Chapter 118 (2/2)

Since the dance started a lot of troublesome men have come to ask Yue and them for a dance, although Yue and them had no intentions of dancing with any other man other than Hajime, presently, they’ve all been driven away by Hajime’s “Pressure”, so only Yue and them as well as Shizuku was around.

Kouki was forcibly taken out by the ladies and was dancing desperately as he wasn’t accustomed to it, while Ryutaro was single-mindedly eating. Suzu was dancing with a dandy*lol didn’t notice I spelt that wrong, thanks Schion93* old man in a, [Ho~ee] kind of feeling.

Therefore, the only people who heard about Ririana almost being raped by Bias was Yue and them. Unexpectedly, Kaori and Shizuku demanded with lots of momentum for an explanation from Hajime, attention started to gather around.

[Ah~, yes, that’s why……Yue, do you want to dance once?]

[N~…..I’d be pleased]

[Ah, wait a second, Nagumo-kun! Don’t run away just because it’s become troublesome! Explain it properly to us!]

[Th, that’s right! It’s an important matter! Properly explain it!]

According to Shizuku’s words, Hajime who thought that an explanation would be too troublesome, took Yue’s hand and planned to escape onto the dance hall. In another sense, the attention was focused on the girl with a pretty face which resembled a work of art much more remarkable than Ririana who was the leading role and on the boy who was her partner (Tuxedo Ver.) with white hair and an eye patch.

Normally, in order to match Yue who was accustomed to royal dances and was leading, Hajime decided to use “Light Speed” while dancing. Since the dance was being observed, he wanted to look good. Joyfully, Yue’s expression was that of someone who was filled with happiness, and Hajime’s eyes were softening towards that, combined with their clothes and looking from the sides, it was completely an engagement party for those two.

Although the musicians somewhere desperately tried to heat up the place as it became awkward, they used Hajime and Yue’s atmosphere to begin playing joyfully. By now, the leading role in the hall is Hajime and Yue, everyone paid attention to the two that were dancing round and round happily.

Towards such people, Ririana watched them with a smile. In there laid some color of envy as well.

On one hand, there was a group of women yearning for Hajime, and more may appear in the future, Ririana temporarily pushed the events that just happened into the corner of her head, [Who’s next!?], it became a battle for the second person.

The performance would be ending soon, Grand applause was presented towards the two people who were kissing with each other lightly as the aristocrats of the Empire were watching with smiles. In their eyes, pure feelings of admiration and praise were seen. The daughters of the noblemen as well, [Ho~u], absentmindedly leaked out hot sighs.

Hajime and Yue gracefully bowed in return towards the applause and returned to their friends while holding hands. Apparently Teio won the competition and gets the next dance, she looked towards Hajime with eyes of expectation.

However, Teio’s expectation was easily betrayed.

[Nagumo Hajime-sama, would you please accompany me for one dance?]

Right, it was because another person had already called out to him.

The other person was Ririana.

[Princess….for the leading role to be separating from their partner, what happened suddenly?]

[Ara, that leading role was just deprived of her seat, so aren’t those words rather cruel?]

[Isn’t it because you’ve got that work face on? Actually, is it alright to leave the crowned prince alone?]

[If it’s about the greetings circle it’s practically finished already, now is the time to enjoy the party. In the first place we’re supposed to dance with several people. Look, the crowned prince is also dancing with one of his mistresses]

[A mistress…..you don’t look concerned at all huh]

[Fufu. Rather than that, I’d like you to take my hand soon….can you not dance?]

Hajime noticed that Ririana didn’t only want to dance but also say something, he could roughly guess what it was she wanted to talk about, with a, what should I do, he scratched his cheek. To be honest, he wanted to keep bathing in the afterglow of dancing with Yue……

Then, towards the hesitating Hajime, Yue who was next to him said, [Meh!]. It seemed she said that to convey to not disgrace Ririana at a public place. Yue understood that Hajime couldn’t decide on what to do so the, [Meh!], that was said to decide things for him.

[Ah~, I get it. …..I would be happy to be your partner, Princess]

[…..Yes]

Had they attracted attention, there was an unusual action of Hajime respectfully taking Ririana’s hand and led her towards the center of the dance hall. Previously, the dance with Yue was still probably within their minds. Ririana has a slightly ashamed attitude and the degree of attention towards that is high.

By the way, during the interactions with Ririana, nobody cared about Teio who hardened up as her hand was held out for a long time. [Th, this timing, so it’s come! Whatever you do, I understand master! Haa~ Haa~…..N~], with reddened and blushed cheeks, nobody bothered to tsukkomi.

The melody of music began to flow out calmly. Ririana and Hajime were sticking close to one another as their bodies shook waveringly gracefully. Ririana whispered quietly while her face drawn close to his shoulder.

[……Thank you very much for a little while ago]

[As I thought, it was that…….so you know]

[Such an insane situation, it couldn’t be anyone but you right? Besides, your “Deep Red” is very beautiful……I wouldn’t mistake that]

[Is that so? Ma~a, the first prince of the Empire is also stuck with that, it’s only a temporary measure though*Thanks The_Codfish, I thought it sounded odd lol*. Sooner or later]

[You’re just saying it blatantly huh. …..But, even if it was just an example I was glad. I heard from Kaori about when you saved them, I longed for that a little bit]

She said as she separated from Hajime’s shoulder with a little smile on her face. That smile was Ririana’s original charm which couldn’t be compared to with the one seen with Bias a while ago, the surrounding aristocrats which were paying attention became slightly noisy when they noticed.

[And, are various things settled about your attitude in that dress?]

[Does it not match me?]

[It suits you. But, as expected that pink dress would have suited you more. Did you plan on insinuating*hint that something bad had happened* them to reveal the truth?]

[Yes, because this degree is enough for a husband who assaults his wife……more so…..as expected you saw everything through that spider huh. …..My improper appearance….a~a, I’m not fit to be a bride anymore]

Yoyoyo~! then, towards Ririana who buried her face onto Hajime’s shoulder again while pretending to break down, [What are you talking about….], Hajime looked at her with a ridiculous expression.

[Despite saying it in a low voice, don’t say such seldom remarks in such a place. Or rather, haven’t you been making too much contact since a while ago? The crowned prince has quite the incredible expression?]

[It’s fine isn’t it. Once this night ends I’ll be the crown princess. Just for now, allow me to be just a girl. Also, I’ll be assaulted one day, can’t you succumb to the selfishness of a pitiful bullied princess for a little while?]

[Being assaulted, it’s not set that you’ll be bullied……]

[It’s already a fact]

There Ririana, while hiding her expression by clinging onto Hajime tightly, suddenly muttered something as if on accident.

[……If…….if, I said “Help” what would you do?]

Ririana herself didn’t plan on hearing about these things. It was necessary to put a conclusion to the matrimonial relationship between the prince of the Empire for the future. Both countries took damage from the surprise attacks from the demons that the Majinzoku brought, it was necessary to show strength of unity as humans to stabilize things now that the head church temple had disappeared. As someone from the royal family, she should take on that role. For example, even if a painful marriage life filled with the lost of her dignity awaits her.

But still asking Hajime of such things, her voice trembled with fear from the bottom of her heart in the case of the help that she was expecting for doesn’t come, having seen Yue look so happy while being embraced by Hajime, she thought that surely Hajime would say, “I refuse”. And she steeled herself for that possibility. It was because she thought that it would be fine for her to be selfish for this one time.

But, Hajime’s answer was completely off from what she expected.

[Ma~a, before I accompany you, you’ll be saved regardless? In this case, the Empire(. . .) may be ending tonight……at the very least, the crowned prince would be hopeless]

[…..Yes?*more of a, what?, sense*]

——HQ, this is Victor. Suppression of Point S is complete.

——HQ, this is X-Ray*thanks Dim1 that does sound right lol, ?????*. Suppression of Point Y is complete.

Towards Ririana who instinctively looks up, Hajime’s mouth lifts up into a grin.

His expression was seen and a bad feeling surged into Ririana’s mind. There wasn’t a touching atmosphere like a while ago, Ririana felt her cheeks cramping up. Hajime quietly drew his mouth close to Ririana’s ear.

[And also, I’ll make it so that you can understand easier. I’m insensitive, so I might end up doing something carelessly]

[~……..]

Ririana’s body shook with a shock. Though there was the breath and voice coming down onto her ear, it’s because she understood what Hajime was implying.

In other words, “I’ll Help you”. Ririana’s heart was shaken intensely. The princess within Ririana began to shout. This marriage is an obligation that should be fulfilled. That’s why, I wanted you to cast away that girl who held onto those dreams in one strike.Then.

[Why?], in another sense acting upon cruel treatment, or perhaps it was due to her joy that her eyes moistened up towards Hajime, Hajime acted as if it was nothing, in another sense, he replied without reading the atmosphere and gave the worst response possible.

[The Princess is unfortunate, to be feeling bad for those guys]

Hajime said so and glanced over towards Kaori and them. In brief, their purpose was not exactly for Ririana’s sake, although Hajime said, Ririana was unfortunate, he seemed to also imply don’t hurt my “Important” people*This line was quite shaky for me, it was either this or he was being a tsundere, or he was implying that she wasn’t important?*. Ririana guessed so and stared at Hajime.

[Isn’t that, too much of a lie even if it’s coming from you? We’ll, surely fall?]

[What are you going do if it happens? Ma~a, for the time being, it’s just necessary to think that the worst outcome that you’ve thought of won’t be happening. As long as you’re important friends of these fellows, that is]

[……Nagumo-san’s resolution doesn’t shake huh……..truly, I’m envious of Yue-san]

Ririana watches Hajime with a hateful expression. Hajime was indifferent towards it and glanced right back. Then finally the end of the music was coming up. Hajime looked unfazed, Ririana who eventually gave up, [Fuu~], breathed outwards and leaned her body onto Hajime, she decided to at least momentarily enjoy the dance for now.

And while leaving a lingering sound, the music stopped, Ririana reluctantly parted her body away, and for a while kept their hands held together while quietly staring at Hajime……[Thank you] she muttered. With a lovely smile just like a flower that was fully bloomed.

It was simply the smile of a 14-year-old girl. A smile that was so pure that it didn’t have any impurities, it pierced through all the hearts of the people who saw it. A sigh filled with heat could be heard somewhere. And, after a while, a grand applause which didn’t lose against Yue’s dance from a while ago resounded. It appears that Ririana only danced with the other people simply because it was required, Hajime separated from her and returned alone, and the eyes of ladies greeted him.

[Hajime-kun’s a woman killer…..]

[…….Hajime-san, when on earth did you……I can’t let down my guard at all]

[No~o, Master. I got a little wet from the neglecting play, is it alright for me to change my underwear?]

[This has to do with those assault remarks from a while ago right. …..You said something about helping out Riri during a dangerous time, did you plan on dealing the finishing blows during the dance? Ne~e, what exactly did you whisper to her? To begin with, isn’t Riri a married woman now? Do you understand? Ne~e, do you understand? Nagumo-kun?]

[Hawawa, Nagumo-kun, finally you’ve obtained the NETORI*taking another person’s lover* attribute…….you’re too much of an adult. You’ve well exceeded Suzu’s capacity]

A number of perverted remarks were mixed in, equally, towards the female group that was bad mouthing him and Ririana, [What are you talking about], he said with an amazed expression.

Hajime began talking, he helped out while he was passing by, then danced only because it was requested of him. Afterwards, because Kaori and them would be concerned, he only informed them the minimum amount about how he helped.

There was no intentions of persuading them in any way. And if by chance, to the hundredth millionth decimal, that Ririana fell in love with Hajime, Hajime himself gave off a [Like I care?] feeling.

For now, just to be sure, he turned his gaze towards Yue to not misunderstand it, Yue understood and gripped onto Hajime’s hand in assent while nodding her head, as expected Yue was different from them, his love for Yue knew no bounds and rose way beyond the universe. It must have been his imagination that her grip was stronger than usual.

——HQ, this is Zulu. Suppression of Point Z is complete

——Notify the entire force, this is HQ, all arrangements have been completed. Start the countdown.

Shia’s expression stiffened up a little as she heard the communication. Kaori had a slightly tensed expression as well. Shizuku and them who were not given the Telepathy stone (Improved Ver.), only looked at the 2 with suspicious expressions. Moreover, Gaharudo often went up onto the platform on a daily bases and kept glancing towards Hajime and them. This time it appears that he was going to give out a speech and a toast in celebration.

[Now then, first of all, let me express our gratitude for having joined us on this party which serves as a celebration for Princess Ririana visiting our country as well as being engaged with my son. There were many various surprises and it indeed became an interesting event]

Then Gaharudo turned a meaningful glance towards Hajime. Hajime was pretending to not know. Gaharudo’s expression seems to convey that it’s become even more interesting.

At the same time, a resolute voice was heard from Hajime’s telepathy stone.

——To all troops. This is Alpha One. From this point on we will put an end to this persecution we’ve suffered through for hundreds of years, we will carve our names into the history of this world. Our name will be used as the pronunciation of fear. This place is the intersection of fate. Will we fall into hell or advance towards the future, everything depends on this one battle. There’s no need to hold back. Sa~a, we’ll show them just how weak our claws and fangs are

——10, 9, 8…….

——Boss. For leading us into this battle, we deeply appreciate it.

Hajime and them heard the Usagininzoku’s countdown which concerned their fates.

The aristocrats of the Empire doesn’t suspect a thing.

the speeches of the 2 different races overlapped with one another.

[The party has only just begun. Tonight, eat a lot, drink a lot, and dance as much as your heart pleases. It will become the best blessings for my son and daughter-in-law. Sa~a, raise your cups!]

As Gaharudo confirmed that everyone in the hall held up their cups, he poured himself wine to the very brim of his cup. And, with his breath taking initiative with a ~Suu~ breathing in with ambition.

The other side of the telepathy also, once again similarly.

——Get fired up! Let’s go!!!

——[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [Ou~!!!] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

——4, 3, 2, 1…….

And, the countdown has finally—-

[The unity of humanity will become stronger with this marriage! There is nothing to fear! We are the glorious Human race!]

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [For Glory!!] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

——0. I wish you great fortune in war.

At that moment.

All lights vanished and the hall was swallowed by darkness.