Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The sun bride dance
His courage was small, trembling, but real.
And Meical felt it.
The realization came quietly, not suddenly or shockingly but like something that had been growing slowly, waiting to be acknowledged.
There it was.
The truth he had been avoiding, denying, handling carefully like something fragile.
This man—this stubborn, sharp, wounded, beautiful man—had captured him.
Not through force, or demand, or effort.
But simply by being himself.
Min-jae, in all his broken pieces, had become something Meical wished to protect.
In his mind, the words formed with a softness that surprised even him.
No matter how I look away...
my heart finds him again.
Meical’s voice softened as he guided them back into motion, their steps slow, close, and natural now.
Serin and other maids watched in awe, they couldn’t deny, the master and his partner looked good together.
"It was liked they were made for each other. Is it normal? Now I want to get married." Serin sighed, she knew it hasn’t long since the madam arrived. But she could feel that their dynamics had changed.
"Now, now ladies. We shouldn’t dawdle around. We should all head to the kitchen to help dinner.." Narelle said, making the younger maids sigh.
"Can’t we stay and watch for a bit?" Maria, the youngest out of the maids asked. The music felt nice, she also wanted to dance even if she didn’t know how to waltz.
-_-
Narelle sighed, servents shouldn’t watch their masters so casually, it wasn’t their place.
"Maria, we shouldn’t...you know—"
"Now, now Narelle. Let her watch if she wants to. Odysseus will keep playing so feel free to dance."
-_-
"M-m-master, servants are not supposed to dance along side their masters! It’s unacceptable.."
Min-jae lips twitched, weren’t they just dancing? He wasn’t that big of a deal.
"No, you all should have your fun. I’m already tired of dancing, the space is all yours now.."
Dancing was nice, but now his ribs hurt and he wanted to lie down.
"Madame..." Narelle protested, where was it done that servents danced in their master’s house? They might even get punished for that.
"Auntie. Please don’t trouble yourself. Meical has already agreed for you to dance. So you should dance, Odysseus will keep playing till you’ve had your fill." Min-jae finally said, it was just dancing, he didn’t see the reason why she was protesting so much.
But the older maid had her reasons, not every master was as lenient as Meical, she wanted the girls to not get indulged, so they could cope in situations that were less friendly.
"Thank you, Madame.." Nerelle sighed with a bow, she guessed today was the girls lucky day.
Serin, Maria and the others who had joined them. All bowed as well, thanking him.
"Ah! I know the perfect song we should dance to.." Maria perked up as she walked over to Odysseus side, whispering something into his ears.
Odysseus nodded at Maria’s whisper, his hands shifting on the keys. The melody changed, lighter and livelier now, a tune meant to draw people into motion rather than admiration.
[Song played: Kingdom Dance]
The younger maids recognized it immediately, their eyes brightening as they hurried into an open circle in the center of the room.
Min-jae stepped aside with Meical, allowing the space to clear. His breath was still light from dancing, but his curiosity was stronger. "What are they doing?" he asked quietly.
Meical stood beside him, hands resting loosely behind his back as he watched the room transform. "It’s a village dance.." he answered softly. "A tradition from the countryside, passed down from mother to daughter. They perform it during summer festivals and harvest seasons."
As Min-jae watched, the maids linked hands, stepping in rhythm, their skirts swaying as they spun in a light circle.
Laughter came easily from them, rhythmic clapping joining the music.
One would step into the center, turn once with lifted arms, and return to the ring, another taking her place.
It was simple, yet full of life, with warm, familiar humming that turned to laughter when someone missed a step.
"It’s called the Sun Bride’s Dance.." Meical continued. "A blessing for good health and a prosperous year. Every village has its own version."
Min-jae nodded slowly, feeling a sense of wonder.
This wasn’t in the novel. None of this was.
The world felt more alive than what he remembered reading. Serin caught his eye and waved him over, her smile bright.
"Madame! Come dance with us!"
Min-jae blinked. "Me?"
Maria giggled. "Yes, you! You said to enjoy ourselves, didn’t you? So join us.." The circle opened slightly, inviting him to join.
Min-jae hesitated, looking up at Meical. Meical smiled warmly, though the dance was often done by women. There was no issue if Kaizar decided to join. "If you’d like, go."
There was no pressure in his voice. Just permission. Min-jae stepped forward, not entirely confident, but willing.
Maria took his hands, Serin held the other, and they guided him into the circle.
The rhythm was new to him, but the steps were easier than the waltz—left, right, turn, clap.
The laughter around him made it impossible to feel self-conscious for long. His movements loosened.
His smile came without thinking. And Meical watched him.
Not as his husband.
Not as a teacher.
But simply as a man seeing someone he liked, basking in the warmth of the moment.
Odysseus played on, his gaze flicking once to Meical before returning to the keys, because he understood. In that moment, Kaizar wasn’t someone carrying scars. He was just a young man in the center of light.
When the circle changed shape, Min-jae stumbled once, and the maids laughed—not mockingly, but joyfully, pulling him right back in.
His cheeks flushed, his breath quickened, but his eyes were bright.
Meical felt his chest tighten. It was surprising how easily Kaizar belonged.
How naturally he filled the room just by existing.
Min-jae glanced at him across the circle, just for a second. And Meical’s expression softened.
My heart feels all itchy, seeing him smile So brightly. He thought to himself.
He’s just like a young boy who hasn’t seen much of the world.