(T/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS! I know. I’m super fucking late with the chapter~! Life has literally been stressing me out from studying like crazy to final exams, then there’s all the therapy I have been going through, and now I am trying to find a job and figure out a way to avoid homelessness. So it’s been quite a ride these past 2 months.

To be honest, I probably won’t be able to continue translating this even though I really want to. After I finish chapter 36 [I am almost done with it] I will be begging someone to take over for me. Thanks for reading the translations and I really hope someone picks up this amazing novel!)

My birthday was coming up next week, but my relationship with Leo-sama was still awkward. After becoming aware of my feelings, when I looked at him, I became frustrated at myself for behaving so suspiciously. It was becoming more difficult to pretend to be cool.

My only moments of peace was when I was drinking tea with Elias.

"Shane-sama, have you decided on what dress you will be wearing for the party next week?"

"Ah, I was thinking of wearing the light purple dress that His Majesty gave me the other day. Is that weird?"

"No, because I am sure His Majesty will be pleased, right?"

I'm relieved he agrees with me. When I was in Japan, I heard that men would give women clothes because they wanted to take them off; remembering such a thing made me feel a bit embarrassed. By no means did I desire to ever do such a thing…

It was my first birthday ever since I came to Caspar, so it was decided that it would be a big birthday party. Urie will also be attending because it overlaps with the delivery of the magic potion.

Naturally, there would be opportunities to dance at the party. I think I will practice a little more so that I, at least, won't step on Leo-sama's foot. It was no surprise that my actions were because of him.

*****

And just like that, the day of the party arrived. When evening came, people began to flood the large dance floor of the royal castle one after the other.

I waited behind the door before entering together with Leo-sama. It's a been a long time since it's been just the two of us, so I felt a little tense.

"The dress suits you well."

"Thank you, I am happy to be able to attend such a large party in this lovely dress."

I was happy that I was praised, and happy that I could talk.* I looked down so he couldn't see my red face. It seems it's very difficult to suppress my feelings.

*****

When the two of us entered the dance floor, many participants welcomed us with an applause. After my greeting, as the result of Leo-sama's toast, the music played by the orchestra began echoing throughout the dance hall.

I greeted many people as the leading actor, and when I started to feel a bit tired, it was finally time to dance. I felt relieved that I was able to move my body.

Of course, Leo-sama was the first dance partner. Naturally, his arm was around my waist, and I unconsciously looked up and was fascinated by his beautiful eyes.

"It's tiring to be in the same position for a long time. Are you alright?"

"Yes. It's been a long time since I have danced, so I am feeling a bit nervous." I whisper, as we walked to the center of the dance floor.

The other participants naturally moved out of the way, and seemed to watched us. When we started to dance, I felt a bit embarrassed, but with Leo-sama's smooth lead, time passed by in a blink of an eye. When the song ended, everyone around us clapped.

After that, Leo-sama was naturally surrounded by other woman because it was hospitality of the host to dance with them.

On one hand, it's not that I didn't have to dance, but it seemed there was nobody with a high enough status or was confident enough to invite the wife of the Emperor, me, to a dance, in front of His Majesty, so I became a wallflower.**

However, Urie was the one to call out to me. "Princess, if you don't mind, would you like to dance?"

"Yes, with pleasure."

I missed that voice that joked around a little. He graciously grabbed my hand, and lend me to the edge of the dance floor. Urie took into consideration to not stand out too much.

Since Urie was the one who taught me how to dance, our breathing was perfectly matched.

When we finished dancing, the alcohol I was drinking caught up to me, making me stagger a bit.

"You should take a breather outside. Let's go to the terrace."

Urie, who was worried, came out with me.

"Sorry Urie, and thank you."

"It's okay, I also had something I wanted to talk about." Urie said this a little embarrassed. And when he confirmed that there was no one around, he leaned closer to whisper into my ear.

"I wanted to tell you that I decided to marry the lover I was talking about before. Actually, I wanted Haruto to attend the wedding as well, but I know that is impossible, so I wanted to tell you at least. But I will still send you an invitation."

"Congrats! That's really great!"

I unconsciously took Urie's hand and congratulated him on the unexpected news.

"Oh, thank you!"

Urie's eyes looked delighted as he moved his head to look at me.***

"Can you let go of my wife?"

Footnotes/ Please Help Me:

* – 褒められて嬉しい、話が出来て嬉しい。

** – 一方の俺も、踊ってはいけない訳では無いのだが、皇帝陛下の正妃である俺を正面からダンスに誘える程の身分や自信がある人はそうそう居ないようで、壁の花状態となっていた。

*** – そう嬉しそうにはにかむユーリの視線が、俺の斜め上へと移動し、そして見開かれた。

(T/N: I will try to get the next chapter out tomorrow or Thursday. If you see any mistakes, just tell me and I will fix them. Thanks for reading and thanks for being patient with me!)

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