Kael is a Superstar! (Though He Hates It) (1)
A debutante is a modest event where noble and upper-class families introduce their boys, aged nine or ten, to society for the first time. But "modest" here is measured by aristocratic standards—nothing like what commoners might imagine. It's a vital occasion in a lavish space brimming with exotic delicacies, where they unveil the young men soon to enter society.
"Oh, you're here too? Still haven't found a match, I see?"
"I'm here because I haven't found one either. What, only guys who don't meet your standards?"
"Who knows. Men are so rare these days. Women are everywhere, though. Where else would you find noble boys if not at an event like this?"
The two young ladies gossiped and giggled.
This continent was a matriarchal society. Lineage and inheritance passed through women, and their social roles held greater power. Even the soldiers charging into battle were mostly women, and in society, a woman's command outweighed a man's.
But there had to be a reason such a world had formed.
"Men just stopped being born at some point."
"No idea... That's why we're here looking for a match."
"Plenty of women, not enough men—that's the problem."
This world suffered from a severe gender imbalance. If women made up 8 parts, men were only 2. Simply put, out of every ten children born, only two might be boys—or none at all.
Noble ladies often abandoned pride and honor to seek commoner men. Some even dragged capable, handsome ones from the slums in the sewers.
...Nothing's changed here.
Amid such women, Bellatrix slowly tilted her teacup, her eyes half-lidded in boredom.
This society had been like this for... about a hundred years, probably. True, women had always held superiority before that too. But men hadn't been this scarce.
I never thought I'd set foot here again in my lifetime... Tsk.
She clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction. She hated places like this. What was the point of this event? It existed so young ladies lacking in looks or talent could snag a fine young heir oozing dignity and charm, right?
From her perspective as a monster, she couldn't comprehend—and was utterly repulsed by—this gathering reeking of human greed and desire. Above all, she still despised humans. She loathed them to the point of death, harboring hatred so intense that, were it not for the Elion heirs and Kael, she'd crush their hearts without hesitation.
Long ago, she'd infiltrated one as a spy, experienced it once, and vowed never to return.
...If it were up to me, I absolutely wouldn't bring Young Master to a place like this.
But alas. Kael—the one she cherished most, whom she had to protect like a priceless treasure—had no choice but to attend.
There was no helping it. For a famed family's heir, this was an inevitable duty. And more than that, it was a pivotal turning point in Kael's future life, a place to make his mark.
Yet Kael was an innocent, pure-hearted, adorably fragile young master not even ten years old.
The moment those wolf-like women try to bosam him away... I'll stop them, no matter what it takes.
In this gender-imbalanced society, women's desires could sometimes erupt dangerously, excessively, violently. She'd block any such flames from reaching Kael with every ounce of her resolve.
"So... any good prospects this time?"
"Ha. 'Prospects'? You crazy bitch. No wonder men avoid you, talking like that."
Yeah, yeah.
"They're the ones who'll end up marrying into our families anyway. They should be grateful. A cool, valiant woman like me wants to bosam them."
"Heh. You wouldn't get it. Boys these days are even softer than before. You have to wrap them up gently... stroke them sweetly to make them come to you."
Exactly. For Young Master, a gentle pat on the head and a warm hug in my arms...
"Ugh... Why should a woman act like some guy? Just pin them against the wall! 'You're mine now.' Done."
"Sigh. Then they get scared, shed tears, and run off."
That one's got a knack for reeling in men.
Bellatrix perked one ear, carefully noting the young ladies' words, and nodded slightly.
The first one still thought like it was the era of war between monsters and humans. Sure, it was superficial, but in this peaceful age, using tactics from chaotic times? Just treat them kindly, stroke their cheeks or hair constantly, and men come naturally. She's the woman who protects me and grooms me. Not one who forces her way. Of course, forging that trust in a man takes eons.
But Young Master... Ahem, that's exactly why he can't.
Kael was the exception. Just pet him a bit, scoop him into your arms, and he'd trot right after you. She'd heard just last time—Preliana, daughter of the Northern Duke, had joked about bosaming him. And sweet-hearted Kael had smiled indulgently, saying it was fine, willingly nestling into that wicked wolf's embrace...
...Envy... No, no, no! What am I thinking about Young Master right now?! Calm down. Calm...
Jealousy flared at Preliana so suddenly that her shoulders twitched. She hurriedly downed the scalding tea in one gulp. It would blister human flesh, but her body was mere skin. Elegantly dabbing her lips with a napkin, she surveyed the room.
That's the center stage.
A few young heirs had appeared so far, but no one had claimed the highest platform yet.
Of course.
That's where our Kael would stand. Far more beautiful, lovely, and graceful than any here. He deserved a superior spot, one level above the rest.
"All we've got so far are mediocre ones."
"Duh. You think the big fish show up first? These early ones are lower-tier, just previewing their faces."
"Still, for bosam, grab 'em now. Mark your territory or someone steals them."
"Nah, I'm aiming higher— that top platform. Gotta be prime stock. The second they appear, bosam—"
"Ahaha~ Oh my, what are you girls chatting about so merrily?"
"?!"
"!!"
The two young ladies jumped at the familiar voice. The air around them froze solid.
"P-Princess..."
"Y-Your Highness, why visit such a humble gathering..."
"Oh, come on~ I'm a woman too, so I need to start looking for a match, right? Even if I prefer natural encounters, men are so hard to find~"
Crois smiled lightly, her eyes crinkling. But her voice carried faint malice and killing intent.
Bellatrix, listening from afar, stiffened subtly. That aura, that presence—it resembled Empress Ashtoret, who wielded a massive greatsword across battlefields.
One lady, feeling the murderous intent in her bones, shuddered and forced out words.
"A-Ahaha... I see..."
"Yeah~ But what were you just talking about? Know who's taking that top stage?"
"N-No...! W-We wouldn't... The debutante roster doesn't list participants..."
"Right~ You wouldn't know. I'm dying to find out who's claiming that spot."
"I-Is that so...?"
"Yep! So, I'm joining the fray! The battle for the boy on that stage. Time for me to get greedy too!"
"......"
The ladies' eyes shook violently. The overwhelming pressure in her voice alone was crushing. Her eyes smiled, but the deep malice chilled them to the core. Don't give up, or you might lose your life. Or your head. Their instincts screamed.
"...We'll look elsewhere~ Ahaha..."
"Aw, too bad~ Hope we meet again~"
"Y-Yes..."
Hmm.
Bellatrix watched from afar, casually sipping her tea. Rumors said the princess was getting close to Young Master lately, but she'd observe for now.
...Naturally, knowing who was on stage warranted caution.
Then—
- Creaaaak...
The grand doors of the banquet hall swung open. This debutante's massive gates, unopened until now, screeched piercingly.
All eyes turned. From there emerged a doll-like figure, stepping gracefully.
Snow-white hair like falling flakes.
Sapphire-blue eyes sparkling like crushed gems.
A dress draping her petite frame naturally, footsteps like a statue come to life...
"......"
"......"
"......"
Everyone in the hall sensed it instinctively. That's the star of this debutante.
As gazes locked in stunned awe—
"...H-Hello... I-I'm K-Kariel la Elion... P-Please take care of me..."
Under the weight of those stares, heat flushed Kael's cheeks red.