Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: 12th Birthday Ball (3)
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While the three of them enjoyed a cozy, harmonious chat, Eliza sat quietly alone in a corner of the banquet hall, fiddling with the necklace Yuno had given her as a gift.
"Sigh... I came to Yuno's birthday ball, but... it's still so exhausting..."
She had arrived at the ballroom with Isabella, but since assigned seats were separate, Eliza couldn't stay with her inside the hall.
The young ladies at the same table had exchanged mere greetings before getting up to find their partners and leaving. Left alone, all she could do was gaze at Yuno, who shone brightly.
"Sigh... I wish it would end soon... I feel bad for Yuno since it's his birthday, but... I just want the ball to finish so I can get back to normal life."
Closing her eyes and imagining, her mind filled with visions of exercising, studying, and playing with Yuno in their daily routine. A goofy smile bloomed on her face.
"Eliza, what are you thinking about so intently?"
"Oh~ I was thinking about studying and playing with you... Huh? Wh-what? Prince Yuno?"
Startled by Yuno's voice in her ear, Eliza instinctively answered before snapping her eyes open in shock and looking ahead.
There, right in front of her, was Yuno's handsome face beaming with a grin. Her cheeks flushed red as she stared at him in a daze.
"What are you doing here all alone? Come on, let's go."
"G-go... where?"
When Eliza remained seated blankly despite his invitation, Yuno grabbed her hand and firmly led her toward the stage. All eyes in the hall turned to them, and Eliza panicked, trying to shake off his grip.
But Yuno's strong hand wouldn't budge against her strength, so as she was dragged along, she pleaded desperately.
"I... I can't go out there! If a hostage princess from an enemy kingdom draws this much attention..."
"Hmph! I don't care about hostages or any of that! Right now, I want to dance with you. You, and no one else. That's why I'm taking you out there."
As the odd pair—an enemy kingdom's princess and the empire's prince—ascended the stage, whispers rippled through the nobles.
Desperate, Eliza glanced at Empress Yuria and Isabella as a last resort, but they just waved encouragingly, their eyes saying to enjoy it.
In the end, the imperial orchestra began playing, and a lively waltz filled the air.
Yuno, considerate of Eliza's slightly awkward dancing, led her slowly step by step. She followed his lead, moving her feet tentatively.
'Ugh~ What can't this guy Yuno do physically? He's so big and yet dances this well... Is this really his first ball? Or is he just a natural playboy?'
Lost in random thoughts, Eliza let Yuno guide her expertly, spinning her waist around. She focused on his arms, twirling gracefully in response.
Just like that, stray thoughts vanished from her mind, and the empire's nobles' murmurs from moments ago faded away.
In her eyes, only Yuno's face loomed large, and he fixed his gaze solely on her.
As the music quickened and their dance sped up, dancing ceased to matter to the two, now immersed in each other. They drew close, one hand on waists, the other clasped, lost in their own world.
'Ah... yeah. I can't deny it anymore... I love Yuno...'
The innocence of a 12-year-old girl swelled like a bubble ready to burst at the slightest touch.
Coming as a hostage to this foreign enemy land at a young age, boldly speaking her mind before the emperor—the third princess of Leon Kingdom's inner self was just a trembling little girl gripped by fear. The prince who treated her warmly, like family or a little sister, had stolen her heart.
Eliza had known her feelings all along but denied them until now. She could no longer deceive herself.
As the dance ended, she looked at Yuno smiling at her, her lips parting slowly.
"Yuno~ I lo—"
Clap clap clap clap clap clap
"Wow~ What splendid dancing, Your Highness! When did you become such an accomplished dancer?"
Her confession cut short by sudden applause, Marquis Garcia climbed the stage praising them.
"Marquis Garcia? Weren't you escorting His Majesty?"
"Hahaha, His Majesty has retired to Rose Consort's palace. So I hurried back. As the emcee today, I can't leave my post empty."
Yuno gave a wry smile at Marquis Garcia. The marquis looked apologetic, realizing too late, but with no choice, Yuno awkwardly laughed and led Eliza off the stage.
"Eliza. You were about to say something earlier?"
"Huh? Oh, no no. Just that you dance really well. Hehe."
"Hahaha, what can't I do?"
"Hmm~ History, economics, diplomacy, philosophy, law... Oh, and more~"
"..... Exclude studying. That's cheating."
Eliza giggled at Yuno puffing out his cheeks. Though her heart wasn't at ease, she hoped for another chance someday and decided to just celebrate his birthday today.
'Thank you, Yuno. For treating me so well, like family. But from now on, I don't think I can see you purely as family. I've fallen in love with you.'
Her unconfessed feelings for Yuno grew stronger, but watching him dance and play with other noble ladies afterward, she began to resent him a little.
Yuria had left for her palace, excusing fatigue and telling Isabella and Eliza to have fun. So the two sat at the imperial table, glaring at Yuno together and gossiping behind his back.
"Eliza. Doesn't he just look so annoying? When he begged us to be his partners... Now he's building a whole harem? Ugh~"
"Right? Isabella sis. Earlier he acted like I was the only one in the world, then off he goes frolicking..."
"Hehehe... Eliza, you like Yuno, don't you?"
Isabella's direct hit made Eliza's face flush crimson again.
"Wh-what? What are you talking about? Why would I like that irritating guy...?"
"No need for excuses. It's so obvious. You've been showing it blatantly forever, and today you looked like you wanted to throw yourself at him."
Too embarrassed to reply, Eliza just hung her head.
Isabella leaned in and whispered in her ear.
"Wha...? What do you...?"
"Why so surprised? It's mutual help. Got it?"
"Y-you'll push me as Yuno's wife?"
"Exactly. In return, we'll share him later... I'm his blood sister, so I can't marry him. But I love him as much as—or more than—you do. As a little brother and as a man."
"Wh-when did you... Sis?"
"From the first moment I saw him. Back when he was a total kid. The instant I laid eyes on him, I fell. I even cursed being born his sibling once... But what can I do? I'm smitten. Blood ties? Incest? I don't care! I take what I want! Yuno is mine!!"
Stunned by Isabella's fierce words, Eliza stared. Isabella's eyes blazed like fire, filled with greed, love, and obsession for Yuno. Eliza recoiled.
"It's not bad for you either, right? I'll convince Mom to arrange a political marriage with you. Just turn a blind eye when I slip into your bedroom later. Of course, you'll join too. I'm not ungrateful enough to hog him after your help. Hehehe."
It didn't sound bad for Eliza. She regretted not monopolizing Yuno and was shocked at Isabella's taboo feelings, but with her support, marriage odds rose. They shook hands, forming a secret alliance.
Oblivious to the two girls plotting against him, Yuno finished his fun dances with the ladies, bid farewell, and escorted Isabella and Eliza to the empress's palace.
After dropping them off, he received kisses on both cheeks from them, grinning as he headed to his own palace.
Back at his palace, Yuno sensed someone waiting in his room.
Recognizing it as Count Richtenaur, who would oversee his training from today, he swallowed nervously and flung open the door.
Entering, Count Richtenaur, waiting for him, bowed and produced a box.
"Happy birthday, Your Highness. And today, at last, you begin mana cultivation with the Dragon Heart."
The count opened the luxurious box and handed Yuno a vivid red fragment.
But Yuno didn't take it, instead asking directly.
"Um... For mana cultivation, is there something special like the imperial family's unique method or the Guard Knights' special way?"
Hoping, Yuno asked. Count Richtenaur laughed heartily.
"Hahaha, Your Highness! Nothing like that exists. Mana cultivation is the same everywhere. It awakens mana initially and heals Mana Core damage from overuse. Increasing capacity and usage depend entirely on training."
"Then why not teach it to all soldiers? You'd have an insanely strong army."
"Your Highness... You don't know yet, but cultivation after 20 has no effect. It requires aid at start and elixirs or mana stones for real gains, making it hugely expensive."
"Ah~ So knight orders are elite few for that reason."
"Yes. The empire focuses on the Guard Knights, and noble houses invest only in talented youth for their orders."
Yuno nodded in understanding. Finishing his explanation, Count Richtenaur offered the Dragon Heart again. Yuno took it, and the count sat behind him to assist.
"Your Highness, ready. Consume the Dragon Heart now. As a fragment, not maximum effect, but it'll greatly aid your mana initiation."
Following instructions, Yuno sat, swallowed it, and closed his eyes. A scorching heat surged through his body, soaking him in sweat instantly.
"Begin. Your Highness, focus all senses inward."
Count Richtenaur placed a hand on Yuno's back, circulating mana. Yuno concentrated on the sensations within his body.