Chapter 142
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 142
I took Ciel’s hand, a wry grimace tugging at my lips.
“Dancing, huh?”
Like most people, I had never properly danced a day in my life—especially not the kind of formal ballroom dancing expected at a high-society gala.
It wasn't that I minded Ciel's offer, but I had no idea if I could actually pull it off.
As if reading my mind, Ciel added, “I’m operating under the assumption that you have no idea what you’re doing, so I’ll take the lead. Just try not to step on my feet—or my dress. Now.”
“…”
She extended her hand again, renewing the invitation.
I hesitated for a moment before nodding.
If not today, then when?
I wasn’t entirely sure what Ciel was thinking by asking me to dance, but I decided to go along with it. It would be good practice in case I ever needed to navigate high society properly. Besides, I’d learned the theory in my etiquette classes. If I treated the steps like a combat drill, I could probably manage.
Having made up my mind, I accepted her hand.
“Alright. That doesn’t sound too hard.”
“Then let’s head to the floor.”
Ciel nodded and led me toward the center of the stage, which was already crowded with dancing students.
But there was one problem.
While it was all well and good that I’d accepted her proposal, Freya—who had fled to me specifically to escape the onlookers—was now left standing there.
“Uh… um.”
Freya looked utterly at a loss, her eyes darting between us as I was essentially snatched away.
Ciel noticed Freya a moment later. She performed a graceful curtsy and took a half-step back.
“Ah, I see now that you two were in the middle of a conversation. Please, excuse my intrusion.”
Freya smiled sheepishly and waved her hands dismissively.
“No, no! Roen and I were finished. Please, go ahead.”
“Thank you. We’ll be back shortly.”
Ciel didn’t waste time protesting.
I gave Freya a grateful wave. “Be right back.”
With that, Ciel and I headed into the thick of the dancing.
In the center of the floor, several couples were already showcasing their skills to the orchestra’s melody. Their movements were polished, suggesting they’d been trained since childhood. As expected of the scions of wealthy families, their lines were elegant and their transitions fluid.
Watching them, I turned to the dress-clad Ciel and asked cautiously, “So, what brought this on? Why the sudden urge to dance?”
“Because I wanted to.”
Ciel shrugged as if I’d asked the most obvious question in the world. I could only nod.
“…”
She did it because she wanted to. Fair enough. When the world's strongest maid wants to do something, the master follows.
As I was coming to terms with that logic, Ciel continued, “And I’m aware that you’ve been in a difficult position because of that article.”
“Aha.”
So it was about the article claiming I’d left her bloodied during the exhibition match. Her invitation to dance was a public statement intended to quell the rumors and misunderstandings.
I gave Ciel a small smile. “Clever girl.”
“A compliment from you, Lord Roen, doesn’t make me particularly happy. Now, listen to the music and count the beat in your head.”
Ciel tapped her foot lightly to the rhythm. I followed her lead, slowly shifting my weight from side to side.
“You’re as stiff as a board. Relax your body.”
“It’s not as easy as it sounds.”
“It might be better if you just closed your eyes. Don’t worry about what the others think. Just focus on the melody and the rhythm.”
“It’d be a waste to close my eyes.”
“…”
After all, opportunities to see Ciel in a dress at a magnificent ball like this were rare.
As I looked down at her in silence, she sighed and began to circulate the mana within her.
“I suppose it can’t be helped. Just relax your muscles completely and stand still. I’ll simply control you like a puppet.”
Swoosh—
A subtle force of mana flowed from Ciel’s hand into mine. Her mana literally seized control of my muscles, moving my limbs as if I were a marionette. My body began to perform the dance moves naturally, entirely independent of my own will.
Oh, so there’s a method like this.
As I stood there in surprise, Ciel spoke.
“This is a basic teaching method used by high-end dance instructors. It’s better to let the student feel the movement once than to explain it a hundred times. They say that once the body learns the flow, future lessons progress much faster.”
“When did you learn something like this?”
“It is one of the basic skills of a maid.”
Ciel brushed it off, as she did with everything, by calling it a "basic skill."
“…That ‘basic skill’ repertoire of yours… isn’t the scope a bit too wide?”
At my question, Ciel tossed her hair slightly and said with total confidence, “I do happen to be exceptionally skilled. I’d advise against any further questions.”
“…”
I wasn’t sure whether to call that a lack of humility or simply praise her for her talent. Either way, having a highly capable maid under my command was a blessing.
Under Ciel’s guidance, our dance continued in time with the waltz. My body moved effortlessly to the pleasant melody, swaying in perfect sync with her.
“How is it?” Ciel asked cautiously, checking in as she manipulated my movements with her mana.
“How is it?”
I fell into thought, looking around. A floating ship cutting through the ocean under a night sky that looked ready to spill over with stars. It felt utterly surreal to be here, on this deck, dancing among the elite.
It was a mystical, romantic sight. I couldn't quite believe I was personally experiencing something I had only ever seen in movies.
I didn't really understand the "value" of dancing from an aristocratic perspective, but one thing was certain.
“This is fun.”
It was more entertaining than I’d expected. Not the act of dancing itself, but the fact that I was sharing this atmosphere with someone.
When I smiled faintly, Ciel turned her head away slightly and whispered, “In that case… I’m glad.”
*
After my dance with Ciel, I returned to the table for dinner.
Meanwhile, the party on the deck was reaching its peak. The atmosphere turned electric when Elena, accompanied by a cross-dressing Adler, took to the stage.
The combination of Adler, with his sharp and confident presence, and Elena, who looked like a goddess descended to earth, was nothing short of perfect.
Clap, clap, clap—
Whistle—
The students erupted into a standing ovation for their flawless performance.
After her dance, Elena invited Freya to the stage.
“I don’t have a partner,” Freya declined, claiming she had no one to dance with. In response, dozens of male students shot their hands up, offering themselves, but she chose none of them.
“And you’re not going, Roen?” Gaurel muttered, chewing on a piece of meat. The muscles bulging beneath his tuxedo looked rather aggressive for a formal setting.
I shrugged and cut a piece of steak. “I already danced with Ciel. Besides, with my skills, I’d only be a burden to Freya.”
It was fine earlier when fewer people were watching, but I had no confidence with so many eyes on me. I’d be lucky not to step on her feet out of nervousness. I couldn’t tarnish her reputation.
Gaurel clicked his tongue and whispered, just loud enough for me to hear, “Tsk. Sometimes, just being by her side is what’s important, even if you’re terrible at it.”
“…?”
“Never mind. Forget it.” Gaurel waved his hand, dropping the subject.
I tilted my head, then took a sip of my drink and looked around for Garfield. “Where’s Garfield, by the way?”
It was strange that he was nowhere to be seen at a party with this much food.
Gaurel chuckled. “He didn’t have a tuxedo that fit. They said you can’t enter the deck if you don’t meet the dress code.”
“Ah.”
No clothes that fit. That must have been a devastating blow for Garfield, who had surely been dreaming of the ship’s buffet. Still, there was an opera performance inside and food courts in the shopping malls, so I was sure he was finding his own way to have fun.
As the night deepened, the party on the deck finally began to draw to a close.
*
A few days later.
The Skywhale, having crossed the great ocean, finally arrived at the Full Moon Archipelago—a cluster of four islands centered around Full Moon Island.
This was the stage for our summer training camp.
Before the floating ship docked at the pier, the Chairman’s voice echoed from the speakers installed in each cabin.
Tap, tap—
[Ah, ah. This is the Chairman speaking. Is everyone enjoying their time on the floating ship?]
“Yes!”
[Huhu, I’m glad to hear you’re all happy. Our ship will soon be docking at Full Moon Island. It is famous as one of the Myrillin continent’s premier resort destinations. Breathtaking natural scenery, beautiful beaches, and high-class resort facilities await you all.]
At the Chairman’s explanation, the students’ faces lit up with excitement. They were already dreaming of relaxing at the resort, swimming at the beach, and having pillow fights in their rooms.
But what awaited them was not a vacation.
The Chairman continued.
[Of course, not all of you will be able to enjoy it.]
“…”
[I will now explain the outline of this summer’s training camp. First, let me explain the ‘Cube’ that was distributed yesterday. Everyone, please insert your student ID into your Cube.]
Following the command, I inserted my student ID into the Cube.
Click—
The ID card slotted into the device. The Cube read the card and began to glow blue, projecting characters into the air.
[Roen Devalis]
- Survival Status: Alive
- Current Cost: 10
- Base Level: 1
- Number of Vassals: 0
▼ Press the arrow below for a detailed explanation.
“…”
I read the familiar, heart-pounding text and grinned.
The Chairman continued.
[The main event of this summer training camp, the ‘Faction War,’ will be centered around this Cube. You can subdue opponents and take their student IDs to make them your allies or vassals. The number of vassals is unlimited, but the number of allies is limited by your available Cost. Cost can be increased by raising your Base Level. Ultimately, the goal is to reign as the ruler of each island.]
Clap—
The sound of a single clap echoed through the speakers.
[The results of this summer training camp will all be reflected in your grades. Also, after the exam, the top-ranking participants will be granted access to the suite rooms at the Full Moon Island resort, so please keep that in mind. Now, the exam will begin as soon as you insert the student ID of one other person to form a team. The basic format is a two-person team, and you will be teleported from the ship to the island the moment your team is finalized. For detailed rules, please refer to the Cube’s manual. Well then, I wish you all the best of luck. Gahaha!]
As soon as the broadcast ended, the ship erupted into a clamor.
“Wh-what is this all of a sudden?!”
“An exam?!”
“I thought we came here for a resort!”
The students complained and denied reality, but it changed nothing. The quicker, smarter students didn't waste time complaining; they immediately began teaming up to teleport to the island and claim the best spots.
Knock, knock—
The moment the broadcast ended, a knock came from my door.
“Lord Roen, will you team up with me?”
It was Ciel.
I gladly opened the door to welcome her.
“Of course.”
It was an offer I had absolutely no reason to refuse.