Chapter 15 (1/2)
Chapter 15
Translator: Gold
In fact, the waltz was a good way to speak alone in a place with many people present.
It was not only for whispering sweet words in each other’s ears, but also for secret conversation.
She had only waltzed with Cedric once for that reason. It was at Lawrence and Licia’s wedding reception.
That wedding served to turn Lawrence from an illegitimate son, who could not even be called Prince, into the Crown Prince.
No one thought Cedric would be present.
Not only did he attend the wedding, but also the wedding reception.
And he asked Artizea to dance with him.
Perhaps it was the strangest event that had occurred in high society back then.
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「I had never seen you dance before, I assumed you didn’t know.」
「Your Grace, weren’t you the one who didn’t know how to dance?」
Then Cedric stared at her.
「Marchioness, do you know why I wanted to dance with you on this occasion?」
「I have no idea.」
「Is there anything the Marchioness cannot guess?」
「I am not a saint who passes on oracles from the future, nor am I a sage capable of looking through the heavens. So how can I guess? There are many things I don’t know.」
That day they went around in circles, holding hands, just like they were doing now.
However, Cedric kept a perfect distance from Artizea, as if he didn’t want to touch the bottom of her dress.
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She felt such a stifling tension, her skin crawled.
Artizea was so exhausted that she almost collapsed when the waltz’s melody was about to end.
She didn’t want to look weak in front of Cedric, so she struggled to stay on her feet without losing her composure, that memory was still alive in her mind.
「I did it, because I have a favor to ask of you Marchioness, but I didn’t want others to hear and misinterpret my words. It’s not related to politics, I wanted to tell you face to face, looking you in the eye.」
「Go ahead. Your Grace’s words will not be misinterpreted. 」
「If the Marchioness says so, then perhaps it is true.」
「If I wanted to do so, to speak face to face with Your Grace or not, it would make no difference.」
Cedric laughed quietly.
His laughter resounded in Artizea’s ears and shook her chest.
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The words that are spoken looking directly into each other’s eyes are more meaningful than the rest.
Artizea could no longer look at him directly, and lowered her head. But as if she had been drawn in, she quickly looked him in the eye again.
From her perspective, his black eyes reflected her ugly face.
「Yes. I know that. Truth and honesty mean nothing to you, all you care about is getting the results you want.」
「I’m sorry.」
「Please look after Licia. That’s what I wanted to tell you.」
Cedric said.
Artizea looked at him in surprise.
She was better at reading people’s minds than anyone else, but she never expected Cedric to say that.
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「Why are you telling me? You should tell His Highness the Crown Prince.」
「I can’t trust Lawrence.」
「But do you trust me?」
「Marchioness, I know that you employed all sorts of tricks to get Licia to marry Lawrence, even manipulating the oracle. So you, as Lawrence’s schemer, should naturally take care of her. Besides, being a Saintess is already a big burden.」
「…」
「Regardless of the motives, the final decision was taken by Licia. So there’s nothing more I can say about it. But she’s like a younger sister to me, so I can’t help but worry about her. I just hope you protect Licia and the Empire for a long time.」
Artizea didn’t lower her head, but even then, she lowered her gaze.
「How could I ignore Your Grace’s words? I will do everything I can to protect her and the Empire.」
But she could not keep her promise.
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And now that she was dancing with Cedric, she couldn’t stop thinking about that moment.
Unlike then, Cedric had a calm look on his face. His hand around her waist moved smoothly, facilitating the harmony of the dance.
‘Because he doesn’t know anything about it.’
Artizea felt her heart squeeze, as she thought about it.
The deep pain in her chest was because she could not keep her promise.
Or so she thought.
As she returned to the past, the consequences of her evil acts disappeared.
But for her, that doesn’t mean that her evil acts were erased.
This time I will keep my promise. I will protect and care for Licia so that she can become a true Empress.
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While thinking about this, she couldn’t help but lose her concentration.
Artizea never had a good athletic ability. She was not used to dancing, so she had to focus on her steps.
The moment Artizea stumbled and was about to step on Cedric’s foot, he lifted her slightly, with his arm around her waist.
Then, as if he had originally intended to do so, he made a half turn and lowered her. His steps were impeccable.
Artizea suddenly returned to reality, her face blushing completely.
Cedric smiled.
“Apparently, my dancing skills are a little better than Lady Artizea’s.”
“Aren’t you being too cruel to me by comparing my movements with those of Your Grace, a renowned warrior?”
Artizea replied seriously. At her comment, Cedric laughed.
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Artizea stared blankly at Cedric, it was the first time she had seen him laugh from so close.
***
The dance music was over. Cedric escorted her out.