“Keep your steps light, look into my eyes, and don’t let go of my hand… Right, just like that, one step at a time.”
Idledra possessed a level of patience that far exceeded that of ordinary people.
This was one of the reasons she had been able to find fleeting moments of pleasure during the bleak times when Hailey was not around.
Of course, now her whole heart and soul were dedicated to teaching the shy girl before her some basic dance steps.
When facing Hailey, she always had an infinite supply of tenderness and patience, even if the other girl was a bit reluctant.
“Why do I have to learn the Ladies’ Steps…? Our sizes are basically the same; I could easily take the lead as the gentleman.”
The basic steps of a Ballroom Dance were divided into those for the gentleman and those for the lady.
Normally, a taller man would accompany a petite lady, but in their case, their physical builds were similar enough that either role could be argued for.
Idledra seemed to consider this. After reflecting for a moment, she didn’t answer with words.
Instead, she naturally held Hailey’s hand as they transitioned to the next move, suddenly and gently tilting Hailey backward.
Just as Hailey was about to fall, Idledra’s right hand caught her around the waist.
She pulled her in, creating a curious pose where Hailey was slumped into her embrace.
The two of them stood there, locked eye-to-eye.
“If Hailey were the gentleman, would you be able to catch me so steadily? No matter where you might fall, I will always be there to catch you firmly.”
Idledra gave a slightly provocative smile. Then, her right hand pressed against the small of Hailey’s back, drawing the girl’s body closer to her own.
The tips of their noses brushed lightly before they both quickly turned their heads, moving like playful butterflies.
Idledra let go, gently bringing Hailey back to a standing position.
She then tucked her hands behind her back and waited with a smile for Hailey’s response.
Would she obediently continue as her partner for a dance, or would she challenge herself with something more difficult…?
‘Wait, could it be that Hailey wants to try hitting on other women…?’
A threatening glint instinctively flickered in Idledra’s eyes.
Hailey was momentarily dazed by the sudden change in expression.
Hailey thought about it. If she imagined Idledra falling weakly into her arms as she had just done, reaching out a finger to gently hook Idledra’s chin and seduce her…
‘Why on earth would I think of that?!’
When she was the one in Idledra’s arms, she felt weak and helpless.
Why was it that in her fantasies, even if the movements and positions were the same—even if the roles were identical—Idledra still felt completely different!
“What’s wrong, Hailey? Do you want me to be your dance partner that badly? Of course, I can take either the male or female role.”
Idledra’s seductive voice rang in her ear again.
At some point, she had leaned her weight against Hailey’s shoulder, lazily playing with the tip of Hailey’s reddening ear, pinching and poking at it…
“Fine, fine, whatever… I think this is fine as it is. Just keep practicing with me.”
Though Hailey found it difficult to say, she turned her face away and reached out her hand toward Idledra.
As if she had known this would happen, Idledra tenderly took Hailey’s hand.
“Very well. As long as Hailey likes it, I’m willing to practice for as long as you want…”
As she spoke, her body drew close to Hailey once more.
“Wait, this wasn’t part of the dance! She wasn’t teaching at all!”
“This is the teacher’s salary, an advance payment…”
In the courtyard, the grass was forced to bear the weight of two figures lying upon it once again.
Amidst the fragrance of flowers and the scent of a young girl’s hair, the two of them rolled onto the grass, playing and frolicking.
Idledra pinned Hailey down with a mixture of tenderness and dominance.
Today was the last day of their agreement. Idledra was unwilling to let go of this final opportunity to be alone with Hailey.
Even though she stayed by Hailey’s side every day and every minute, she refused to lose out on any time…
Soon, under Idledra’s murderous gaze, a very apologetic Hailey took a set of clothes from a Messenger.
Even though he was just here to deliver a package, the poor man was always so terrified. It was truly a pity…
There was no helping it.
When Miss Laura had sent the clothes, she had instructed the most reliable Messenger in the Residential District that the package had to be signed for by a Saintess with silver hair and purple eyes.
Thus, their Messenger could only endure Idledra’s lethal stare, trembling as he requested the Saintess to come downstairs in person.
In the end, Hailey had to force a reluctant Idledra to apologize to the man.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Victor. She’s just been a little too worried about my health lately. I’m very sorry for the fright she gave you.”
Victor Wick was the only Messenger and mailman in this part of the Residential District.
Because the Imperial Capital’s Post Office was responsible for the entire city, most of the staff looked down on a poor place like the Residential District.
As the sole Messenger here, Victor was trusted and liked by everyone—except for the fact that he was nearly scared off by Idledra’s glare every time he delivered a letter.
Otherwise, he quite enjoyed his job.
While Hailey apologized, she grumbled about Idledra in her head.
‘Even if I promised not to meet anyone else but her, she shouldn’t try to drive people away with such a terrifying look.’
‘Hmph, Hailey lied… she said she wouldn’t see anyone else. If they hadn’t come to disturb us, my intimate time with Hailey could have lasted a few minutes longer… They have no sense of timing.’
“Alright, that’s enough. Next time, you better apologize to Mr. Victor properly, or you won’t get any sweets for a week.”
Idledra followed weakly behind Hailey.
Just as they reached the bedroom, Hailey pushed her away firmly with both hands.
“I’m going to try on the clothes! Don’t follow me in at a time like this! You rascal…”
“But I was involved in the entire process of taking your measurements. It should definitely be me who helps you—don’t be so resistant, Hailey.”
After being pushed out of the bedroom again by a blushing Hailey and having the door slammed in her face, Idledra could only lean against the sofa in a daze.
“1 second, 2 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes… Being without Hailey was so boring.”
She really wanted to peek inside and see Hailey in her new clothes…
However, hindered by the threat of Hailey’s pouting expression, Idledra couldn’t bring herself to push open the wooden door, no matter how much she wanted to.
“Hey… Idledra, are you still out there?”
Just as she was feeling gloomy, Hailey’s distressed and hesitant voice drifted out from the bedroom.
Clearly, she had encountered a problem she couldn’t solve alone, yet she was too embarrassed to call Idledra in.
“But for Idledra, this was a godsend! Thank the Goddess!”
“Stop, stop talking! Just come in already… Hurry!”
When Idledra cautiously pushed the door open, she saw Hailey standing there in her new clothes.
The girl looked at her with a bashful, stuttering expression.
“H-How is it? If you dare say I don’t look good, I’ll punch your head in…”