AN: Welcome back for this week's 2nd update!
This will be a soft chapter before the main part.
I hope this will highlight the importance of Hayate to Noah.
While I have to hold back for Sirin, I hope this captures their dynamic clearly.
So everyone, please enjoy!
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Non-Administrated World #97, Star Rail Universe…
The Delacour estate in France was beautiful in a way Noah immediately distrusted. Not because it looked deceiving or dangerous, but because the chandeliers lit the polished marble floors with a glow that felt far too expensive to be innocent. Tall windows opened toward moonlit gardens where enchanted fountains scattered silver mist into the night air. Music drifted from a small ensemble near the far wall, soft and elegant enough to make every conversation feel as if it had been rehearsed three generations in advance.
And everywhere Noah looked, people were pretending not to look at him.
He stood near one of the long windows with a glass in hand, his expression perfectly straight as he took a slow sip.
Beside him, Hayate had her arm hooked around his, smiling gracefully like someone who understood formal gatherings far too well for his peace of mind.
Himeko stood nearby, radiant in her deep red dress. Her smile was perfect and dangerous in the way only an experienced navigator could manage. Fleamont and Euphemia Potter stood with them as familiar companions in a sea of curious eyes.
"…I feel like an exhibit in a zoo or an art gallery," Noah murmured as he lowered his glass.
Hayate's smile did not change. "Well, my dear hubby, you are a very rare creature everyone thought was extinct."
"…My lovely Hachan, why must you stab me like this?"
"Hmm? That was the polite version, though?"
"…."
Noah became speechless at his own wife's betrayal.
Himeko glanced across the hall, where a group of French witches immediately turned away as if the curtains had suddenly become fascinating.
"They are just curious," she said lightly. "After all, this is the first public appearance of the rumored Peverell heir. Of course, they want to see you."
"…So, as Hachan said, I'm a rare magical creature."
Fleamont's lips twitched. "A very well-dressed one, if I may add."
Noah gave him a wounded look. "Uncle Fleamont."
Euphemia smiled warmly, though her eyes carried the same amusement as her husband's. "You are handling it wonderfully, Noah."
"I want to say thank you for the comfort, Auntie, but I feel like there is something mixed in there."
"My, how distrustful, my dear."
"…So what exactly is the truth?"
"It is comfort with a spice of teasing."
Noah closed his eyes and gave up. "…I am surrounded by enemies."
Before leaving Meldiana, Sirin had stood beside him with her arms crossed, pretending she was not upset.
"I know I'm not suited for this kind of stiff party," she had said, looking away with a pout sharp enough to cut dimensional walls. "Too many fake smiles. Too many nobles. Too many people pretending their words don't have knives."
Noah had smiled gently. "Sii…"
She pointed at him before he could continue.
"But after this, I want my own date."
Hayate covered her mouth, and Himeko looked far too pleased.
Noah blinked, then let out an amused smile. "Of course."
Sirin's pout softened, but only a little.
"Good. And make sure it has no formal clothes."
"I very much agree."
"Definitely no nobles."
"Again, agreed."
"And no one staring at us like we're a political artifact."
Noah's eyes softened before he wiped away imaginary tears. "Sii, you are the best."
Sirin tilted her head, blushed at his words, then looked away with a huff. "Hmmp, o-of c-course I am."
Now, standing in the Delacour estate while half the guests watched his every step, Noah wished he had brought Sirin just so she could glare everyone into honesty.
Hayate glanced up at him. "Thinking about Sirin-chan?"
"Thinking she would have already scared half the room into telling the truth."
Himeko chuckled softly. "That would certainly simplify diplomacy."
"See? I can have good ideas."
"Terrible presentation," Fleamont said.
Euphemia gently tapped her fan against Fleamont's arm. "Dear."
"What? I said it affectionately."
Noah sighed and looked out over the hall again. The guests were arranged in groups, each conversation circling the same invisible center, him, the Peverell Family Head.
They whispered behind glasses of wine, exchanged glances over painted fans, and measured the distance between themselves and his group like hunters waiting to see who would step into the clearing first.
Noah's fingers tightened around his glass.
"They want to approach us."
"Yes," Hayate nodded. "But no one wants to be first."
"They are waiting to see who takes the risk." Himeko's smile widened.
"…Why am I a risk now?"
Fleamont gave him a sympathetic look that was not nearly sympathetic enough. "You are the newly returned head of an old house, backed by the Potters, the Greengrasses, goblins, foreign magic users, and unknown powers. Politically speaking, yes. You are absolutely a risk."
Noah stared at him.
"…That was the worst comfort I have ever received."
"He means you are important." Euphemia smiled.
"That is also not comforting."
"Noah-kun, breathe." Hayate gave his arm a light squeeze.
"I am breathing."
"You are breathing like someone trying not to escape through the nearest window."
Noah looked toward the window.
"Please don't." Hayate pressed his arm against her chest to keep him from running.
"I didn't say anything."
"You thought about it."
"…That feels unfair."
"You have become predictable." Himeko lifted her glass, hiding her smile behind the rim.
"That is a terrible thing to say to a man under social siege."
Before anyone could answer, a subtle change moved through the room. The whispers did not stop completely, but they quieted enough for Noah to notice.
The guests near the center of the hall began to part, making way for a family approaching with the confidence and grace of those who belonged to the estate.
At the front was a well-dressed French wizard with silver-threaded dark hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and eyes sharp enough to silence the room in a single glance. His expression carried warmth, but not softness.
Jean Delacour, the current head of House Delacour.
At his side walked his wife, Apolline, elegant and luminous, with beauty that seemed to draw the room's attention toward her. There was something unmistakably otherworldly in her presence, graceful without effort, gentle without weakness.
Behind them were their daughters.
Fleur stood tall and elegant, silver-blonde hair falling over her shoulders, her eyes curious and assessing. Even young, she carried herself like someone who already knew people looked at her and had decided not to be ruled by it.
Beside her, Gabrielle peeked from behind her mother's skirt, wide-eyed and curious, unable to hide her interest.
Noah lowered his glass.
"Finally," he murmured.
Hayate glanced up. "Relieved?"
"Yes."
"Because the hosts are here?"
"Because now everyone else has lost the chance to be first."
"A very convenient relief." Himeko softly laughed.
Jean Delacour stopped before them and inclined his head with polished courtesy.
"Lord Peverell."
Noah's smile remained straight, though everyone close to him felt the internal flinch.
"Monsieur Delacour," Noah replied, matching the greeting. "Thank you for inviting us."
Jean's eyes showed a hint of approval at the respectful but simple response.
"The honor is ours. France has heard many rumors from Britain these past days." His eyes moved lightly over Noah, Hayate, Himeko, Fleamont, and Euphemia. "It is good to finally meet the man at the center of them."
Noah's smile turned slightly helpless.
"I would like to say most rumors are exaggerated."
"Would that mean a few are not?" Apolline smiled.
That left Noah briefly speechless. Beside him, Hayate smiled sweetly while Himeko's eyes twinkled in amusement. Fleamont looked away with the expression of a man refusing to rescue him, and Euphemia shook her head with quiet fondness.
"…Unfortunately, as much as I wish otherwise, reality rarely has that much mercy." Noah sighed lightly.
Jean laughed, warm yet not excessive.
"Honesty. That is rarer than power."
Fleur's eyes narrowed with interest.
Gabrielle looked up at Noah and whispered, not nearly as quietly as she thought, "Maman, he does not look scary."
Apolline placed a gentle hand over Gabrielle's head. "Non, ma petite. He does not."
Noah raised a brow before smiling at Gabrielle, much more genuinely this time.
"I'm honored by your praise."
Gabrielle beamed. Several nearby guests noticed and began whispering to one another.
Hayate leaned closer and whispered, "You just won over the youngest Delacour, my dear."
Noah whispered back, "…Is that even important?"
Fleamont murmured from the side, "More than you think."
Noah's expression remained polite, but internally, he groaned.
'This party is already more dangerous than the Gateway site,' he thought.
—----
Jean glanced briefly toward the entrance of the hall before turning back to Noah.
"The Flamels have not arrived yet," he said, his voice lowering just enough that only their group could hear. "When they do, I will inform you immediately."
Apolline smiled gently. "Until then, please enjoy the evening. This party may carry many eyes, but it is still our home. You are welcome here."
Noah inclined his head. "Thank you, Madame Delacour."
Fleur gave him one more curious look, as if trying to decide what kind of person could make an entire room nervous while looking like he wanted to escape through a window.
Gabrielle, meanwhile, waved at him. Noah returned it with a smile and a small wave of his own.
Apolline's eyes softened at that, while Jean's lips lifted faintly.
"We shall speak again soon," Jean said.
With that, the Delacours moved away, their presence carrying the attention of the room with them for a few precious seconds.
Noah let out a relieved sigh.
"Finally."
Hayate glanced up at him. "Good job, Noah-kun. You did great."
"Hmm. I did my best, Hachan."
"Unfortunately, the hosts were also your shield." Himeko look at him with teasing smile
Noah looked at her in confusion. Before he could ask what she meant, he noticed the other guests who had stayed away earlier beginning to move.
Slowly, the conversations and whispers changed. People shifted in a pattern that was not obvious, but still noticeable. Fans used to shield smiles lowered. Wine glasses tilted. The invisible self-imposed distance around Noah began shrinking inch by inch.
Fleamont gave him a sympathetic smile that had no mercy in it. "Now that House Delacour has greeted you first, the others have permission to approach."
"…Permission?" Noah stared at him.
Euphemia nodded, her gentle smile looking lethal to Noah at that moment. "No one wanted to be the first to risk offending you. Now they can pretend they are simply following the hosts' example."
Noah looked betrayed by civilization itself.
"So I was not safe."
"You were never safe," Himeko said pleasantly.
Noah looked at the approaching nobles, then at the window, then at Hayate.
Hayate's grip tightened around his arm immediately.
"Noah-kun…"
"…Hachan."
"Noah-kun."
Noah pouted and looked away.
Then his eyes moved toward the center of the hall, where the musicians had shifted into a slower piece. Couples were beginning to gather, gliding across the polished floor.
A certain idea sprouted in his mind.
"Noah-kun?" Hayate noticed the change in his eyes.
Noah did not reply. Instead, he set his glass down on a nearby table.
Then, with the kind of dignity he used when choosing the least damaging disaster, Noah turned toward Hayate and offered his hand.
"Hachan."
Hayate blinked, clearly caught off guard by Noah's unexpected action.
Noah smiled softly. "May I have this dance?"
The words landed gently, but they struck harder than any formal title. Hayate's cheeks quickly turned pink.
Himeko's smile widened. Fleamont's brows lifted with open approval, while Euphemia pressed her fan lightly against her lips, clearly delighted.
Hayate looked at Noah's offered hand, then back at his face.
"You are asking me to dance… to escape the nobles?"
Noah's smile turned helpless. "Partly."
"Only partly?"
"Mostly because I want to dance with you." He looked at her affectionately.
Hayate's blush deepened. At that moment, all the noise around them seemed to move farther away. Then she placed her hand over his.
"I would love to."
Noah's fingers closed around hers carefully, as if she were something precious. He led her toward the dance floor, and the path opened before them without anyone needing to speak.
The whispers and conversations stopped as everyone's eyes followed Noah and Hayate.
Once they stepped into the center of the room, Noah held Hayate's hand and placed his other hand at her waist with careful respect. She placed her free hand against his shoulder.
Then they let the music carry them.
Their steps began simple, formal, and basic, before little by little becoming more complex.
Noah led Hayate with familiarity, his posture elegant and graceful. Hayate followed him smoothly, her gown turning softly around her ankles as they crossed the polished floor.
Then she smiled up at him.
"You know, this is a very fancy escape route."
"It was either this or the window."
"The dance is better."
"I thought so too."
Hayate laughed softly, and that small bell-like sound changed everything. Noah felt his shoulders relax. The stiffness in his expression faded. His steps became lighter, less like a man surviving politics and more like someone remembering how to breathe.
He led Hayate into a slow turn, and she followed easily, her skirt twirling around her like a gentle wind. When she returned to him, her fingers tightened around his, and their eyes met.
For a moment, neither of them spoke while everyone in the hall watched them in awe and admiration.
But Noah and Hayate did not seem to notice.
Or perhaps, for once, they chose not to care.
"I didn't know you were good at this." Hayate's smile became gentler.
"With my family's position in my homeworld, my mother made sure I learned just in case."
"Then I should thank her."
"She would tell you I still need practice."
"She would be wrong."
Noah's eyes softened.
The music's rhythm lifted.
He turned with her again, this time a little wider. Hayate moved with graceful confidence, her steps light but sure, letting him lead without losing herself. She was not simply being carried by the dance. She answered him with every motion.
When Noah stepped forward, she stepped back.
When he turned, she followed.
When he slowed, she came closer.
Their dance was not flashy or intense, yet everyone in the hall could not look away. They did not know why, only that they did not want to miss a single second of it. Even blinking felt like a crime.
Noah's hand remained at her waist, and Hayate's eyes never left him. The distance between them was just close enough for her voice to reach only him.
"You look more relaxed now."
"I am."
"Because we escaped?"
"No," Noah answered. "Because I'm with you."
Hayate's breath lightly hitched as her cheeks turned a deeper red, but she did not look away.
Around them, the whispers started again.
"That is the Head of House Peverell?"
"And that lady is perhaps his wife?"
"They dance beautifully together."
"Look how he watches her."
Fleur, standing beside her mother, watched with interest.
"He dances so well," she murmured.
"More importantly, he makes her feel safe." Apolline smiled faintly.
"Are they married?" Gabrielle tilted her head.
Jean almost choked on his wine.
"Something very close to it, ma petite." Apolline's smile widened.
On the other side of the hall, Himeko watched with fond eyes.
"Smart boy," she said.
"He found the one place in the room where no one can interrupt him without looking rude." Fleamont chuckled.
"And he gave Hayate a beautiful moment while doing it." Euphemia's smile softened.
"A perfect escape and a gift at the same time." Himeko lifted her glass slightly.
"That is very Noah, isn't it?" Fleamont nodded.
In the center of the hall, Noah guided Hayate through one final turn. Her dress swayed around her as she spun, and when she returned, she was closer than before.
For a heartbeat, they simply stood there, still moving with the music but slower now, as if the world had decided to give them one private breath.
Hayate looked up at him.
"Noah-kun."
"Yes?"
"Thank you for asking me."
He smiled at her, full of affection.
"Thank you for saying yes."
Before long, the song ended. Even when the last note faded, the hall remained silent, as if everyone had forgotten how to breathe.
Then Himeko clapped her hands. Fleamont and Euphemia followed after her. Soon, the applause spread as more guests woke up and joined.
Hayate blinked, suddenly remembering where they were. Her face turned bright red, but the smile on her lips never faded.
Noah also remembered. He tried to keep his expression straight by sheer willpower, but his ears betrayed him.
"This party is worse than the Welsh road."
Hayate, still holding his hand, laughed softly.
And despite the attention, the whispers, and the storm waiting beyond France, Noah found himself smiling too.
—-----
The aftermath of the dance was somehow worse than the dance itself. At least while dancing, Noah had been allowed to focus only on Hayate.
Now, he had to smile at various people for so long that he felt his cheeks would definitely cramp tonight.
"That was a beautiful dance, Lord Peverell."
"You and your Lady are quite graceful together."
"France has not seen such a charming pair in some time."
Noah kept his expression polite as another elderly witch praised them with a smile bright enough to be suspicious. Hayate remained beside him, her hand resting lightly around his arm, cheeks still faintly pink from the applause earlier.
"Thank you," Noah said for what felt like the thirtieth time. "My wife made it easy for me."
Hayate's fingers tightened slightly around his arm.
"Noah-kun…"
The elderly witch's smile brightened. "How sweet."
Noah immediately realized his mistake.
Himeko, standing a short distance away, hid her smile behind her glass. Fleamont looked like he was trying very hard not to laugh, while Euphemia openly looked delighted.
Noah's eyes silently begged for mercy, but alas, mercy never came. Now he was beginning to wonder whether the Welsh road had less social danger than this hall.
While another noble was speaking with them, someone approached from the side.
"Lord Peverell."
Noah turned.
Fleur Delacour stood close to them, her silver-blonde hair catching the chandelier's light. She gave a light curtsy before continuing.
"Lady Hayate. I apologize for interrupting."
Hayate smiled warmly. "It is fine, Fleur."
Fleur glanced briefly toward the crowd, then lowered her voice.
"My father asked me to inform you that the Flamels have arrived."
The playful warmth around them faded.
Noah's expression sharpened. Even Hayate's expression changed from sweet young lady to commander in a split second.
Not far away, Himeko lowered her glass. Fleamont and Euphemia exchanged a glance.
Noah nodded once. "Understood."
Fleur stepped slightly aside. "If you would follow me, I will guide you to the private room. Father is waiting with the guests."
Noah's eyes flicked toward Himeko, who caught the look and walked toward them.
Fleamont gave a small nod. "We'll remain here and keep the attention from gathering too tightly."
Euphemia smiled faintly. "And prevent anyone from starting rumors too quickly."
Noah stared at her.
"…Too quickly?"
She patted his arm gently. "That is the best anyone can promise, dear."
Noah closed his eyes for half a second. "…This is why I don't like social gatherings."
Hayate covered her mouth, but her shoulders trembled.
Fleur watched the exchange with a small, almost hidden smile.
"This way, please."
Noah, Hayate, and Himeko excused themselves from the nearby guests with courtesy. The eyes in the hall followed them, of course. They could feel the whispers shifting again, wondering where the Peverell heir and his family were being led.
Fleur walked ahead, leading them away from the hall and into a side corridor. The sound of music and conversation faded behind them.
"You are very good at ignoring a room full of curious people," Noah said, glancing at Fleur.
Fleur lightly smirked. "Being looked at is not new to me."
Hayate tilted her head, curious, but not enough to pry.
Noah simply nodded and did not push.
"Then thank you for guiding us."
Fleur gave him a brief look, perhaps surprised by his answer. She did not show much, but inwardly, she was thankful.
"My father said the people waiting inside are not ordinary guests."
"That is exactly why I came," Noah said.
Fleur stopped before a pair of dark wooden doors carved with delicate silver vines.
"My father is inside," she said.
"Thank you, Fleur." Noah nodded.
Fleur's expression lightened as she looked at him directly. A small smile appeared on her face.
"You are welcome, Lord Peverell."
Then she opened the door.
The room was warmly lit by firelight and several floating enchanted glass lamps. Bookshelves lined one wall, while a round table stood at the center, already prepared with tea, wine, and several sealed documents.
Jean Delacour was already seated, reviewing the documents on the table. Beside him sat an elderly man with bright, intelligent eyes, and beside that man was an equally sharp-eyed woman whose silver hair was pinned neatly behind her head. They looked old, yes, but not fragile. Age sat on them like a cloak they had chosen to keep wearing.
Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel.
Beside them sat a tall young man with noble bearing, pale hair, and eyes that seemed to hold a sky full of calculations.
Kirschtaria Wodime.
And finally, dressed with authority and carrying the presence of someone who had walked into dangerous rooms long before this one, Marisbury Animusphere.
Noah narrowed his eyes as he entered the room. Hayate noticed the change immediately. The social discomfort vanished from his face. What remained was the Captain of the Astral Express.
Himeko kept her smile, though her eyes were already calculating the implications of this meeting.
Jean Delacour saw them and stood from his seat before walking toward them.
"Lord Peverell. Lady Hayate. Lady Himeko."
"At last we meet, young man," Nicolas Flamel said with a faint smile.
Marisbury's eyes settled on Noah with unreadable interest, and Kirschtaria smiled at him with a strange familiarity.
Noah's hand remained lightly linked with Hayate's.
Then, after a single exhale, he stepped fully into the room as the door closed behind them.
The real music was about to start.
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