Social Ball, Second Night (3)
The second night of the social ball.
Unlike yesterday when I'd wandered the outskirts, this time Amber had passed me an entry badge, granting permission to stride boldly into the center of the main hall as soon as the banquet began.
And my status had flipped a complete 180 degrees in just one day.
“Oh, isn't that Prince Ian of Sterling?”
“That duel with Count Gross last night was incredible! Holding your own against that brutal liquor without a single bite to eat— I was utterly impressed by the southern spirit!”
The moment I entered the main hall, the empire's notoriously haughty high nobles began flocking around me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
To these arrogant imperial nobles, hostages from a defeated kingdom were nothing more than pitiful incompetents who could lose their heads at any moment—best-case scenario, they were zoo monkeys for gawking at.
Until yesterday, the looks they'd given me had been half curiosity, half pity.
But today, their eyes were entirely different.
The empire's nobles still carried the nomadic blood in their veins, revering martial prowess and favoring macho displays. To them, the brutish spectacle I'd put on against Count Gross yesterday had been the perfect proof of my worth.
Above all, I was the only hostage wearing an entry badge on my wrist and allowed into the main hall.
“Haha, you're too kind. It was just youthful bravado. Above all, the count was gracious enough to match my pace, so I got lucky and held out. To be honest, my stomach still feels like it's on fire.”
I rubbed my belly exaggeratedly, as if in agony, and played it off with a sly grin.
“Hahaha! Humble to boot! You should try the specialty wine from my family's territory sometime—it's sweet and smooth, a real treat.”
“Might I ask which territory you're from?”
“I'm Count Kyle. My lands are out in the far midwest.”
“Ah, I know of it! One of the historic noble houses that served the empire from the day it rose from the kingdoms, right?”
“Well, look at you—you know your stuff! And you've only been in the empire a short while.”
Good thing I memorized the list of notable families before coming.
I'd made sure to commit to memory where each noble hailed from and what their territories were famous for. Responding warmly to every one who approached, my circle soon brimmed with cheerful laughter.
That's when it happened, as I stood at the heart of imperial high society, chatting with the nobles.
“Haha! Looks like everyone's having a fun chat with my close friend here?”
Second Prince Arthur had sidled up unnoticed and slung a chummy arm over my shoulder, slipping effortlessly into the conversation.
“We greet Your Highness the Second Prince.”
“As you all know, Ian here is my dearest friend. Seeing the empire's finest nobles welcome him like this puts me in high spirits.”
With Arthur openly declaring our special bond yet again in front of the crowd, I caught the subtle glint in the surrounding nobles' eyes.
They smiled benevolently enough with their mouths, but their minds were no doubt calculating how to handle me going forward. Some would probably try to do business with Sterling Kingdom through me.
Is that bastard who sold me out doing me favors now? Nah, but at least Mother's there too...
As the main hall's atmosphere ripened pleasantly, a grand fanfare blared, and the massive doors swung open. The empire's absolute sovereign made his entrance.
“We greet Your Majesty—!!”
Hundreds of nobles bowed in unison. I, too, dipped my head without hesitation, observing proper etiquette.
The emperor strode leisurely toward the dais, then halted upon spotting me amid the throng of nobles.
“Is everyone enjoying the festivities?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We are deeply grateful for your grace.”
The emperor's smiling gaze locked precisely on me. A chill raced down my spine for an instant, but fortunately, he wore a pleased grin.
“Ian Sterling, I hear you provided quite the spectacle last night. You laid low my loyal vassal, Count Gross, with drink? The man who ranked second to none in the empire at holding his liquor—and you bested him. Impressive!”
“I am humbled, Your Majesty. Pure luck.”
“Kehahaha! Nothing in this world is won by luck alone. Whether by fortune or sheer drinking prowess, a win is a win. I hear you enjoy a drink now and then. Next time, it might be fun to share one with me instead of tea. Wouldn't you say?”
A brief hush fell over the hall.
As the surrounding nobles stared at me in shock, I calmly lifted the corner of my mouth and bowed.
“Call for me anytime, Your Majesty. I'd gladly rush over to sample the empire's fine liquors with you.”
“Excellent. I'll look forward to it. Stories over drinks instead of tea should prove enjoyable. Next time, not afternoon tea—I'll summon you after evening duties.”
Leaving a satisfied smile, the emperor proceeded to the head table. Only then did the whispers erupt from the frozen crowd.
“...First the Second Prince, now even His Majesty?”
“Don't normal hostages get treated like dirt? How the hell did this guy pull that off?”
“If His Majesty shows that much favor, he must be seriously capable. Or maybe Sterling Kingdom has something special...?”
“From what I know, Sterling's just a tiny coastal kingdom. What could they possibly have? Nah, it's gotta be the prince himself.”
Soon, the orchestra struck up in splendor, raising the curtain on the grand ball proper.
“Her Highness the Second Imperial Princess arrives!”
The ball's star tonight was undoubtedly the emperor's second daughter, Chloe, making her debutante entrance.
...She's pretty.
Stepping into society for the first time in a stunning pure-white gown, Chloe looked dazzling, like a fairy from a storybook. I glanced sidelong at the dais.
The man who'd exuded terrifying charisma moments ago now propped his chin on his hand, gazing at his beloved youngest daughter with eyes dripping honey as she danced. Hard to believe he could make that face.
Chloe really is the apple of daddy's eye. Makes sense—she's the baby girl.
Sipping my champagne lightly, I watched Chloe twirl through her waltz steps at the hall's center with genuine pleasure. Our eyes met briefly as she spun to the music. Spotting me, Chloe blushed faintly and offered a shy smile. I raised my glass slightly in return, with a gentle smile of my own.
“—And that concludes Her Highness the Second Princess! A big round of applause, please!”
Chloe finished her elegant dance to the music, curtsying with skirts in hand, and thunderous applause filled the hall. Overcome with emotion at his daughter's debut, the emperor shot to his feet—his usual dignified poise forgotten—clapping wildly. Chloe bowed once more to him in response.
Whispers from nearby nobles brushed my ears.
“By the way, any suitors for Princess Chloe? Debutantes usually lock in a few by now.”
“Word is, His Majesty dotes on her so much he's got no plans to marry her off anytime soon. Can't imagine how picky he'll be about a son-in-law.”
“Heh, that much, huh...”
Chloe really is so loved.
Chloe, beaming radiantly as she greeted those around her, lit up the space just by existing. A child raised with love could give love in equal measure. That's why she was always so kind and gentle with me.
As I smiled watching Chloe—the bright sun who made anyone grin just by looking—another figure crossed my mind.
...Why am I suddenly thinking of her?
Someone the total opposite of her. Just a slight turn of my head, and there she was: the black-haired beauty awkwardly leaning against a pillar at the main hall's edge, sipping her drink. Unlike the comfortable ease with Chloe, being near her felt burdensome.
“……”
Princess Victoria's eyes, watching Chloe from the ball's corner, seemed filled with a tangle of complex emotions. Feeling a pang of pity, I turned away and looked back at Chloe.