IWSC CHAPTER 14,EPI 69

As I was painting and contemplating various thoughts amidst the gently flowing violin melody, I found that the artwork was nearing completion. Only the part where I’m leaning against the terrace remains to be colored.
“It’s almost done, Ares.”
At that moment, Ares paused his violin playing. With the cessation of the softly flowing melody, the room fell into a quiet stillness.
“Once you’re finished, it’ll be perfect.”
He smiled while looking at the incomplete painting. I handed him the brush and said,
“Ares, why don’t you try painting?”
“I’m not confident. It’s such a wonderful piece, and I might ruin it with my clumsy skills.”
“Still, it feels a bit awkward for me to paint my own likeness.”
As I hesitated, Ares gently smiled and extended his hand.
“Then let’s do it together.”
Ares placed his hand over mine holding the brush. Feeling the warmth of his body against my back, we completed the painting together.
“It’s done.”
As I smiled, Ares also gave a gentle smile and kissed the top of my head.
Although it was a simple painting of me looking out over the sunset sky and sea beyond the terrace, it was a unique and precious treasure created by both Ares and me.
“I’ll give it to you when the paint runs out.”
“Thank you.”
Soon, the sun had set. While we were having dinner together, Ares suddenly asked,
“When is the next ball?”
I tilted my head at his unexpected question.
“There might be balls hosted by various families, but there won’t be one hosted by the imperial family.”
“Anything is fine.”
“Why suddenly ask about a ball?”
Ares blushed slightly and answered hesitantly.
“Well, I was thinking about it while I was playing the violin earlier…”
“?”
“I’ve never danced with you at a ball.”
It then occurred to me that the only ball Ares and I had attended together was the imperial ball where we went to confront Princess Leia and Princess Ariel. Moreover, I ended up running out with Ares during the ball, so we never had our first dance together.
Well, considering Ares and I, we’d likely be among the first to receive invitations when a family hosts a ball. But thinking about waiting for an invitation made me wonder if I might die before it arrives.
Is there really a need to wait for an invitation to a ball?
“Heh, we could dance even without a ball.”
Besides, Ares seems strangely disinclined to my elaborate dressing up, so this might be better than a ball.
I turned to the waiting servant who was on standby for the meal and asked,
“How is your violin playing skill?”
The housekeeper, who was essentially the steward of the villa, initially looked a bit perplexed but soon returned to a polite smile.
“I’m not as skilled as Prince Stanley, but I’m capable enough not to be uncomfortable.”
“That should be more than enough.”
Looking at Ares, who was staring at me in amazement, I gave a cheerful smile.
“How about dancing while the steward plays? After all, this villa has a quite spacious ballroom.”
Upon hearing my suggestion, Ares’ eyes lit up with a warm smile. His face, clearly showing his delight, made me feel a surge of excitement about having our first dance together.
After enjoying dessert, the steward brought out the violin from the villa’s storage. Additionally, another servant kindly volunteered to play the piano accompaniment. With both the violin and piano ready, it was a setup that was perfect for a small dance.
In the center of the ballroom, which was just the right size for a small gathering, I stood facing Ares.
“Well then…”
I signaled the steward with a glance. He nodded and began to draw the bow gracefully across the strings.
The dance began with a gently flowing waltz. Ares wrapped his arms around my shoulders, and I lightly placed my hand on top of his. Our steps glided smoothly in rhythm, then paused as we resumed our movement.
I let Ares lead me, carefully avoiding stepping on his feet. Such missteps were errors only debutantes made in the social scene, and not something a seasoned dancer like me needed to worry about.
Ares suddenly spun, making a sharp turn. Though it was a bit abrupt, I followed without missing a beat. Ares’ lips curled into a playful smile.
Oh, how he sees me.
A waltz wasn’t enough to make me lose my breath. But then, the steward’s music shifted to a faster-paced gallop.
A gallop after a waltz! Still, Ares quickly adjusted, moving his hand from my shoulder to my waist.
“The change in tempo is quite fast, isn’t it?”
As I admired his skill, Ares looked down with a somewhat arrogant expression.
“To keep up with you, I need to have this level of skill, don’t I?”
I laughed and quickly adjusted my steps. Although the steps were only slightly faster, we soon laughed together while dancing energetically around the ballroom.
After dancing the gallop, we were both quite heated.
I was hoping for a slower piece to catch our breath, but instead, a tango started! Oh, how unexpected—I was caught off guard by the steward.
The tango was a passionate and sensual dance, rarely seen at the more formal imperial balls. But there was no need to be formal here. I decided to enjoy the situation.
In sync with the heated air of the ballroom, Ares firmly wrapped his arms around my back.
I pressed close to Ares. Even while performing the long, gliding steps, I never took my eyes off him.
Ares spun me around with a firm grip on my hand. I spun quickly in time with the rhythm, returning to my place and resuming the steps. He let out a small, admiring “wow.”
Then he attempted a slightly altered move. Instead of holding me face to face, he turned my back to him and pulled me into his embrace. His hands pressed heavily beneath my chest. The contact was so warm it felt like it was on fire.
Despite this, the steps continued as before. The altered position required adapting the steps, but a dancer like Bianca Uranos would never stumble. I succeeded in following Ares’ lead without a single mistake.
The music reached its climax. Ares and I stepped back a pace, still holding hands tightly, then quickly moved close again. As the music grandly concluded, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me in.
Trusting that he would support me, I arched my back fully and surrendered my body to him.
Even though the music had ended, I remained caught up in the lingering emotions of the tango, clinging to Ares and never tearing my gaze away from him.
Sweat beaded on my forehead, and my chest heaved as I took deep breaths.
Ares looked at me steadily and slowly straightened our posture. His golden-brown eyes, filled with a strange intensity, trembled as if reflecting the passionate dance we had just shared.
The steward and the accompanist applauded, expressing their admiration.
“This is the best dance I’ve ever seen! Truly, you two are the stars of the social scene!”
I gracefully thanked the two who had provided the music. I also expressed my sincere gratitude to Ares for being such a wonderful partner.
“Ares, that was incredible. I don’t remember the last time I had such a joyful dance.”
Ares’ face was flushed as well.
“I knew you were a great dancer, but you really live up to your reputation.”
He whispered, barely audible to me.
“…I never want anyone else to see me like this.”
Ah, that’s so unexpected. I must have turned even redder. Definitely…
After such an intense performance, I was drenched in sweat. Although my legs felt weak, I quickly headed back to my room, eager to soak in a warm bath.
The villa’s servant had filled the tub with red rose petals. The sweet scent of roses filled the bathroom.
“Ah… That was quite a workout…”
I sank into the tub, leaning against the wall. Even though I wasn’t wearing the heavy formal attire of the ball, it felt like I had exerted even more effort.
As I relaxed in the tub, I heard a light knock on the bathroom door.
Had someone brought the wine for me to drink before bed? They could just leave it and go.
“Just leave it there.”
I answered with my eyes closed.
“…You’re here.”
Startled, I opened my eyes wide.
Through the silently opened bathroom door, Ares, wearing a robe, was smiling broadly at me.
“Oops, you surprised me.”
“May I come in?”
Even though he was already halfway inside, he still asked for my permission. How considerate.
“Of course. Come here, Ares.”
Ares approached and carefully sat down next to the edge of the tub. With the rose petals floating on the water, I was somewhat relieved that my nakedness was not fully exposed.
“There’s wine. Would you like me to bring it?”
“Oh, that sounds good.”
I nodded in agreement to Ares’ offer. He soon returned to the bathroom with two glasses of red wine.
“Heh, it seems like you’ve been moving a lot after a long time.”
Oh, Miranda was so desperately needed. A good massage with some fragrant oil would easily ease these muscle knots.
…Should I ask for it?
“Ares.”
“Hmm?”
“Your skills were really good yesterday. I’d like to ask for a massage today as well. What do you think?”
“…I’d be happy to.”
I carefully lifted one leg out of the water.
Sitting on the edge of the tub, Ares wrapped my wet leg with both hands and pressed firmly. His strong fingertips gently worked out the knots.
“Ah…”
A satisfied sigh escaped me. Now that I think about it, the first night started like this too.
I watched my partner, who was focusing intently with his lips pressed tightly. This time, I wanted to ask for Ares first. It surprised me how bold I had become.
I reached out to him. A rose petal stuck to the back of my hand as I pulled it off.
“Ares.”
No need for long words. Ares took my hand, kissed it briefly, then stood up and began removing his clothes one by one. His alluring, seductive body slid into the tub, sitting opposite where the rose petals floated.
Red roses and Ares. Like a sleek, languid predator, the dangerous and captivating aura was not exclusively a woman’s trait.
Ares’ true nature. I had an inkling of it as his lover. The relentless persistence to get what he wanted, the ruthless willingness to use a gun if necessary, and the keen agility to seize the opportunity in one swift motion.
He wasn’t leading the vast Stanley Corporation for nothing. Under the gentle smile and soft manners he displayed in front of many, there was a hidden, meticulous instinct of a skilled predator.
The only time he showed any weakness was when he was with me.
“What are you thinking about?”
As I was lost in thought while facing him, Ares opened his eyes slightly and looked at me.
I smiled softly.
“I was thinking that if you set your mind to it, there wouldn’t be a woman you couldn’t conquer.”
“Huh?”
Ares looked at me with genuine surprise, then swam over and approached me.
“One is enough.”
I gently placed my hand on Ares’ chest. As he grasped my shoulders and pulled me into his embrace, I eagerly settled myself on his lap.