Chapter 12 - Wait, I Forgot What?

"Please pass the steamed potatoes, Alexander."

"Yes mother. How about you, sis? Is there anything you want?"

"...No."

"Alright. Then could you hand me the salt?"

"Get it yourself."

It was dinner time, and I was once again seated next to Christine.

She glared daggers at me when I pulled the chair back earlier, but I ignored her silent protest and sat down beside her anyway. In the end she just sighed and must have decided that it wasn't worth arguing about.

Now the sullen girl was picking away at her salad, doing her best to snub my attempts at conversation. Every time she'd act annoyed that I was even breathing the same air.

My plan to get closer to her wasn't progressing much at all.

"Christine, what has you in such a terrible mood tonight?" Our father said while frowning. Look, even the walrus has noticed that you're mistreating your poor older brother. "Such behavior is unacceptable."

"Forgive me, father. I am just not feeling very well." Christine apologized, though I think I heard a tiny bit of irritation in her voice. She then stood up and performed a quick curtsy. "Please excuse me, I think I must rest for a while."

The girl walked away, leaving her plate half-full. Sis, eating so poorly will stunt your growth, you know? Then again, even in the game she was on the petite side. Perhaps it's in her genetics.

Mother looked dissatisfied, but merely called out after her. "Make sure not to keep Ms. Perrins waiting!"

When Christine didn't answer as she left the hall, mother let out a small "tsk".

"That girl is becoming more and more willful."

"Don't worry love, all children go through that stage. Christine understands what's important."

"I hope you're right, or else we'll have to confine her for a while to make her reflect. We can't allow her to develop any unbecoming habits."

I refused to participate in their conversation. As rude as Christine was, they were much worse in my eyes. They showed no concern despite Christine saying that she didn't feel well, and even considered punishing her. Was that how parents should act?

Father laughed as he noticed me silently eating. "Dinner really is much quieter without Francesca around, isn't it? I suppose you miss her already, my boy?"

I practically choked on my food. Swallowing it down with difficulty, I forced a smile and shrugged. "It certainly feels different, yes."

For one thing, I'm a lot more relaxed.

Mother sighed. "If only Christine could learn from her example. Alexander, you must make sure to treat her with the care she deserves."

"Oh don't worry, mother. Even without you saying so, that is my intention."

...

Dinner soon came to an end. When I exited the dining hall, I found my brand new personal attendant waiting.

"Young master." Emma hurriedly approached me and bowed.

I waved my hand, signalling her to be at ease. "Emma. Have you eaten yet?"

The girl nodded and flashed me a cheerful smile. I could somewhat feel that the guards by the dining hall's entrance were watching us with curious gazes, so I decided to leave quickly.

"Good. Let us be off then."

Maybe I should tuck in early tonight. It's been a pretty long day after all.

"Of course, young master. Shall we head straight for the ballroom, or would you prefer to rest in your room until it is time?"

Hearing her words, I asked curiously "Time for what?"

Her footsteps came to an abrupt halt. Emma's face paled as she turned to me, realizing that I had no idea what she was talking about.

__________________________________________________________

Within my bedroom, two idiots were currently panicking.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm so sorry! I never thought that you would have forgotten that as well!"

"Ugh, it's not your fault Emma, but… what do we do now?"

"I don't knooow!"

Of course, we were the said idiots. Emma was pacing around in circles and wringing her hands anxiously, while I sat on my bed in a depressed funk. The two of us were trying to think of a way out of this absurd predicament.

See, tonight I had a dance lesson scheduled with someone named Ms. Perrins. The last time I danced was years ago at my high school prom and that probably wasn't good enough to be a reference. I had no idea what noble dances were like, especially since this was a different world. I could manage a simple waltz perhaps, but anything more complicated and I would definitely just make a fool out of myself.

And the worst part was I only had an hour to prepare.

"Emma, any chance that you could at least teach me the basics?" I asked hopefully.

She stared at me with a doubtful expression. "Young master, how in the world would I possibly know how? I am but a novice maid. My training isn't even over yet."

"You should have been to at least one party by now, right? Surely you would have observed the nobles at it. I just need a refresher course."

"Well yes, I have served at two events organized by House Halesworth before, so I have a faint idea. But wait, are you saying that you do not remember a single party you've attended, young master!? This is even more serious than forgetting how to dance! Just how many memories have you lost because of that fall? Please reconsider seeing a doctor, perhaps it is not too late to-!"

"Out of the question," I said flatly. There were no memories to bring back in the first place. "Let's just focus on getting through tonight in one piece."

The black haired maid bit her finger while lost in thought. "Perhaps Ms. Perrins would agree if you said that you only wanted to practice one thing today, but what?"

Hmm.

"Okay, so the truth is I actually somewhat remember how to waltz." I admitted.

"Thank goodness." Emma sighed in relief. Great, it looked like she was familiar with the term. "That might be enough then."

"However, I am not sure if I can still do it right. Please help me practice for a bit."

"...Hah?"

...

After some convincing, Emma reluctantly agreed to be my dance partner.

"Then, please excuse my clumsiness. This will be my first time, so I will be in your care." She said with flushed cheeks.

The girl stood in front of me. She was as stiff as a plank and had her head lowered so that I couldn't see her eyes. How adorably shy. I got the urge to tease her but this wasn't the right time.

I dug deep into my knowledge of romance games and what I've seen in movies. At a time like this, the man was supposed to invite the girl, right? I stepped forward, took a quick bow, and held my hand out with my palm facing upwards.

"May I have this dance, my lady?"

Emma was stunned for a second before she hurriedly responded with an awkward curtsy.

"I, I would be honored!"

In that dimly lit room, I took her hand, gently placed an arm around her waist, and pulled her closer to me. She timidly placed her free hand on my right shoulder, completing the closed position. The only thing that could be heard in the room was the sound of two people breathing.

"Wah, young master, you're too close…!" She whispered in a nervous voice.

Our faces were just inches away from each other. Her hot breath brushed against my skin, and I felt my cheeks redden in spite of myself. An errant thought ran through my head at that moment: I could easily kiss her right now.

"It, It goes like this right?"

"Yeah. I think so."

The mismatch of my noble clothing and her maid outfit was glaringly obvious thanks to our close proximity. But for some reason, it didn't feel wrong at all. After fumbling through the first few steps, we managed to settle into a relaxed rhythm.

...

One, two, three. One, two, three.

...

One, two, three. One, two, three.

...

That night we shared a waltz without any music. There was no such thing as social status to divide us or propriety to worry about. Moonlight streamed in through the windows, giving our surroundings an almost dreamlike feeling. It was an unforgettable experience, and time seemed to stop as our figures slowly melded together, far away from any prying eyes.

Yet all too soon, our first dance came to an end.

The verdict?

"Completely hopeless." I sighed, dropping heavily down on my bed.

"Indeed, young master." Emma sighed too as she sat down beside me. "Like this, Ms. Perrins will be able to see through it immediately."

Waltzing with Emma was fun. My cheeks still felt a little hot remembering it. However, both of us could tell that I was at the level of a total amateur. Even if the waltz was the only thing we did tonight at my lesson, it would still blow my cover.

"Sorry again for stepping on you, by the way."

"Please do not mind. I am ashamed to say this, but I made many more blunders than you did, young master. Forgive me for not being of more use."

"No, asking someone with no experience was an unreasonable request anyway. Thank you for putting up with it."

"I would be happy to do it again at any time. Ah, not that I would presume-!"

The original problem still remained, and our time was quickly running out. I clicked my tongue as I wondered if I had no choice but to ditch the lesson after all. That would definitely piss my parents off and it would only work once or twice. Ugh, whatever! If it comes down to it, I'll just deal with the consequences.

"Emma, I have an idea." I said with a resigned smile. "But it's not a very good one."

__________________________________________________________

Shortly afterwards, a young maid emerged from Alexander Halesworth's bedroom.

She headed towards the mansion's ballroom to accomplish her mission, but the girl was distracted. Her mind tirelessly replayed that magical moment she had just shared with the young master. Now that she was alone, it seemed even more unbelievable.

Alexander was clumsy and inexperienced, yes. But the way he held her was so gentle that it didn't matter. He even smiled to reassure her whenever she felt tense or worried about her own inadequacies. His golden hair had turned almost silver underneath the moonlight, making him breathtakingly beautiful. Emma's only complaint was that it was over too quickly.

"Was it all a dream…?"

Emma whispered. She covered her face, feeling her cheeks burn.

Don't you even dare, she chastised herself. You live in different worlds, and he even has a fiancée whom he loves dearly. It is completely impossible. Forget it!

Yet no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts would not stop wandering back to that person's smile.