Chapter Title: The Waltz
"Even if you don't like it, bear with it a little. I got scolded by old man Giotto for going to Bella Stella Street."
Cesare's grip tightened slightly on her hand.
"...But can you really afford to be doing dance practice?"
Adelaide quietly asked. Cesare looked down at her face. Amidst her stiff expression, a faint hint of concern modestly bloomed. His sister still didn't know her place. Truly, who does she think she is? Cesare smiled slightly.
"When you ran at me with scissors."
Though they had moved quite a distance away, Aegir had good hearing. Adelaide understood the quiet words and responded.
"That was an unavoidable situation."
"Are you really not interested in me? You seem to care about my injury."
"Because you got hurt because of me."
"I also stepped on your foot."
"..."
He finally brought it up. That day, like a swan shot by an arrow, Adelaide's foot had trembled as he ruthlessly stepped on it. And what did he say? He didn't quite remember, but it must have been something pretty harsh. Adelaide looked up at Cesare silently, her bright yellow eyes hard to read. Generally easy to understand, she occasionally surrounded herself with an aura of mysterious fog. Soon, Adelaide turned her gaze away.
"Has no one ever told you about the existence of humanity?"
This wasn't an answer to his question.
"There's no humanity between men and women. Don't be naive."
Cesare graciously accepted her evasion. At that moment, they reached the end of the ballroom. A phonograph embedded with magic stones was placed on the table. When Cesare touched it, a three-quarter waltz began to flow from the lily-shaped sound tube.
"The head of the ballroom is where the orchestra is. It's the farthest from the entrance and the best-ventilated spot."
As he spoke, Adelaide instantly became serious. Her face showed she was absorbing every word.
"You're a Bonaparte, so this is your place at every ball. If someone offers you another seat, smile and leave, then let me know."
"Yes."
"Only dance with those I permit."
"Yes."
"You've learned the box step?"
"Yes."
Cesare folded his arms and stepped back.
"Show me."
Without hesitation, Adelaide lifted her arms. It was the basic position for a waltz. In time with the music, Adelaide's body moved forward, sideways, backward, and sideways again. Her upper body was as straight as a mast, and her center of gravity never wavered. Her long legs, hidden by the dress, moved elegantly without interruption. The transfer of weight was perfect. This was quite impressive. Cesare raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Stop."
Adelaide lowered her arms. Her expression remained calm, not knowing if she had done well or poorly.
"Have you ever taken dance lessons?"
"No."
"Hmm. Must be a natural talent."
Muttering, Cesare approached Adelaide and bent slightly to offer his hand.
"Shall we dance?"
Adelaide hesitated for a moment but then took his hand. Cesare briefly kissed the smooth white back of her hand.
"Kisses should be short. Those who linger are rascals, so kick them in the groin."
"Yes."
"We'll do other dances later. The waltz is the current trend."
Cesare pulled her hand firmly as he finished speaking. Adelaide was drawn in without resistance, her face tense with nervousness. Such a pretty face. What a waste. Cesare laughed softly, sliding his left hand down Adelaide's right arm. He then lifted her hand and positioned them.
"Grip lightly. Hold broadly. Spin beautifully."
With his right hand, he skillfully placed it below Adelaide's scapula, above her undergarments. Adelaide inhaled slightly. Not that it would do anything but make him want to tease her more.
"Hold the position. Let's try."
"..."
Though she didn't respond, her reaction was quick. Adelaide immediately placed her hand on Cesare's arm. They met each other's gaze. Though there was a posture where the lady leaned back, it had already gone out of fashion in Fornatie. Currently, Fornatie favored a more sultry and vulgar mood. A trend Cesare himself had popularized.
"You know this isn't the end, right?"
Cesare smiled leisurely as he looked down at Adelaide. In the waltz, their bodies had to touch. According to current trends, everything below the chest and up to the right hip. Adelaide, trying to remain nonchalant but clearly stiff, pressed herself against him. Their bodies touched through the layers of cloth and silk. Cesare frowned, smiling.
"This is a problem."
"What?"
"I think I might get aroused."
As Adelaide reflexively tried to pull away, Cesare held her tightly.
"I'm joking."
Adelaide gritted her teeth after a long silence.
"...No, you're not."
"I am. Maybe we should switch directions."
"..."
"It's not my fault you're pretty."
Finally, an expression of surprise and anger appeared on Adelaide's beautiful face. Her expressionless facade was broken, revealing Adelaide Bibi. It was satisfying. Cesare laughed out loud and started to step.
"Do you know the virtue of the waltz?"
Adelaide seemed too busy following the steps and maintaining elegant curves in her first dance with a man to answer. That too pleased Cesare. He laughed heartily.
"A gentleman should be charming. A lady should be beautiful."
This was Adelaide's first dance.
---
When she started learning the basics of dance from Madam Flavia, Adelaide looked up several books. Fortunately, Bonaparte's library, known as a treasure trove of knowledge, had a vast collection on the subject.
According to the books, the most important thing in dance was the role of the gentleman. How strongly he could lead the lady. How clearly he could guide her. How stably and splendidly he could capture the ballroom's attention... A beautiful dance ultimately depended on how much the two moved as one.
The books also discussed the "ideal physique for dancing." A calm and upright posture. A height that stands out in the ballroom. An eye-catching long neck and broad shoulders. Long limbs for large steps and beautiful turns.
When Cesare raised his arm, Adelaide realized those descriptions perfectly fit him. Once their hands were clasped, it felt like she was under a spell.
"I'll lead, so just follow wherever I go."
Cesare's lead was firm and easy to understand. It was clear where to go, what move to make, and when to stop. He communicated everything through his body. Adelaide only needed to follow where their joined hands, his strong legs, and their aligned torsos indicated. She stepped into unlearned moves, bent her back where needed, and swayed gracefully without much effort. Then he led her around the ballroom like a majestic ship.
"Doing well!"
Cesare laughed cheerfully, showing his dimples. Adelaide almost laughed along. She felt as if her body wasn't hers. It was unbelievable how she moved as if swimming on land. His star-like golden eyes never left her throughout the dance. His gaze was piercing.
For the first time, Adelaide felt afraid of Cesare. Each time their torsos vibrated together and their thighs brushed, an unfamiliar heat rose inside her. She resented him. How could he look at someone with eyes that coveted their everything? How could he do so and yet not mean it? She understood why ladies clung to him. Cesare seemed to guess that, smiling leisurely.
"My sister is too beautiful. The gentlemen in the ballroom won't be able to keep their minds straight."
He even had the leisure to say that. Adelaide could only try not to be overwhelmed by the man in front of her.
Soon, without knowing how, the dance ended. Adelaide realized it through Cesare's movements. The flowing motion slowed, they stood still, then gently stepped back. Throughout, he did not release his intense gaze on her, bowing with a gentleman's grace.
"Don't forget to bow. Here's a tip—if you want to seduce someone, now's the time. One look and it's over."
"...Yes."
Exhausted, Adelaide bowed awkwardly. Cesare chuckled and placed his hand on the phonograph. The music ceased. The ballroom, once filled with the magic of dance, instantly fell silent.