[VOL. 2] CHAPTER 10 BALL

Ma, Margrave Medici, this joke is going too far!

Minister Walles panicked.

My original self would never have done this in such a forceful way.

But the storys setting of Yuusha Tensei would collapse if I didnt do something here.

No, this isnt a joke. If Her Imperial Highness Princess Charlotte and I get engaged it would strengthen my position and direct all the feudal lords opposition towards me at the same time. If it turns out like this the criticism which was supposed to be directed towards His Majesty will decrease and it would become easier to start the reform, dont you think?

A vassal asking for Her Imperial Highness hand, even if you said you want be His Majestys strength this is disrespectful. What on earth are you plotting?

General Dolus interrogated me with a rugged face.

When he glared at me with that stern face my original character resurfaced again and I nearly became fainthearted.

Thats no good, I have to hold out.

Please forgive my repeated disrespectful behaviour. However, the conservative feudal lords including Duke Armandi are powerful. To oppose them considerable preparation and suitable power are necessary. If I would get engaged to Her Imperial Highness then my position would become clearer and I would become the representative for the powers sympathising with the Royal Family. Please, allow it.

However, I must ask about Her Imperial Highness intentions first

At Walles words everybody turned towards Charlotte all at once.

The Princess didnt seem like she had recovered from her surprise but as she noticed the eyes focused on her she slowly started to speak, choosing her words carefully.

If its necessary, I shall obey If His Majesty decides it is the best for this country.

However, Princess

Walles, its fine. Ive been brought up as this countrys princess. Im prepared to give my all for this country.

Mmm, the princess said it.

Ah, Sharon is Princess Charlottes nickname.

Though I though her character was more tomboyish and selfish.

There really is a gap between reality and the authors expectations.

Fumu, I dont really understand Carlos words. But if Charlotte says so I shall think about it.

The King uttered that in a hoarse voice.

Just when I thought that he continued.

But Im not giving away my beloved daughter so easily. Carlo, this will depend on your future achievements. Charlotte is a very important tool for negotiations for this country, shell only marry the most beneficial partner. Fufufu

Is it normal to call ones own daughter Tool for negotiations right in front of her?

See, this whole situation turned awkward.1

Certainly. Then lets decide it based on my future achievements.

I didnt yield to that atmosphere and carefully consented.

Well, as long as I havent been declined its progress.

I left the Kings living room and reunited with Nals, Lunos and Doji.

Thats the reason, Nals. I leave those detailed negotiations to you.

Understood, its a matter of acknowledging this as an economic stimulus instead of a burden on the governmental funds to realise the pavement of the highway and the military expansion.

Please tell me if you need anything. Dont let your guard down, the other party is Minister Walles after all.

Ill be fine. Ill do my best as this is also a measurement necessary to oppose the barbarians.

And Lunos, this is a list of nobles who are likely to resist Duke Armandi. Investigate them in secret.

Certainly. Then I shall look for a talkative lady and have her tell me some things.

Ill let the Rabbit group investigate the information on the list as well.

Hes a good-looking, popular man after all.

Even though F is also good-looking, work like this is impossible for him.

When night fell I was invited to a ball hosted by the King.

Im generally bad with those luxurious kind of things.

Ah, that woman whos obviously walking towards me.

Did she lock on to me?

Margrave Carlo de Medici, you were able to come. Would you like to dance with me?

Uuh, its absolutely impossible for me to dance after all!

In the worst case scenario, I might sprain my foot in the middle of it, you know?!

Though I thought like that I was able to dance without a problem thanks to the authors correction.3

Before I knew what happened my body was dancing on its own.

The authors correction is amazing.

It seems like the name Carlo was well known so I received many dance invitations from various ladies.

Everyone was kind of, a little, slightly, considerably flashy.

Rozea of the Moulin Rouge is many times sexier and more beautiful.

And before Crescent Moons large mountains everyone else pales in comparison.4

When I think about it, it could be said that I got used to women.5

Even if I say that Im still a virgin.

I also had another purpose for coming to the Capital Ruan this time around.6

Lunos was dancing elegantly on the dancefloor.

Yeah yeah, Lunos sure is a handsome and elegant man.

Hell surely be able to bring me some useful information.

Then suddenly everyone stopped chattering and turned towards the grand staircase.

A loud voice echoed through the Ball hall.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Charlotte has arrived!

Charlotte, wearing a tiara and a dress, elegantly went down the grand staircase.

But if one listened carefully one could hear some women whisper things like How haughty and Not a big deal.

A womans jealousy sure is scary.

Charlotte received greetings from a large group of attendants.

Uuh, shes coming over here.

Carlo-sama, would you like to dance?

Charlotte invited me.

Uuh, those stares are painful.

With pleasure

I put on a cool expression, bowed then took Sharons hand and begun to dance with her.

I put one hand on Sharons waist and slowly danced to the music.

Sharon put her mouth close to my ear and whispered into it without the people around us noticing.

You surprised me there a little while ago. Why did you say such a thing so suddenly?

On one hand, because I wanted to show my loyalty towards His Majesty and on the other because my heart was taken by Her Imperial Highness stunning beauty.

Its useless, even if you tell lies like that. We just met for the first time.

Time doesnt matter when it comes to falling in love with someone. Besides with the Princess beauty and straight-forwardness, my heart was easily capture.

Lets take this as a compliment for now then. But do you really intend to support His Majesty the King?

Indeed. I plan to serve the King from the bottom of my heart.

Those words are enough. I pray for your success.

As Sharon said this, we parted and she went somewhere.

Though my mouth sprouted those lines as if it had a life of its own, I did well for a virgin.

Carlo-sama, Duke Armandi has been glaring at you since a little while ago.

Lunos casually came over and whispered into my ear.

Thats Duke Armandi Rejum.

Is that the point where I declare war?