A few days after he checked up on Lily and left her asleep…

Gazing at his surroundings with his eyes of different color, Ryner took in the sights. The large hall seemed to be sparkling by the light of the chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The floor was covered by a soft, red carpet. Long tables filled with food in a buffet-style were placed near the walls. Servants walked around while carrying plates of appetizers and drinks. The tall windows let in the soft light of the beautiful moon. Men and women in extravagant clothes were talking, eating or dancing to the music of the orchestra.

“Too many people.” [Ryner]

He was at a ball held at the castle.

“Come now, we’ve participated in these sorts of events many times.” [Evelyn]

By his side was Evelyn, dressed in a deep red dress with black frills. The skirt covered her ankles and the long ruffle sleeves reached her wrists. Seeing her dressed-up appearance holding a glass of wine reminded him of the past. When he lived in her world as a dhampir, he always accompanied her for parties and balls. Back then, she wore modest pieces that revealed little skin. He was relieved to see that this part of her didn’t change.

“That doesn’t mean I have to like it.” [Ryner]

As for him, he was wearing a simple black suit that wasn’t flashy like those of the men around him. Although it gave him a sharp look, he was still quite inconspicuous. He barely passed the standards to join the formal event, considering he didn’t even bother to comb his messy black hair or fix his lazy posture.

“It sure is hard to rule a country.” [Ryner]

“Quite so.” [Evelyn]

The vampire nodded to his mutter as they both directed their eyes to the royal family. They were busy talking to the nobles that greeted them.

“Their kingdom nearly fell twice. Though they’ve set things in order, they need to put on these sorts of parties to show they still have wealth and power to both the nobles that were loyal to them and to the surrounding countries that are eyeing them.” [Evelyn]

“In short, they need to flaunt their superiority so that their underlings will behave and so that no one will want to pick a fight with them.” [Ryner]

“Yes. Putting up a front is extremely important in the social and political world. I believe that was something you told me.” [Evelyn]

The vampire tilted her wine glass and took a small sip of the red liquid inside. A few individuals gulped at the simple sight. Her gorgeous appearance that emitted a noble air easily drew attention and many kept glancing at her. The number of people that wanted to talk to her wasn’t few and the only reason why they didn’t yet was because she was with an unknown man. The two of them noticed the stares already. It wasn’t the first time, after all.

“I guess it’s about time I made my greetings too.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn said as she looked around her.

“I’ve talked to a number of the nobles present while working as her majesty’s envoy. It would be rude to keep them waiting.” [Evelyn]

“The queen’s backing us, or rather, these guys totally have ulterior motives. Mostly the men. I think you can get away with being rude for a bit.” [Ryner]

“Maybe so, but it would be best to stay on friendly terms considering that we’ll soon officially start the Roseseed Company. Business would run smoother if no one held grudges against me and if I possessed a few connections I could use besides the queen’s name.” [Evelyn]

She turned her sight to Ryner and showed a small, demure smile.

“Keep up appearances in public, meet people you can use and mark those who’ll trouble you, correct?” [Evelyn]

She lightly nodded her head to him and then walked towards a small group of men and women whose faces brightened up at her approach, especially the noblemen.

Having nothing to do, Ryner stood near the wall and waited while Evelyn went around and introduced herself as the daughter of a fictitious but rich merchant family. A few stared at him, some uneasily, but no one approached him. Unlike the vampire, he looked like a lazy commoner and was out of place in this ball. Those who knew the role he played in the cleanup after the coup also chose to keep their distance.

“Ryner.” [Klauss]

While he was shamelessly yawning, someone spoke to him. Turning his head to the side, he saw the knight commander standing next to him. Because of his position, he was dressed for the ball, but still had his sword at his waist.

“Shouldn’t you be following the queen and her family as a bodyguard?” [Ryner]

“Despite my protests, they said they don’t need me so close to them, but I’m keeping an eye on them.” [Klauss]

“That so? And, is it just me, or you look a bit thinner compared to the last time we talked?” [Ryner]

Like Ryner remarked, Klauss’ cheeks were sunken in, his skin was paler than usual and a tired atmosphere hung around him. The powerful aura of the leader of the knights and that of an S rank fighter was gone.

“… It’s because of what you gave to my wife.” [Klauss]

“Huh? Me? What’d I do?” [Ryner]

“You g-!” [Klauss]

Klauss was about to shout, but stopped himself and looked around. Then, making sure no one was observing them, he whispered to Ryner, but his voice still contained obvious anger.

“You gave her those dubious fertility pills! Because of that, I don’t have time to rest at all when I get home! If I’m too tired, she makes me drink those stamina drinks! When they ran out, she used that aphrodisiac spray on me! I feel like I’ll die if this keeps up!” [Klauss]

A moment of silence passed after the raging storm of words.

“… Ah.” [Ryner]

“You brat… You completely forgot.” [Klauss]

“Who are you calling a brat?!” [Ryner]

“You still get mad about that?!” [Klauss]

“Shut up! It’s important! If you don’t stop calling me a brat, I’ll send a year’s worth of stamina drinks to your house!” [Ryner]

“Ugh?! … Kuh! Coming from you, that’s actually scary…!” [Klauss]

Just as their quarrel was getting louder, someone’s voice put a stop to it.

“What are you two arguing about?” [Clara]

Clara asked as she appeared right next to them. Behind her were her husband and their two daughters.

“Y-your majesty!” [Klauss]

Klauss, flustered, lowered his head, ashamed that he showed his unsightly side to the ruler of his country.

“He’s mad that I gave his wife some items to help them keep going in bed.” [Ryner]

On the other hand, Ryner, worry-free, pointed at him and straightforwardly blurted out everything to the queen, causing his shoulders to jump up.

“Oh? That’s quite the interesting reason for arguing. Could you tell me more?” [Clara]

The queen’s lips curled up into a wry smile.

“They’re just some stamina drinks and fertility pills. The company that my cousin’s in charge of will be selling them soon. Go ahead and check it out.” [Ryner]

“Ah, that company that you bought slaves for and that are living in the mansion we gave you? Roseseed, was it not?” [Clara]

Clara asked to confirm, remembering what she was told about it. His cousin, Evelyn, would manage it since, as the daughter of a merchant family, she had experience in business and management. But, the products would be items that Ryner thought up. The profits would be split between the two. At least, that was what she was told.

“Yeah.” [Ryner]

“Ki-. *Cough* Ryner, you really should show more respect to her majesty.” [Klauss]

“I don’t want to hear about respect from someone that brags about how occupied he is every night with his wife.” [Ryner]

“You brat…” [Klauss]

The queen giggled at the knight commander that was growling unhappily while glaring at the young man next to him. She took a look at her family. Adrian had an amused smile on his face. Tiffany was giggling much like her. As for her youngest daughter, Leila was frowning with her lips pursed. When she noticed her mother’s gaze, she panicked for a second and hurriedly fixed her expression.

“Enough, Klauss. None of us here mind. He’s done so much and asked for so little, after all.” [Clara]

“… As you wish.” [Klauss]

The knight commander relented quite quickly since he was one of the people that were saved. The hands he now possessed were given to him. Whenever he held a spoon, gripped his sword or hugged his wife, he was always reminded of how grateful he was to Ryner.

“Still, he could always learn about decorum if he becomes a noble. How about it?” [Clara]

“That sounds like a pain.” [Ryner]

“I really do need to give you a proper reward or I’ll look like quite the stingy queen. If a nobility title isn’t any good, how about marrying one of my daughters?” [Clara]

At some point, she brought up such a proposition out of the blue.

“Eh?” [Tiffany]

“What?!” [Leila]

Tiffany and Leila’s accidentally exclaimed and their eyes opened wide in surprise. The knight commander kept quiet. Adrian, as if he expected it, smiled and nodded.

“Rejected.” [Ryner]

As for the man in question, his instant rejection caused the two princesses to react differently. The oldest slightly slumped her shoulders. The youngest was glaring at him with a flushed face.

“Oh? My daughters are not enough to satisfy you?” [Clara]

“I don’t want to get married. Also, I still need to be a noble to do that, so don’t try to trick me.” [Ryner]

“It is no trick. I was simply teasing you. But, if marrying is no good, how about a dance?” [Clara]

“No way.” [Ryner]

A weird atmosphere now drifted around the group. Tiffany’s mood fell lower. Leila’s anger rose higher. He didn’t want to marry. He didn’t want to dance. It was the first time someone so adamantly refused to get close to the princesses who were sought by many.

“… May I hear the reason?” [Clara]

“It’s getting late. I need to check on Mi.” [Ryner]

Moreover, that someone gave a rather random excuse. Clara sighed internally, thinking that he was quite the tough opponent for his daughters.

“Your puppy is doing fine. In fact, I was told that the maids are completely enamored by its cute appearance and spoil it rotten. At this hour, it should be sleeping comfortably in its own bed.” [Clara]

“Why the hell is that dog living the ideal lazy life while I’ve been dealing with rebels and paperwork?!” [Ryner]

The random excuse he gave to escape the ball ended up causing him some mental harm because of the queen’s snap counter.

“Is the thought of dancing with my daughters that unappealing to you?” [Clara]

“You want me to dance with the princesses? At this ball? With everyone staring at us?” [Ryner]

“Although I understand you are a man who loves subtlety, a few of the nobles present remember you from when you worked as my agent.” [Clara]

Clara pointed with her gaze at Marchioness Dulado who was busy talking to a couple of noblewomen. Her husband was arrested and his men were murdered by Ryner. His previous work that was much like an assassin was the reason why some nobles in the bright hall didn’t approach him. They were afraid.

“Moreover, you are the cousin of Evelyn Ivyblood who has become a hot topic lately.” [Clara]

“I can’t help being her cousin. Shouldn’t you be controlling information about me?” [Ryner]

“Yes, I am. Which is why word of your achievements has not spread… Hero of the Broken Mask.” [Clara]

She said the last part in a low voice and put her hand on her mouth.

Just as Ryner was about to complain about how the name sounded dumb, Tiffany stepped forward.

“Ryner.” [Tiffany]

Her voice, usually calm and gentle, held a note of tension.

“Would you accompany me?” [Tiffany]

She presented her hand to him and waited. Ryner stared at her smiling face while feeling the inquisitive gazes of multiple people around him. They buried into him, especially Leila’s.

“Just one dance with the man who I owe everything to.” [Tiffany]

Tiffany spoke softly and still waited for his reply. Her family warmly watched on, except for her younger sister who had her fist clenched to her chest and was glaring at the sleepy-looking man. If he didn’t accept, she would probably run out of the hall to get her holy sword.

“(It feels like if I refuse, I’ll go from hero to villain in a heartbeat. And get stabbed in the heart.)” [Ryner]

Thinking so, Ryner returned his sight to the blue-haired princess. She almost looked like a puppy that was waiting uneasily. It was a cute, trembling puppy. It wasn’t impossible to heartlessly kick it away, but…

“… Wanna dance?” [Ryner]

“I’d be glad to!” [Tiffany]

His words were rude, but her smile shone brightly as he took her hand.

“I’m not going to get stabbed in the back for this, right?” [Ryner]

Just before they went to the dance floor, where the orchestra was located, he asked the queen in a low voice.

“I’ll have anyone incarcerated if they even think about it.” [Clara]

“Good. Otherwise, I’d probably kill them. If they’re nobles, you’ll need to look for more people to take their place.” [Ryner]

“Please spare me from that. A lot of the rot in the kingdom was purged because of the coup, but we are now lacking capable manpower.” [Clara]

Once the short conversation was over and the two reached their destination, the two began to dance. Murmurs were exchanged by the various onlookers that stared at them. They wondered who was the man that was dancing with the first princess. However, they were quickly captivated by her resplendent figure. She was wearing white long gloves and a dress of a deeper blue than her hair. A hair ornament in the shape of a yellow flower decorated the side of her head. The word “captivating” perfectly fitted her.

“You dance well.” [Tiffany]

Tiffany complimented him, unable to stay silent because they were holding hands, because his hand was on her lower back and because of how close they were. She didn’t mind it when she danced with other noblemen, but now it bothered her and made her heart thump in her chest. She could feel heat in her cheeks and was more or less sure that she was blushing.

“I had to deal with this sort of thing before.” [Ryner]

“This sort of thing? Meaning, you’ve been at balls and parties like this?” [Tiffany]

“Yeah. It was awful. Felt constraining.” [Ryner]

“I guess it doesn’t suit you.” [Tiffany]

“Definitely not. I hate rich people, unless it’s me. Frankly speaking, I’m especially not good with royalty. No offense.” [Ryner]

He blurted out something that would have gotten him arrested, but to his dancing partner, it made her heart tighten painfully.

“Is that, so…?” [Tiffany]

She said in a quiet voice.

“Ah, except for Evelyn. She’s rich, but I don’t hate her. Even if I recently learned of her troublesome side.” [Ryner]

“You don’t hate your cousin… You did sleep in the same bed as her…” [Tiffany]

Gloom covered her face. She knew he had visited the red light district, but that was for pleasure. However, she didn’t know what sort of relationship he had with Evelyn and that had been troubling her for the past few days.

“I guess you two really are in that kind of…” [Tiffany]

“No, we’re not. Stop thinking weird things. Also, what’s with that expression?” [Ryner]

Ryner said as he blinked his eyes at her behavior.

“You’re royalty, but I don’t hate you, you know?” [Ryner]

“Eh?” [Tiffany]

She raised her head and stared him in the eyes right away.

“We’re dancing together. If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t be doing this. Hell, I saved you twice, remember?” [Ryner]

The princess was shocked, stunned and dumbfounded. The expression on her face showed those emotions in that order.

“Man, you sure are a sensitive girl. Feeling down from being hated. Also too kind and shy. If dancing is embarrassing, then it’s fine to not force yourself.” [Ryner]

Ryner added, hinting at how her cheeks were flushed the whole time, which made her lower her head to hide her face.

“This makes me worry about your future married life. Honestly speaking, you may have some bad luck with men. If the next husband’s a total bastard, he’ll walk all over you… And I’ll probably cause him to be executed… Again.” [Ryner]

“… It’s alright.” [Tiffany]

After a short pause, Tiffany said in a small voice and without raising her head.

“I believe my future husband will be… Alright.” [Tiffany]

Those that saw her blushing and smiling face couldn’t help but stare absentmindedly.