“Oh no, I stepped on your foot. Thank you, Your Grace.”

“You’re welcome. I’m relieved that Your Highness isn’t hurt.”

Now that the business was finished, I thought Sikar would let go of the Queen’s hand. However, Sikar was requesting a dance from the Queen.

“Your Highness, would you dance with me?”

And the Queen did not refuse.

“Dancing with Duke Blake is an honor. Shall we dance?”

Although I knew that he requested a dance to scrutinize the Queen’s memories more closely, somehow it felt uncomfortable.

So, I forgot the words I heard in the morning.

‘The side effects of this medicine are the same. So, avoid things like champagne and wine.’

But I forgot those words and intercepted the wine being carried away by a passing servant, gulping it down.

After having a few more glasses, Vika approached and snatched the wine glass from my hand.

“It’s better to stop drinking, madam.”

“Oh, Vika… I was just thirsty…”

After gulping down the wine Vika snatched from me, she spoke.

“While the Duke is dancing with the Queen, you might get thirsty. I’m not feeling great either.”

“Why, Vika…?”

Could Vika also be jealous?

Seeing my expression, Vika seemed to sense my suspicion but shook her head as if to deny it.

“What are you imagining? I just said I find it unpleasant that the Duke is dancing with such a cunning Queen. After all, the Queen is our enemy.”

“Oh, I see.”

“The Duke is nothing more than a benefactor and an enemy to me. Once this alliance is broken, I’ll kill the Duke first. So, don’t misunderstand unnecessarily.”

How could she say so bluntly that she would kill the Duke in front of me?

In my usual state, I would have just laughed it off, but in my current state, having properly taken the medicine after drinking wine, I was affected.

“Vika, isn’t your words too harsh? The alliance is a mutual agreement where the Duke saved your life. Isn’t it unfair to blame only the Duke?”

“…What?”

“Even if it weren’t Sikar, someone else would have saved you. Isn’t it too harsh to blame only the Duke, considering that?!”

I didn’t raise my voice, but I was speaking distinctly, glaring at her.

While most people might have been shocked, Vika just stared at me without any visible reaction.

“Are you accusing me of drinking recklessly? Just a few glasses of wine?”

“I believe my words are correct. Vika.”

“Not wrong.”

The one who spoke next was Sikar. Sikar walked over with an expressionless face and stood beside me.

“You seem to be on a drinking spree. Just a few glasses of wine?”

“I drank because I was thirsty.”

Vika looked at us and then shook her head, muttering.

“Fine. Duke, now that the lady is listening to your side, speak.”

She then left the place, looking annoyed. Sikar seemed to be in a good mood and smirked.

“Did Vika hate me being cursed so much?”

“Not really. I just said what I thought was correct.”
“I shouldn’t have drunk, but the behavior of not tolerating insults to her own husband is quite commendable.”

“I didn’t say that to receive praise from you.”

“Seems like you’re quite upset.”

“Why would I be upset? I’m not upset at all.”

Sikar took my hand and walked towards the place where the stage was.

“What are you doing?”

“We should dance too.”

“I don’t really want to dance.”

“Hersia is calling us, you know?”

Looking towards the stage, Hersia, dancing with Aaron, was visible. Hersia shook her hand, gesturing for us to join.

“Turning away when a friend calls you is not the courtesy you speak of. Let’s go.”

Before I could respond, Sikar grabbed my waist and started dancing.

Whether it was because we were used to dancing together or because we hadn’t danced together in a long time, it didn’t feel awkward at all.

While dancing, the most important thing was to keep our eyes locked. At first, maintaining eye contact with Sikar was frightening, then it became awkward.

But now, due to the effects of the medicine, I felt completely at ease, while Sikar seemed to find me more intriguing than usual.

“It seems like you’re properly affected by the medicine. Your pupils are dilated.”

“I’m just sleepy, that’s all.”

“For someone sleepy, your arm strength and leg strength are quite good.”

“You have strong legs.”

Sikar smirked and tightened his grip on my waist.

“It seems like you’re in a bad mood.”

“I just look that way because I’m sleepy.”

“Is that so? If it’s not because I’m dancing with the Queen, can I not worry about it?”
“Sure. You don’t have to. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Just because you’re fine doesn’t mean anything. I’m talking about a letter. I wanted to write, but the situation just didn’t permit it.”

Suddenly talking about letters, I felt a bit bewildered.

“Why are you suddenly talking about letters?”

“I thought you were eagerly waiting for my letters.”

“I wasn’t waiting for any letters…”

“Then, were you waiting for me?”

“It’s not that either…”

“Anyway, I knew I would come back alive, so you wouldn’t be curious about my life and death. It seems you were more interested in my news. From now on, let’s keep in touch wherever I go.”