Chapter 167
Chapter 167
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 167
Chapter Title: 48-1. The Ballroom Under the Moonlight.
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Honestly speaking, I hadn't expected to see her looking like that.
Pine Granasia in a pure white dress.
It had frills and was short in length, giving off a very different vibe from the ceremonial gown she'd wear at a wedding.
"...Licht. Are you nervous?"
That radiant innocence was right in front of my eyes.
She wore a hairpin made of manarose like it was something precious, all dressed up to attend the ballroom.
"I'm feeling a bit shaky."
She wasn't a bride heading to her wedding yet. I needed to get a grip.
'The Love Meter hasn't hit 100 percent, and there's no event CG unlocked.'
The carriage rocked gently. It felt similar to the one on my first trip to the academy, but a little different.
"Heh heh, even you are feeling tense, Sir Licht."
Inside the carriage personally driven by the coachman—no, Dijur—we sat side by side.
It was a familiar sight. To dispel the awkward atmosphere, I turned to Pine.
"Pine, does my outfit look weird?"
"Yeah... You look handsome?"
I meant the suit I'm wearing now, Pine, not your face.
"...I'll take that as it's fine."
From head to toe in crisp white, finished off with a golden tie.
I was moving around with my mask off right now.
Apparently, I had to show my face at the ballroom. I didn't recall that from the game.
Tap. Her elbow brushed against my arm from the side.
Just that light touch felt like an electric current surging through me. Bad for the heart.
"I'll put some burn ointment on for you."
Pine pressed right up against me. This must have been how Kainel felt.
"...Isn't it cold?"
"I like how cool it feels."
Pine dabbed cold cream onto her small hands and gently touched my face.
"...Hee hee, it feels like I'm doing your makeup."
Her golden wolf eyes sparkled with interest, and her pure white ears lay slightly flattened back. She looked like she was having fun.
But that black choker of hers kept drawing my eye every time she moved, asserting its presence.
Shut up—it's a choker, not a collar. Chokers can be accessories too, right?
This damn status window never changes. Emojis and mockery, nothing but a nasty piece of work. If only it'd given hints about her sooner.
"Licht, what's wrong?"
If it weren't just for our Pine, I wouldn't have ended up possessed in this game.
"...."
The air suddenly felt thick, and I let out a deep sigh.
Looking out the carriage window, memories flooded back of pulling all-nighters playing the game.
Times I'd strived for her happy ending flashed by.
Memorizing strategies to beat Magic Hat, scribbling notes with pen and paper in desperation—that was the old me.
Aside from the moments I closed my eyes to sleep, there wasn't a day I stopped thinking about Pine.
Yeah, better than dying to Magic Hat dozens of times. Let's keep pushing.
"...Just worried if Kainel and Ariel are keeping up."
I needed to confirm we were moving with the hero couple. We'd prepared two carriages, but still.
"Yeah, they're right behind us..."
"But why did we have to take separate carriages, Pine?"
She flinched, her eyes wavering slightly. Her body trembled like she was anxious.
"D-don't get the wrong idea..."
"Of course not. Pine."
What was she trying to say? Oh, I slipped into informal speech too.
"I wanted... to have you all to myself."
How should I respond? Pine said it so casually, even though it was embarrassing.
"Pine, don't keep saying stuff like that. You startled me."
I couldn't help but pet this adorable wolf's head.
"L-Licht..."
"Don't think about monopolizing me. That could lead to trouble."
A princess like Pine using her power recklessly could cause big problems.
"Eek... I don't like that..."
Unlike when we first met the hero couple, Pine and I were now pressed together, sharing warmth.
"Licht... I saw you first... I don't like others touching you."
So that's what it was. Well, after defeating the Omnipotent Demon King, my reputation had flipped even among those around us.
"...You're my knight."
She enjoyed my petting but still threw a little tantrum.
Keep this up, and we'd end up in some yandere route. No good.
"If you insist... Pine, want a candy?"
I pulled out my secret weapon for times like this from my pocket.
A sweet lump made of sugar and honey.
Mixed in with a lie about it lowering holy power.
"...."
Rustle. Like a wolf snatching prey, Pine swiftly took the candy from my hand.
"Mmm, so... sweet..."
The intensity of the sweetness caught her off guard; she even made little sounds. Hands on her cheeks, she wore a blissful expression.
"Licht, where'd you buy this?"
"From a Granasia Empire confectionery."
She tilted her head curiously.
"Was it always... this sweet...?"
Munch munch. Pine savored the candy as she spoke. It was from the shop, though?
Why was she reacting like that?
Her wolf tail was wagging wildly, and her ears were completely flattened like they didn't exist. She didn't seem to dislike it...
That was when the carriage jolted hard.
"We've arrived at the ballroom, everyone."
A massive white building loomed ahead as Dijur flashed a beaming smile.
A grand chandelier shone down from the center, illuminating nobles in elegant attire gathered in groups, chatting and dancing.
"...Being commoners is making me feel small."
"Kai, we're here on invitation from Her Highness the Princess! Don't be like that!"
Kainel in his red suit and Ariel in her golden dress, delicately made up, spoke up.
Yeah, it was pretty flashy.
'This is where Nex and Sharutineth first met.'
Seeing the place I'd only heard about in the game firsthand felt fresh.
Servants who looked like butlers and maids served meat and wine.
"I hope you've been well, Lady Margreta."
"Oh, hello there."
Noble ladies with fans exchanged greetings in an unfamiliar scene.
With us commoners—except for Pine—here, it felt like we didn't belong.
"...For now, as long as you have this wolf brooch, no one will look down on you."
Thud. Pine, scanning the ballroom, began handing out brooches.
A wolf emblazoned with sun and moon. Its meaning was obvious at a glance.
"It's proof you're invited under my protection."
She gave one to the hero couple, then personally pinned a golden wolf ornament to my chest.
"...There. My knight."
Her lips curved up in satisfaction. Why was mine different from the others?
Interlocking her fingers tightly with mine, Pine blended into the ballroom crowd.
"Juniors!! You made it too!"
"Oh my, even Junior Licht at the ballroom...?"
Familiar voices called from nearby. Nex and Sharutineth.
Nex in a black tailcoat, different from his usual wear, and Sharutineth clutching a purple rosary.
'Good, they're here too.'
Pine might have pulled strings. She knew about my harsh words to Asha in the north.
"Nice to see you, seniors."
"It's been a while. Brother, sister."
I bowed politely. Pine gave a small wave too.
"Um, Brother Nex. Can I try some of this?"
"Ariel, you really love food..."
Ariel eyed the steak plates on the table, swallowing hard.
"Why! I starved myself yesterday prepping for the ball... Oh."
Ariel started to snap back like usual, then regretted her slip-up.
"Is that so? Guess my girlfriend needs to eat more then."
"Kai... don't tease..."
Kainel ordered more food from a nearby waiter with a bright smile.
Was it my influence? He's gotten so sly.
"No way, are you two dating too, juniors?"
"Yes! We just started going out a few days ago...!"
Ariel scratched her cheek, her face red like her hair, looking sheepish.
No more embarrassment. The tsundere elf had melted into love.
If only she could meet Asha Aureus and get permission to marry.
"...Got it."
At that moment, Pine's guards appeared, whispered something, and left.
What? What happened?
"Licht. It'll be quick. Come with me."
She grabbed my hand and headed forward through the ballroom. Pine crossed the crowd more confidently than ever.
"I offer glory to all who have graced us with your presence tonight."
We climbed the stairs to a spot on the second floor overlooking everyone below—a prime seat.
"Some of you may know me already, but I am Pine Granasia, princess of the empire ruled by my father."
What? Pine, hold on. Is it okay to just reveal your identity like this?
"On a night as beautiful as this one under the moonlight."
My hands started trembling in the sudden tension.
I couldn't understand why she, who hated public appearances, was doing this.
"I too am attending the ballroom as partners with the Black Knight beside me."
Pine smiled at me with crinkled eyes.
So that's why she pinned the golden brooch on me.
"...."
I was too embarrassed to lift my head. All eyes focused on Pine and me.
"I hope this becomes a joyous ballroom for all."
A wine glass was offered from the side. Pine raised hers, signaling me to toast.
In the end—clink. The glasses met with a bright xylophone-like chime,
"Glory to the Granasia Empire."
Thus began the ball in splendid fashion.
I couldn't meet Pine's eyes, so I looked elsewhere.
'...Asha Aureus?'
In the corner by a pillar far off, I spotted the golden-haired woman watching her son, Nex.