TLVGAJ 33

~Chapter 33~

Old-fashioned classical music played.

With the sound of the train running in the background, a lively and warm music played by the orchestra filled the train car.

Men and women in dresses and tuxedos danced.

I looked up at Harry who was matching steps with me.

He held one of my hands and with the other hand, held my waist as we waltzed.

“…Actually, I’m not sure if dancing with Harry was the right choice.”

I usually did not want to get too involved with the male leads, but I didn’t refuse his dance request to keep a good relationship with him.

Harry was of lower status than me, so he was easier to deal with than Albert.

I didn’t think he liked me just because we danced once.

If he did have feelings, I could control the relationship.

“More importantly…”

When Harry asked me to dance, Finn’s eyes sparkled.

The boy was sending me a look that I couldn’t refuse — asking me to dance with his brother.

“How could I say no to that look…?”

Anyway, I was careful not to mess up the steps as I continued dancing with Harry.

I noticed a few things about him.

“Harry is taller than I thought.”

We never stood this close before.

I hadn’t realized how tall he was — not as tall as Eric, but about Albert’s height.

“And surprisingly, he’s a very good dancer.”

Even though he was a commoner.

I was glad Irene’s body remembered how to dance, but how could a commoner like Harry dance so well?

The cheerful music ended.

I breathed out heavily, and Harry, who was also focused, looked at me while catching his breath.

“Harry, you dance well. Where did you learn?”

He smiled and answered:

“I couldn’t eat properly as a painter. I worked as a servant in noble houses. Taking care of Finn, this was the best job.”

“I learned a lot by watching over their shoulders. Did I look noble enough?”

“Yes, I was surprised by how well you danced.”

I’m not an expert, but dancing without stepping on toes is a big deal.

If this were my old body, I probably couldn’t have kept up.

“I’m happy to be praised by you, milady.”

Harry laughed and added:

“It was an honor to dance with you. Now, we really must go.”

“I also enjoyed dancing with you, Harry.”

Then, holding Finn’s hand, Harry asked:

“If it’s not rude… how about traveling together on the next trip?”

“Finn really enjoys traveling with you, milady.”

Well, it wasn’t a bad idea.

I had good memories traveling with Harry and Finn.

I nodded happily.

“Yes, let’s meet on the platform at the next stop.”

“Thank you! Enjoy the rest of the ball.”

“Milady, see you at the next stop! Haha!”

Finn waved excitedly and followed his brother.

I smiled warmly watching them.

“…Brothers you can’t refuse.”

Strangely, I felt affection for Harry and Finn.

Maybe because Finn had a limited time like me, or because they lived lives most similar to my past life.

As I turned away from their backs with a warm smile—

“Ah!”

“Ugh!”

I bumped into someone and stopped.

Looking up, the other person looked startled.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

I looked down, feeling strange.

Champagne had spilled on my dress.

“I’m very sorry. I should have looked ahead better.”

A blond man in a tuxedo kept bowing.

Because of the accident, I moved aside to fix things quickly.

Among the busy people passing by, the man said:

“I will pay for the damaged dress, no matter how much.”

“Do you know how much this dress costs?”

Sophie, wiping the champagne, looked at him in disbelief.

“This dress was made by the best tailor in the Hashit Empire, only one in the world, just for our lady!”

“I see. I’m sorry. Still, I will compensate somehow.”

The man scratched his head.

“I have the means for that.”

“Come on, what do you think of our duke’s family? This dress costs more than what most nobles imagine!”

“Sophie, stop.”

I raised my hand to stop Sophie who was getting angry. She looked at me.

“Milady…?”

“I’m fine. Just clean the dress.”

Honestly, I was upset by the accident — Sophie had worked on my appearance for hours, and now it was ruined.

But seeing the man sincerely apologizing softened me a bit.

He probably didn’t spill the champagne on purpose.

I looked at the embarrassed man and said:

“Compensation is not needed. Let’s just forget it. But please watch where you walk next time.”

“Yes. Thank you. I’ll be more careful.”

“Milady… are you really okay? You’re not usually like this.”

Sophie whispered to me, thinking I was too kind.

“I remember once at teatime when Countess Elina spilled tea on your dress, you almost killed her. So I was angry on purpose.”

“Haha… I’m fine, really.”

Sophie remembers everything…

Maybe Irene’s personality was just too strong…

After unintentionally managing my image better, I looked at the man.

“Anyway, I should go now. I think I should change my dress.”

Because quite a lot of champagne spilled, I needed to change.

Turning to leave for my room, the man stopped me.

“Wait, please.”

“Yes?”

I turned back. He hesitated then said:

“If you have time… after changing your dress, would you talk with me a little more?”

“I want to treat you to a meal. It’s fate that we met like this.”

I was surprised by his unexpected words and looked at him quietly.

Blushing, the man bowed and said:

“Then… I’ll wait at the dining car!”

I watched him walk away quickly.