Starlit Soiree

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I had never experienced such joy in doing simple household chores. I hummed as I scrubbed toilets in the upstairs bathroom, grinning away like an idiot. For the last week since the events onboard Aurelia's Tear, this is where I had found myself.

Putting down the sponge, I stared at my right arm for a brief moment. It was hard to believe that I had defeated Captain Dag with my own two hands and that one of them had turned into a cannon of all things.

I was just happy that it didn't stay that way permanently. It would be sort of hard to clean, or anything else with artillery for an arm.

"Armtillery? Whatever." I shrugged to myself.

I tried yelling out "materialize" in the courtyard several times, but I didn't summon so much as a single breeze. I did, however, summon many funny looks from the castle staff. They likely thought the trauma had turned me into some sort of crazy person. In a small way, it had. Imagine one moment you’re shaking in your shoes–prepared to die–and the next… It was all a little hard to believe.

Producing magic might very well have been a one-time thing, but I was determined to find out the specifics in due time, including the weird interface I saw and heard. For now, though...

Back to sweet, sweet routine! I wonder if I can get to the dusting before lunchtime?

"Only a total masochist would smile so earnestly while scrubbing toilets." A rude little maid happened to walk in holding a handful of towels. She set them down on the bathroom counter as I continued my work. "I'll just leave these here so I don't catch your pervert-itis."

As if that's a real thing!

"You know... They say that for every mean joke you tell, you lose a centimeter in height." I began my retort, sporting a smirk. "It's no wonder they still don't let you into the tavern without parental supervision."

I could see the vein pop on her forehead as she puffed her cheeks out. The rude maid that now stood in the doorway was Jewel. She was one of the staff that directly reported to Poppy in the castle, and my senior by about three years.

Although, you can't really tell seeing how short she is.

I had gotten to know her in the week since I had returned from my first voyage, though not by choice. It was more a coworker-by-necessity sort of deal. I had really started to get into the swing of the position and met some other interesting people as well.

Jewel was a beast person, like Poppy, but unlike her senior she appeared to be part feline instead. To go along with her cat ears, she had brown shoulder-length hair—similar in color to mine—and blue eyes.

One thing I learned early on about Jewel was that she was a very big fan of Amber's. Regrettably, she had witnessed Amber bridal carry me into my room after our battle with Captain Dag which had left me unconscious and unable to walk on my own. It was safe to say that she had gotten the wrong idea. I tried not to think too much about it, or I might die of embarrassment.

I had exhausted myself by using every last drop of mana in my body at once. I was pretty lucky to just have passed out, according to Amber. A lack of mana could apparently lead to death by weakness. Which would explain those tears of hers I saw...

"I just don’t know what my lady sees in a pathetic man like you.” She crossed her arms. “Hmph!"

"Hey Jewel, what did I tell you about harassing poor Sakuta while he’s trying to work?" Poppy came walking up to the bathroom door as Jewel and I exchanged icy glares.

"Miss Poppy! This manlet smiles while cleaning the latrine. Stay at least five—no, SIX—meters away if you don't want to catch what he has." Jewel pointed at me with a devilishly innocent look.

"Was the extra meter really necessary!?" I shook my fist.

"That's it, c'mere." Poppy put Jewel in a light headlock, tousling her hair like she was a child. "At least he takes some pride in his work. Apologize to Sakuta unless you want me to start tickling you instead."

"What!? Ah cut it out, Miss Poppy! You're gonnyaaa~ make my hair all frizzy." Jewel whined in protest, unable to shake herself free. "Alright I get it, I get it! I'm sorry your pervertitis is contagious, but don't go blaming me for it!"

Despite her dedication to being so prickly, I suddenly started laughing. At Jewel letting her accent slip, and the sight of the two of them wrestling in the doorway. It was almost too funny. I wiped a tear away, inhaling deeply.

"Hey, Poppy. I'm actually about finished here. Do you know where I might find Amber?" Jewel raised an eyebrow as she often did when I used the Princess' first name.

"I haven't seen her, but you could try asking Cedrick. He should be somewhere around the ballroom." Poppy suggested. "They're preparing the dance hall for the engagement ball. It should be fun, the last one ruffled quite a few feathers when Her Majesty Queen Veranda made her choice…"

"Ohhh, is that so?" I chuckled nervously.

The day of spilling the proverbial beans was almost upon us, with just a few days left to prepare. I hoped that Amber's predetermined choice to pick me from among the suitors wouldn’t cause a similar ruckus to what Poppy described with the Queen.

Even if it was a means to an end for us both, it was still nerve-wracking to think about being the center of attention and proclaiming my ‘love’ for someone I had only just gotten to know in front of the whole kingdom.

I really have my work cut out for me, don’t I?

"Maybe she's finally going to accept the proposal of one of her more respectable suitors?" Jewel smirked. “Then she'll stop spending so much time around Sakuta.”

It took me everything not to taunt her with the truth in the matter.

“That aside, have you attended any of the dance lessons I recommended?” Poppy said the very thing that made me freeze in my tracks.

“Well, it’s truly funny that you mention that. I was just–”

“Just? Queen Veranda personally recommended you to be a candidate for the Engagement Ball, something that wouldn’t be possible unless you were a member of the nobility otherwise.” Poppy said. “Do you plan on making a total fool of yourself, and Her Highness by dancing like you have two left feet?”

“I guess you’re right…” I admitted.

Something I had failed to account for when Amber shared the details of her plan, was that I would have to dance in front of all in attendance along with the other suitors. This fact caused me no shortage of anxiety.

“No need to be so tense, Sakuta!” Poppy had walked over, slapping me on the back. “I’ve organized quite the dance instructor for you. “In fact, I’ve already mentioned the man…”

Don’t tell me…

“You better go ask him before he gets too wrapped up in his preparations, have fun!” Poppy and Jewel laughed. “And send my disregards!”

……………………………….

I can’t believe I have to ask Cedrick of all people for dance lessons.

Of everyone in the castle, even including Jewel, Cedrick seemed to be the one most openly opposed to my involvement with Amber. The elf hadn’t so much as wished me well when I returned from our ill-fated voyage, but he hardly seemed the sort for those kinds of sentiments. I just hoped he would humor my request without thinking any less of me.

Pacing myself down the corridor in the servants’ wing, I approached the senior members’ offices. As I got closer, I began to hear two voices originating from Cedrick’s office. One of the voices was certainly the elf’s, but I couldn't quite place the other.

"Did you succeed in your mission?" A deep, almost warbled voice asked beyond the slightly open door. I didn't intend on eavesdropping, but I had my own matter to attend to and felt guilty about interrupting him.

"No, the idiots I hired to clean up went rogue and made a bigger mess of things," Cedrick replied. "But worry not, sir. I have a backup plan that will make certain the event is a roaring success."

"Make certain you do." The gruff voice said. I peeked into the room, but I was surprised to see that Cedrick was alone. “We will not tolerate further failure from your camp.”

Resting in his hand was a mirror emitting white smoke. The face of a masked figure spoke to him through the haze, almost as if it were some kind of magic FaceTime technology. I wondered how the device actually worked.

Though I must have leaned too hard on the door as I clumsily pushed it wide open. Cedrick quickly closed his hand mirror, and the smoke cleared up instantly.

"I'm sorry, Cedrick! I wasn't trying to eavesdrop or anything. Poppy told me that you could give me a few dancing and etiquette pointers." I frantically tried to explain myself as he looked less than pleased. “You know, with the… dance and all coming up.”

Cedrick gave me a deadpan stare before sighing to himself.

“So you’ve finally come around to learning our ways instead of carrying on ignorantly to yourself?” He said. “I suppose that much effort is worth praise. Very well, I will teach you.”

"Really!? Thanks, C!" I exclaimed. “I knew I could count on you!”

“Make sure you’re in the ballroom the moment after your duties conclude for the day.” Cedrick suddenly sported an uncharacteristic grin. “I’ve been told my training methods are a tad bit… extreme for the other butlers. I hope you’re prepared.”

I gulped. ‘Prepared’ was not the exact word I would use, but the truth remained that I couldn’t afford to reflect badly on Amber with a golden opportunity like this available to me.

“I’ll be there.” I nodded.

“I’ll hold you to that, Sakuta,” Cedrick said. “Now you may be dismissed.”

I agreed, happy that I hadn’t got a tongue-lashing for my trouble. Before I could run out, however, I paused in place.

"You mentioned clean-up just a few moments ago. Was there something I forgot while doing my daily rounds? I could always—"

"No, no. Nothing of the sort. It's just... the ball. I hired an outside group to help prepare for the event, and they made a dreadful mess during their last job.” Cedrick rubbed his temples. “No fault of yours, rest assured."

“Right…” I said. “Then I’ll see you later for lessons.”

With only a few days left to prepare for the event, I steeled my determination to improve the areas I was sorely lacking in compared to people like Charles Cleishay. Whether my efforts would be for naught remained to be seen.

6.2

Several days passed, and before I knew it, the moment of the event had finally arrived. I looked in the mirror, trying on outfit after outfit from the selection in my closet. Nothing seemed to fit what I was going for. I found myself spoiled for choice, but lacking the motivation to settle on something to wear.

I guessed it was sort of like Amber's experience with suitors, listening to her talk in detail about it. Just about every day a new guy would show up at the castle, whether or not Queen Veranda invited them. Many of them were rich or handsome noblemen like Count Cleishay. Far fewer were from the working class like I was, but that didn’t mean there weren’t attempts at catching her eye.

Amber had the benefit of using her ‘intention’ ability to appraise every one of them. Most seemed to be after the power that came with being the second in command of a nation. I couldn't say I blamed them, but it hardly took Amber's feelings into account.

Other suitors intended to take physical advantage of her, seeing that she was a beautiful young woman. However...

If they saw that mean suplex in the dining room, they might think twice about that endeavor.

Aurelia’s situation was unique in terms of the monarchies I knew of on Earth. The emphasis was not on keeping a pure bloodline, but allowing the future queen to choose who she figured to be the best king and husband.

Some could call my goals honorable when viewed through a certain lens, but truthfully... This whole arrangement was still rather self-serving. I was willing to do anything if it meant getting home, even ruining Amber’s chance at finding a loving husband and someone to rule alongside her. Was I really all that different from the others? That aside…

"I’m tired of trying on all these damn outfits!" I sighed, exasperated.

Growing tired, I decided to keep the outfit I was currently wearing and leave my bedroom. I ran into two figures I hardly expected to be in the servants’ wing so close to the start of the event.

"Oooh, nice choice of attire!" Queen Veranda came walking around the corner with Cedrick following closely behind her. She pointed at me with her dainty gloved hand. The Queen was wearing one of her typically showy dresses, but this one was sunshine yellow with a frilly white trim.

I had decided on a maroon button-down vest with a white undershirt and black tie. There was a chain running from one of the shirt buttons to the chest pocket for added style. Underneath I wore black slacks, and dress shoes like usual.

"Thank you, your majesty. It's good to see you again!" I exclaimed. "I feel like we haven't been able to speak much since dinner that one night, with all your queenly duties and all."

"Oh dear, you're right. I'm quite sorry, but things have been so hectic lately. With a navy ship getting attacked within our borders and all." She sighed. "I've been scrambling all available resources to get to the bottom of things, but we have a surplus of other issues we're facing as well."

"Oh I totally get it, you've got a lot on your plate. There's just so many characters around here it's nice to talk to someone more grounded for a change..." I sighed, smiling a bit.

"You may be right about that..." She chuckled lightly. “It has been fun though, right?”

I nodded in response, supposing it had been. In its own way.

"Setting that matter aside... Are you prepared for the ball, Sakuta?" she asked.

"As I'll ever be... is what I'd like to say. Although, I'm not exactly sure how it's all going to play out." I shrugged. "I’ve been practicing dancing and etiquette with Cedrick, but I’m still not sure my skills will be up to par. How far does this tradition go back?"

Waltzing wasn't exactly on my list of electives back in school. Considering I had the balance of a three-legged chair, I only hoped I wouldn't completely embarrass myself in front of everyone.

"It has been a long-standing tradition that when the crown princess is ready for marriage, she will initiate the Engagement Ball to select her future husband," Cedrick explained, having caught up to us. "Many of the kingdom's most powerful figures and important foreign diplomats will be inclined to attend as well, so do keep in mind that any failure would reflect badly on my teaching prowess."

“...Understood.”

"As for how the night will progress after the opening ceremony, Amber will dance with each of her present suitors one by one. She will then announce her official selection to all in attendance before the floor opens up for a great party." Queen Veranda continued. "That includes you, of course!"

"Does Amber know she'll be dancing with so many men she probably once assaulted?" I smirked. "I hardly thought she’d go for something like that."

"Oh, believe me, I'm just as surprised as you are. And after she denied every potential marriage partner I suggested..." The Queen pouted in jest.

"She suddenly visited Her Highness' room after your pirate run-in, and proclaimed that she wanted to initiate the Engagement Ball." Cedrick continued her thought. "For Amber of all people to have such an about-face on the topic of marriage and duty, it's awfully... curious."

I could feel Cedrick staring daggers through me, but I did my best to ignore it.

"One might say that the presence of someone changed her mind." I could swear I saw Queen Veranda wink at me in my peripheral vision. "In any case, Cedrick and I should really get going. Sakuta, would you like to join us?"

"If you wouldn't mind, that would be much appreciated." I replied, relishing the chance to not be the center of attention when I walked in with the most important person in the land.

I followed the two of them towards the hallway where the ballroom was located. On the way we picked up Poppy who was headed in the same direction.

"It really is a shame we can't have you on staff for tonight's event, Sakuta. You're the only one I know that waits tables with a big dumb grin on his face." Poppy teased, wiggling her ears.

"Don't let Jewel fill your head with weird stuff. It's not that I get off on doing household chores." I explained with a sigh. "I'm just grateful to have established a nice routine here in the castle. It's better than lazing about, that's for sure."

"You're an odd one for sure. Given your position, I'm sure even greater men would be content to live as freeloaders." Poppy smiled. "That's why you're one of my favorite junior coworkers." She put me in a headlock I tried desperately to escape from. Cedrick gave Poppy a look of annoyance from over his shoulder.

"Hey, watch the button chain! It took me an hour to choose this outfit." I complained.

Now I know how Jewel feels, as much as it pains me to admit.

Amber wasn't kidding about Poppy and personal boundaries, but I could tell she meant well. It was just a sign that she was warming up to me like a lot of people were around the castle grounds. The ones that didn’t think I was a nutcase from yelling in the courtyard, anyway. I counted myself lucky.

After another headlock—and many more annoyed looks from Cedrick—we finally arrived at the ballroom.

"Woah...." I couldn't contain my wonder at the sight of the overwhelming space.

The white square-tiled dance floor was filled with well over a hundred servants and high nobility. The combined net worth of the room could probably give some of Earth's tech millionaires a run for their money. Everyone was so well dressed to top it off.

I'm glad I didn't wear my school uniform like I was originally planning...

Like many of the other rooms in the castle, the walls were adorned with fine gold detailing. Several crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, similar to the dining room. At the back of the space was a small stage with enough room for a band, or a group of speakers.

"This is where we part ways, Sakuta dear." Queen Veranda turned around to face me. "Cedrick tells me I should go mingle with the Duke and his entourage... We do have some time before the opening ceremony." I could sense the exasperation in her voice as she rolled her eyes.

She made no attempt to hide her true feelings on the matter.

I already met his no-good son, but I wonder what the Duke is like. Based on her reaction... I'm guessing the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

I watched Cedrick and Queen Veranda disappear into the crowd of people as I stood around a bit awkwardly. I had never enjoyed this part of attending large gatherings, not that any of them had been this high-class.

"So... What should I do now?" I whispered to Poppy, who was already eyeing the tables of hors d'oeuvres, to eat or maintain them. I wasn't sure which.

"How should I know? Go make small talk, or something, suitor boy. Get in your love rivals’ heads, and let them know who's boss." Poppy shadow-boxed the air. "You're one of the guests of honor, standing in the corner will make you look bad. So... Socialize?"

"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll go schmooze the Who's Who, and see if I can find Amber in the process." I still hadn't seen much of her with my dance lessons and my typical duties. Knowing what I knew about her, she was probably just as enthused as I was.

"Now that's the spirit. Go get her, killer." Poppy slapped me on the back, causing me to lurch forward. I returned her toothy smile with a quick glare before shuffling my way through the crowd.

"Amber... Amber..." I muttered to myself, scanning the faces of the party-goers. Eventually, I finally caught sight of her silver hair near the stage where the opening ceremonies were to be held in short order.

Princess Mavis was glued to her side, and Jewel was offering her a refreshment. I couldn't see much else besides the tops of their heads since several people were blocking my line of sight. I think I'll just go say hell—

My vision was suddenly filled by someone else entirely. A handsome, scummy noble came walking up to meet me. It was none other than Count Charles Cleishay.

—hell no!

"My, my. If it isn't Yamada Sakuta! What a coincidence this is." Like I'd believe that! You practically sprinted over here just to bug me. "I heard you had quite the run-in with pirates. Are you recovering well?"

"Yeah... I'm doing just fine, thanks." I gritted my teeth. "I'm surprised you remembered the whole name of a commoner like myself after just one meeting. Did I seriously leave that much of an impression on you?"

"Of course! I make a point to remember anyone who vaguely intrigues me. The fact that you're a suitor makes our previous interaction all the more interesting." He leaned in close to my ear. "I wonder... What other interesting things might happen before the night is done?"

I shuddered at the thought. He left it at that and joined another group of people, mostly women who resorted to kissing his ass almost immediately.

What a creep... I sure don't like how he said that either.

The sound of silverware tapping against a glass cut through the light murmur of conversation, and everyone turned toward the source of the interruption. Queen Veranda now stood on stage next to Cedrick, and the princesses.

At last, I got a better look at Amber for the first time since the night began. She wore a stunning red dress similar to the night we met. Unlike that night, her dress wasn't in tatters. It had a nice flowery design on the front, and her red lipstick matched her eyes and attire.

Her younger sister Princess Mavis, on the opposite side of Queen Veranda, wore a much more conservative black dress–appropriate for her age–with full sleeves. All eyes were fixed on the royal family, the opening ceremony was finally beginning.

"Welcome, everyone. Now that I have your attention, I would like to thank you all for your presence on this momentous occasion. For my eldest daughter, First Princess Amber, has initiated the Engagement Ball. By the night's end, she will have chosen a future husband from among her suitors in attendance." Queen Veranda locked eyes with me briefly, smiling.

I didn't know exactly how to react to all this, knowing that Amber was ultimately going to pick me. For some reason, I still felt uneasy... Like it wasn't a sure thing. Those fears were completely unfounded, of course, but it was my lack of confidence getting the better of me. Even if it was a mutual arrangement, the idea of it all going awry depressed me for some inexplicable reason.

"We'll begin with the first dances of the crown Princess and her suitors. The Engagement Ball is now open!" Cedrick announced proudly to rapturous applause.

I shook away all thoughts of what could go wrong, preparing to dance my heart out in front of the kingdom. I wasn’t the only one going into this event with high hopes. It was time to clear one final hurdle before I could start my long journey back home.

6.3

The attendees all gathered in the middle of the room, leaving a wide, circular area in the center for Amber and her suitors to dance. The names of the participants would be announced by Cedrick, and they would bow before Amber before getting their shining moment.

Most of them looked absolutely terrified—which admittedly—made me feel a little better. As bad as that sounds. On Amber's face she wore a rather subdued look of annoyance. I was actually sort of proud of the Princess for managing as well as she was. We were at least five suitors into the dancing, and she had yet to resort to violence.

Queen Veranda and Princess Mavis smiled and watched from the stage as Amber swept across the dance floor. She was a picture of grace, elegance, and brute strength, dragging around whichever unfortunate fellow had his turn at the moment. The participants were allowed to choose their own dance, oddly enough.

"Thank you, Viscount, that was a rather... unique interpretation of the Aurelia Slide." Cedrick already looked like he wanted to leave. "Up next we have the honorable Senator Henrí Kawar, accompanied by his father Vice-President Pierre. Representing our closest trading ally, The Beast Republic of Gularahi."

Everyone gave him a standing ovation, and I noticed the oddest expression on Amber's face...

Is she… smiling? At a suitor!?

There was no mistaking the soft look of endearment as the young man approached. He was incredibly stout, likely the tallest and most well-built individual in the room. He appeared to be part canine like Poppy, but his features were much more wild and wolfish.

He had long gray hair that went past his shoulders, with sideburns and eyes that matched the color. He wore a black tuxedo that was probably a size too small for his muscular physique and gave a sharp smile as he walked up.

"Amber!! How many years has it been?" He practically shouted in his gruff voice. He gave Amber a bow, and she responded with a curtsy of her own. The music began playing. It was an upbeat and festive tune, similar to flamenco.

"Too many to count, Henrí. We must have been children the last time you came to Aurelia for an emissary visit." Amber smiled. "Have you been working out?"

Ah! A childhood friend. Sorry buddy, but the odds are stacked against you.

They continued catching up like old friends as if they weren't in a circle surrounded by other people. Still... He's pretty good. Henrí twirled Amber around to the sound of trumpets in the live band, their coordination far exceeded the previous dance partners. Suddenly he pulled her in close for a dip, and I could feel my eye twitch.

"Sakuta, your finger!" Poppy exclaimed. I hadn't been paying attention as I went to cut myself a piece of bread, and gave myself a little nick.

"Oh geez, sorry Poppy." I bowed in apology.

"No need to apologize, but give me that." Poppy snatched the knife from my hand and quickly went to her pocket for something. "It's not like you to be so spacey. Are you feeling alright?"

She wrapped a bandage around my finger, giving me a worried look.

"He's just being his usual dumb self, I suppose." Jewel added, walking up to the two of us.

"I'm doing alright, I'm just..." I began.

"Hahaha!" I heard the sound of Amber's laughter as the song continued.

Eh... What's this feeling?

"No way..." I muttered inaudibly to myself, taking a step back. My chest tightened with a strange sensation as the world around me seemed to fade. The source of the pain stemmed from the two sharing the dance floor.

With every second I saw their smiling faces, and every moment their hands were joined, I felt the small slice of a dagger against my chest. I stood there dumbfounded at my current state.

"No. I don't have the right to feel this way." I declared.

"Sakuta?" This time it was Jewel who sounded a bit worried.

I knew this feeling well, though I denied it with fervency.

Jealousy.

Our arrangement was a matter of convenience for us both. I knew that exceedingly well. Who was I to protest if the Princess hit it off with another guy? It wasn't like it was up to me to stand in her way. Not to mention... I didn’t intend on staying here long enough to justify such desires. So why...

"Sakuta, where are you going? Sakuta!?" The two maids shouted after me.

Why am I walking towards them?

I mindlessly pushed through the crowd until I was nearly in the dancing circle. In only a few steps I would... do what exactly? I didn't have time to answer that question for myself as a long arm suddenly blocked my path.

"Oh, dear. That is quite the look on your face, Yamada Sakuta." Count Cleishay gave me a smirk as I was released from my trance. "As entertaining as it would be to see you cause a scene, don't you think it would be polite to wait your turn like the rest of us?"

"Don't tell me what I should do, Cleishay. You're just trying to get under my skin aren't you?" I accused in a spiteful tone.

"I'm hurt. I wouldn't think of doing such a thing." He pretended to take offense. "I simply wouldn't want you to shame Amber in front of her dear friends, and family on the most important day of her life."

"Amber..." I looked at Amber who was just finishing up her dance with Henrí. She looked striking in all-red as she thanked her partner, and gave a final nod.

When the scummiest guy in the castle is the voice of reason... You know you're going about things the wrong way, Sakuta.

Amber and I finally locked eyes. It wasn't long, but that brief gaze and quick smile soothed my soul back into its original state. Even if he was messing with me, I supposed I had Cleishay to thank for talking me down from doing something I couldn’t take back. Out of some unjustified sense of entitlement. I sighed deeply.

Why AM I getting so worked up, anyway? Better make this right.

"Thanks... I guess." I muttered to the Count.

"Think nothing of it. Although... I did not think you had such feelings for the Princess." The Count's smirk returned.

"Feelings? What are you going on about now?" I put my hands on my hips.

"Up next is Aurelia's very own Count Charles Cleishay, accompanied by his father, Duke Marlon Cleishay." The Count didn't get a chance to answer my question as Cedrick called his name to the circle.

"I believe that's my cue. Keep on playing the fool, Yamada Sakuta. If you keep running around in circles, you just may lose what you hold most dear." With that cryptic bit of warning, he paced into the circle to meet Amber.

The girls went crazy upon the sight of the man. Amber's face, on the other hand, took on a sour expression much more obvious than earlier. I guess even she has her limits. I thought to myself.

Their dance felt rather short as The Count opted for a rhythmic violin piece that saw them side-stepping in harmony. While I expected him to take the most bold approach with the closeness of the dance, he surprised me by keeping a respectable distance between their bodies. His confident smile never wavered as the song came to a nice conclusion.

With no other dance partners left on standby, it dawned on me that I was up next. My racing heart suddenly leapt into my throat. I had been trying to keep an aura of calm before my outburst, but my anxiety was beginning to spiral out of control.

"Up next we have an individual personally chosen by Her Majesty Queen Veranda herself. This young man is not of this world, but he has been a guest in the castle working diligently under my employ—"

The crowd murmured in confusion. I was the first suitor outside the nobility, and the not of this world portion probably added to their dismay. One look at Queen Veranda's face told me that Cedrick had gone off-script with that one.

"—With no official title, it is my pleasure to introduce Yamada Sakuta." Cedrick finished his monologue to a few sparse claps, mostly from the servants who knew me by name.

I opted for a popular waltz piece titled The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II. It was popularized first in the Theocracy of Zephyr when they had access to The Crossing during Earth's 18th century. I learned that in a book I picked up from the library.

Amber looked at me in anticipation as I now faced her. I was blinded by her brilliance as I briefly forgot where I was. I responded to her curtsy with a bow, just like the other suitors had done much more elegantly before me. To that end, it helped to go last to see how it was done.

Although... Being the final dancing act of the night, there didn't seem to be a single person in the room who wasn't gazing in our direction. I looked over at Poppy who gave me a ‘do your best’ gesture. I gulped, taking Amber's hand.

"They saved the best for last, huh?" Amber smirked as I awkwardly placed my free hand on her exposed upper back. Her skin was much softer than I expected it to be as I pulled a little closer. There was no running now from those fiery eyes of hers, and I was about to find out if my rigorous training with Cedrick had paid off.

"It would appear so." I exhaled as we began our waltz. I surprised myself with how much I remembered of the steps I practiced with Cedrick. My confidence soon cracked as Amber let out a semi-silent yelp.

"Ouch," she whispered. I had stepped on her foot, twice. “You’re pulling a little bit to the left.”

"Sorry!" I replied.

"Here... Let me try something." Before I could react, Amber suddenly pulled me into a tighter hold.

Alarm signals went off in my brain as we were now practically chest-to-chest, and her natural gifts made me well aware of our distance. Up until that moment, I had been taking the lead, but she assumed that role with virtually no effort.

It was like she was made for it. Under her guidance, our movements became much more fluid. Our breathing slowed until we exhaled in parallel, in perfect sync. I could even feel the audience getting into the mood, and their reception of me was gradually improving with each swing of our hips.

"Are you feeling better?" Amber asked me with a whisper in my ear.

"Yeah, you're incredible." I exhaled. “All the nerves I had before are practically gone. That's what you meant, right?”

"Not exactly. I saw you scowling at Henrí, and I earlier. It sounds kind of mean... but it made me a little happy." Amber giggled. "I didn't think it was possible to get that kind of rise out of you, seeing how straight-edged you can be."

"Eh!?" I looked at her with a deeply confused look.

So she could tell, huh? At least she isn’t mad, but still...

She responded with a big smile.

"You don't have to worry about us. It's not like Henrí could ever make me feel this nervous..." She silently muttered the last line as redness filled her cheeks.

The stoic image I had of Amber was melting away as our gazes crossed. Before I could respond, her bright smile was replaced with a sad one.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I just had a thought. That even if this is all an act, the Engagement Ball only comes once in a future Queen's life..." She paused for a moment as we continued our dance. "The most important person to me couldn't be here to see it. That makes me... sad."

Is Amber... opening up to me?

In the short time that I had known her, she was completely mum on matters relating to her own emotions. Hearing her speak so candidly caught me off-guard, but I didn't want to waste the opportunity. Exercising the most care, I decided to broach what was hurting her...

"Your father, right?" I whispered. I expected shock or anger, but she returned my guess with a silent nod instead. "Is he…?"

"No, I don't believe so. I refuse to believe it." Amber said firmly. "His ship went down near the demon border, but… I have reason to believe that they're holding him somewhere."

"Your goal, then..." Suddenly it occurred to me. The music had just about come to a close.

"Now you know. For the sake of my father, and your family. We will make it there." Amber's mood swiftly improved as we broke our embrace. "Together."

"Together." I repeated with a bow. The crowd erupted into applause.

"With the last dance having ended, Princess Amber will now take the stage to make her selection." Cedrick's words interrupted our heartfelt moment. "Suitors please line up shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the stage. The selection is commencing."

We lined up as instructed. Ironically enough, I was tucked directly between Count Cleishay and Senator Henrí Kawar.

"That was some nice dancing, Sakuta. I heard a lot about you from Poppy and some others." Henrí gave me a bump with his solid elbow. "If Amber picks you, you'll have my full support."

"Uhh... Thank you…?" I replied sheepishly after being taken aback by his welcoming attitude. “It's nice to meet you, Senator.”

"Senator!?" He chuckled. “Call me Henrí, friend!”

I was overwhelmed by his nice-guy attitude. It betrayed my initial expectations of the man and made me feel a bit guilty for my earlier behavior. Uncharacteristically, Cleishay had nothing to say. He simply stared ahead with a focused smile like he had no doubts as to what was about to unfold.

"Presenting Her Highness, Princess Amber!" Cedrick stepped back, giving the stage to the young woman in red.

"First, I'd like to thank everyone for coming out today." Amber began her opening statement. "Some of you traveled far just to experience this moment with me, and I couldn't thank you enough for your ongoing support."

As she continued, I began to notice something strange. Her shadow on the wall behind her began to take on a new shape. I looked around to see if anyone else saw it, but their eyes were trained on the Princess.

I have a bad feeling about this...

"To my family behind me, I love you, and thank you for always being there for me." Queen Veranda and Mavis smiled back at Amber, joyful tears in their eyes. "Without further delay, the person who I will choose to be the future king of Aurelia is..."

Suddenly there was a loud bang, followed by the screams of people throughout the ballroom. A strange mist filled the air, completely shrouding our view of the stage and the royal family. When it cleared, a single man stood at the podium where the others previously were.

"The royal family! Where are they!?" Cedrick, who had been knocked off the stage, shouted desperately.

"Vice-President!"

"Duke Cleishay!"

Shout after shout filled the tense atmosphere as it became increasingly apparent what had happened. Several important figures had simply gone missing. Including...

"Amber!!!" I called out.

The tall man on stage held a cane and bowed deeply. He kept his other hand firmly placed on the white mask covering the right side of his face.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance.” The man smiled. “I am The Phantom, and I'll be your host for the reeest of the evening."