Birthday Party (2)
“Alright, my lovely Joan. Let’s dance.”
Father took my hand and led me to the center of the hall.
So the first dance really is mine alone, huh…
“P-Please be gentle with me.”
As the music began, I followed Father’s lead.
“To think I’d live to see the day I get to dance with you, Joan. I’m overjoyed.”
“I-I’m nervous…”
“Ha ha, I can tell. Try relaxing your shoulders a little more.”
“Yes.”
“There, that’s better. So… are you truly set on entering the knight course?”
“Yes. It’s been my dream since I was little.”
“I see…”
We made small talk after that, and the song ended before I knew it.
When Father escorted me back, I was planning to just be a wallflower and chat with Belle—but waiting for me with a big grin was Brother NOel.
Before I could protest, he led me back out to the floor. This time, everyone else had joined in too.
“For someone who says she’s not good at dancing, you’re quite good, Jo. But you can relax a bit more—just let me lead.”
“O-Okay.”
“Yeah, that’s it. Much better.”
“You’re just really good at leading, Brother Noel.”
“Oh? Thanks. Then let’s do one more song—”
“Hold it, my turn. Besides, only fiancées get two dances in a row, right?”
Just as Brother Noel was about to start the second song, Brother Gene swooped in.
“Ehh!? Back-to-back!?”
“This’ll be easier than Grandmother’s training.”
“Ugh… I’d rather take the training…”
Once we started, I realized Brother Gene was surprisingly good at leading too.
“Hey, Jo, I heard you and Belle are the only girls entering the knight course next year?”
“Ah—looks like it.”
“… You gonna be alright?”
“Of course! I’m looking forward to it.”
“Well, if it’s you, I’m sure you’ll be fine. But if anything happens, you come to me right away, got it?”
“Mm. Thank you, Brother Gene.”
When I finally made it back to Belle’s side and was sipping juice, Lord Eric came over.
“Joan, would you grant me a dance as well?” he said, holding out his hand.
“Ah, yes! I’d be honored.”
“Brother Eric, don’t do anything weird, okay!”
“Like I would!”
Even while grumbling at Belle, Lord Eric still escorted me properly.
“Happy birthday. Can you believe it’s been eight years since we first met? Time flies.”
“It really does.”
“The knight course doesn’t have many girls, but don’t let that stop you. And… take care of Belle for me too.”
“Of course.”
“… Still, maybe it’s because you look different today, but—you’re really beautiful. And you smell nice, too…”
“Eh!? Ah, um, L-Lord Eric? You’re… way too close! You’re drunk, aren’t you!?”
“I haven’t had that much… I mean it, though… ugh.”
“Hey! You drunk idiot! Come here!! … Joan, sorry! Young Master Vince, excuse us!”
Belle dragged the groaning Eric away after punching him in the gut.
Apparently, she and Vince had been dancing nearby to keep an eye on me.
“Eh? Belle?”
“H h ha! That’s so like Belle… Now then, lovely lady, may I have this dance?”
“Heehee, I’d be delighted.”
“So, Vince, you actually can dance, huh?”
“What are you talking about? I graduated top of the class, you know. Though, I did get my dance certificate back in fourth year, so it’s been a while.”
“Wait, once you get the certificate you don’t have to take dance anymore?”
“Yeah. You can go to the Guild instead.”
“Then I’ll do my best!”
“Ahaha, good spirit. Now relax a bit more and trust me with your body.”
“Um, like this?”
With Noel or Gene I could relax easily, but dancing with a cousin felt… kind of embarrassing.
“And you gotta look at your partner’s face, or you’ll never get that certificate.”
“U-Understood.”
“Pfft. Joan, your face is bright red. Ha ha ha!”
“S-Shut up! A-and don’t talk right next to my ear!”
Vince was teasing me as usual, which really ticked me off!
… But lately, I’d realized something. His face looks exactly like a member of my favorite group from my previous life. So I can’t help but get flustered…
“Hey, Joan. If anything happens in the knight course, tell me right away, okay? I stayed top of the class just so I could be with you in my final year.”
“Vince… thank you.”
“…...”
“What’s wrong?”
“… That’s unfair.”
“Huh?”
“Bright red face, teary eyes, looking up at me, and tilting your head like that… What’s with that combo attack? You trying to kill me? Also—are you wearing perfume? You smell different. It’s… really nice.”
“Hyah!? H-Hey, too close!”
“So what? It’s a good scent. I like it.”
“W-Wait, Vince! Th-this perfume, Hugo made it—he used Dora’s leaves, so that’s why!”
“Dora leaves? … Seriously? Hugo, that kid’s a genius. Either way, I like it.” Chuu
“Eh!?”
Wait—did he just kiss me? On the forehead!? Vince!? Why!? How!? A kiss!? Aaaahhh!!
“Joan? Hahaha… what, you wanted it on the lips instead?”
“...…”
I couldn’t lift my face.
“VINCE!!”
“““VEEEE!!”””
Father, Brother Gene, and Brother Gene were storming over.
Apparently, everyone had seen everything.
Please, someone dig me a hole to crawl into…!
“Geh! Crap. Joan, quick, let’s teleport, teleport!”
“I can’t!!”
“Ah—Uncle, Noel, Gene, it’s not what it looks like, I swear! Ow ow ow ow!! She just looked too cute all of a sudden and I—ow ow ow! I-I’m sorry!! But seriously, it’s Hugo’s perfume’s fault!!”
“““Haah!?”””
Once my face had finally cooled down, I used Search on the perfume.
---
[Hugo’s Perfume: Joan SP]A masterpiece to make Joan even more enchanting.
Brewed from mandrake and Dora leaves in pure water created with Aqua, mixed with floral extracts.
Alchemist: Hugo Lampail
Effects:
Cute… +25%
Beautiful… +40%
Seductive… +35%
Usage:
Apply on wrists or neck.
Once per day, one spray only. Overuse not recommended.
Notes:
No effect on parents or siblings. No effect on married individuals.
Effect strength may vary depending on Hugo’s mood.
---
“……”
Terrifying… my little brother is truly terrifying.
“Jo, that perfume’s banned in the knights course.”
Brother Gene’s words made me nod so hard my neck nearly snapped.
Since Hugo and Lyla were already asleep, Father decided he’d be giving them a very thorough lecture about the perfume tomorrow.
What do you think about this chapter?
