“…This is how I’m supposed to repay you? If anything, it feels as if you’re doing me a favor.”

“You’re being a great help. I was about to lose my credits for dance.”

Her days with dance class were always depressing for her.

But that day, Lithia took Geo’s hand and stood with the row of other students.

“I truly mean it. Usually, no one wants to be my partner…”

“Do they feel unworthy because of your beauty?”

“…Let’s leave it at that.”

At that point, she already knew arguing would beget more counterarguments, so she just nodded.

The other day, Geo was scolded for making the tree blossom in the courtyard. As for Lithia, her crime was not stopping him. When Geo promised to make up for it, Lithia requested him to be her partner in her next dance class.

Until the third year, the class was mainly taught by a teacher and focused on patterns and posture. However, starting from the fourth year, it became a practical class in which male and female students formed pairs. Due to lacking a partner, Lithia couldn’t attend the class properly.

Now with the presence of Geo, Lithia could finally save her grade from dropping.

“Geo, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, sorry. You’re so beautiful, I ended up admiring you.”

“T-thanks…”

…Or so she thought.

At that rate, instead of her grade, something else might end up dropping…

“Each time you twirl, your hair flutters, reminiscent of silken threads. How gorgeous.”

“…Thank you.”

While she could endure being ostracized for being ugly, receiving sincere praises—and not to mention, from such a close proximity—was another story. Moreover, she couldn’t even deny it!

“When I see it, I can’t help but wonder… Are they the wings of a swan? Or, perhaps, the wings of an angel? Lithia, which do you think is it?”

“…If those are the only options, I’ll go with swan, I guess.”

“No, actually, I think you’re an angel.”

…Is this even dance practice anymore?

If anything, it was as if she was undergoing spiritual training under a waterfall. If she didn’t keep her guard up, she’d be swept away by the waterfall of compliments.

“Your golden eyes are also mesmerizing. Being able to see them up close is my pleasure. Dancing is so much fun.”

“I, I’m happy you like them—the, the dance, I mean! The dance!”

Maybe, it’s the so-called ‘killer line.’

Her heart almost skipped a beat.

Not to mention, he did it while drawing her closer as according to the dance.

“Yes, I love it. I am having a lot of fun dancing with you, Lithia.”

“…I see.”

After reflexively dropping her gaze and answering, Lithia felt bad.

…Maybe, my reply was too curt?

“W-wait, uh, me too…”

There. Lithia was also having fun, after all. Agreeing to that extent wouldn’t hurt.

She almost couldn’t believe it was the same class she dreaded.

“…Hm? Apparently, a man who enjoys dancing with a decrepit old woman exists.”

“…!”

“Lithia, why did you suddenly tense up? Did you knock something over?”

The second after Lithia boldly made that statement, an icy voice froze her.

As the dance class was open to all grades, senior students with good grades could participate to tutor their juniors.

…And for some reason, the first prince—Andrew Lafizard, was present almost every time Lithia attended the class.

“Oh, my~ Boy, I question your tastes.”

“Wait, what if he just couldn’t find anyone?”

Adora Drese and Orienne Hitchcock, who also acted as tutors (although they only danced with Andrew), emerged from behind him.

“Golden-eyed Witch! Your avarice and obscenity knows no bounds! What kind of underhanded method did you use!? …Ha. Apparently, your ugliness isn’t only limited to your appearance.”

As usual, Andrew approached her with a demeaning smile, complete with the two ladies he was intimate with.

To say that she was frustrated at that prince was an understatement. After all, not only was he the first to point out that she was ugly, every time they met, without fail, he’d rub salt on her wounds.

“Hey, you over there.”

As he shifted his gaze to Geo, who was holding Lithia’s hand, Andrew made a show of shrugging his shoulders.

“My condolences. Knowing her forceful nature, you probably couldn’t say no to the old witch. Then, it can’t be helped. It’s my duty as royalty to protect my people. I’ll take your place. Now leave.”

As if being unable to find a partner and having to practice alone wasn’t enough, this prince would make fun of her with his lady friends.

As she had managed to find a partner, she thought they’d leave her alone, but she was sorely mistaken…

“Lithia? What’s the matter? Did I step wrong? I’m sorry, I must’ve been too fascinated and messed up…”

“Eh, wait, Geo…”

Geo was unfazed.

No, he didn’t even realize that Andrew was speaking to him.

“Hey, you! Did you hear me!? Let go of her hand!”

“Huh? Don’t wanna.”

After he shouted, Geo finally recognized Andrew’s existence.

“Where did you come from? I promised to be her partner today. Please don’t bother us?”

“I’m not. Like I said, I feel sorry for you. Now, you don’t have to deal with that ugly hag anymore. I’ll do it for you.”

“? Wrong person.”

“Geo!?”

…But Geo didn’t seem to be messing around. Despite only knowing each other for a short period of time, Lithia knew that he was being serious.

“You—! What are you talking about…! Of course I’m referring to you! Who else could it be!”

“You got the wrong guy. To be invited by the prettiest girl in school, I’m the luckiest man ever. As for this ‘ugly hag’, who’re you referring to…? Also, why are you feeling sorry for me…?”

“E-even in front of His Highness, you…!”

Even in front of the prince of the country, he wasn’t the slightest bit unnerved. Of course, Lithia had expected that. However, knowing and not feeling embarrassed about it were two different things.

“Pardon me, Your Highness, thank you for your concern. As you can see, this guy is a bit special. But as he doesn’t seem to be burdened with the role of my dance partner, please let this matter go…”

While the thought of having to apologize didn’t bode well with Lithia, it couldn’t be helped, as Geo didn’t seem to have any intention of relenting.

“…Hmph, is that so? I hope you don’t regret it.”

The prince must not have expected his offer would be brushed off. Emotionlessly, Andrew glared coldly at Geo.

“I feel nauseous. Today’s lesson ends here for me. I’m returning to the castle.”

“Eh? Your Highness, please wait! Dance with me!”

“No, with me!”

Then, the prince turned on his heels without even glancing to Adora or Orienne as they chased after him.

…A few minutes later.

“Oh, so that’s the prince with the loose screw!”

“Geo, you made another mistake! Hey, why don’t we start over? I’ll teach you!”

Only then did Geo realize.

To drown out his words, Lithia cried out with loudest voice she could.

I have a bad feeling…

After concluding the dance, some of the male students who were watching Lithia and Geo from afar said;

“…That commoner dared approach His Highness’ Fairy Princess.”

“Yeah, he’s done for.”

---

***T/N: Aiyo, that prince ain’t kidding around, he’s indeed trying to neg her.

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