Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: Party - 2
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Arriving at the White Rock Palace, the group split up. The adventurers headed to the party hall, while I went to the waiting room.
I was Lucille's mentor.
That meant, as someone affiliated with the royal family, I had to enter after the royals once the party began—following a bit of a wait.
It was etiquette to accommodate those who might be running late.
Of course, it wasn't an event designed with players in mind. Plenty of people had gotten tricked by it, stepped out briefly, and ended up unable to re-enter the party hall.
"Welcome. Hmm..."
The Queen hesitated, then let out a deep sigh. She rose from her seat.
"...What are you doing?"
She bowed politely to me.
"Thank you for saving my daughter."
"No need to mention it. It was only what I should have done as her mentor."
"Sage. Making you her mentor was the best decision of my life."
"I'm grateful for that as well."
It had let me snag the S-Rank Mentor Achievement in under half a year—something that could've taken a year or two.
"Speaking of which..."
The Queen glanced cautiously around before speaking.
"Lucille could graduate now, don't you think? I'm the Queen, so I know a thing or two about people. I never imagined my daughter could grow this much... She'll definitely make a fine Queen."
"I hope so."
The Queen fidgeted with her fingers. She clearly had more to say.
"About that. If it's all right with you, Sage... would you consider becoming the Queen's consort?"
"...Are you proposing to me right now? I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in Your Majesty..."
"Ah, no! Not me!"
Ah. She meant becoming Lucille's consort.
Before I could respond, the door burst open.
"...Mother? Mentor? It's time to go in..."
"Hmm. Is it? Very well. Come, Sage. We'll hear your answer after the party."
"Her Majesty the Queen is entering! The Princess is entering!!"
The chamberlain's clear call rang out, accompanied by the beautiful performance from the royal musicians.
Had the guests from the eve gathering moved on to a second round?
Humans and non-humans mingled together, laughing and chatting.
They all turned their attention to the Queen and Lucille striding in confidently. I peeled away from them as they headed to the head table and made my way toward some familiar faces.
"You're here?"
Veronica and Raysi were there together.
Why are you two hanging out?
"Just like you said, Cardinal Veronica is a wonderful person."
"Right?"
"You really... What did you tell Marchioness Raysi about me?"
"I just told her the plain truth."
"...I-Is that so?"
Veronica's cheeks flushed slightly. Meanwhile, the Queen expressed her thanks to those who had attended Lucille's birthday party. Soon after, music from the performers began to play.
"I extend my deepest gratitude to all you distinguished guests who have come to celebrate my unworthy self."
Even with so many high-profile people gathered, Lucille spoke without a hint of tremor.
Compared to her old self, it was a massive leap forward.
To think the shut-in princess with severe social anxiety had grown this much...
"I raised her..."
"Who said otherwise?"
This must be the joy of raising a disciple.
Of course, I wouldn't do it twice.
"Then, please enjoy the party."
Beaming with confidence, Lucille signaled the start of the festivities.
"Shouldn't you go?"
"Huh? Oh."
She had a crucial duty as her partner's first dance.
And perhaps...
"Lucille's amazing. She's growing by the day."
I nodded in agreement with Veronica's murmur. She really had matured.
Maybe, as the Queen said, it was time to grant her graduation.
"Go on. Since you're doing it..."
Veronica naturally extended her hand, and I placed mine over it after removing my robe.
"Make it dazzling."
"I will."
This was what all the effort had been for.
As the Emperor's attire beneath my robe came into view, all eyes in the party hall turned to me.
I strode confidently toward Lucille, who greeted me with a gentle smile.
"As your lady's partner, I request your first dance. If it's agreeable, will you grace the hall with me?"
"Yes!"
Lucille took my hand with an even brighter smile. We descended the dais and headed to the center of the dance floor.
For today's star, Lucille, no one else dared step onto the floor.
"Ready?"
"...Yes!"
All our efforts came down to this moment.
I took her hand lightly.
"Don't disappoint me."
"Of course not."
Confidence filled Lucille's voice.
The party proceeded smoothly.
Thanks to the warm atmosphere from the eve event, there was no friction between humans and non-humans.
They'd even grown so chummy that a dwarf and a human ended up in a drinking contest and both passed out—a bizarre sight.
"Wow, that's impressive!"
"You think so? I could do that much."
A mantis beastkin from the insectfolk guests had just finished a sword dance to celebrate.
Wielding two greatswords while spreading his wings, it was both intimidating and beautiful.
Let's gloss over Raysi getting excited and trying to join in with my Moonlight for her own sword dance.
The gifts were all satisfying as well.
From the nobles' offerings to those from the non-humans.
Especially the gift from the elven forest—it shocked even the kingdom.
A contract to supply World Tree fruit and elven silk at low prices for fifty years.
A bit odd for a princess's gift, but it would aid her greatly as Queen.
After all, budgets move the world.
"Ahem."
Veronica cleared her throat softly in front of Lucille, who beamed back at her.
"Thank you for coming, Cardinal Veronica."
"What are you saying? We're not strangers. And..."
Scratching her cheek, Veronica smirked.
"We've seen each other naked, right?"
"R-Right? Hehe."
It was about that time in Raydinin.
"Anyway, here."
As expected, Veronica presented a holy relic.
The church's Divine Mark, forged from blessed silver.
Lucille looked puzzled as she received the plain, unadorned piece, but Veronica explained casually.
"It's Saintess Whisthil's Divine Mark."
Saintess Whisthil had been a comrade of the hero in the past, sacrificing all her holy power to aid him against the Demon King.
In reward, the gods granted her even greater power. Instead of flaunting it, she devoted her life to those tormented by the Demon King.
Thus, the value of that Divine Mark was immeasurable.
"Such a precious item... Thank you. I will surely repay the church for this gift."
"...Oh ho?"
The old Lucille might have shrunk back, but not anymore.
Instead of cowering, she declared repayment.
As if she could handle it.
Veronica's eyes widened in surprise, but she just chuckled amusedly and stepped back.
"Impressive."
"Hehe. I'm my mentor's disciple, after all. I can't waver no matter what."
Just watching her filled me with pride.
Not backing down an inch against Veronica...
She really was ready to graduate.
The long-prepared party ended without a hitch.
Of course, if we hadn't stopped the witch's terror plot, it would've been chaos—but we'd nipped it in the bud, so no issues arose.
As the party wound down, I asked Lucille,
"But is one dance really enough?"
Plenty had asked me for dances, and Lucille too.
Makes sense, right? We'd started with a performance that wowed everyone.
In high society, dancing signified elegance, so nobles of all ages and genders wanted a turn with us.
But Lucille politely declined them all.
Meaning, in this entire party, I was the only one who'd danced with her.
"I wanted to savor this feeling a bit longer."
"Is that so? Then..."
"But what about you, Mentor?"
"Today, I'm your partner."
"...Hehe. I'm so happy. So happy I wish time would stop..."
Her sweet voice carried her earnest longing.
"And now, the genius adventurer musician who has just returned from his continental tour! Blessed by the lizardmen! The rebel opening a new world!! Lark's new song performance begins!!"
The chamberlain's booming announcement sent those who recognized Lark quietly fleeing to the restrooms. Baltin, Lukendi, and Veronica calmly plugged their ears.
"...I really wish time would stop."
Lucille's voice held even more desperation than before.
But time neither rewinds nor stops.
That would mean game over—the world ending.
"To sincerely celebrate Her Highness the Princess's birthday!! This Lark pours his soul into it! Title: Song of Ruin!!"
Can't he pick a normal title for once?
It was a truly electrifying performance.
Nobles and non-human guests unfamiliar with Lark were screaming to hang him.
The Lily Knight Order members held him back fervently until he was chased off—that was the end of his punishment. After that, the party continued without major incident.
"With that, tonight's party is concluded."
The clock struck midnight.
All things must end.
With Lucille's birthday over, the party naturally reached its close.
"For those who wish to continue enjoying the night, we have prepared a space—feel free to partake. Now, Lucille. Come with me."
"Yes. Then, Mentor... um..."
Did I need to go? Probably a leaders' meeting?
"I'll grab another drink with the kids from the annex..."
The Queen had no intention of dragging me along and gave a slight nod. Lucille openly pouted, glanced at those waiting for me, and nodded.
"Ah... Yes. Understood. Can I come find you later?"
"Do as you like."
Delighted by my permission, Lucille left with the Queen. I turned around.
Raysi, Veronica, Baltin, and Lukendi were waiting.
"Let's do a second round, just us."
"Let the VIPs party with their own kind."
"We've got two VIPs right here."
I pointed at Veronica and Raysi, who both smirked.
"There's a saying that clergy should descend to the lowest places, right?"
"Good point. What about you?"
Raysi said bluntly with a straight face.
"Can't I?"
No reason not to.
We returned to the annex and gathered in the garden. Lark, hurt by the night's reception, was drowning his sorrows in drink.
"Ey! You ignorant fools who know nothing of music!!"
Who's calling who ignorant?
Ridiculous, but it was in the past—he'd paid the price, so let's move on.
"By the way, Cardinal. You didn't dance once all night."
Downing her wine in one go, Raysi picked up her lute.
Was it the flickering bonfire?
Veronica's face looked red.
"Ah... I-I'm no good at dancing..."
"Dancing is just for enjoyment. No need for formality. Right, Sage?"
"Exactly."
"But you danced great with Lucille."
"That was one I had to nail. Honestly, I prefer casual fun myself."
I set down the peanuts I'd forgotten and stood.
*-Ting~*
Raysi strummed her lute. Baltin pulled out a flute, and Lukendi a small drum.
"Huh? What's this?"
Veronica looked puzzled—probably surprised to see them with instruments.
"Adventurers all know a bit of music."
"Not at Sage or that Lark's level, though. Hey, Lark. You too."
"Damn it...! Think I'll play?"
"Ditch that artistic crap for something popular. Cardinal Veronica should dance too."
Raysi addressed the grumbling Lark. He eventually picked up his lute.
After tuning a few times, they nodded, and I extended my hand to Veronica.
"Let's dance."
"...Okay."
She seemed flustered but gently took my hand. Awkwardly assuming position, she said,
"I-I really can't dance."
"Don't worry."
*-Ding ding ding~ Ting~ Ding~*
The tune wasn't a refined waltz.
It was the fast, upbeat song adventurers played around the campfire.
Perhaps that's why.
Expecting a waltz, Veronica had been stiff and awkward—but she broke free, following my lead clumsily.
"Ahaha! Hahaha! This is fun?!"
She botched steps, stepped on my feet, bumped into Lark during a turn.
She nearly lost my hand several times, messing up her posture.
But this wasn't the formal party hall.
It was a place for pure fun, no pretenses.
Grasping my hand and stamping her feet, Veronica was thoroughly enjoying herself.
Nice to see her happy.
I'd wanted to give her a break from all her hard work.
We drank, snacked, danced, did magic tricks or jokes.
Baltin and I dueled while drunk, keeping the merry vibe going.
"What're you lot doing? This looks more fun."
A grumbling voice. Marax and Leo had come to the annex garden, the adventurers' party spot. Baltin and Lukendi laughed and welcomed them as Marax scanned around.
"Where's the princess?"
"Huh? She hasn't come."
"Really? She left for here a while ago."
Huh? Something wrong?
I excused myself from the rest and checked Lucille's room.
"Her Highness came in earlier and is now asleep."
"Ah. I see."
With the maidservant's polite words, I had no choice but to head back.
Author's Note (Afterword)
See you tomorrow! Bye~!!