The Ball Under the Princess's Decree
The ball continued under the princess's decree, and it was a pitiful sight. The orchestra played, the participants danced, and the singer performed. Up to that point, it wasn't much different from a normal ball.
Right. Except for the fact that none of the dancing participants, the orchestra, or the singer could smile. And except for the princess seated in the place of honor, with the former nobles and the heirs of the West's top families standing side by side on either side of her.
It felt grotesque, like broken dolls haphazardly putting on a ball. The authority of 'imperials' at Salenium Academy was beyond imagination. Sure, it was Repelheit who sounded the victory bells in history 300 years ago and cleaved the head of the demon lord. But it was Salenias who ended the war, sealed them away, rallied the forces, and founded the empire.
Heroes and leaders are different beasts. In any case, the imperial's appearance at this ball—meant to solidify the 'Western Unity Festival'—struck fear into everyone. Moreover, the scoundrel's casual banter with that imperial, effortlessly placing himself above them all despite having 'no real power,' instilled even greater terror.
Heaven beyond heaven. A man who propped up an 'imperial'—as good as a god above gods—as his puppet for legitimacy. The Repelheit outcast. A third-rate villain. If I were the only one here, I'd be met with countless pointing fingers and sneers, but now no one dared meet my eyes.
These were nobles who could strut around anywhere in the West, yet even they couldn't when they considered my backing. As the saying goes, opposing me now would incur the wrath of the one behind me—and without clinging to another imperial, their entire families would be twisted and crushed without mercy. Not even 'neutrality' was an option anymore.
"......What the hell are you thinking, pulling this off? Do you even know how massive the backlash will be?"
Aside from the nagging blood relative chattering noisily at my side, everyone was the same.
"Backlash."
"......Yes, backlash. Do you even realize what you've done? This is a direct challenge to House Wolfgang...... no, to the entire West!"
This, a challenge to House Wolfgang? Well. One could see it that way, I suppose......
A glance showed Count Kailsen von Wolfgang standing there red-faced, while Countess Alpren was pale as a ghost.
"Ebnis."
"What."
I gazed at the frozen dancers moving like dolls and said, "......Did you know Count Kailsen was targeting House Repelheit?"
"Pardon?"
"Think about why my engagement to Reina was arranged. Back then, I had nothing but my bloodline. No martial prowess, no magic talent. Nothing. Meanwhile, Reina von Wolfgang, young as she was, had already made a name for herself in the West as a magic prodigy."
Ebnis bowed her head, pondering. I continued.
"Naturally, by bloodline alone, I was the most suitable match. But from their side, it wasn't without significant drawbacks. So, do you know why I was chosen anyway?"
"......No way."
Ebnis mulled it over, then muttered, "Start as an in-law, then devour House Repelheit piece by piece? ......But that's impossible. House Repelheit isn't one to fall to something like that! Even Father would set it right."
"Ebnis."
"What."
"Don't look at the present. Look to the future."
Future. My words left her stunned for a moment.
"He saw the future. What if I hadn't been exiled and inherited the house instead?"
"Ah......"
Yes. The Adrian I possessed would've become Marquis Repelheit, shirking duties to play around, and Count Kailsen would've exploited that gap. The setting docs only hint at him as an 'ambitious schemer plotting to swallow Repelheit,' but as a veteran, such inferences come naturally.
"......Yeah, that's...... entirely plausible."
"And one more thing. Did you know this ball had another purpose beyond the Western Unity Festival?"
"What now......"
"Do you know that my engagement to Reina von Wolfgang was unilaterally annulled by Count Kailsen?"
"......No way."
Yes. Exactly the 'no way' you're thinking.
"Today was supposed to be the announcement of Reina von Wolfgang's marriage partner. He planned to use this ball as the opportunity to push it through quickly."
"......So you ruined it? Went this far?"
"Of course."
I looked down at Count Kailsen from the dais. He glared back up at me.
"Daring to steal my party member. Flaunting ambitions to swallow Repelheit."
Hoo. Even thinking back, it pissed me off. Who the hell decides to take what's mine?
"......He'll serve as an example here."
"For daring to dream beyond his station, he's paying the price right now."
Crush him completely. Stomp him so he can never rise again. Erase his support within House Wolfgang entirely, letting everything naturally flow to Reina. Do that, and it's as good as claiming House Wolfgang for myself.
"After this, no one will ever dare rebel against or dream of swallowing Repelheit."
"......Can you really handle this? What if the marquis returns and summons you?"
"Marquis Repelheit isn't the type to return for petty matters. If anything, he might bestow a medal. If he's angered by this...... well, you'd take responsibility."
"You trash......"
"And I'm not without losses either. I made a deal with Her Highness Lijelilias to participate here."
"A deal?"
Lijelilias, lounging with legs crossed behind me, answered.
"......Participating in the imperial council with me. I plan to bring Adrian to the palace later."
"......For real? Adrian, to the palace...... the imperial council......?"
Yes, she bore massive losses too. The imperial council is a grueling three-day nonstop meeting of throne challengers. Participants enter a single building with one trusted retainer each. 'Unfortunate accidents' abound—retainers vanishing, disappearing, or even switching sides.
Every bite, every garment, even sleep demands utmost caution. In exchange for bringing her here, I agreed to attend willingly.
"Adrian, you went that far......"
"Just stand there and watch. See how I wrap this up."
I didn't wait for a reply. With steady steps, I descended the stairs, brushing past Count Kailsen gnashing his teeth below.
And...... as if waiting, someone approached.
Long black hair cascading down, necklace, earrings, a lavish dress—Reina stood before me, adorned gorgeously.
"Keeping a lady waiting isn't proper manners, Adrian."
"I know. I was a bit late."
"Yes. Instead of accepting your apology, I have a condition. Dance one song with me?"
"Sorry, but I don't...... dance."
I couldn't finish. She'd already grabbed my wrist, pulling me to the center of the ball.
Come to think of it. She's no longer my fiancée. But that's just how the 'world' sees it. If we haven't broken it in our minds, the bond remains unchanged.
"Let's enjoy this now, Adrian. If not now, when else?"
"Mm."
Right. I need to savor the moment. No matter how rough the road ahead.
'My Eternity to You.'
I'll walk to the end with her.
* * *
Reina von Wolfgang looked at the man before her. His expression was blank as always, unreadable. But for some reason, today she felt she could glimpse inside just a little.
"Adrian, you were worried about me, weren't you?"
"......"
"I know. But I didn't break. Because you said you'd come save me."
It was fun. This whole situation was fun. So fun she couldn't stop smiling.
His dancing seemed clumsy, but it wasn't. Strange. Wonderfully, he matched her awkward steps perfectly.
"Adrian, did you know?"
"What."
"I'm happy to be your fiancée."
Yes. She knew Adrian was attractive. That's why they all flocked around him. Relbrian and Kalen Snowwhite...... probably not, but the rest surely thought the same.
"So I won't yield to anyone."
She would be his 'first.' And she had no intention of giving up this place to anyone.
Today, she resolved it. Her heart would never waver, never break, and remain eternal.
With that thought, Reina smiled.
"Thank you, Adrian. For coming to save me."
"That can wait until everything's over."
"Right."
Yes. Of course. The ball wasn't finished yet.
"But it's time to end it."
"Yes. Even the sweetest dream must end. Let's bring the curtain down. But...... a little longer is fine, right?"
He nodded faintly. In the frozen ballroom, only the two danced.