LUW 29

Chapter 29

Cecilia immediately sensed she had made some kind of mistake when Pierre’s expression hardened in an instant. But since the conversation had been so short, she had no idea what she had done wrong and could only swallow dryly. Pierre let out a deep sigh.

Then, after turning his head for a moment and appearing to ponder something, he looked back at Cecilia as if he had made a decision.

Although she had done nothing wrong, Cecilia stiffened nervously and straightened her back.

“Did you ask me to watch your dance practice?”

“Yes, if it’s alright with you…”

“Let’s go.”

“…Pardon?”

“I’ll watch your dancing, so let’s go right now.”

Pierre turned back from the direction he’d been walking and took the lead. Cecilia blinked in surprise and followed after him, thinking he’d only help later in the afternoon at best.

‘Aren’t dukes supposed to be busy?’

That was the kind of random thought running through her mind.

“Again.”

Cecilia reset her posture and began stepping again, but barely a few moments had passed when Pierre spoke up.

“Again.”

“….”

Cecilia swallowed down a curse that nearly escaped her lips. She looked at Pierre with eyes full of irritation.

Pierre, who had promised to watch her dance, sat comfortably in a chair with a relaxed expression as he observed her.

Who would’ve thought that when he said he’d help, it didn’t mean assisting her, but literally just watching?

It had already been two hours since she’d excitedly come to the practice room, thrilled by his promise to help.

She hadn’t expected him to lead her like yesterday, even if it meant stepping on his feet again. But this? Pierre wouldn’t let even the slightest mistake in her step or turn slide without a cold “Again.”

Each time, she had to start from the beginning. Sweat beaded on her back.

When Cecilia remained still even as the music resumed, Pierre stopped the music and raised one eyebrow.

“Didn’t you hear me say ‘again’?”

“I heard you.”

Cecilia, brimming with irritation, replied sharply. Pierre smirked slightly.

“You said you were feeling more confident. Seems like it’s only confidence you’ve gained. Asking to be evaluated with that level of skill.”

If only he’d just kept his mouth shut, he wouldn’t seem so annoying. She wanted to take back the admiration she’d briefly felt yesterday, when she thought he seemed noble.

Pierre tilted his head and said coldly again.

“So, aren’t you going to start over?”

Cecilia bit her lip and began moving again.

She didn’t want to think about yesterday, but she had to admit that moving while mimicking Pierre’s steps made her body move more naturally.

Pierre had broad shoulders and long arms, making even the same movements look more elegant. Cecilia moved as if dancing with his form in her mind.

Then his voice rang out from behind.

“Again.”

“…”

Cecilia flinched and stopped. She turned toward him.

“I thought I did well that time.”

“That’s what you think. It was obvious you were distracted, not focusing on the dance.”

“…”

She couldn’t say he was wrong.

Cecilia glared at him with a sulky face. Pierre unfolded his loosely crossed arms and stood.

“I told you. The minimum requirement for you to participate in the operation is to perform that dance perfectly. I’m investing my time because you said you could do it.”

Cecilia bit her lip for no reason. She wanted to argue, but annoyingly enough, Pierre never said anything untrue. As obnoxious as he was, he didn’t lie, so she had no grounds for rebuttal.

“From what I see, your practice yesterday wasn’t enough. So tonight, you’ll keep practicing until morning.”

Cecilia was inwardly horrified.

All night?! He really was trying to work her to the bone. She looked up at Pierre, who had stepped closer.

“…If I overwork myself like that, I’ll collapse before the operation even begins.”

Pierre raised one eyebrow.

“Why? I figured you were staying up because you still had energy left for nonsense at night.”

“Nonsense?”

“Yeah.”

Cecilia blinked at him like he was speaking nonsense himself. Pierre, on the other hand, thought that for someone who didn’t seem capable of acting, she played the innocent face surprisingly well.

It irritated him in a strange way. Narrowing his eyes, he said,

“I suppose you thought that since there was a roof over your head, no one was watching. But you should be careful.”

“…”

“Especially after the party at Zilkirk. Our relationship will be publicly acknowledged.”

Pierre looked at her icily.

“After that, at least pretend to be discreet.”

“Pretend?”

Cecilia blinked at his words. She didn’t understand what he was talking about. Pierre’s lips curled into an incredulous smile.

“You’re really making me repeat such simple things. Whether you like it or not, we’ll be tied together publicly. Use your head and be careful around other men.”

Men?

Cecilia, who had been confused by the sudden topic shift, finally remembered Leo at Pierre’s last remark.

“…Are you talking about Leo?”

She said it reflexively, and Pierre’s lips tightened.

“I didn’t expect you to say his name out loud.”

Judging from his expression, he really hadn’t expected it.

Cecilia’s eyes widened. Was he still hung up on what happened the first day? she thought in disbelief.

Did nobles always assume every man and woman were romantically involved? Just because Leo had caught her when she stumbled and showed concern for her injury, Pierre still held this ridiculous misunderstanding?

Cecilia opened her mouth, genuinely feeling wronged.

“Like I said before, Leo is just a childhood friend. We’ve been like family since we were young—”

“You don’t need to explain yourself to me.”

Pierre cut her off.

“I don’t care if he’s your friend or whatever.”

“…”

“Just don’t let him get on my nerves. Cecilia.”

After that cold warning, Pierre checked the time and walked past her toward the door.

“Practice a few more hours before you return.”

“…Not all night?”

Cecilia asked with a pouty face, and Pierre paused, answering without turning around.

“…If you want.”

With that, he exited the room. Cecilia stood still, staring at the door he had disappeared through with a dissatisfied look.

It felt like all the closeness they’d built yesterday had been a lie.

“What the heck, seriously.”

She muttered, shaking her head and starting practice again.

The next morning, Cecilia stood at the entrance to the annex of the duke’s residence. Olga, who was ready to leave with Leo, looked troubled.

Cecilia looked up at him with eyes that seemed on the verge of tears.

Olga set down his luggage and tried to comfort her awkwardly.

“Miss, people might think I’ve been drafted and sent to war or something.”

He was right. But Cecilia couldn’t help feeling sentimental, having found comfort in having someone she trusted in this unfamiliar mansion over the past few days.

“I know. It’s just… I feel sad, that’s all.”

At that, Olga’s gaze softened. He had worried when she’d arrived at the duchy, tense from all the etiquette lessons.

He truly cared for her.

He liked the ladylike side of Cecilia, but he thought she was most herself when she was free and unrestrained.

Now that she was about to leave, seeing her act so childishly made him smile.

“It’s not like we won’t see each other for years. You’ll be back soon.”

He said, trying to reassure her, but then quickly narrowed his eyes and asked suspiciously,

“You are coming back soon… right?”

Cecilia flinched and waved her hands in panic.

“Of course! I’ll be back soon. The etiquette lessons are almost done, after all.”

“I’ll trust you on that and deliver your letter to the family head safely.”

“Yeah, please. Thank you, Olga.”

After bidding him farewell, Cecilia turned her gaze to Leo, who stood straight beside Olga.

“Thank you for coming, Leo. I really didn’t expect you to show up to something like this.”

“…What do you normally think of me?”

“You’re a precious friend.”

Her answer came without even 0.1 seconds of hesitation. Leo let out a deflated laugh and nodded.

“I’m honored. Like Olga said, don’t overdo it and come back soon. And just like I told you last time—if anyone bothers you, make sure to tell me.”

Even if she denied it, Cecilia could sense his genuine worry, and she smiled back.

“Why? So you can come scold them for me?”