CHAPTER 95
CHAPTER 95
A Demon King’s Daughter?
People could be seen dancing in the ballroom to the orchestra’s music.
Some young nobles and gentry kept stealing glances toward this side. They were eager to use this opportunity to invite partners of fine appearance and noble background.
But the tense atmosphere here kept them from approaching.
“Ah, perhaps we’ve made things too uncomfortable. Since you’ve come all the way to Dyunais, how about trying a dance?”
Rudolf asked the demon youths for their opinion. Coralden glanced at his companions.
“What do you think, Veras?”
“A dance… I learned it as part of etiquette, but honestly, isn’t it just a process of searching for a romantic partner in high society? I don’t wish to waste time on such frivolities.”
The bespectacled demon youth, Veras, adjusted his glasses as he spoke. Then the rough-looking youth burst into laughter.
“You shouldn’t say it like that, Veras. You always call me crude, but saying that would insult His Highness who invited us.”
“Then you should dance, Kamain.”
“Me? I prefer fighting over dancing.”
“Dancing is done with the opposite sex, Kamain. Saying you prefer fighting… are you planning to punch a woman? You barbarian.”
“Then how about you dance with me, Linser?”
“With you? I’d rather fight.”
At that moment, Coralden extended his hand toward Idnia.
“If you don’t mind, would you grant me a dance, Idnia Katche Betelgeuse?”
“…Pardon?”
Idnia was startled.
“A dance… I did learn when I was very young, but I’ve forgotten most of it after leaving high society.”
“Just follow my lead.”
“….”
She hesitated at the unexpected invitation.
But then something even more unexpected happened.
“Before that, please dance with me.”
Rudolf stepped forward and extended his hand first.
“As you know, if there is a fiancé, they take precedence in dancing.”
“But I heard the engagement was broken.”
Coralden gave a faint smile, glancing between them.
“Lady Idnia, the choice is yours. Whom will you dance with first?”
“Then, excuse me, Coralden.”
Idnia chose Rudolf and walked toward the ballroom.
“They’re watching you rather strangely.”
Rudolf spoke softly so only she could hear, smiling.
“Be careful, Idnia. The demons likely bear no goodwill toward you. After all, your father killed their king.”
“That would make sense. But why ask me to dance…?”
“I simply wanted to go before that man. Now then, will you grant me the honor of this dance?”
“With pleasure.”
They stepped onto the dance floor.
Despite their broken engagement and all the rumors surrounding them, the moment they stood together, all eyes turned toward them.
The light streaming from the ceiling illuminated their youthful forms, making them appear like a perfect creation of the divine.
As they began to dance gracefully at the center of the hall, no one dared miss the sight for the sake of idle gossip.
Rudolf led flawlessly, befitting a crown prince. Despite not dancing for years, Idnia followed his lead with ease.
“Impressive. I heard you left high society, yet your sense hasn’t dulled.”
“Now that I think about it, I wonder how Wizard Ball is going without us…”
“In a situation like this, that’s what you’re worried about?”
Rudolf laughed softly.
“After you broke off our engagement, I was quite shaken. You were the first to stir such emotions in me.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t intend that. My circumstances were complicated.”
“I understand. Back then, I was just a naive prince who had never known hardship. You, on the other hand, were far more mature. I don’t resent you. However…”
He trailed off as the music reached its climax.
“It was enjoyable. Now then…”
He escorted her back.
Coralden was waiting.
Rudolf handed Idnia over and then turned to Marie.
“Then Lady Marie, would you dance with me?”
“M-Me?”
Marie was stunned.
“Now then, will you dance with me, Lady Idnia?”
Coralden extended his hand again.
“Very well.”
Idnia took his hand without much thought.
But the moment she did, she felt a powerful energy surge into her.
“—!”
Startled, she looked around, but no one seemed to notice anything.
[Do not be alarmed. I have no intention of harming you.]
Coralden spoke through telepathy as they began to dance.
Idnia resisted the energy and replied in kind.
[What are you planning, Coralden… or should I call you the First Prince of the demons, Kais?]
[…Impressive. How did you figure that out?]
[Your subordinates practically worship you. It wasn’t hard.]
He smiled faintly.
[Then listen carefully. Idnia Katche Betelgeuse. You are half one of us.]
[And?]
[You knew?]
[Yes. So what do you intend? Reveal it and stir chaos in the Empire?]
[You misunderstand. That would gain us nothing. Besides… you may even be my half-sibling.]
[…What?]
[The power within you originates from my father. Your body comes from your parents, but your soul… from him. If you accept it, I will acknowledge you as royalty of Garamhau.]
[You want me to join you?]
[You already belong to us.]
[…]
She fell silent in thought.
[So you refuse?]
[There’s no need to decide right now. But tell me—who is your rival for the throne?]
[…]
Kais froze for a moment.
The music ended.
“It was an excellent dance.”
They returned.
[You’ll get your answer… after my subordinates test you.]
[…What?]
“We’ll be taking our leave now.”
Rudolf, Karl, and Lorenzo stood up—each carrying ice-preserved food.
“It was an enjoyable meeting. Let’s meet again—preferably on weekends.”
They exited the hall and crossed the courtyard—
And suddenly—
The air froze.
“…?”
Idnia found herself alone in an empty courtyard.
Everyone else had vanished.
A barrier.
In the imperial palace?
Then—
A figure appeared.
It was Linser.
She stepped forward, bowed politely, and raised her staff.
“I apologize, Lady Idnia. But as a mage, I request a duel. Will you accept?”
“And if I refuse?”
Idnia asked knowingly.
“Then I will attack unilaterally.”
Linser’s voice was unwavering.
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