"Feeling butterflies in your stomach, Alfin?", I softly spoke, only to see Princess Alfin standing right before me, clad in a fiery, crimson dress that was out of this world.
We were currently standing on a rather opaque and stylish marbled floor that had tinted lighting. An azure-like glow bounced off the entire surface. A constant, low hum of water rushing throughout Esmelas Garden could be heard in all directions. It was very soothing, and maybe it was because of that I didn't feel any panic right now. Instead, I felt serene.
Presently, I saw Princess Alfin reaching her hands outward, clasping onto mine. One arm was raised up, while the other was lowered. I was dressed in that vermillion-clad tuxedo, making my appearance rather dashing.
"Teehee.", Princess Alfin giggled, and met my eyes with a smile. "Maybe just a little. I know this is just practice and all and doesn't count toward my actual debut, but it still set my heart aflutter. Especially after such a bold declaration was made. We practically have the whole world watching this moment through those reporters. A lot is riding on those shoulders of yours, Naoto. Don't mess this up."
"I could say the same thing to you.", I said, smiling back at Princess Alfin. I thought I'd feel a little tremble in her hands right now, but that wasn't the case. Well, Princess Alfin is Erebonia's Treasure. Perhaps she is more used to the spotlight than I am. I didn't feel any nervousness at all from her.
Just moments ago, Father so boldly declared that Alfin and I are to be wed in the future. A long ways away, but the reporters flashed their cameras like crazy. I'm sure we will be in the headlines for the times to come. But now, this girl before me is my fiancé. They even managed to capture a good photo while our group was still whole.
I even spotted a couple of familiar faces amongst them. Nial Burns, and Dorothy Hyatt! Hell, even Grace from the CNS was there. While the reporters were mostly from the LNS, I spotted a couple from the CNS. No doubt this news will reach all of Zemuria, and even beyond toward the eastern lands.
This did cause a little worry for me with these reporters and all. People like Sherryl have not returned to the public scene yet. She's in the middle of working on that but you get my point. As for Renne, does she consider me family now? I received [Renne's Blessing], to which I have not seen what its effects do yet. I haven't had some down time to review my Status Window as of late, and I am quite curious about what has changed. Once this dance is over, I might do that. If the Hayworth's catch wind of Renne's whereabouts here, I will likely need to address that matter down the line.
Or maybe Renne doesn't care about it at all, knowing that she is now attending St. Astraia alongside Sherryl? Maybe she has already come to terms with her past. If that really is the case, then I'm all for her doing what she wants to do.
I know Sherryl is still feigning ignorance and is remaining aloof as to knowing me right now, but apparently, she requested the two of us to meet up after this event is over.
It wasn't just Sherryl who requested to meet with me later. To my surprise, Father sent me an invitation to meet in private as well, after riling up all of the nobles through that overbearing speech of his. Father sure knows how to deliver one. You get to see it on multiple occasions, like when Father delivers his speech to the public at Dreichel's Plaza near the end of Cold Steel I. The very same one where he gets shot by Crow.
So yeah, we'll have a meeting later. After that, Father excused himself from the event. He made his declaration, and that was enough to satisfy Father for the time being. And it wasn't just sent to me only. Father invited Princess Alfin to come as well, which was the surprising part. Even Princess Alfin wasn't expecting to get invited by Chancellor Osborne.
I can somewhat take a crack at it, likely having this matter related to Valflame Palace somehow. The Vermillion Trials, no doubt. They're coming up in the next year or two. I initially set the date for when I complete my training at the Vander Dojo, but I still need to meet its requirement. Being Level 100. I may use this next year to finish my preparations for it. I don't have to rush it. And since Princess Alfin is part of the Imperial Family, she is inclined to know my business too.
I have something to look forward to now. And I won't be alone this time. Princess Alfin saw me turn quiet for a moment.
"Are you thinking about what the Chancellor said to you? I am quite curious, seeing he extended the invitation to me too.", Princess Alfin uttered.
"Yeah. I can't imagine what goes on in that head of his, but I don't think it will be anything bad. We have something to look forward to after this dance.", I said, still clasping Princess Alfin's hands. She let her hands rest against mine. The two of us were holding a pose in the wide-open platform within Esmelas Garden. Even His Imperial Majesty was watching on with an expectant look in his eyes. I can't let him down.
"Which is why we have to give our audience the dance of a lifetime~", Princess Alfin said, smiling at me. You've begun taking etiquette courses back in Grancel, right?"
"More or less. We have a pretty competent maid who helps with all things related to the castle. I really am in debt to her. You should know who has to take the lead, right?", I teased.
We were given all the space that we needed. The other nobles could be seen at both sides, not daring to interrupt. They weren't dumb enough to go against Emperor Eugent III. If they interrupted this dance, it was equivalent to slapping the face of an emperor. Only those seeking death would go such a route. I love it when I can squeeze in eastern phrases, haha!
"Heehee, of course you do. Otherwise, you wouldn't be standing on airs with me tonight. You've got a lot riding on this moment.", Princess Alfin said, smiling back at me. "We can only respond to everyone in kind."
"Well said, Alfin.", I said. "Then let us give them a show they can't forget!"
"Then lead away, my dear fiancé~", Princess Alfin said.
Shortly after we exchanged those words, we soon heard the sound of soft, classical music with a hint of jazz spread throughout the entire Esmelas Garden. That was the moment we were waiting for. It was out of control, so Princess Alfin and I had to wait for the music to start. Time seemed to have slowed down during this month, but to Princess Alfin's words, I began to move my feet, and we took our first steps. I truly am thankful for everything Hilda has done for me until now.
Hilda practically drilled noble etiquette into me, haha!
Once the music was playing, I felt the change in the air. My feet were already moving, acting as if they were moving on their own. I had taken the lead, and Princess Alfin was effortlessly following my steps.
Step. Step. Step...
The music continued to echo throughout Esmelas Garden from hidden orbal machines scattered around. I was considering going with a more upbeat tempo, but this is nobles we're talking about here. They're more used to the Waltz, compared to other dance styles. I wasn't idle during my time spent in Grancel Castle before heading on over here to Erebonia. Thanks to that, I was able to take the lead, and guide Princess Alfin along. Each step was measured. Not too far, not too short. We danced around to the slow rhythm of the classical music. Every so often, the tempo would heighten, making our steps more rapid. Then it would decrease, causing our steps to slow down.
Keeping up with the music's tempo was key to any dance. Otherwise, it wouldn't flow well, and you'd just look awkward the entire time. I often listened to different kinds of music in my past life, so I'm used to keeping up with various tempos. Transposing that into dances didn't seem too difficult, and well, Princess Alfin seems happy right now! She was full of smiles as we continued the dance. I'm glad she's having fun.
During all of this, we had many eyes staring at us, observing the ongoing dance. From the sides, behind, and in front of us, many influential figures could be seen that composed most of Erebonia's top brass. That included the Great Houses.
In front of us were Princess Alfin's immediate family. His Imperial Majesty, Empress Priscilla, Prince Olivert, and Prince Cedric. Those who came along with us to enjoy the party were also with them. Emma, Fie, Sherryl, Renne, Musse, and Elise. They were all wearing individual dresses. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Fie, who wore a pretty white dress that matched her hair. She was struggling trying to even stand right now. Imagine Fie in heels. It was quite the sight. I'll have to make it up to her and treat her to a meal or something later, haha!
Apart from all of the nobles, there were the reporters off to a sectioned off area, currently protected by the RMP. They didn't seem bothered by the heavy security, considering they're in the presence of the Imperial Family and all. They were too busy taking down notes and photographs to make a noise. They continued flashing their cameras without a care in the world. I had already gotten used to that when I returned to Liberl, becoming its Crown Prince. It's not as uncomfortable as it used to be.
As we continued dancing to the music, Princess Alfin raised her head up, and looked at me again.
"Those etiquette courses really are doing wonders right now. You definitely aren't a slacker, Naoto. We've definitely left a good impression on the Great Houses.", Princess Alfin uttered in a soft voice.
"You think so?", I asked. "And you aren't a slacker either, Alfin. You say you haven't had much etiquette training yet, but you're already a natural. I hope your courses go well at St. Astraia in the coming future. You've been matching my pace splendidly."
"Teehee.", Princess Alfin giggled. "I feel like the dance has just started, but its final chorus has already begun. While this is just practice for us, it will serve a real dance for the rest of the crowd we have tonight. Don't be surprised if someone approaches you, alright? Likewise, if you decide to approach another girl, then so be it. That's what socializing amongst nobles is all about!"
Seeing Princess Alfin's serious look, I simply agreed with her.
"Of course. Being invited to dance is an honor amongst the nobles. I will not turn one down if I am asked for a dance. I take it that it is the same from your perspective.", I said.
While one doesn't enter high society until they turn fifteen or sixteen years of age, Princess Alfin still has a while to go. She has five full years remaining, unlike me where I only need half that time. The actual marriage ceremony likely won't take place until Azure and beyond. Imagine lining it up with Prince Olivert's future wedding with Scherazard at the end of Cold Steel IV. A double wedding. How awesome would that be? By then it would be S1205-S1206, since Reverie goes all the way up to S1207. As Princess Alfin is fifteen by the time Cold Steel I starts in S1204, she wouldn't be eighteen until S1207. That would be after Cold Steel's story is over, so maybe that won't end up happening.
That's way too far away to even consider right now, so I simply shrugged that thought aside for the time being. I saw Princess Alfin confirm what I had just said.
"Yes. Nobles here in Erebonia take dancing very seriously. It is equivalent to courting someone, and seeing whether or not they are worthy to enter their respective peerage. The first dance holds significance to every Noble you see here, Naoto. That includes Father, Mother, and my two Brothers. In Father's eyes, this is him practically accepting our engagement, seeing you respond like this.", Princess Alfin explained.
"So that really is the case...", I uttered. "His Imperial Majesty accepted me? Then we should finish off our dance strong, since it is about to end. I was considering adding a little flare, but why don't we save that until your debut?"
"Oh my. It would seem that I now have something to look forward to then~", Princess Alfin happily responded. Still, it looks like she was in agreement, ready to end our dance. All fun things must come to an end eventually, and I enjoyed every single moment. This is the spotlight!
The two of us happily chatted away, keeping our voices low while our feet did their magic. Princess Alfin was able to follow along with every step that I took. The particular move I referred to just now was adding in the Waltz style itself, but we just kept it slow pace, and matched the tempo whenever the chorus changed it. It's not something that can easily be done on a whim. In the end, we just kept the current rhythm, step by step until the final chorus ended.
Before we realized it, both Princess Alfin and I found ourselves right where we started. The center of the stage.
A moment of awe reached everyone's eyes as the music ended. Even the reporters were momentarily stunned, and forgot to flash their cameras. It wasn't until His Imperial Majesty was the first to approach us, clapping his hands.
"That was splendid. Simply splendid!", Emperor Eugent said, clapping his hands. His voice carried through the entire Esmelas Garden. Empress Priscilla approached beside him, and also clapped. "You two are but a match made for the Goddess's Halls. I approve of this engagement!"
""Three cheers for Her Imperial Highness and Liberl's Crown Prince! Long Live His Imperial Majesty!"", The Nobles, including the Great Houses, clamored. Loud cheers erupted all around us. Even that caught Princess Alfin and I off-guard, seeing everyone suddenly cheer.
I took a glance at Princess Alfin. I could see a faint blush on her cheeks, but she simply smiled back at me, and didn't say anything. Before long, everyone was clapping their hands. Even Rufus and Aurelia joined in, clapping.
'So you managed to get His Imperial Majesty's approval after all. This is going to get interesting.', Aurelia thought to herself as she watched on, looking at us. I was curious wondering what was going on in that head of hers, but I didn't say anything.
Seeing everyone so in unison all of a sudden like this stunned the reporters for a good moment. But this was the news flash that would eventually spread like wildfire throughout the entire continent. Before I knew it, the rest of the girls joined us. Princess Alfin and I exchanged glances, then turned toward the cameras.
The two of us waved our hands, letting the news reporters take all the shots they needed for their respective articles.
Once the fervor began to die down, many reporters began to depart from Valflame Palace now that they had gotten the big scoop. I saw literal Mira coins in Nial's eyes as he left with Dorothy. The Nobles stayed behind, of course. After the clapping ended, they all nodded at us, seeing how successful our dance was.
This also signaled it was time for the rest of the Nobles to mingle with one another. Princess Alfin took this time to catch her breath, and began chatting with Musse and Elise. Similar to Nial, Musee had stars in her eyes with the excitement alone. I didn't want to bother them, so I bid them farewell for now.
Once the Nobles spread to the rest of the platforms, they soon began dances of their own, matching similar paces to what Princess Alfin and I did. Even my friends were offered hands as a formal gesture to partake in the fun, and had no reason to turn down some dancing. Most of the girls aren't Nobles, so they didn't have to worry about being courted during this.
I didn't slack off during this free time either. There was one particular individual who came here tonight that I was interested in extending an invitation to. Aurelia Le Guin.
I quickly found the silver-haired beauty off to the side, enjoying the scene at her own pace. She turned down a couple Nobles already. Those nearby became surprised seeing me approach her. Knowing that I am now Princess Alfin's fiancé, they dared not to get in-between us.
"May I use this opportunity to ask for a second dance, Lady Aurelia?", I said, greeting Aurelia. "It has been quite some time since we last saw each other. It is good to see you in good health."
"I accept.", Aurelia said, smiling at me. Just that alone caused another wave of surprise to everyone else. Even Emperor Eugent became interested, not expecting to see this happen. Princess Alfin just stared on, equally surprised. "We can catch up on what has happened over these last couple of years."
Back toward the front of Esmelas Garden, Emperor Eugent spotted his daughter.
"I did not expect Naoto would be acquainted with Countess Le Guin. Were you informed of this, Alfin?", Emperor Eugent asked.
"I indeed was, Father. We happened to meet each other back at Grancel City during the martial arts tournament. I did not think Lady Aurelia would make it to tonight's events. Naoto will give her a good time~", Princess Alfin happily responded.
"So that's how those two know each other...", Musse murmured. Her eyes suddenly dilated, becoming sharp as ever, like a snake waiting for its prey...