Chapter 93: The New Year's Party That's Usually Around This Time
Adlen.
Kissmaga Adlen.
She was a hero from yet another fantasy world, different from this one. In her world, where surnames typically came before given names, she was a spoiled delinquent and a walking disaster.
Born into a prestigious family, she acted however she pleased without restraint—a classic spoiled young lady. And that hadn't changed in this new world either. After struggling through the first few years post-summoning, her delinquent nature had only worsened, fueled by a sense of entitlement as compensation.
"Heh. It's hilarious how you're lapping up all that attention like the pathetic cumrag you are. Total loser."
Adlen brought her hand to her mouth, sneering at Siu.
Her snide tone and that irritating upward curl of her eyes were perfectly designed to piss people off.
But he wasn't dumb enough to fall for her lame provocation.
"Lady Adlen."
"What, you lit—"
"Have you met So-young Ma'am yet?"
"...Wh-what? ...No. N-not yet. B-but..."
"Ah, I figured as much."
A sly smile crept across Siu's face.
Her taunt hadn't landed on him, but his had hit her square in the gut.
No matter how much of a delinquent Adlen was, she had a weak spot named So-young. As long as Siu held the edge over her in So-young's affections, Adlen could never get the upper hand against him.
"Tch...! Y-you little...!"
The white-haired brat's face twisted in frustration. She was used to dishing out provocations and insults, but taking them? She had zero tolerance. She couldn't even string words together, her body trembling with rage.
"Hahaha. What's wrong, Lady Adlen?"
"You're... such an annoying cumrag."
"You know something?"
"What."
"I've heard that when you call someone annoying, it's basically a compliment coming from you."
"Argh...!!"
Siu burst out laughing as he walked past Adlen with Helena.
She might be a delinquent, but there was nothing she could do to him. He had the empire's third princess and an SS-grade hero as his solid backing. Of course, Adlen wasn't rotten enough to actually try anything like that anyway.
If she did try, what would it be? Sabotage a mission? Challenge me to a duel and beat me senseless? A few more ideas come to mind, but they're all pretty much the same.
Helena gave a sigh of exasperation at Siu's cheeky grin.
"You're really something else."
"The way I handle Lady Adlen?"
"Yes."
"Haha. I can only pull that off because I've got something to rely on."
"But that 'Ma'am'... it's some kind of pet name, right?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Ma'am... It's our little private thing."
"I see.... Ahaha...."
Helena let out an awkward laugh.
She didn't know the exact meaning of "Ma'am," but from the vibe and context, she could guess. Of course, she had no idea it was the kind of term kids used for their moms—but regardless, the pet name gave off a weird, intimate feel.
Pet names for an adoptive mom.... It's not that strange, but calling her by name too... there's something there.
Back when Siu was at the Hero Academy and in the Palania Kingdom, Helena had seen So-young multiple times. The way Han So-young's eyes changed whenever Siu came up wasn't the look of a mother thinking of her son.
Yeah, those two definitely have a secret relationship.... Hmm, it's not ethically wrong or anything....
An adoptive mother and son in a romantic relationship? Utterly absurd by countless other worlds' standards. But this was a world wide open when it came to sex—no limits.
Cases like So-young and Siu were rare, but they existed. That's why she didn't hesitate to take him as her adoptive son or always call him "son." Siu, oblivious to it all, was the one being cautious.
"...Ma'am."
"......"
"...Princess."
"......"
"...Your Highness?"
"...Ah, y-yes!"
It took three calls for Princess Helena to snap out of it.
Startled, she whipped her head toward Siu.
"What had you so deep in thought?"
"Oh? Just... the current situation, I suppose."
The princess smoothly changed the subject and scanned the banquet hall.
Nobles and heroes keeping a polite distance, eyeing the pair with interest—but none approached first. Their statuses were far below the princess's.
No marquesses or higher nobles, no S-grade or above heroes, no imperial blood aside from her here. The sole exception, Adlen, was glaring daggers at Siu—er, them—and fuming.
I didn't expect to arrive this early.
Like any high-status figure, leisure and poise were marks of noble confidence.
It applied here in the banquet hall too.
Princess Helena had planned to arrive fashionably late, but thanks to Siu, they'd shown up right after the party started. It felt awkward.
"I told you, didn't I?"
"True. A safety measure of sorts.... Hmm. It's awkward for me, though."
Awkward, but she had no complaints about Siu's idea.
She approved, actually. Her aides shared her mindset—strong-willed, resilient, full of conviction. Too principled to even consider such petty tactics.
"Looks like no one's coming over anyway. Shall we kill some time with a dance?"
Siu flashed a grin and offered his hand.
"A dance.... Hehe. Of course. It's been ages since I last enjoyed one."
Helena, who quite liked dancing, smiled back.
A small waltz unfolding in the corner of the hall.
Dancing close like that was perfect for intimate chats—less conspicuous than slipping behind a curtained terrace. The downside? It was men and women only. But Helena used it often.
"Shall we?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Habitually, she extended her hand first to the man.
Siu took it casually and led her to the corner.
They joined the five or six couples dancing before the orchestra, swaying gracefully to the soft melody and rhythm that set the tender mood of the freshly started New Year's party.
Ignoring everyone around them, Siu and Helena lost themselves in their own world.
After a while immersed in the dance, the third princess let out an impressed gasp.
"Oh?"
"...? What's up?"
"Your skill is impressive. I'm shocked."
"As a hero, this is basic, no?"
Siu grinned smugly, but he hadn't been this good for long.
His fundamentals came from his first timeline, but it wasn't that impressive. Helena's praise was thanks to all he'd learned from So-young while staying at her mansion—dance and more.
"...You always manage to surprise me, Siu."
"Can't be surprised by something this small. I've got way more up my sleeve."
"Hehe."
Even after the dance ended, would anyone dare approach? The pair was so absorbed in each other, switching leads with skillful flair for a dazzling display.
I'm jealous....
Hildear stared enviously at the two.
She was Siu's woman too, trained in noble etiquette and dance. She could aim for the next one. But at events like this, she was mostly on guard duty. No time for even one song with Siu.
Then, Helena's blind bodyguard beside her spoke up.
"They're a perfect match, aren't they?"
"...Pardon?"
"I can't see, but I can feel it. That heated air up ahead. Lost in their own world, ignoring all the stares... Oh, sorry. My mistake. You're part of Hero Siu's cartel too, Lady Hildear...."
"No, it's fine. They do suit each other. But... I think I'd match him just as well. Ahem. Or better...."
The knight blushed and trailed off shyly.
Unable to see Hildear's face, but from her voice alone, the blind guard sensed her affection for Siu and smiled inwardly. It made her trust Siu more—and figure she'd have to support Helena a lot.
Hehe. Our princess is in for some trouble. ...Hm?
Sensing a familiar presence approaching, she turned. A noblewoman from Helena's faction approached and whispered something to the knight.
"......"
"Something's come up, looks like."
"Seems so. Excuse me a moment."
"Sure."
Noticing, Siu and Helena stopped dancing and stepped away.
Perfect timing—Helena's stamina was waning. She had a Blessing and awakened mana, but back-to-back dances tired even a princess.
As Helena rested and spoke with the noble, Siu approached Hildear and offered his hand—a classic invitation to dance.
"S-Siu?"
"What're you waiting for? Grab it."
"B-but..."
Hildear's eyes darted nervously.
All the stares made her hesitate. Even in the cartel, asking a knight on duty to dance defied common sense here.
"Who cares?"
"Huh?"
"I wanna dance with Hilde. Armor uncomfortable?"
"N-not really..."
"Then we're good?"
Siu grinned and took her bare hand.
Unlike imperial guards, this was the Glazer Empire's hall—no full armor allowed. Her light gear and ungloved hands were a lucky break now.
"Let's go."
"Eek.... Y-yes...."
They danced three songs straight, until Hildear's mouth stretched into a goofy grin.
But Helena's business still wasn't done.
What is it? More serious than I thought?
"Hey."
Siu turned at the voice that made him want to flick her forehead.
"Dance with me too."
Adlen was inviting him to dance.
"Nah, pass."
"...Huh?"