Chapter 45 (2/2)
「What is it?」
Even when I ask that,
「No, it’s nothing.」
would be his only answer…
Although Chiffon-san is grinning, I wonder what it could be ne?
Before long, I noticed the outside of the room had become noisy.
This room connects to a pa.s.sage which leads to the hall.
It seems the people attending the ball are gathering to the hall.
Us as well, Chiffon-san saw us off and we exited the room.
When the Prince stood beside me, he suddenly held out his hand.
I placed my hand on top of his hand, my first time, and probably the last, then headed to the ball.
The first thing I saw when I entered the hall was, people.
The s.p.a.cious hall which could hold thousands of people, a great number of people.
On the high ceiling, pictures were drawn on it.
And hanging from the ceiling was a glittering chandelier, sparkling.
The lights that are illuminating the inside of the room, could they be magic tools?
There was a large open s.p.a.ce at the centre, tables with food were by the walls.
And on top of the several steps of stairs, were two elegant chairs.
When we entered the hall, the people inside the venue looked over at our direction.
From those gazes, my body s.h.i.+vered with a twitch.
「Act as usual. There’s no need to worry if you don’t leave my side.」
After the Prince patted my head with his available hand with a ponpon, we stepped into the hall.
For the time being, I’ll have to make sure not to embarra.s.s the Prince.
Immediately after we went inside, a lone man started a conversation.
Obviously a n.o.ble from appearance, a stout, chubby old man probably in his fifties.
「Well isn’t it Your Highness Prince Sedrim. Your Highness the Prince seems to be in good humour. Incidentally, Your Highness the Prince has lately been enthusiastically going to a commoner’s place and… Is this her, the girl from the rumour? She’s cute. Your Highness the Prince sure has good tastes na.」
Uwa, he immediately spitted out sarcasm.6
Or rather, what does he mean by rumour? What’s the Prince doing!?
「It’s been awhile since we’ve seen each other. The Duke as well, you seem to be in good health above all. Since you’ve recently began a new business. Sakura, this is Duke Hertsmere」
The Prince introduces me to the sarcastic old man.
「How do you do, Duke Hertsmere-sama. I am called Sakura Fujino.」
Saying that, I did a lady’s curtsy.
I roughly had these sorts of etiquettes in my previous life’s knowledge but… So how come even though I was a man, I knew about a lady’s etiquette? That’s not important.
Well, it’s good that it’s helpful right now but…
The Prince and the Duke were surprised at my perfect lady’s etiquette.
Because what they thought to be an ordinary commoner had perfect etiquette for a lady, I think it’s inevitable.
「Excuse me, may we excuse ourselves? Since this her first time at a ball, I want her to slowly ease in until she becomes accustomed to it.」
「A, aah, that’s right.」
「Well then, please excuse us.」
The Prince, who recovered earlier, cajoled the sarcastic old man while he was still confused.
「Sorry na, to be suddenly caught by that duke… That duke’s daughter is one of my fiancée candidates you see. Most likely, he’s inspecting Sakura since you suddenly appeared out of nowhere.7」
In other words, it’s the Prince’s fault he said those sarcastic words ne.
Well, I had thought things to that extent would happen anyways.
「Good evening, Your Highness Sedrim. You sure have a cute partner accompanying you tonight.」
The next person who called out, although it’s been covered by clothing, I can tell, had a moderately toned body and distinct snow white hair, probably an old man in his forties.
「Well if it isn’t Count Grantz. It’s been a long time. Thank you for taking care of me at that time.」
This uncle also interacts with the Prince straightforwardly.
「No no, I just did what I was able to you know. Leaving that aside Your Highness. Could this ojou-san be from the rumor… I wonder? If it’s alright with you, would you introduce her to me?」
What should I say? There was a part I didn’t follow but…?8
「Sakura, this is Count Grantz. I consult him often on matters regarding the Chivalric Order.」
「How do you do, Count Grantz-sama. I am Sakura Fujino.」
Saying that, I did a lady’s curtsy.
「How courteous. She even has proper etiquette. Well well, it seems I’ll be able to see something good before longna.」
「Count Grantz.」
The Prince called out to the Count with a sharp tone.
And then while the two people had eye contact, they glanced at me.9 What could it be…?
When I tilted my head to the side, I heard the announcement of the King and Queen’s entrance.
Together with an entrance music, the King and Queen entered.
The partic.i.p.ants within the hall faced that direction and did a retainer’s bow.
For the time being, I also bowed my head as I was prompted by the Prince.
Even though I’m not a retainer ne.
「Everyone, you have gathered here well.」
After that voice, I realized my surroundings had raised their heads.
「Please enjoy yourselves this evening.」
At the same time those words finished, light music began to drifting out.
It seems several men and women are dancing at the centre.
「Sakura, I’ll need to go do some greetings for a bit. You might feel lonely but, please wait here for a moment.」
When it comes to a prince, I’m sure they have many various obligatory ties.
I approached a wall, then saw off the Prince as he headed towards a single group.
Notes
1. 対するわたしは色々な物を失い、されるがままです。
2. でも、昔から切りたいって言うと、母親にすごく悲しそうな目で見られるんですよ。
3. それを意識すると、どうしても自分が魅力的だとは思えません。
4. 高い位置できゅっと締まったウエスト。
5. そろそろ、その間の抜けた顔を戻してください。
6. うわ、早速丸わかりの嫌みが来ましたよ。
7. 恐らくは、いきなり現れたサクラの様子見と、牽制だろう」
8. 何を言ったのでしょうか？聞き取れない部分がありましたが…？
9. そして二人でアイコンタクトをしながら、チラチラとわたしを見ます。
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