PNB 061. Ballroom dancing
061. Ballroom dancing
The two mingled on the edge of the crowd, waiting in the main hall for the host of the masquerade ball to give the opening remarks.
Xinlai took a small sip of red wine and nodded.
"To be fair, the wine your family makes is indeed quite good."
Eve sat at the table, taking small bites of the pine nut white shortbread chocolate cake specially served at the ball, and added with a touch of pride:
"That's for sure. The winemaking history of Guna is long and rich, and our Tanstin family is the first to inherit the winemaking techniques. Looking across the country, the best grapes and red wines can only be found in Guna."
Seeing that Eve could talk endlessly about her family, as if she wanted to keep him talking from dawn till dusk, Xinlai knew how deep her longing for this land was.
"yes……"
"When I leave, I'll buy two buckets to take back with me. If you miss home, have a drink."
Eve's cheeks puffed out slightly, and her eyes flickered uncertainly.
It's clear that what she really likes isn't blueberry chocolate pudding or pine nut white shortbread, but rather the dessert itself.
"I'm not drinking that stuff...it hurts my throat."
……
The two chatted casually, and before they knew it, twenty minutes had passed.
Skechers, the organizer of the masquerade ball, finally arrived at the high platform above the reindeer head in a handsome and energetic suit, and waved to signal everyone to pay attention.
Xinlai looked up.
Skechers stood in front, followed by a man who was dignified, solemn, and unsmiling—it was Skechers' father, Kirkbock.
He leaned on an extremely expensive mahogany cane with gold trim, his hands clasped in front of him, supporting his son.
"Distinguished guests... welcome to my masquerade ball."
Skechers smiled and waved to the crowd, who looked up and applauded enthusiastically, creating a lively atmosphere.
"Although it is regrettable that the head of the Tanstin family was exposed for privately cultivating witches some time ago and has now been brought to the royal city, and those involved have been beheaded or killed, this will not affect those of you who have cooperated with the Tanstin family in the slightest."
Skechers said, turning proudly to look at his father, taking a step back and giving the head seat to Kobock.
"My father will continue to cooperate with you all in the future, and will ensure that the Fesalie clan remains a pillar of our Tanstin!"
As Skechers' voice grew louder, the audience applauded excitedly.
This means that the Tansting family has not fallen; it still stands on the map of Asgard, controlling everything.
Similarly, this also proclaims to everyone that Tansten's direct line is a thing of the past.
Next, the Tanstin family and the lord of Guna City, whose surname was Fesalie.
Eve sat at the table, her beautiful eyes blazing with anger, and the smile that had been on her face while she was talking to Xinlai froze.
The fact that someone has already organized this masquerade ball with such sharp implications while the Marquis of Tansteen is still alive speaks volumes about their purpose.
This was an attempt to consolidate all of the Tanstin family's assets into the Fesalie clan, thereby solidifying the Fesalie clan's position within the Tanstin family.
This undoubtedly touches on what Eve hates most.
Xinlai noticed that Eve was in a bad mood, so she slowly leaned over and gently patted her shoulder.
"It's alright, they won't be smug for long."
"..."
Eve didn't answer, but clenched her fists, secretly fuming.
Seeing this, Xinlai could no longer persuade her and could only stay by her side, quietly waiting for the ball to reach its climax.
Because only then is the dance party at its most chaotic, and it's also the perfect opportunity for them to slip away to the lakeside amidst the chaos.
Suddenly, a melodious piano piece filled the room.
Xinlai found the song familiar; it seemed to be the one Sylvie played with tears in her eyes when they were playing duo queue that day.
So this is the piece that Skechers and Sylvie co-wrote...
The men and women on the floor stood up and went to the center of the hall, where they paired up and began to dance to the melodious yet slightly melancholic piano music.
It seems the person playing the music right now is Skechers...
Xinlai also stood up, straightened her clothes, and extended her hand to Eve.
"How about it, Miss Eve, would you like to dance with me?"
Eve glared at him, but looking around, she saw that all the couples had already started dancing, and those who weren't were looking for partners...
In order to avoid any complications and discourage any men who might try to flirt with her, she gladly accepted Xinlai's invitation.
She extended her slender, fair hand and placed it in Xinlai's palm. Xinlai gently pulled her up, and Eve rose to her feet, stepping into the dance floor in the center of the hall.
"Can you ballroom dance?"
"Of course I will, I'm not an ignorant fool." Eve raised an eyebrow and retorted dismissively.
"Then come on."
Xinlai gently put her left arm around Eve's back, while Eve's hand rested on Xinlai's waist. Her other hand interlocked her fingers and stretched outwards.
Eve's hands were soft and supple, her fingers intertwined, like holding a cool cake, making one reluctant to let go.
The two were very close. Eve tilted her head slightly, and Xinlai nodded gently. Their eyes met, and they moved in unison on the dance floor to the music.
Have you ever ballroom danced with anyone?
"Skip over the scarecrow."
"I'm a little envious of the scarecrow."
"..."
"loquacious."
Eve's cheeks gradually flushed, and feeling the man's faint scent and hormones, her head felt a little dizzy.
"And what about you? Who did you jump with?"
"Me?" Xin Lai smiled wickedly, leaning closer teasingly. "Let me count, there are so many..."
"Hmph, heartless man..."
"If I am a heartless man, then Galendr is a thousand times me."
"Who cares about you... Humph."
After hearing this, Eve glared at Xinlai with displeasure, then turned around and stomped on his foot hard.
"Aww—"
Despite wincing in pain, Xinlai still reached out and lifted Eve up, making her slowly spin around in place like a blooming black peony.
"Your high heels must hurt a lot."
"Then..."
"I'll add to your working hours."
"..."
After dancing two songs, Xinlai saw that everyone around her was gradually getting into the ballroom atmosphere, and felt that the time was right.
"Come on, how about we sit in the garden?"
He pretended to be serious and asked the question in front of several noblewomen who were gathered together discussing men.
Eve turned her flushed face away and nodded: "Let's go..."
The two were just like lovers in the throes of passion; once they made up their minds, they took hands and quickly left.
The noblewomen behind him exchanged glances, their eyes seeming to say:
"We all understand," she said, as if sighing, "Oh dear, it's so hard to guess. What could one possibly do in the garden at a time like this?"
This is exactly what Xinlai wanted.
The reason for leaving was very appropriate, and some witnesses were left behind in case any problems arose later, so that an explanation could be given.
Eve regained her aloofness, took Xinlai's hand, and the two walked towards the south gate of the castle.
On the way, Xinlai saw Dali again, who had caused trouble for Eve in the simulation, and her eyes held a subtle expression.
"What's wrong?"
Eve noticed Sinley paused, and asked him somewhat curiously.
"No..." Xinlai shook her head, not mentioning Dali's matter.
Dali's appearance made Sinley realize that Lorenz was very likely nearby.
Sinlai was unaware that Lorenz, as the witch's companion, was already wanted, so how did he manage to sneak into this masquerade ball?