While she could simply say he was mistaking her for someone else, what if he had never seen Corinna without a mask?

He’d probably question her, which would lead to a commotion—and that was the last thing Avril wanted. After all, she didn’t want to obstruct Dylan’s duties.

Considering the negative terms they separated on, I should avoid riling further. Therefore, I can’t just ask him, ‘Who are you?’

Avril once again looked up at the man before her. His hair was wavy blond. Her head was about to spin. Avril softly tilted her head, flicking through the pages of the guestbook in the corner of her mind.

I wonder if anyone with his corresponding traits can be found among the guests of the Ashfield family…? I should also consider Corinna’s personality. She probably took notice of him because he has something to his name… A high-ranking aristocrat? Perhaps, one about to receive his family’s inheritance? If so—

—Based on age and family history, two young men came to mind. One was the second son of an upstart baron who worked as a merchant, while the other was the third son of a viscount with a long history.

I’ve heard rumors that the baron’s second son is busy working for a company in the royal capital. However, the possibility he might attend a masquerade ball isn’t completely zero. Although, I doubt he would have had much chance to visit the Allingham territory and get to know Corinna… On the other hand, I haven’t heard much about the third son of the viscount family. Or of any rumors that he’s a playboy, for that matter.

Of course, she knew that the knowledge from the aristocrat directory wasn’t perfect. In fact, Dylan wasn’t even listed in it.

Either way…

Avril made up her mind and called the man by the name of the viscount’s third son.

“Lord Wallace, there appears to be a misunderstanding of sorts.”

“—! You’ve never called me by my name before! After all, you told me not to give my real name, so I never did. How did you know? As I thought, you do care about me! I understand. Let’s forget the past and get married right away. Leave that uncouth gentleman from earlier.”

“!?!”

…Even though her guess was correct, calling him by his name was the wrong choice.

What am I supposed to do now?

Avril blinked as Chris suppressed his laugh behind her. Meanwhile, Wallace drew closer to her.

“Isn’t this Avril’s first time participating in a ball at the royal capital? Dancing here is a bit different from that of a country town. Why don’t I teach you?”

“Lord Wallace, could you please pull away some from my mistress? That isn’t an appropriate distance with which to converse with a lady.”

Chris quickly intervened and had an appropriate distance created. Nevertheless, Wallace refused to back down. He stood his ground and yelled at Chris.

“W-what did you say? This is a masquerade ball, so there’s no need to be so formal. Above all, she isn’t that type of person… Isn’t that right, Avril?”

…Corinna may have been like that, and considering the entire reason I’m here right now, assuming her attitude might be the correct choice.

Before Avril could respond, Wallace extended his hand towards her.

“Now, Avril. Let’s dance like we always did.”

“…!”

Soothing waltz music filled the venue. The men and women surrounding them were dancing intimately, engaged in a conversation.

For the past few weeks, Avril had been diligently taking dance lessons. She had learned to dance the waltz—which was often danced at balls—impeccably. As she had extra time, she also learned tango and the Viennese waltz.

Her teacher, who seemed to enjoy tutoring her, enthusiastically asked Avril to be her apprentice. But when Dylan said, ‘??? If that’s what Avril wants…’ with genuine wonder, Avril returned to her senses. She remembered the entire reason she had started those lessons.

I learned how to dance so I could participate in the masquerade ball and escort Lord Dylan.

She recalled the day when she first met her dance tutor. She was so excited that she injured her feet. As a result, Dylan carried her, his cheeks faintly dyed scarlet.

At that time, Lord Dylan asked me for my first dance, and I’ve been really looking forward to it…

Whether it was a masquerade ball or not, surely there’d be plenty of other opportunities to dance with Dylan in the future. Perhaps, they might even host a party themselves, one where their first dance would be with each other.

But I haven’t had my debut yet. Therefore, this’ll be my first ever dance in my lifetime.

Earlier, Dylan had to leave despite his reluctance. Perhaps, it wasn’t simply because he was worried about Avril.

…Perhaps, he wanted to fulfil their promised first dance.

It’s too late to regret, but… it’d be nice if I could avoid dancing with this person. Is there way? Maybe I’m just grasping at straws…

---

***T/N: Avril didn’t realize she has HOTS for Dylan!!! She’s dense even towards herself!!!

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