Chapter Title: The Hall of Aria
"And as you may already know, this outing was meant to subtly introduce you to society."
"Yes."
Epony cleared her throat again.
"However, it is customary for women to visit dress shops with other women."
"Why?"
"Because your companion needs to see how the clothes look on you. A gentleman does not scrutinize a lady's body."
"But my brother did."
Epony made a face that was neither laughing nor crying. Adelaide gestured with her eyes that she had misspoken.
"Sorry."
"No, there's no need to apologize..."
Just then, Adelaide finished dressing. Epony's gaze lingered on the dress. It was a deeply low-cut dress with a slender waist, a dress hard to choose without considering one's figure.
"...The young master... is quite observant."
"..."
*She's trying hard.*
Adelaide let out a faint, airy laugh.
"What should I do today?"
She asked, trying to change the subject, but Epony's expression became even more complex.
"...Today, you have dance lessons. You will be having dance lessons for the time being."
"Has a new teacher arrived?"
It was sooner than expected. She thought it would take longer.
"Not exactly..."
Epony's face became somewhat complex and ambiguous as she trailed off. Today, Epony's reactions were quite intense.
"...You'll understand when you get there."
Adelaide nodded, slightly puzzled. To her, Epony was still a superior. She left Epony, who stayed behind for the finishing touches, and put on her indoor velvet shoes to head to the drawing room.
Aegir was already in the drawing room, wearing a black cloak and a black cocked hat. His copper-colored hair and calm blue eyes. Adelaide spoke kindly to her *bracciere*.
"Goddess's peace. Sir Aegir, did you have pleasant dreams last night?"
"Goddess's peace. Thanks to you, I had a peaceful night."
Aegir said the cheesy words indifferently. It was clearly just a job for him. Despite his handsome face, he was an unobtrusive man. That's why Adelaide didn't feel much burden from him.
Epony seemed somewhat concerned about Aegir. She often cast affectionate glances his way. On the contrary, Aegir didn't seem to have any interest in Epony. A complicated family dynamic was evident. Adelaide politely disregarded it and sat down on the sofa.
*From Madam Flavia, I only learned theory and the box step.*
It seemed they were moving on to the next level. Cesare's birthday was a little over two months away. There was still a lot to learn. She felt anxious. Fortunately, she didn't dislike studying. She even found dancing enjoyable. She felt a little thrilled when she moved gracefully like a princess. Learning to dance in a flowing dress was indeed luxurious.
Just then, Epony came into the drawing room with several shoe boxes. It was Aegir who took them.
"I'll help you try them on."
Without a word, Epony handed the boxes to Aegir. It seemed helping with such tasks was part of a *bracciere's* role. Aegir laid out the boxes on a low table and opened the lids. Several pairs of shoes appeared. Adelaide looked at Epony, who simply gestured with her eyes. It was time for her to choose for herself.
"I'll wear these."
Adelaide chose a pair of canary yellow lambskin shoes. They were cute shoes with long ribbons to tie around the ankles. Fortunately, Epony seemed satisfied.
"Your foot."
Aegir knelt before Adelaide with one shoe in hand. Adelaide slightly lifted one foot, clad in shiny silk stockings. Aegir's calloused hand brushed against the sole of her foot and grasped her heel. The unfamiliar sensation sent a slight shiver down her spine. Aegir, unaware of Adelaide's reaction, quietly put on the shoe. The canary yellow shoes had a soft sole and low heels. They were very different from the shoes Madam Flavia had given her. Adelaide secretly smiled slightly.
"..."
Then, she suddenly met Aegir's eyes as he sat at her feet. His hands, which were tying the ribbons around her ankle, had stopped. Adelaide's face stiffened with embarrassment.
"Is there a problem?"
"...No."
The blue-eyed *bracciere* began tying the ribbons again. Adelaide, maintaining a neutral expression with difficulty, bit her lips slightly. She didn't want to show her excitement over ribboned shoes to anyone. Aegir, having tied the ribbons neatly, stepped back.
"Let's go. They're waiting."
Adelaide ended the conversation by standing up. Aegir stood to her left.
"Allow me to escort you."
"Please do."
Adelaide lifted her hand like she was about to dance, and Aegir wrapped his arm around it, placing it on his solid arm. Epony walked ahead.
"Today's lesson will be in the 'Hall of Aria.' Since it's in the outer palace, I'll guide you as it's still unfamiliar to you."
Except for the first day and the time she fell from the rooftop, it was her first time going to the outer palace. That space, which resembled a grand museum. Adelaide walked, hoping she wouldn't look like an earthenware pot among porcelain.
As they passed through the colonnade lined with milk-colored marble, the outer palace came into view. From now on, Adelaide really had to be Adelaide Bonaparte. The Bonaparte outer palace was a place frequented by outsiders.
"But my brother opened the 'Hall of Aria' instead of the gallery."
It was best to start the conversation softly and induce a discussion like a lady. It seemed to be the right move. Epony, walking ahead, slowed her steps slightly and responded politely.
"The ballroom floor is important. It must be polished from use, making it perfect for dancing."
"I'm looking forward to it. I'll have to thank my brother."
"...He would be pleased."
For some reason, Epony's response was delayed. Did she say something wrong? Adelaide changed the topic.
"So, who is the lady coming today?"
Epony was silent for a moment. She spoke with some difficulty.
"She's not a lady."
"Not a lady?"
"Yes..."
"Shouldn't I at least know her name?"
Epony sighed deeply.
"You already know."
*Huh?*
Just as Adelaide was about to ask again, Aegir interjected.
"We have arrived at the 'Hall of Aria,' my lady."
Adelaide missed the timing to hear Epony's words. Aegir gently withdrew his arm and opened the doors to the grand ballroom. The next moment, Adelaide, who had held a slight expectation for the romantic notion of a ballroom, was left speechless.
"You're here?"
Cesare was waiting beyond the door, smiling as if he had expected her.
---
Cesare watched with amusement as Adelaide's expressionless face showed a hint of displeasure.
"Goddess's peace."
"...Goddess's peace."
Even in her small voice, fatigue was evident. Watching her, Cesare felt genuinely entertained.
"Is that the dress you bought yesterday?"
He asked softly, and Adelaide nodded expressionlessly.
"Yes, it's the dress you bought for me."
"It's beautiful."
He liked how it accentuated her figure. His sister's expression twisted as if she could guess what he was thinking.
"...Thank you."
Of course, Cesare felt that way. On the surface, it was a perfect expressionless face. At Cesare's signal, Aegir stepped back. Epony also stood against the wall. They skillfully blended into the background. In the grand ballroom, ninety-eight yards wide and sixteen yards long, only Cesare and Adelaide remained.
"As you may have guessed, I'll be teaching you dance lessons for the next few days."
"I'm concerned about taking up your time, Brother."
"If it's for you, I'll make time. You're my sister."
"...I don't know how to thank you."
Adelaide's finely arched eyebrows twitched slightly, as if she wanted to frown. Cesare wanted to laugh out loud. How could so many emotions be expressed on the same expressionless face?
"Come here."
Cesare smiled and extended his hand, like a gentleman inviting a lady to dance. Adelaide placed her white hand on his. Her hand was cold.
"You need some nourishment, my sister."
"I'm fine as I am."
"I've heard you eat well."
Adelaide's lips twitched slightly. She seemed embarrassed. Cesare led Adelaide to the head of the ballroom. He was genuinely here to teach her. Tormenting the poor shoe shiner was just a fun bonus.