Being beautiful without makeup is the most important, and being cute without dressing up is precious. ...
This kind of value exists among boys who are naive, pure, and also a bit foolish.
That may indeed be true. Not having to dress up or wear makeup to be beautiful, pretty, and attractive.
For those who can do that, said value is perfect.
....And for those who can't, it is just bullshit! Unfortunately for them, boys hold this value in their hearts as strongly as they hold their faith.
And this school of thought is stronger among children of nobles, who are usually surrounded by well-dressed women, than among commoners who can't afford spending on fashion.
Abel Remno was also a person influenced by such values.
(Was that truly real?)
Abel was anxious as he waited for Mia.
The events of that day didn't feel real. So much so, he started thinking it was all a dream.
He never imagined he would become the dance partner of the Tearmoon Empire's princess .... That was unthinkable, simply unbelievable.
So, when Mia arrived, as pretty as if she had come out of a dream, that made his doubts even stronger.
(So.., so beautiful...)
Under the faint light of the venue, Mia looked as beautiful as a moon goddess.
That was just the effect of poor lighting though.1
(Will I really dance with her? Wasn't it just a dream?)
Just as he was thinking like that, Mia, who had caught everyone's attention, walked up to him.
[I'm sorry, Prince Abel.]
When she suddenly apologized, he couldn't help but think she was going to turn him down.
(Well, that just makes sense. Prince Sion is the only one who can measure up to her.)
On one hand, he was disappointed, but on the other hand, he was also slightly relieved and ended up speaking in a soft tone.
[It is fine. You are so pretty that it doesn't really matter.]
You are wasted on me. Please go to Prince Sion. Was what he was trying to imply. But Mia put her hand on her small chest and let out a sigh of relief.
[Thank you, Prince Abel. You are very kind.]
And then, seemly without reason, with both of her small hands, she grabbed Abel's right hand.
She wasn't able to dress up as she had planned. Even so, Abel smiled kindly. Furthermore, he was considerate enough to call her beautiful.
(Prince Abel is truly a gentleman. I can't believe he didn't say anything about the dress.)
(But I can't keep taking advantage of his kindness forever. I have to make up for it, no matter what.....)
Since her childhodd, Mia has been educated as an imperial princess. However, in reality, her results weren't very good.
Since her transmigration, she worked hard in her own way, but even so, she was slightly above average, at best.
However, Mia had one special skill that no one could match.
And that was dancing.
Mia's dancing abilities are unquestionably second to none.
And it wasn't a self-reliant skill such as herself being able to dance beautifully. She could grasp the ability level of her partner and adjust her tempo and movements to that level, making the dance confortable and enjoyable.
Although it is a skill Mia is very proud of, in the previous timeline, she never had the chance to show it off.
Back then, she refused all invitations to dance at the welcome dance party for new students during her first year, after all. In a situation like that, isn't it natural for people to think she doesn't like dancing?
Mia was never invited to dance after that, not even once. And she had been feeling very lonely, since.
(Now it's time to show off my abilities!)
Mia pulled Abel's hand gently, and smiled.
[Let's dance, Prince Abel.]
[Woh, Whoa!]
Abel was confused at first, but soon began to perform the dance's steps.
(Hum, not bad. His body is well built.)
Mia looked at Abel trying hard to dance correctly in front of her and nodded in satisfaction.
His steps seem awkward, but that is not because he is not used to dancing, but rather because he is trying too hard not to step on Mia's feet.
(It is good etiquette to avoid stepping on a lady's feet, isn't it? It's much better than being so focused on dancing well that you disregard your partner. However, if the partner is me, it is a pointless worry...)
After all, Mia can't be stepped on.
Mia's dance skills weren't at such basic level.
(Let's make this a good practice for him!)
Thinking that, Mia steps up the dance just a little. It's not hard for Abel to follow, but it is hard to keep up with her. It is the type of dance that improves ones skill after it is finished.
Translator's Notes:
1. The narrator uses the word 夜目遠目, which literally means "a woman who looks more beautiful than it is, because it is night". I couldn't think of a word with a similar meaning, so I improvised a little.