65: The Dance Lesson and the Villainess

“Despite how it appears, dancing requires physical prowess. Unfortunately, a depraved lifestyle won’t give you that. Instead, you need to exercise self-control, maintain proper posture, and uphold your title as a noble lady.”

“Understood, Teacher.”

Avril nodded firmly, but the teacher only sneered at her. The maid, Grace, who saw their entire exchange, frowned and tried to call for someone, only to be stopped by Avril.

“Grace, can you stand over there and watch? After the lesson, I want you to be my practice partner.”

“But Lady Avril.”

Upon hearing their conversation, the teacher, who was still prejudiced, snorted.

“I can see how someone as brazen as you won over many gentlemen, but don’t think it’ll work against me. Prepare yourself.”

“Of course.”

Although Avril no longer had to pretend to be a villainess, up until that point in her life, no one had any expectations for her, so she wanted to do her best.

Still dissatisfied, Grace seemed about to say something, but Avril feigned ignorance.

To begin with, she was taught the steps. Avril, who had excellent memory, reflexes, and physical strength quickly mastered the basics.

“—!? This fast…? No, that’s nothing. Then, let’s put it into practice.”

The teacher’s face twitched, and the lesson grew more complicated. Once Avril had practiced them, she danced in full.

How long did we dance?

Before she knew it, the teacher, who was supposed to be her dance partner, was already on the couch in the corner of the room. She stared blankly at Avril. After all that dancing, even Avril was somewhat out of breath.

Then can everyone at masquerade balls dance even longer than this? Incredible, could it be… Are masquerade balls actually more akin to field days than social gatherings…!?

However, Avril neither stopped nor complained to her teacher.

…I’m having so much fun.

The last time Avril had a tutor, she was still a child. When her outstanding memory was revealed, the professional tutor who acknowledged her was immediately dismissed.

Although Corinna’s tutor secretly taught her various things, dance lessons were too time-consuming. For Avril, who used to study alone, it was irresistibly fun.

I’m truly grateful that someone is willing to teach me.

After the music ended, Avril concluded her steps and curtseyed.

Grace, who was watching from the corner of the room, vigorously clapped. However, the teacher, who seemed to be overwhelmed, hurriedly spoke up.

“You… More than your memory and reflexes, you have a very strong sense of rhythm. You perfectly followed the timing of the waltz without missing a beat!?”

“Thank you very much. This was my first time properly engaging in dance. A long time ago, my music teacher taught me that when it comes to the rhythm of a waltz, I should pay attention to the first beat. One, two, three—…”

Avril smiled gleefully as she answered, and all traces of contempt vanished from the teacher’s face. For some reason, the teacher trembled as tears began to fill her eyes.

“…In other words, you have a background in music?”

“Back when I was a child, I did learn about it.”

“…I see, can you tell me your other skills?”

At the teacher’s words, Avril’s gaze became distant.

…I don’t remember ever being praised. I was told to quit practicing the piano—no, I was strictly advised against touching one. After that, I was told to play the violin in Corinna’s stead. To begin with, this teacher thought that I was a villainess…

Still, Avril wanted to meet her expectations.

Even if the teacher’s gaze hid some thorns, Avril was still happy. For Avril, who was never trusted with anything before, those expectations were both irresistible and dazzling.

So, after she thought it through, Avril mentioned a special skill.

“Uhm… Transcription?”

“Transcription?”

By that, she was referring to the transcription of music onto sheet music. Not long ago, a salon concert hosted by Marquis Brandner was held at a certain old castle. There, Avril met a boy named Samuel and assisted him with her handwritten sheet music.

After that, Lord Dylan’s business went well! Isn’t it an admirable skill for a villain!?

“Yes, I can assist others by transcribing a performance into a music sheet.”

“…By any chance, did you attend the salon concert the other day? Uh, the one held at the old castle.”

…The teacher’s language was gradually becoming more polite.

“? That’s right. Come to think of it, it wasn’t transcription, but I helped with the performance.”

“…I’ve heard of that. Apparently, a certain young lady taught Samuel, the child prodigy, at the last salon concert. Her name wasn’t made public—but could it be…!?”

The teacher’s eyes went wide as shock consumed her.

While Avril didn’t remember teaching Samuel, it seemed that the lady was indeed her.

—Oh no! …But wait, I no longer have to maintain my villainess façade.

Then, Grace, who’d been quietly watching the conversation, interrupted while offering the teacher a glass of cold juice.

“Pardon my rudeness, but Lady Avril is acquainted with the Duchess of Brandner—the one who hosted the salon concert in question, as well as Lady Alexandra Lindbergh.”

“—! That talented woman!? The flawless lady who seldom made friends with anyone from her generation!?”

Well, certainly, we’re friends.

Avril, who merely wanted to live up to the teacher’s expectations, had inadvertently misled her. She only smiled, and in turn, the pale teacher was at a loss for words.

Meanwhile, a calm voice resounded in the stilted dance room.

“—Is everything alright?”

Dylan, who seemed to have returned home, was leaning against the entrance. He stared at Avril; a wry smile across on his lips.

***T/N: Everything is, in fact, not alright.