71-71 Ball (1/2)

The woman leading us down a wide hallway led the three of us to the ballroom.

It looks like it's already started.

There was a glittering banquet with sunlight streaming in and people dressed in all kinds of clothes. In the middle of the hall, I could see a few groups of people dancing.

As we stepped into the large room, we noticed that all eyes around us turned to us at once.

It was not Leanne or Ines, but ──── me.

There was a whispering voice in the distance. ......

”Is it true what your eminence said? I didn't think you'd actually bring something like that with you.

So that's the ──── demon tribe.

I've never seen a real one before.

Do you have any ...... demons with you?　Are you sure there's no danger, ......?

I've never seen a real ──── demon before. It looks like the color of a demon's blood.

──── Don't look at him, he'll kill you.

That's what you get when you take a guest of honor to ......?　It's ...... in bad taste, isn't it, Kingdom of Crace?

With a look, fear. Hate. Disgust. Contempt.

All sorts of emotions erupted and flooded into me.

All of the people who are directing these emotions at me know that I'm a demon.

They may have been told beforehand.

──── that the demon tribe is coming here.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.

”────

Are you okay, Rollo?

I've never had so much malice directed at me from so many people at once before.

But I'm used to people stabbing me in the back.

I should be used to it.

──── Yeah, I'm fine.

That's what I knew before I came here.

I didn't care, I walked to the back of the hall.

I saw the prince sitting on a golden chair.

I don't like the idea of ......, but let's greet him first.

The three of us stepped in front of the prince and he seemed to notice us.

He was being congratulated by a number of girls around his age.

As I approached them, they looked first at Lean and then at me, and showed their wariness.

Leanne quietly brushed aside the stares and bade the prince adieu.

”──── is honored to have you with us, Prince.

”Hmm, you've finally arrived.

...... You're late.

What's the trouble?

You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

No, nothing.

However, the person who came with me as my escort has left me to receive hospitality (・・・・・) at the direct order of His Eminence.

Oh, well, I'm sorry to hear that (・・・・・・).

Hey, Leanne. It's a good opportunity.

Let's talk closer, not so far away.

It's just you and me, right?

If you want, you can come and sit on my lap.

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

'──── Play along.

I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that.

I'm sure they'd love it.

”Hmm, I'll think about that too.

I'll think about that too. ...... if you're willing to be mine.

──── I think I've already respectfully declined that offer.

I've already respectfully declined your offer.” ”How dare you, ────, when I'm the one who's asking you so eagerly?

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

It was a clear hostility towards Lean.

On the other hand, ...... you can't see into the mind of the prince, even if you try to look into it, just like yesterday.

Sometimes ──── is there.

This is the kind of person who has a solid 'wall' in their heart.

”So what do you say, Lean. How about you come over there with me?

”──── What's over there?

Don't you see?　I'm asking you to dance with me.

It's a ball and I'm the star.

I think you should have the right to choose your partner. What do you think?

Yes, ──── I have no reason to refuse you if that's what you want.

That's good to know. Let's go.

The prince stood up from his ornately decorated chair and took Leanne's hand.

Leaning on Prince Tyrence's hand, he walked toward the center of the ballroom, receiving the envy and jealousy of the people around him.

As they walked forward, people naturally avoided them, creating a wide space around them.

The two of them walked forward and naturally avoided people, creating a large space around them. It's a great way to celebrate my coming of age.

When the prince gave the signal, the music began in a gentle tone.

The two began to dance slowly to the music.

The others resumed dancing along with them.

As I listened, I could hear Lean and the Prince talking quietly as they stepped gently.

I've seen those people ──── as the Twelve Apostles.

”Oh, ...... you knew them, didn't you? As I recall, they went to pick up your followers, didn't they?

Where are they now?

Are you worried about the squire?

──── No, not at all.

Hmm, that's cold, isn't it?

It would be very rude for me to worry about Dr. Noor.

I'm more worried about them.

”Oh, ────, you know about the Twelve Apostles, don't you?

It's said that each one of them has the same level of ability as your Six Saints.

”Yes, I know about them. That's what they say (・・・・・・), that's all.

...... You have a lot of faith in that guy, don't you?

Yes, I do. Enough to trust him with my life.

...... I really envy you.

How would you like to be a part of that?

Oh, you're joking again. I don't want any more of that.

You think so?　Let's go to ....... tonight and see if it's true.

No, I want you to come to my room ────── right after this.

Lean's foot moved quickly for a moment and flew to ──── the prince's foot.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

There were only a few people in the audience who noticed the exchange.

──── Excuse me, I took a wrong step.

”Hmm, I thought I was going to break my foot.

”Don't worry. I'll take it easy.

...... You're really scary, you know that?

No, I'm not. Just make sure the prince doesn't say anything crazy and I won't accidentally step on him.

”Hmm, you are really ──── strong-minded.

The two of them talked and danced beautifully.

Before long, the people dancing around them stopped to watch them, and even the woman carrying the food stopped to admire them.