Ballroom Dancing

“Fine! Fine! Princess Alice—I truly admire you! So much admiration!”
“I surrender!!! I apologize!!!”

After a long struggle, Seth made his choice—to apologize.

It seemed that despite his temper, he understood: small patience for greater plans.

But from his flushed face, the humiliation was driving him mad.

Under everyone’s gaze, he slowly walked to Black.

One hand on his chest—he bowed deeply!

“I apologize for my rude words earlier. I’m sorry!”

His voice was gritted teeth—full of resentment.

The nobles wanted to paint this scene!

This moment was so rare!

Such an arrogant man—the Vice-Captain of the Imperial Knights, son of a Round Table Knight, war hero Rampant Wolf Seth—bowing to a pirate?!

If this news reached the Dragonheart Empire—it’d be front-page headlines!

After apologizing, Seth turned and returned to his spot.

Phew.

Black finally relaxed.

When Seth punched at him—he thought his heart would explode from his throat.

He’d bet—that Alice and Krystin would save him.

And he won.

Even forcing Seth to apologize? A huge honor.

But Black wasn’t happy.

From Seth’s eyes—he saw no sincerity, only murderous intent.

The grudge was sealed.

Likely, as soon as the ball started, Seth would scheme against him.

But if asked—would he regret those retorts?
Absolutely not!

No reason.

Just… he couldn’t let a mother’s love for her child be so deeply insulted.

Only motherly love should never be mocked.

Even if he didn’t fight for himself—he fought for the original owner of this body.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Black said to Alice.

Alice didn’t reply—bent down, picked up something, and handed it to him.

“Your mother’s letter. Keep it safe. Don’t let anyone take it again.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“And… as my guard—if this happens again, tell me directly.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Despite the pre-ball incident, the impact was minor.

The Azure Ball continued as planned.

At the opening, Empress Elizabeth rarely appeared—a brief moment.

She spoke briefly about the ball and gave a toast. To the crowd, this was a positive sign.

Their empress was fine—the rumors were false!

But Black disagreed. If she were truly fine—she wouldn’t have left so quickly.

Being stabbed by an Emperor-Tier Assassin without defense? Not a minor wound.

According to game lore—even during the final battle with Jörmungandr, she hadn’t fully recovered.

“Alice, you’ll host the ball.”

Before leaving, Elizabeth only said this.

Besides the empress—Second Princess Alice held the highest status here.

Though isolated in nature, as someone raised in elite education—hosting a ball was no issue.

“Please enjoy yourselves. Before the battle with the Sea Dragons—this may be our last entertainment…”
“To all of you—cheers!”

She gave a short speech—then drank her wine in one gulp.

“Princess is bold!”
“Haha! Let’s party!”
“Beautiful lady, may I have this dance?”
“Pfft, creep—get lost!”

They’d sailed for a month—boredom, tension, fear of sea dragon attacks.
Nerves stretched tight. Now—finally free to play. Naturally, they celebrated wildly.

Occasionally, young couples whispered—planning where to spend the night together.

As a ball—opening with social dancing was natural.

Though on deck—the Hodir had nearly every device.

Lights, instruments—all present. Even a professional orchestra.

Like a luxury cruise party—no difference.

In flickering candlelight, guests glided into the dance floor to elegant strings.

Ladies’ gowns bloomed like night flowers—spinning into dazzling arcs. Gem-encrusted fans flashed open and closed.

Gentlemen’s coat tails lifted slightly with movement—family crests gleaming on pocket watch chains.

Hands touched just right—white-gloved fingertips lightly resting. Skirts brushed polished boots in turns. Exchanging partners left faint perfume trails.

Under crystal chandeliers, countless figures wove in and out—like rose petals scattered by wind—elegant, distant.

A girl’s laugh mingled with violin tremors—then drowned in the next passionate waltz.

Black stood behind Alice—scanning faces.

Different scenes unfolded before him.

Like Cyril.

Usually, noble men invited noble women.

But Cyril—a popular nobleman—was handsome, high-status. Many women invited him.

As a gentleman, he accepted all—one dance after another.

Black sighed. Being too popular isn’t always good.

Seth’s situation surprised him.

He thought—after the earlier incident—no noble girl would invite him.

But Rampant Wolf Seth was still Rampant Wolf Seth.

Even humiliated—he was talented, handsome, well-built, noble-born.
A dream lover for countless noble girls.

They wanted to seize the moment—when their “lover” was vulnerable—win his heart.

Marry Seth? Endless wealth and glory.

Sigh. Indeed, people will do anything for gain.

Black shifted his gaze—saw Elaina, not seen in days.

This little bunny looked beautiful today.

She wore a deep blue gown—hem dotted with fine gold threads—like stars in the night sky.

Her pale golden hair fell over her shoulders—iris flower trembling with light steps.

Many noble youths eagerly waited to invite this beautiful girl to dance.