Chapter 101.2
“Shall we dance one more time for the last practice?” Edith asked, extending her hand to Lia. With a nod, Lia took the hand of her skilled teacher and stood up, preparing to take another step to the accompaniment.
As they were about to begin, the doors of the hall opened with a light sound of footsteps. Carso, dressed in a blue suit adorned with the emblem of the Del Casa family and wearing gloves, entered the room.
“May I a.s.sist you with the last dance practice?” he asked.
“Sir Carso,” Lia greeted him with a smile, extending her hand. Carso approached elegantly and reached out his hand in response.
“Lady,” he said with a nod.
Lia hesitated for a moment, looking at his outstretched hand. Dancing with Carso would surely improve her skills, but she was a bit embarra.s.sed to showcase her still unrefined moves.
“I might step on your feet, sir… Are you okay with that?” Lia asked hesitantly.
“It would be an honor for me,” Carso replied with a smile, his eyes lighting up.
Encouraged by Edith’s expectant gaze, Lia finally took Carso’s hand.
“Please take care of me, sir,” she said with a small smile.
“You’re not a beginner, are you?”
The accompaniment started, and Carso skillfully led Lia in a familiar ballroom dance. He pulled her arm in time with the lively piano melody, spinning her around with a noticeable difference in strength and speed compared to when she danced with Edith.
Lia concealed her surprised heart and did her best to keep up with the fast pace of the dance. Carso supported her from behind, smiling brightly, but her mind was blank as she focused on the next step, unable to respond to his question.
“My brother has welcomed me as a steward,” Carso announced happily.
“Congratulations, sir,” Lia congratulated her with a nod.
“He mentioned that there was originally a candidate. Do you happen to know who it is?” Carso asked.
“I’m not sure,” Lia replied, concealing a smile.
Meanwhile, Edith noticed that the accompanist was playing the music too fast and gestured for them to slow down. However, the accompanist, completely absorbed in the perfect synchronization with Carso’s steps, flipped the sheet music with excitement, playing even faster.
“Carso, you’re too fast…” Edith called out in warning.
“If my brother considered another candidate, he must be an extraordinary person. That’s why I was curious… Where on earth…” Carso trailed off, his curiosity piqued.
“Carso!” Lia stumbled as her muscles gave out, grabbing onto Carso’s arm for support. A tingling sensation shot through her leg, causing a sharp pain.
“Are you okay?” Carso asked, clearly surprised.
Edith rushed over and supported Lia, asking, “Are you alright, Lady Canillia?”
“I think I pulled a muscle in my leg,” Lia said between bursts of laughter, pointing to her stiff leg.
“How could you be laughing?” Carso asked in bewilderment.
“Well then, what should I do? I didn’t know this would happen while I was dancing,” Lia said.
“Wait a moment, I will call Lady’s maids,” Carso said, concern etched on his face.
“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine soon,” Lia replied, standing up and glancing at Carso, who seemed tense.
Lia rubbed her leg vigorously, revealing her slender leg wrapped in white stockings beneath the hem of her dress, causing her cheeks to flush.
Carso turned around abruptly and saw Claude, accompanied by his lawyer, standing at the wide-open door of the hall with a menacing expression. Claude whispered something to the group before striding into the practice room. He approached Canillia, who was sitting on the floor, and asked Edith, who was helping her up, “Is she hurt?”
“No! It’s not an injury, but a leg cramp. Claude… Can you please help me up?” Canillia reached out her hand towards Claude, worried that sparks might fly between those who had helped her. Claude, who still appeared visibly angry, looked at her for a moment before he kneeled down on one knee. He put his hand behind her knee and lifted her up in a swift motion, causing Canillia to catch her breath.
Everyone in the room lowered their gaze, sensing the tension between Claude and Canillia, as well as the unease between Claude and Carso. The atmosphere was palpable, and Edith looked particularly fl.u.s.tered.
“I clearly told you that you should only dance with me,” Claude said calmly, and Canillia bowed her head deeply in response.
“I wanted to offer myself as a practice partner,” Carso said, regret evident in his voice.
“Karsa, you are now in my service. So don’t move from that position,” Claude’s tone was icy, his displeasure clear.
“I was impulsive,” Carso replied, sounding defeated.
Lia, who was listening to the conversation between the two, wanted to take Carso’s side, but Claude’s expression was too intimidating, so she remained silent.
Claude coldly made Lia sit on the sofa, then he grabbed her leg and pressed the back of her ankle tightly.
“The doctor said you’re fully recovered, but you mustn’t push yourself,” Claude said sternly, his grip unyielding. Lia’s leg trembled under his touch, causing her discomfort.
“I know. But I still want to become proficient in dancing quickly…” Lia said softly, trying to convey her eagerness.
“Then you should have asked me for help, not that foolish calf Karsa,” Claude’s gaze towards Carso was withering, and Carso hung his head in shame.
Lia reached out and wrapped her arms around Claude’s cheek, making him look at her.
“You’re busy, Your Grace,” Lia said, trying to ease the tension.
“You’re busier, Canelea. I only sleep after seeing your back these days,” Claude said, his expression softening.
“Who disappears before I even open my eyes in the morning?” Lia retorted playfully.
“Don’t worry. I still check what perfume you’ve used before leaving,” Claude said, pressing his lips against Lia’s cheek and pulling her leg even closer, causing others in the room to stutter and avert their gazes.
“We’ll, we’ll leave,” Edith stammered, blushing and quickly exiting the room without even opening her eyes. The pianist followed behind her, clutching the music sheet in his hand and hurrying like he was playing a solo.
Claude, who was now lying on the sofa, addressed Carso’s retreating back.
“Go to the first floor reception room and entertain the guests. Also, send messengers with Owen to various parts of the empire to find a qualified diamond appraiser. And your task today is to organize the accounting book in the third floor study until midnight. Are you going to do the given tasks now? Being my lover’s dance partner is my job,” Claude said, his tone authoritative and firm.