“I can’t help but wonder why a renowned villainess like yourself would settle for anyone. Besides, the atmosphere of this place doesn’t suit you.”

“…”

Avril reluctantly took Wallace’s hand, before curtseying politely to the surprise of the latter.

“…No way. It’s as if you’re a proper lady accustomed to this sort of decorum.”

“Eh?”

“No, even your atmosphere is different from usual. Are you showing a different side of yourself because we’re in the royal capital? As expected of the cunning Avril. You always drive me insane.”

Wallace grinned, before bringing his lips closer to her hand. An indescribable sensation crept down her spine.

But suddenly, Wallace disappeared from her sight.

…Huh!?

Before she knew it, Chris had stepped in front of her and stuck out his own hand. Thus, Wallace ended up kissing Chris’ hand instead.

A masked man was kissing another masked man’s hand… Such a unique situation might cater to some people. In fact, she could hear a strange squeal from the end of the hall. But of course, Wallace didn’t appreciate that.

“What are you doing!?”

“There’s an insect, so I stepped forward.”

“An insect!? Where is it!?”

“I see that you hold yourself in quite a high regard. Well, I very much expected this.”

Smiling, Chris spoke to Wallace. Despite wearing a mask, the latter’s face was noticeably red. Wallace must’ve been quite angry.

“—!? Who are you to speak to me like that!? Know your place, you lowly servant!”

“I’ve been ordered by my lord to keep insects away.”

“What did you say!?”

This is not good…! I can’t afford to cause commotion, but at this rate, it’ll surely become one!

Although she was grateful for Chris’ assistance, she’d only hinder Dylan causing a commotion. Avril struggled to find the right words to direct Wallace’s anger towards herself.

In preparation for today, I’ve memorized phrases suitable for a masquerade ball! I wonder which would be the most suitable… Uhm, that’s right—!

“—Actually, Lord Wallace, I should be saying that to you. You want to dance with me? Know your place. Why don’t you dance with this gentleman first?”

There was a resounding silence, one where only Chris’ murmur could be heard.

“Is this from the reference books at the library?”

“Hm?”

“No, never mind. Anyway, it seems that we have no choice. Let’s dance, Lord Wallace.”

Chris nonchalantly turned to Wallace, before courteously extending his hand.

By the way, the two men were dazzling and picture-perfect. Under normal circumstances, Avril would have fawned over them—but now’s not the time. Panicking, Wallace soon regained his senses and backed away.

“A-a pair of men dancing…? This has to be a joke!”

“No, I’m serious. It’s an order from my mistress.”

“What!?”

“It’ll be fine. I fill the role of the female counterpart just fine.”

When the two of them somehow were about to begin dancing, Wallace snapped out of it and waved his hand.

“…Don’t be silly! Still, in the time we haven’t seen each other, Avril has become an even more ideal woman. Alright, I’ll postpone the dance invitation. Let’s dance when there’s no interference.”

Sweating, Wallace stared daggers at Chris, snorting, before disappearing into the crowd.

For now, I was able to get through without dancing or any trouble. What a relief.

When she breathed a sigh of relief, Chris spoke with a concerned look.

“Lady Avril, be careful of that man.”

“I agree. Corinna must’ve hurt him badly.”

“I agree. I think the whole, ‘wanting to get back together’ is just a pretense. In truth, he holds a grudge against ‘Avril.’”

Avril was convinced of that.

Imagining how Corinna had mistreated him, Avril sighed in sympathy for Wallace.

“When I think about what Corinna did, I feel like it can’t be helped that he holds a grudge. Just now, he seemed to be asking me to dance because he thought I was ill mannered.”

“That’s correct. Even though tonight’s party is a masquerade ball, it’s not just a pastime fun. It’s a bit more formal, so I guess he wanted to embarrass you.”

In response to Chris’ words, Avril renewed her determination to not obstruct Dylan.

I have to do my best so as to not cause trouble for Lord Dylan…!

“By the way, I was surprised when Chris invited Lord Wallace to a dance. In a good way, of course.”

“No, I was just scaring away an insect.”

From Chris’ smile, she could see the man’s concerns towards Dylan. Avril felt relieved once again.

…I’m glad I didn’t have to dance with him.

For her first dance, she wanted it to be with Dylan. Somehow, she had a feeling that the reason for that wasn’t simply because of their promise.

---

***T/N: So Chris is admitting being an uke? But that’s what a seme usually says right?

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