his opportunity to make up for it.

He could see right through Ysildus. 

‘Clearly, the only reason he was dancing with Jena was to provoke Alexa.’

Figures. Even the adults watching couldn’t help but click their tongues.

[‘That sly fox. Who does he take after? I’m starting to doubt he’s really my child.’]

Grand Duke Carlisle outright denied any resemblance.

[‘Still too green. He’s nowhere near ready to be a beloved younger husband.’]

Essellia pointed out his lack of experience.

Regardless of what his parents said, Ysildus didn’t budge. He obviously heard every word, but acted like he hadn’t. In the end, Terrun had to step up. Before Alexa could refuse, he took her hand.

“Terrun?”

Grabbing her hand, he led her onto the dance floor.

“Alright, Alexa. Just do it like we practiced. You’ve got this, right?”

After a brief hesitation, Alexa gave a firm nod. Doing what she’d already practiced shouldn’t be that hard! Blushing, she stepped into the first movement.

* * *

“…What exactly is that supposed to be…? Isn’t their dancing a little off?”

Jena whispered in Ysildus’s ear. She was completely convinced she had won him over. She’d already made it clear to the other ladies that Ysildus was hers, and given her noble father, no one would dare challenge her. This was her moment.

She was prepared to use any means to tear Alexa down and make herself shine.

“What’s off about it?”

Ysildus’s reply was cold. Jena flinched. His tone now was nothing like when he’d spoken to Alexa earlier. And the icy gaze he turned on her, it held no warmth at all. She suddenly felt as though she were facing a wild wolf.

Jena gulped.

“I-it’s just… their dancing… seems a bit different.”

“I don’t see anything strange.”

Ysildus turned his head away. Watching Alexa and Terrun whirl across the floor made irritation rise in his chest. He liked it when Alexa looked only at him, but now that bear of a man had barged in.

Utterly useless.

Still, he had to make use of Jena for a while longer. Until Count Jertho grew reckless and played the cards he was hiding. After all, the purpose of this dance wasn’t just to stir Alexa’s jealousy.

Jeremiah was doing his part as well. Sylvia clung to his side like a shadow, and Count Jertho, who had organized tonight’s banquet, looked pleased with how everything was progressing.

Everything was going smoothly, except…

‘That d**ned bear keeps getting in the way.’

Ysildus narrowed his eyes. Terrun, having met Ysildus’s gaze, promptly turned his head away.

Unbelievable.

Ysildus gritted his teeth.

* * *

“…Count Jertho. It seems everything is unfolding just as you hoped.”

“Well, our children are remarkable, don’t you think? Captivating a few country boys is hardly a challenge.”

Count Jertho smiled lightly.

Prince Jeremiah was clearly glued to Sylvia, and although Ysildus kept glancing at his fiancée, he only danced with Jena. It might be time to arrange for Ysildus and Jena to spend more time together.

“I’ll have to send her into the imperial palace.”

Since Ysildus wouldn’t come out of the palace, they’d have to send someone in. Maybe even send Sylvia and Jena as a set. He’d need to figure out the best method.

Wasn’t there a clever way to do it?

As he pondered, Count Jertho’s eyes landed on Essellia.

She was supposedly a knight who had spent years on battlefields. With that kind of background, she likely lacked the awareness for these sorts of political maneuvers. If handled properly, she could be quite useful. Finalizing his thoughts, Count Jertho gave instructions to his aide, then finally lifted his heavy frame from his seat.

“Your Grace, Grand Duchess.”

“…Who are you?”

“I am Count Jertho. I am also the guardian of Sylvia and Jena. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Essellia offered a slow smile. 

Count Jertho. A man of influence in the capital, and one of the people who had sided with the Emperor when he attempted to attack Thersion out of envy.

So, what are you after?

“I’ve heard you’ve been staying at the estate lately. It would be a great opportunity for our girls to learn under your guidance. Would you consider letting Sylvia and Jena stay by your side?”

“Oh?”

She had been thinking she could use some extra hands anyway.

Looked like she’d just found some perfect pawns.

……

T/N: I can already foresee Jena and Sylvia’s fate, tsk tsk