TOOCM | Chapter 043

Episode 43

‘So that’s why he doesn’t dance.’

Even as Kaiden moved alone, some northern nobles’ gazes had been telling.

Especially Aiden’s gleaming eyes suggested he’d known about Kaiden’s dancing skills.

Reina had thought Kaiden excelled at everything, but his dancing was truly terrible.

Oddly, that made him more human.

For some reason, dancing with him became enjoyable.

Reina said.

“When my leg heals, I’ll teach you.”

“Teasing me?”

“I’m serious.”

“No use. Even Mother gave up on me.”

Kaiden replied glumly, his mind set on ending the dance quickly.

* * *

Meanwhile, the northern nobles stared, dumbfounded, at the Crensia couple’s disastrous dance.

Some, who’d seen young Kaiden dragged to dance by the former Duchess, were gleefully fleecing younger nobles in bets.

“This is a scam.”

Ben, who’d lost money, stared at Kaiden’s awful dancing in disbelief.

How could someone so skilled dance so boldly in the hall’s center?

Seeing his usually impeccable lord flounder was astonishing for a subordinate.

God was fair. The Duke of Crensia, who wielded a sword like a brush, was denied dancing talent.

Kaiden’s terrible dancing was common knowledge among seasoned nobles.

His flawless preparatory steps often fooled naive nobles into big bets.

Like Ben.

Aiden, who’d won, handed him champagne.

“Told you to bet small.”

“It’s cheap for the spectacle. Never thought I’d see this.”

“True. I thought I’d never see Brother dance again. He hates it.”

“Yet he’s dancing now, with aura no less.”

“Guess he’s serious about Sister-in-law.”

Aiden, flushed, smiled warmly at Kaiden’s effort and Reina’s fond gaze.

Their mother would’ve been delighted.

“So, your thoughts?”

Aiden’s sudden question made Ben’s face twitch.

“A dance to remember when I’m sad.”

Ben was nearly in tears.

His perfect lord’s clumsy side was a rare experience that melted his past hardships.

Muttering regretfully, Ben said.

“Wish I’d recorded it. But with Her Grace, we’ll see it again, right?”

“Wipe those tears first, Sir Ben. Brother might throttle you.”

“Oh, right.”

Ben wiped his tears with a handkerchief, clearing his throat.

He’d learned today that holding in laughter could bring tears.

“Sorry for the sight.”

“Not as bad as Brother.”

Aiden quipped, rubbing his aching stomach from laughing.

“They don’t look like a contract marriage.”

“Right. It’s like a romance they’re unaware of.”

“Well, I think Brother’s starting to realize.”

“Really?”

It wasn’t easy to act that way unconsciously.

Ben nodded lightly, and Aiden said.

“People usually go through strong denial before realizing it’s love.”

To him, Kaiden’s eyes were already those of a man in love.

The other party wasn’t far off, but they had a ways to go.

If one side was aware, though, things could change.

A small trigger could confirm their feelings soon.

Aiden hummed cheerfully.

“This’ll get interesting.”

He watched his brother’s budding love with delight.

* * *

After their flamboyant dance debut, Kaiden led Reina to the terrace to recover.

‘Ugh, I’m insane. Why’d I offer to dance?’

Kaiden clutched his head over his rashness.

When Aiden laughed hysterically and Ben stifled tears, he wanted to flee the hall.

He’d never have done this normally.

“Because you’re undeniably impressive.”

Who’d have thought those words would make him want to dance?

Instead of looking impressive, he’d looked pathetic, leaving him dejected.

Yet, he didn’t quit mid-dance because of Reina.

Despite his awful performance, she looked happy.

Her smile made it worthwhile.

Reina didn’t press him.

Most ladies would’ve been annoyed, but she calmly led him.

“You okay?”

Her smiling question made him scowl.

“Do I look okay?”

“No.”

“Then why ask?”

Leaning on the railing, Reina smiled, moonlight at her back.

“I thought you were good at everything.”

“Enjoying my humiliation? Having fun teasing?”

“I’m not teasing.”

“Stop talking about dancing.”

Kaiden gulped wine, grimacing.

He was bothered by looking foolish in front of her.

Watching quietly, Reina murmured.

Was it the wine?

The towering man seemed adorably vulnerable today.

“Just… you’re cute.”

“Pfft!”

Kaiden spat his wine, choking, his face red.

She handed him a handkerchief.

“You okay?”

“Cough! Ugh…”

Unable to answer, he kept choking, and Reina misunderstood.

“You’re weak to alcohol.”

“No, cough… it’s your fault.”

He glared, still coughing, and drank water she offered.

She was impossible to let his guard down around.

Glaring resentfully, he muttered.

“You’re doing it on purpose, right?”

“Doing what?”

“Everything.”

Sighing heavily, he gave a vague reply.

He was annoyed at acting foolishly around her lately.

It was hard to treat her as usual, complicating his feelings.

Her stunning beauty today didn’t help.

Kaiden glanced at her, rubbing his neck.

Moonlit, she was so beautiful he wanted to touch her.

Meanwhile, Reina was lost in thought.

A recurring idea slipped out impulsively.

“Hey, Kaiden.”

“Yeah.”

“Can aura make a blind person see?”

He stared at her.

“Not with the method I used earlier.”

“So, there’s another way?”

Her face lit up, and she stepped closer.

Kaiden looked away from the proximity.

“No. It’s impossible.”

Not for just anyone.

Swallowing the rest, he refused, and Reina’s face fell.