Chapter 141: Unsafe (2/2)
'Serve it by removing you from power.' He thought to himself as he headed to the side and sat next to Master Ronin.
The award ceremony proceeded without any problems. After that, slow music started playing as the hall was cleared for people to dance. It was the final dance that signified the end of the ceremony.
”Usually, the awardees dance with other nobles as a sign of their rise.” Master Ronin told him with a smile. ”However, I think you've gained another enemy.”
Arthur looked at the nobles who avoided him like plague. To be honest, he didn't care. He couldn't care less about his rise in these people's eyes.
Emma was asked to dance by the crown prince and the two entered the dancing floor. The two started following the rhythm of the music as their bodies swayed elegantly. Arthur watched the whole dance as all of the awardees except for him were dancing.
He can try to ask someone to dance with him, but he didn't. Usually, the nobles were the ones to be asking for this as per costume. It was a sign of acceptance by the noble society of the Union and it didn't seem that Arthur was accepted.
He heard some commotion as the crowds parted. Looking in that direction, he saw Princess Nera coming his way. Despite her young age, she looked elegant in her black dress. She looked stunning with her blonde hair, flawless skin, and violet eyes.
Yet, she remained cold like the first time Arthur saw her in the Runes Association. He remembered how they were the only ones standing to the side as they waited in the teleportation hall. She stood in front of him as she lifted her dress and smiled for the first time tonight.
”Will you grant me this dance, young hero?” Her words sent disapproving mummers in the crowd.
Arthur studied her carefully, bewildered at her actions. Was this motivated by her desire to help him or the more probable desire of wanting to appease the public? He couldn't understand and neither could he refuse.
”It would be my honor,” He stood up from his chair in one swift motion and bowed. ”Your highness.”
With a smile, Princess Nera nodded and offered her hand that Arthur took. The two entered the dancing hall under the questioning gazes of the people around. They found themselves an empty spot before Arthur slid his hand on her back.
Arthur's growth allowed him to be almost 178cm now. He was growing rapidly the stronger he became and his body was becoming leaner as well. With his suit highlighting his body frame and his hair combed backward, he could be said to be pleasant-looking even with his average appearance.
He never learned how to dance, but his perception allowed him to analyze the way others danced earlier, especially the crown prince and Emma. With his agility and perception to follow his partner, he didn't plan to embarrass himself.
”Why are you doing this?” Arthur asked casually as the two started dancing, following the slow music. At first, his moves were tense but they became more natural the second time he did them.
”I don't know what you mean, young hero.” Princess Nera smiled as the two swayed with the music, feigning ignorance.
”I think you do, your highness.” The music's rhythm was becoming faster but Arthur had no problem keeping up. His perception allowed him to observe Nera and the other dancers and mimic their moves.
”It's for the public image.” She said as the two passed by another pair of dancers. Coincidentally, it was Emma and the crown prince.
Arthur managed to catch Emma's gaze that had some playfulness in it. He smiled unknowingly and Nera probably mistook his smile.
”It's also a part of my apology about the incident in the forest.” She sighed as if she was seen through. ”I had no idea that you were trying to stop such calamity. I wish that you would have told me.”
”Yes, I should have told the royal family. Maybe tell Prince Alfred as well, how about it?”
Arthur said sarcastically before he managed to stop himself. Prince Alfred was dead and, despite being a traitor, was Nera's brother. He felt Nera's body stiffen making him feel a little guilty.