36 - The Star of the Party
The start time for the reception had passed by a small margin. Princess Ekaterina waited in the wings to enter, the guests already gathered. A look of nervousness clouded her face. While she was happy that Ray liked her appearance, she was still concerned about the reactions of those around her.
"...Kamui."
When she softly called the name of Kamui, who should have been standing right behind her, a voice responded immediately.
"You are beautiful. Please believe in yourself, and in everyone."
"I suppose so."
"Please have confidence and enter with dignity."
"I understand."
Just as Ray had told her, Princess Ekaterina lifted her head and took a step forward with an expression full of confidence.
"Her Highness, Princess Ekaterina, has arrived."
To the sound of the herald's voice, Princess Ekaterina advanced into the light-filled venue.
"O-ohhhh!?"
The sound of the commotion echoing through the hall brought her a first wave of relief. Smiling brightly, Princess Ekaterina proceeded to the seats prepared next to the King and Queen. The one escorting her elegantly, though her expression was stiff with considerable nervousness, was Miria. Nearly half of the commotion might have been directed at Miria. Miria was dressed in the formal attire of the Royal Guard Knight—specifically, the men's version. Her hair was slicked back, and makeup that gave her a gallant look had been applied to her face. A lady in men's clothing. In a single phrase, that was all it was, but such a presence had not existed in the memories of the people until now. It was only natural that those around her were surprised.
"This is quite..."
The King let out a voice, sounding surprised by the two of them.
"Father, Mother, I apologize for keeping you waiting."
"My, my. This is quite a wonderful presentation. And that dress as well."
"Is it strange?"
"No, it is very lovely. It suits you very well. Truly, it suits you very well."
"Indeed. No, this... you look like a different person."
"Thank you. I am very happy that you both like it."
Princess Ekaterina felt quite relieved internally at the praise from the King and Queen. The fact that the Queen praised her unconditionally was especially significant. Since the Queen, who stood at the pinnacle of the kingdom's ladies, praised her, there was no noblewoman who could object to it. In fact, as the Queen's words reached the hall, the noblewomen who had been somewhat stunned began to voice their praise one after another in tones audible to those around them. Princess Ekaterina softly cast her gaze toward Ray in the wings. However, Ray was no longer there. She could only see the faces of the maids, who looked somewhat anxious. Princess Ekaterina felt a slight sense of unease at this, but she was forced to return her gaze forward as the introduction of the Hero began anew in the venue. Fumiya and the other two lined up in front at the King's call. The sight of the three of them standing together certainly drew the eyes of those around them. It seemed that Princess Ekaterina's dress also added to that effect. During the ceremony, there had been voices of criticism regarding the amount of exposure, but in this place now, no such voices were heard at all. Voices praising it as superior fashion from another world spread through the venue.
"...Princess."
"What is it?"
"Are you alright?"
Seeing the situation, Miria, who was standing behind the Princess's seat, spoke up.
"I am fine. Today, they are the protagonists. It would be strange to feel dissatisfied with that."
"Yes."
Then, led by the King, a toast to the descent of the Hero was held, and with that, the formal rituals ended. All that remained was the banquet. The music of the orchestra resonated throughout the hall. The first dance was the duty of Fumiya, the Hero. Prompted by the aides surrounding him, the person Fumiya chose as his dance partner was Hinata.
"That idiot."
A voice of condemnation unintentionally leaked from Miria's mouth. Thinking with common sense, the person Fumiya should have chosen was Princess Ekaterina, who held the status second only to the Queen among women. Fumiya's action in ignoring this would cause Princess Ekaterina to be shamed.
"My, is that perhaps a bit much?"
Naturally, the Queen also raised a voice of reproach. As the pinnacle of ladies, the Queen was in a position to uphold such hierarchies. She could not allow an act that broke them.
"...This is troublesome."
The King also let out a bitter voice. However, no matter how much of a King he was, he could not stop a dance that had already begun. The most the King could do was glare at the aides who had allowed Fumiya to do such a thing. Naturally, the aides realized their blunder. They stood there with faces pale as ghosts.
"...The aides are not at fault. Please do not blame them."
"But still."
"If they were to be punished because of me, my conscience would prick me."
"If Ekaterina says so."
"What clumsy dancing. I wish they would just move to the next measure already."
Even though Princess Ekaterina said she didn't mind, the Queen's anger did not subside. She voiced her criticism of Fumiya's dancing in a voice clearly audible to those around her. The atmosphere of the venue turned heavy all at once. On the other hand, the area around the influential noble houses became noisy. Once the first dance ended, other people would participate in the dancing. And unexpectedly, Princess Ekaterina was not serving as the Hero's partner. Then, several people stepped forward to invite Princess Ekaterina to dance, thinking they would take the opportunity. This was something Princess Ekaterina had not planned for. After dancing one song with Fumiya, she had intended to decline further dances on the grounds of her dress being disarranged. This was something Ray had suggested to avoid getting too close to any specific noble house.
"P-Princess?"
Miria, noticing the situation, was also shaken.
"What should we do?"
While she was worrying about what to do, three children of influential nobles lined up in front.
"Princess Ekaterina. Please, let me be your partner for the dance."
"No, no. Please, let it be me."
"I believe I am the most suitable for the Princess."
Hands were offered all at once. Princess Ekaterina froze, unable to take any of them. Then, another hand was offered.
"What?"
Princess Ekaterina's voice was one of surprise. She was not the only one surprised. The King and Queen standing beside her, Miria standing behind her—and a stir spread throughout the venue.
"Princess, please, let me be your partner for the dance."
"Hey, you! Cutting in from the... M-Mad Sword!?"
One of the men who tried to complain to the man who had cut in froze upon seeing his face. The one who had invited Princess Ekaterina to dance was Geel. Without even glancing at the three stunned men, Geel grinned and spoke to Princess Ekaterina.
"I would be honored if you chose me."
"I-I suppose so. To be invited to dance by you is such a rare occurrence. To refuse this would be..."
Princess Ekaterina was bewildered that the opponent was Geel, but she decided to accept the invitation to dance, thinking that as long as it wasn't an influential noble house, anyone would do at this point.
"Then, your hand."
"Yes, I look forward to it, Geel-dono."
If this had been someone from another noble house, the previous three would have pushed aside the interference using their family's power as a shield, but the opponent was Geel, who was so infamous that he had been abandoned by his own family. They could only watch as Geel led Princess Ekaterina toward the center of the floor.
"Um... I wonder if Geel-dono can dance?"
"Oh, were you unaware? After the sword, my greatest skill is the handling of women. Dancing is second nature to me."
"I see. That is good."
As soon as they reached the center of the floor, the two entered the dance fluidly. It was natural that Princess Ekaterina, who had been trained since childhood, was good at dancing, but Geel matched her perfectly. To those who knew how to look, it was a magnificent set of steps that showed he was considerably skilled.
"As expected."
"You as well, Geel-dono. But why me?"
"...The brat asked me to."
"Who is this brat?"
"My former disciple."
"Kamui?"
"Indeed. No, I was surprised. Just as I thought he had shown his face for the first time in a while, he asks me to invite the Princess to dance."
Geel explained the situation with a wry smile. Princess Ekaterina showed a surprised expression upon hearing the explanation.
"Why would Kamui make such a request?"
"The idiot Hero doesn't understand the hierarchy of ladies. He said there was a possibility of shaming the Princess, so he asked me to step in if that happened."
It wasn't that he had seen through Fumiya's actions, but rather that he had acted as a precaution, and that precaution had hit the mark.
"Kamui did such a thing?"
"Well, his tone was a bit more polite, but internally, it was likely something like that."
"Then... thank you."
"No thanks are necessary. I did not do it for the Princess, but merely granted the brat's request."
"Even so, I am glad you accepted."
The mere fact that Geel showed his face in such a place was enough of a surprise for Princess Ekaterina. On top of that, dancing with her—even as they danced, a feeling of disbelief welled up within her.
"I thought about refusing. But the brat's eyes..."
"Eyes?"
"They weren't dead. It was unexpected. I thought he would have rotted away after being reduced to a slave."
"...He hasn't accepted it, has he?"
"No. He hasn't accepted it at all. He is a talent I went to great lengths to find. And yet, I ended up letting him go in a short span of time."
"...I am sorry."
Princess Ekaterina spoke words of apology honestly. The current situation had made her realize what kind of existence Ray was to Geel.
"Would it not be possible to release him?"
"That... I cannot do."
"Why? Looking at your current state, Princess, it does not seem as though you think poorly of the brat."
"That is exactly why. To me now, Kamui is a precious existence."
This was something she should not have said. Her feelings of gratitude toward Geel had caused her to loosen her guard against him.
"This is... troublesome. I didn't intend to teach him that much."
"That much?"
"As I said before, after the sword, the thing I am best at handling is women."
"My. What a troublesome master and disciple."
A smile spread across Princess Ekaterina's face upon hearing Geel's words.
"...No, his handling of women might be superior to his master's."
"Oh, I wonder why?"
"Please do not take offense."
"I am fine."
"Cecil was beautiful in appearance, but she lacked emotion and could hardly be called charming."
"Cecil-dono..."
Princess Ekaterina had said she was fine, but when it came to Cecil, it was a different story. A look of displeasure appeared on her face.
"But by interacting with Kamui, she bloomed magnificently. Well, the fact that it is only with Kamui is still a problem."
"I... I see."
The Cecil that Princess Ekaterina knew was an emotional woman who openly showed hostility toward her as royalty despite being a subject. Knowing that this was not Cecil's true nature, Princess Ekaterina felt conviction rather than surprise.
"And the Princess as well."
"Me?"
"Your impression has changed. I haven't interacted with you much, but even watching from the sidelines, I felt more of a sting before."
"...How embarrassing."
"But now, you have become a charming woman who shows her bashfulness and a soft smile so honestly."
"As expected of the master. Kamui also sometimes says things that make me embarrassed, just like that, without hesitation."
"Therefore, I have no memory of teaching him that."
"Then it was there from the start. Kamui's kindness."
"...Princess, may I ask one thing?"
Tightening his expression slightly, Geel spoke to Princess Ekaterina.
"What is it?"
"I will say something unlike myself. These are words as a subject of the kingdom."
"Oh, it certainly isn't like you, Geel-dono."
"Do not delve too deep."
"............"
Princess Ekaterina realized that her emotions had become so apparent that she had made Geel say this. She had known. She had known, but she simply could not suppress it.
"The possibility of the Princess and the brat being united is impossible, unless the world itself turns upside down."
"...I know."
"Is that why you bind the brat as a slave?"
"That might be so. If he is a slave, I can keep him by my side. I might be thinking that."
Conversely, that was the only position in which she could keep Ray by her side. It wasn't the form she had desired from the start, but that was how it was now.
"...Hmm, that was an unnecessary conversation. Let us enjoy the dance a bit more."
"Yes."
"Besides, unexpectedly, the brat seems like the type who might actually turn the world upside down."
"Honestly, you are identical in that regard too. Whenever I feel down, Kamui immediately says something that makes me happy."
"I didn't teach him that, though."
While continuing such a conversation, the fluid steps of the two did not stop. Many in the venue forgot to dance themselves, captivated by the two. The position of the star of the venue belonged completely to Princess Ekaterina. Eventually, that elegant time came to an end, and with Geel's escort, Princess Ekaterina returned to her seat.
"I am happy to have spent such a pleasant time. Thank you, Geel-dono."
"The pleasure was mine. It was the utmost honor to serve as the partner for the Princess's first dance."
"Then, farewell."
"To you as well, Princess."
Geel attempted to leave the area with an elegant bow. The King's voice called out to him.
"Geel, come here."
"...Yes."
"You surprised me. I had no idea you possessed such talent."
"I am quite embarrassed."
Even the 'Mad Sword' Geel was humble before the King. He possessed a normal amount of loyalty toward the King.
"I thank you. Thank you for entertaining Ekaterina."
"Your words are too kind."
"And so, would you grant me one selfish request?"
"...What would that be?"
A request in this setting. Even Geel could not imagine what it might be.
"Next, I ask you to be the Queen's partner."
"Hah?"
"No, seeing your magnificent dancing, the Queen has become fired up. She insists that she must also."
"No, Your Majesty. Surely that is going too far?"
"Oh, is Geel-dono dissatisfied with being my partner?"
The Queen immediately cut in.
"I shall humbly serve as your partner."
Geel was not one to oppose her. Both out of loyalty to the Queen and courtesy toward women.
"Then, I look forward to it."
And so, Geel ended up taking the Queen's hand and returning to the floor. The venue buzzed at the unexpected development. The Queen's dancing had not been showcased in several years. Those who had intended to dance on the floor hurriedly stepped back. Only one pair stood in the center: Geel and the Queen. And the Queen showcased steps that were even more magnificent than those of Princess Ekaterina.
"Honestly, Mother has stolen the spotlight from me."
"Is that not fine? It has been a long time since I've seen her dance. Watching from the side like this is also a good thing."
"I'm still not enough. I need to practice more."
"Indeed. The position of the head of the ladies seems too early for you still."
"Then, I shall at least make myself the center of conversation at the edge of the floor."
"Hmm?"
"I will go speak with my uncles for a bit."
Conversation with her uncles—namely, the dukes. With the dancing over, Princess Ekaterina decided to move to fulfill her objective for this gathering.
"Ho, is that so. I see."
"Is something wrong?"
"No, then I shall see how you handle things."
The King saw through Princess Ekaterina's intentions. If he didn't, it would be troublesome for her. Making her will known to her father, the King, was also one of her objectives.
"...Please don't corner me."
"I have no such intention. Do as you wish."
"Then, I shall go."
Princess Ekaterina stood up and walked into the venue. Seeing her figure, the King muttered softly.
"Now then, I wonder whose suggestion this was... Could it be that person?"
A single person came to the King's mind. Thinking of that, the King sank into deep thought.
◇◇◇
Ray entered the Princess's room as usual. As if she had been waiting for him, Princess Ekaterina stood up and approached him with a light run, the hem of her blue dress fluttering.
"Had you not changed?"
"I thought I would have Kamui see me one last time. How is it?"
Princess Ekaterina spun around on the spot to show him.
"It suits you very well. I was watching the dance as well. You were wonderful, weren't you?"
"Ah, thank you. You asked Geel for me, didn't you?"
"Well. I am glad he accepted. I was a bit anxious, though."
"Anxious?"
"I was worried whether Geel-sama could actually dance."
Ray did not know Geel's dancing ability. He had simply had no one else to ask.
"Oh, I thought so too. But he was quite skilled."
"Was he? I thought it looked wonderful while watching, but I couldn't tell if he was skilled or not."
"How about dancing, Kamui?"
"There is no way I can do such a thing."
"...Shall I teach you?"
"Pardon?"
"I will teach you. Now, give me your hand."
"No, that is..."
It was useless to resist. Teaching him to dance was merely a pretext; Princess Ekaterina simply wanted to flirt with Ray.
"You won't be able to surpass your master like that."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Geel says he is confident in the handling of women, second only to the sword."
"I can somewhat imagine that."
"But he said you might beat him, Kamui."
"Pardon? Why has the conversation turned to that?"
"That is... a secret."
She thought about explaining, but realizing that doing so would bring up the topic of Cecil, Princess Ekaterina stopped herself.
"A secret, is it..."
Ray could not understand such things. Thinking it was just one of the whims Princess Ekaterina occasionally showed, he didn't particularly mind and didn't pursue it.
"Give me your hand."
"Eh, are we really going to dance?"
"Of course. Put both arms forward, and extend your right arm to the side."
"Yes."
"Grip my hand lightly. Put the other on my waist. Oh, you can do it."
"Well, I can understand this much just by watching."
"Then, the steps. Look at my feet. Match them at first. First, the right foot."
She stepped lightly to the side with her right foot.
"Feel as if you are putting your upper body into it. Like a wave. Yes. Next is the opposite foot. I will pull back slightly, so Kamui, you step forward. Yes."
"...Hmm?"
"Right foot to the side again, the same way. Yes. Now Kamui pulls his foot back, and yes. Next is... eh."
Surprised that Kamui took the next step before she could explain, Princess Ekaterina stopped her feet.
"Oops. Ah, did I make a mistake?"
"No, it's correct. But why?"
"Well... I'm being taught this by Geel-sama."
"Dancing?"
"No, he told me it was the footwork for swordsmanship."
"Oh."
"I thought it was strange footwork. I wondered if one could even swing a sword with this. But Geel-sama said he was intentionally teaching me things that seemed to break my balance."
It wasn't a little joke during training. Geel had been doing it seriously, intending to train Ray, but Ray did not know that yet.
"Then you can dance, can't you?"
"...I suppose so."
"Then, may I ask you for a dance?"
"Is that not something a man should say?"
"You're right."
"Then. My Princess, would you do me the honor of one dance?"
"Yes, with pleasure. My knight."
Only the sound of their footsteps echoed in the room amidst the silence. Because there was no flowing music, their dance continued without interruption. On and on, forever.