Chapter 223: Dance

Giliath demands your power stones! Let's try to get over 500!

*

"Feeling nervous?", A sound of a soft voice spoke out. A violet haired boy with a piercing glare laid bare of a beautiful golden-blonde haired girl who could now be seen standing right in front of him, squared away on a rather opaque and stylish marbled floor with tinted lighting. An azure-like glow bounced off the entire area as a constant, low humming sound of running water struck against the eardrums.

After taking in a good look, the violet haired boy saw the golden-blonde haired girl was now in a fiery crimson dress with orange and white frills around the hems. Her shoulders were bare, and her long hair flew downward. Surprisingly her two small hands could now be seen stretched outward, only to clasp onto the hands of the violet haired boy, who was dressed in a vermillion tuxedo and black dress pants, making himself appear rather dashing.

It was the violet haired boy who asked that of the golden blonde-haired girl. She simply smiled and let out a giggle.

"Teehee, perhaps slightly. My heart was especially aflutter after such a bold statement was declared moments ago. All of the nobles present here tonight are even more eager now to see the two of us dance. The Chancellor is long used to making such appearances in public, so it is of no surprise, but if we take one wrong step, you might be seen unfavorably tonight, Big Brother.", The golden-haired girl responded as she giggled. Yet her hands, who were currently holding onto the boy's in a particular pose, remained calm. The boy felt neither sweat nor nervousness from the girl before him.

Hearing the girl answer like that, the boy smiled at her. Of course the girl was none other than the first and only princess of the Erebonian Empire, Princess Alfin, and the boy was of course me, the now pronounced fiancee of the princess. It seemed that father took the time at the beginning of the event tonight to declare our engagement to the public. I could see that there were several reporters sectioned off to the side, who were constantly taking flashes of their orbal cameras. It mostly captured us in front but our group in the back probably received a few photos too.

I did spot a couple of familiar faces with the present news agencies. Two being Nial and Dorothy, with a third being Grace from the CNS. It was mostly reporters from Liberl and Crossbell, but no doubt that tonight will reach across western Zemuria, perhaps even going into the eastern lands.

Being shown to the public in this manner did cause me a bit of worry considering those like Sherryl did not make a return to the public yet. As for Renne, especially after receiving [Renne's Blessing], I am sure she sees me as family now instead of the family she used to be a part of. If after tonight the Hayworth's come to make a connection with Renne, or Sherryl's family to Sherryl, I will probably have to address the matter with the two.

Apart from that though, Sherryl is still feigning ignorance that she doesn't know me presently, but secretly requested a bit of time for the two to meet up afterward, later tonight. She wasn't the only one though. After riling up the nobles through his overbearing speech like he usually does, father sent me an invitation to converse later as well, but it wasn't just sent to me. He then excused himself from the Emperor's presence, likely proceeding to his private room.

The Chancellor's invitation was sent to both Princess Alfin and I. She was a bit surprised to receive the invitation too. I can sort of guess what father's matter is related too as it would affect Valflame Palace as a whole, or at least as a chance to. I've decided to conduct the Vermillion Trials in two months' time, after my time spent at the Vander Dojo comes to a close. It would be best to bring it up with the royal family who resides in Valflame Palace presently, and the princess was of course, a part of that.

Sadly these conversations won't be held until later, long after the dance ends.

For now, I only felt the warmth of Princess Alfin's hands as her hands rested against mine. We both currently held a pose in a wide-open area of the first main platform that was within reach of His Majesty. It could also be seen empty apart from us two, giving us all the space that we needed. All of the other nobles quickly made their way to the sides, as they weren't dumb enough to go against the Emperor. If they were to interrupt the Crown Princess's dance, that would be equivalent to slapping the Emperor's face.

And speaking of the nobles who were present here. They were mostly dominant figures of the Empire who had well off connections with the Great Houses. Not all of the Great Houses were present tonight, but of those who did make an appearance, it was quite surprising to see Rufus here. He didn't seem to be alone either. I saw a younger boy next to him who appeared very similar to Rufus. I could only guess he was Rufus's younger brother, Jusis. Despite having different mothers, They were still both of the Albarea household, though Rufus not sharing the same immediate blood as his younger brother was kept a secret from most. I do not know how many people know of it by now, but it probably isn't a lot, and it is likely best not to talk about it until it is brought up.

I haven't seen Rufus since my venture into Nemeth Island after making his appearance along with Lechter inside the caves. Some years had passed since, but he hadn't changed a bit. He didn't have Jusis at his side then. I will probably take a bit of time to introduce myself to him. It is possible that with Jusis here, Rufus may also have a similar line of thinking. Rufus wasn't the only one present here either, it was very surprising that Aurelia made an appearance.

She was anoble, but of the lesser ranks, more toward the bottom. I have been in touch with her over the last couple years and it seemed she decided to venture into Eryn Village for a bit to progress her magic training. I am happy for her that she did that, and seeing Aurelia here tonight, she probably had enough time to do so to pause her training. I am curious to see if she will dance with anyone after the so-called practice dance is complete. I could always reach out to Aurelia before another noble approaches her, and take her for a dance after I finish mine with Princess Alfin, haha.

My thoughts aside though, I saw Princess Alfin smiling at me. She remained calm, still as water, despite feeling the heartbeat of her chest pitter back and forth. It didn't take long before a slight hint of a rose-like color to appear on her cheeks as she stared into my eyes. Seeing her look at me, I responded with a smile of my own before I spoke to her.

"That only means I'll have to live up to everyone's expectations tonight. I haven't been slacking you know.", I replied with a smile.

"Oh I know. If you have, you wouldn't be standing here tonight. You take your own etiquette courses back in Grancel, right?", Princess Alfin asked me.

"I sure do. I have a pretty competent maid who helps with all things related to a noble's upbringing. I am really in debt to her. And being that I am still a boy, I have to take the lead.", I answered.

"Well, then lead away, my dear fiance~", Princess Alfin retorted with a playful smile.

The moment she uttered that, the two of us, as well as everyone present in Esmelas Garden, suddenly began to hear a sound of soft, classical music with a hint of jazz spread throughout the entire garden. Hearing the music was the signal for the two of us to take our first steps. I am really grateful for Hilda in matters like these, since she practically drilled noble etiquette into me. The moment my body felt the change in the air and the music began to play, my feet began to move, as if they were now moving on their own, with Princess Alfin's feet following in the shadows...