27 – Royal Palace Ball
I feel the passage of time.
The moment in the glass greenhouse, which I thought would be uncomfortable, ended with a warm atmosphere.
The perception of society seemed to have advanced, as people asked about ways to form relationships regardless of social status, and there were even those who subtly showed interest in temple life.
As we chatted about various topics, the outside world gradually became engulfed in the sunset, and the opening of the royal palace ball was approaching.
The current time is six o’clock on the dot.
With the entrance to the ballroom in sight, Elphesia spoke with charisma overflowing from her voice.
“Announce it.”
At that moment, the gatekeeper opened the door and boisterously announced,
“Lady Elphesia Luminel, along with Lady Harte of the temple, has arrived!”
By the way, I really am Lady Harte of the temple.
Although I don’t have an official title other than my baptismal name, I thought there might be a possibility since I decided to escape on my own. Of course, to the noble ladies with their well-structured bones, I must appear to be just a commoner.
In the Empire, where the principle of social segregation is strictly enforced, the temple has no influence. The temple is simply a religious institution that worships and accepts believers.
It is a desirable role.
It was also an inevitable structure.
So, it wasn’t strange that I was being looked down upon with disdain.
I bought a seat reserved for the aristocracy. The stage, which is a two-story structure, was a place where I could overlook the ballroom at a glance.
Currently, it was completely vacant.
“The aristocrats are the last to take their seats.”
“Are you worried?”
“Well, it’s only natural.”
“You might need to let go of your prejudices.”
Elphesia, unfazed by the handful of concerns, seemed unaffected. There seemed to be a high level of trust in Urian.
“He seems to think he’s won some grand victory in wordplay, but that kid is more impressive than you think.”
“… I know I’m as clever as an old man.”
I know how Urian will grow into a formidable figure in the future, becoming an unexpected dark horse in the competition against Elphesia and others.
“If you know, then watch with your eyes wide open.”
“Elphesia is truly amazing… I keep worrying.”
“It’s not because I’m amazing; it’s because there’s no reason to worry. What if I fail? If I return to being a duke or go back to the orphanage, it’s fine.”
“Hmm.”
I never expected Elphesia to say such things. She always had a perfectionist side, so I assumed she wouldn’t even consider failure.
“No wonder you keep smiling. Is there a reason for your tranquility?”
“No, my laughter is for a different reason.”
“What is it?”
As I inquired, Elphesia chuckled lightly.
“It’s amusing to see you desperately trying to avoid eye contact while being conscious of your thighs. Your expressions, or the twitching pupils trying so hard.”
“You, you…!?”
I couldn’t continue because the truth wrapped in falsehood was too embarrassing to articulate.
I don’t lack s*xual desire. I simply suppress my desires as a knight who has taken a vow of chastity.
Even though we are just in a contractual relationship as a married couple, I cannot dare to commit adultery with her. It is absolutely unacceptable.
‘How frustrating…’
Yet, the temptation beside her is too alluring.
How did she manage to dress in a way that penetrates my taste? It was only when Elphesia wore the revealing Schumitz dress that I truly became aware of my own preferences.
How can I hide it?
If God were to read my mind, I would be terrified… My s*xual preference, without a doubt, is a well-shaped lower body.
“I am… a sinner…”
Elphesia has done nothing wrong. She simply wore an outfit that accentuates her own charm.
It was when I was in the depths of self-loathing.
She lightly poked my shoulder.
“It’s amusing to see you hang your head, but it’s time to raise it.”
“Then, could it be…”
“Yes, it’s time for the nobility to take their steps.”
Boom!
The sound of trumpets resounded grandly. Following that, the proclamation to draw attention began, revealing the presence of the imperial royal family.
“The sun that looks down upon all – His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!”
The nobles walked in from the second floor leading to the main seat. The Emperor and the Empress walked side by side, followed by the princes in the order of their birth.
Naturally, Julian was at the very end.
At the same time, I realized.
Elysia and Urien, and why the Emperor expressed that he wasn’t human.
“Is that the gaze a person should have?”
I scrutinized the Emperor’s vacant eyes and emotionless face, as if an intricate puppet had come to life. It was truly an impression where the concept of joy and sorrow, which a person should naturally possess, seemed to be lost.
“I understand what you’re thinking, but isn’t it troublesome to express it openly?”
“Of course.”
I had heard countless titles for the Emperor.
The unmatched Sage King in history.
Wise Emperor.
Invincible Lord.
His political prowess was so high that even with three or two powerful vassals, he couldn’t be swayed. Every decision was solely for the benefit of the nation. He claimed invincibility in war, saying there was no fear of demonic spirits.
Indeed, he had survived until Urien became an adult, merely observing the palace intrigue without intervening. He was a person of minimal influence.
Observing directly like this, I understood the reason.
“A person like a machine moving the country.”
Admiration escaped me.
Even in the temple, I had never encountered such a person. A figure with a temperature difference as vast as the sky and the earth compared to the overly humane Pope.
“Hmm?”
But perhaps it was because of my mood.
It felt like the Emperor’s gaze briefly met mine. While pondering this for a moment, the Emperor spoke in a deep voice right after taking his seat.
“Before the opening, let us welcome a special guest.”
At the moment those simple words were uttered, the entrance to the ballroom swung wide open. The gatekeeper announced with a resonant voice.
“The Holy Father, Lady Eveia, and Commander Rupart of the Holy Knights have arrived!”
“…What?”
I was taken aback by the sudden appearance of the All-Star.
It was extremely rare for high-ranking officials, excluding the Lady, to participate in national events.
The entrance of the Commander of the Holy Knights, who received special treatment, was surprising enough, but the arrival of the Holy Father made it unprecedented.
“Well, this is quite surprising.”
Even Elphicia, who was always composed, couldn’t close her mouth. That’s how extraordinary the movement of the temple was.
At that moment, our eyes met.
The Holy Father and the Lady smiled, while the Commander narrowed his eyes. I couldn’t help but feel awkward.
The Emperor and the Holy Father facing each other from above and below.
The first to speak was the Holy Father.
“It’s been a while since the coronation ceremony. Nice to see you, Your Majesty.”
The surroundings buzzed at the very casual tone.
“W- Nice to see you too?”
“You’re shaking hands…”
“The people of the temple don’t get surprised…?”
On the contrary, the Emperor received the greeting with a hollow and dignified tone.
“Your Holiness remains unchanged in everything. I hope this day, which marks a significant step, becomes meaningful for you.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
It was a simple greeting. However, the surroundings of the Emperor and the Holy Father felt otherworldly. It was as if an unapproachable energy permeated the air, like an impenetrable zone.
The emperor didn’t pay any attention to the atmosphere and ordered the first prince and the second prince.
From Noble mtl dot com
“Start the opening dance.”
“I will do my best, Your Majesty.”
“Ah, I understand… My apologies, Your Highness.”
The opening dance was a ritual where the person of the highest status would dance to announce the beginning of the banquet. In this case, both the first prince and the second prince were dancing together.
The demeanor of the two princes descending the stairs was drastically different.
First, the first prince was a handsome man with a sharp jawline and prominent features. Even with just a glance, one could see the traces of discipline in his eyes.
On the other hand, the second prince was so chubby that it seemed precarious for him to descend the stairs. Before starting the opening dance, he was worried about the health of his knee joints.
In addition, the lady accompanying the second prince caught the eye. Her complexion lacked vitality, and her neurotic impression was undermining her beauty.
“Oh my, Your Highness, you haven’t changed at all. Not a bit.”
“And what about you, Lady Chandelier? Your figure has become nothing but bones.”
“I heard that he lost his mind after the embroidery gathering a few months ago.”
“There’s no other pair that doesn’t match as much as they do. One is bloated, the other is emaciated…”
Lord Chandelier must be very worried… Gossip disguised as concern poured out.
Although these were words that couldn’t be spoken in the presence of the nobility, no one stopped them because the second prince appeared weak and easy to underestimate.
“Really… There’s not a single place that I like. How can someone belittle others without any guilt?”
“…”
“Elphesia?”
“Yes.”
“Why? Is there something you don’t like?”
“That’s not… true.”
To make matters worse, Elphicia’s reaction was also strange.
It would be better to just go through the motions and leave quickly. That was the resolution I made.
And then, when the music finally stopped, a lifeless applause poured towards the ballroom.
In response, the First Prince replied with perfect etiquette, while the Second Prince, with a disheveled appearance, awkwardly bent his waist.
“Elphicia.”
“Yes?”
“Look over there.”
I turned my gaze towards the seat where the emperor was sitting. Yuriann was staring at us intently by his side.
“Yuriann is watching. Does that mean he wants us to dance?”
“You’re impatient because the first dance is always a waltz, right? The other dances are awkward for me.”
“If you know, let’s go quickly. Let’s dance and hurry back to the palace.”
“Your thoughts are so transparent.”
I took Elphicia’s hand and entered the ballroom. Even just glancing around, there were countless suits and dresses, with hands tightly clasped together.
Of course, I was one of them.
“Even though we’re a married couple, we should still follow proper etiquette.”
“What kind of etiquette?”
I took Elphicia’s bewildered hand and led her. Then, in a familiar gesture, I bent my waist and kissed the back of her hand.
“Would you honor me with the privilege of dancing one song with me, my lady?”
“…You really know how to get away with it. I thought you would say it’s too scandalous to endure a hand kiss.”
“It’s a precedent, and it wouldn’t be awkward between spouses.”
“Sometimes I find your standards confusing.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at Elphicia, who seemed like a rose with thorns raised, ticking away.
In this moment, she narrowed the distance and confidently declared to me.
“Phew! Let me give you that forced compliment. Treasure it as a once-in-a-lifetime honor.”
“Of course, the glory of three lives. My fair lady.”
A grand imperial ball with not a single corner displeasing.
In the midst of it all, this was the only time that truly pleased me.
◇
“Wow, I’m surprised. Did Harte have such a romantic side?”
“…”
“It’s fortunate there’s no doctrine prohibiting marriage. I can sincerely bless the union of two individuals, right?”
“…”
“You seem happier than when you were at the temple. It’s really good to see.”
“…”
“Isn’t that right, Lady Saint?”
“Well, there was no need for it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those of us with baptismal names… had no reason to bless marriages, as we rarely venture into the outside world.”
Baptismal name holders seldom ventured outside, making them the beings furthest from marriage.
Saint Euphria cast a sharp glance at the two men dancing gracefully.
“This is… cheating.”