Chapter 2-19 : Dance, Party, And The Villain (part 2)
On the day of the party, my family and I went to Count Oglan’s mansion in this city.
Of course, it wasn’t his main mansion. It was just one of the many villas he had all over this country, but it was almost as big as our mansion. As expected from one of the richest nobles in this country.
「Wow…!」(Kako)
There were many people in the main hall where the party was held. Everyone was wearing expensive-looking dresses and suits.
They turned their gazes to us as soon as we stepped into the party venue.
At first, I thought everyone was looking at Father since he was the lord of this city, but then I realized that I was the one drawing their attention.
「Ugh… Why is everyone looking at me?」(Kako)
「Calm down, Kako-chan. They have probably heard rumors about you, our new adopted child. That’s why they look curious. However, as a noble lady, you should keep your composure.」(Folia)
「U, un…」(Kako)
Mother whispered to me while I was wondering.
I replied to her with a nod, took a deep breath, and straightened my back.
「Hmm, the participants are just as I heard. Seems like the information I got was accurate.」(Elvent)
「There are not many people with the same hobby as Count Oglan after all.」(Maitena)
While I was trying to calm myself down, Father and Maitena onee-sama were checking the surrounding people while remaining calm.
Some of the people approached us and greeted us. They looked surprised to see us here since Father was not a weapon collector like them, but then he explained that we had received an invitation from Count Oglan.
Suddenly, the venue fell silent, and everyone turned their gazes toward the stairs.
「Here comes the guy.」(Elvent)
As Father muttered, an old man came down the stairs from the second floor and greeted the participants.
「Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to my humble party today.」(Oglan)
He must be Count Oglan.
I imagined him having a face like a villain with a scary grin, but now that I see him in person, he just looks like an ordinary old man.
「As fellow arms collectors, feel free to show off your collections here and share information with each other. You’re also free to eat, drink, dance, and do whatever you like. I hope you enjoy the party.」(Oglan)
He finished his speech with a bow and then joined the others in the venue. At the same time, the band that had been standing by the corner of the room started playing music.
Some of the participants were dancing on the dance floor, and some others were talking with each other while showing off the weapon collections they brought with them.
As for me, I was enjoying the free food and drinks. As a noble lady, I was trying as best as I could to eat slowly and elegantly. I could barely enjoy the food because of that.
「Be, beautiful lady, may I… have your attention for a second…?」(??)
「Hm?」(Kako)
Suddenly, someone spoke to me.
From the way they talked, I thought they were a fine gentleman, but when I turned around, I saw a flustered-looking boy.
「U, umm… Wo-would you…. umm…」(boy)
He looked so nervous.
As someone older than him, I should act like a big sister and calm him down.
「It’s alright. You don’t have to be so nervous. This big sister won’t bite you~」(Kako)
「…Big sister…?」(boy)
「Yes, big siー Aa…」(Kako)
Oh, shoot! I forgot!
I was a high-school student, but I forgot that I’m a child in this world!
That’s right… I’m about the same age as this boy…
「Uhh, forget what I said. How can I help you?」(Kako)
「Would you… dance with me…?」(boy)
「…Huh?」(Kako)
What? Dance with him? Seriously?
I wonder if it’s normal in a noble society for a young boy this age to ask a lady to dance with him…
I’m confused…
I glanced at Mother who was standing next to me. She smiled at me.
「Fufu~ Kako-chan, it’s time to show the result of your dance practice! Have fun~」(Folia)
「Ugh…」(Kako)
Yup. I knew it… She looks so happy…
Refusing him would hurt the family’s name, so I guess I have no other choice.
「Umm, if you’re fine with me…」(Kako)
「O, of course! Then, please take my hand.」(boy)
「…..」(Kako)
I took the boy’s hand, and then we joined the other participants dancing on the dance floor.
A few days ago, Mother hired a dance trainer to teach me dancing, so I knew the basics.
Not just me, Maitena onee-sama also joined the dance lesson back then. Mother forced her. I remember she was crying while dancing with the trainer. She must really hate dancing…
Well, I never thought my first dancing partner would be a young boy, but as Mother said, I guess I’ll try to enjoy it. Though, the gazes from the surrounding people made me nervous…
One… Two… One… Two…
I was maintaining the rhythm in my head while dancing with the boy, trying to perform everything I had learned, but because I only practiced for a few days, my body was still a bit stiff and couldn’t keep up with the rhythm perfectly.
「ーAwawa!」(Kako)
「Woops! My lady, a-are you okay?」(boy)
I tripped because of the lack of practice, but the boy swiftly grabbed my hand and pulled me.
Thanks to him, I managed to avoid embarrassing myself in front of these people.
「Phew… Thank you. You’re much more experienced in dancing than you look.」(Kako)
「I… practice a lot…」(boy)
「I see.」(Kako)
He looked shy but he seemed to be more skilled in dancing than I thought.
After the song ended, the dancing participants on the dance floor scattered. Some of them were looking for their next partner, while others went away to rest.
Me? Of course, I’m done. I’m sure dancing with this boy once is enough to make Mother happy.
I said goodbye to the boy and returned to my family.
「Kya~! Kako-chan, you looked so cute on the dance floor!」(Folia)
「Ahaha… Thank you, Mother. I almost tripped though.」(Kako)
「I noticed that. Seems like I have to hire that dance trainer again~」(Folia)
「Eeeehh…」(Kako)
「Hahaha! Good luck, Kako! I’m sure you will master it in no time!」(Maitena)
「Maitena-chan, what are you talking about? Of course, you will join her in the dance lesson.」(Folia)
「Eeeehh…」(Maitena)
Khu khu! Well said, Mother!
Maitena onee-sama, let’s experience hell one more time, shall we?
◆◆◆
「*Munch munch*」(Kako)
All the dancing and formalities as a noble made me hungry, so I continued eating the free food.
I’m not a big eater, but this food is quite tasty.
Ahh… I wish I could sneak some food into my magic bag and eat it as a midnight snack later, but the gazes from the surrounding people won’t let me.
「Kako-chan, come.」(Folia)
「Hm?」(Kako)
While I was still munching my food, Mother called me.
I noticed a group of people approaching us. It was Count Oglan, and the people following him seemed to be rich collectors like him.
I quickly put my plate on the table and cleaned my mouth with a handkerchief.
The person he greeted first was Father.
「Marquis Kushaq, thank you for coming. It’s an honor to have you and your family here.」(Oglan)
「No, I should be the one showing gratitude. Thank you for inviting us, Count Oglan.」(Elvent)
「Oh, please. You are too humble.」(Oglan)
Count Oglan, smiled and lowered his head, trying to show respect to Father.
「Thank you for inviting us, Count Oglan. Maitena-chan, Kako-chan, say hello to this gentleman.」(Folia)
「It’s nice to meet you, Count Oglan. I’m Maitena Kushaq.」(Maitena)
「I, I’m Kako Mayama Kushaq. Nice to meet you, Sir.」(Kako)
I pinched up my skirt and curtsied just like a noble lady.
「Madam Kushaq, Lady Maitena, Lady Kako. It’s a pleasure to have three beautiful ladies at my party.」(Oglan)
After finishing his greeting, he then shifted his gaze to the fancy-looking box Maitena onee-sama was holding.
「Lady Maitena, the box you’re holdingー Is that…」(Oglan)
「Ah, yes. As you might have guessed. It’s the sibling sword of the Bottomless Quicksand Magic Sword we put up for auction the other day.」(Maitena)
On the day we put the quicksand sword up for auction, we also spread a rumor saying that the sword had a sibling.
The rumor then reached Count Oglan’s ear. He then sent us an invitation letter, and in the letter, he asked us to bring the sibling sword.
Our plan has been going smoothly so far.
「Marquis Kushaq, may I see the sword?」(Oglan)
「Of course. Maitena, Kako, would you show him?」(Elvent)
After Maitena onee-sama opened the box she was holding, I took out the blue sparkling sword from the case and showed it to Count Oglan and the surrounding people.
「Wow!」
「What a splendid sword!」
「It’s so beautiful!」
「It’s as the rumor said!」(people)
「Gorgeous…!」(Oglan)
While they were admiring the sword I was holding, I started explaining.
「As Maitena onee-sama said, this is the twin of the quicksand sword at the auction the other day. It’s called the Blizzard Magic Sword. As the name suggests, this sword can create a snowstorm over a wide area and freeze the entire enemy army at once.」(Kako)
Right after I made the quicksand magic sword, I made this sword by combining a wind magic sword, an ice magic sword, and a unique magic stone of an ice monster that Nyat killed a while ago.
It’s as powerful and as beautiful as the Bottomless Quicksand Magic Sword.
「La, Lady Kako, would you sell this sword to me? Please!」(Oglan)
I know he really wants it, but I didn’t expect he would ask me directly. I thought he would talk to Father first.
Does he think that I will listen to him, an adult, just because I’m a child?
No, I’m not a child!
I am, but… I’m not!
「Lady Kako, what do you think? I’m sure your late parents wouldn’t mind if you sell it. Please!」(Oglan)
Late parents…? What is he even talking about?
「Count Oglan, this is your party and I don’t want to be rude, but that’s not fair! We also want that sword!」
「That’s right! Lady Kako, please sell it to me!」
「No, sell it to me, please!」
「I can pay for a high price, sell it to me!」(people)
Most of the participants at this party are collectors. They started making offers.
Seems like my sword has charmed them more than I thought.
「Umm, forgive me, but I have no intention of selling it.」(Kako)
「Wh, what!? Lady Kako, why? I’ll give you any amount of money you want! Please sell it to me!」(Oglan)
「I’m sorry, Count Oglan, but I don’t want to sell it.」(Kako)
「Why!? Do you think I’m not worthy of it? Did your father tell you not to sell it?」(Oglan)
「No, it’s just… I don’t want to lose it. I’m sorry.」(Kako)
「…Khh! Fine!」(Oglan)
Giving up, he turned around and walked away.
He probably thought he would hurt his reputation if he kept yelling at a child like me.
Watching me refuse Count Oglan’s offer, the other collectors walked away as well.
When there was no one around us, Father approached me and stroked my head.
「Well done, Kako. Now we can proceed to the next step.」(Elvent)
「Un.」(Kako)
I could somehow feel hostility coming from Count Oglan’s gaze. I must have frustrated him so much.
However, I don’t feel threatened at all because it’s all part of the plan.
「Nyat, I’ve done my part. It’s up to you now. Good luck.」(Kako)
I murmured to myself, pretending I was talking to Nyat who wasn’t here.
He was somewhere else carrying a different mission.
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