15 13. waltz







On a sunny afternoon, a succession of luxurious carriages entered the royal castle. Among them, there was a black carriage with gold trimmings.
The windows were covered with blue velvet curtains, making it impossible to see who was inside. While many noblemen displayed their family crests in large letters near the carriage door, there was a modestly sized gold family crest engraved under the roof at the rear. At the four corners of the roofs were statues of spirit attributes that protected the members of the family. It was a carriage that showed the nobility of the family even without claiming the family crest.
The carriage stopped in front of the red carpet that led to today's venue. It naturally drew the attention of the nobles who had already disembarked from the carriage.
When the master opened the carriage door, a young man with loose flowing blond hair appeared there, attracting the attention of the surrounding people. The deep blue jousting coat reflects his shimmering golden hair and his well-shaped face. The young ladies stained their cheeks and let out small yellow voices.
The young man, unconcerned about his surroundings, smiles a sweet-smelling smile and extends his hand behind him.

"Please take my hand. Princess.

I'm sure you'll agree that it's a shame to say that in the presence of a ...... princess.

The young man was pointed out suspiciously, but he corrected himself without seeming to take offense.

"Oh, I see. How about my angel, then?

"Oh my God, Father.

The young man was frightened, and the girl who seemed to be his daughter smiled back at him with a little smile and put her small hand on his.
It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything you like. Her eyes, reminiscent of her father's nigella flowers, sparkled more than the jasper that adorned their bosoms. The blue-toned dress was paler overall than her father's joust call, but the lace used in the accent areas was the same shade. The contrast between the dark blue lace on the edge of the skirt and the white lace on the inside made the peeking white stand out even whiter.
Some of the young boys forgot their words and fell in love with her, as she smiled at them with her young but dignified eyes.
Some of the young boys forgot their words and fell in love with her. The people around her naturally gave way to the picturesque father and daughter.

Dear, I'm sorry. "Dear, I'm sorry. We were supposed to be getting used to each other at Via's tea party.

"It's just that Flora was born. And there's no need for your father to apologize. I'm so happy to have a sister.

Gerald apologized in a voice that could only be heard by both of them as he escorted his beloved daughter, but she refused his apology in the same voice and gave him a smile that did not disguise her feelings.
Normally, it would have been the time for her daughter, Ludia, to attend a tea party hosted or attended by her mother, Octavia, to begin practicing for her official debut in society. However, with the birth of her younger sister, Flora, and Octavia's decision to refrain from holding parties and teas for a while, her first tea party turned out to be the prince's birthday party, which she could not refuse. Her position as a duke, which allowed her to decline most invitations, became a liability. As a vassal, you can't go against royalty alone.
Gerald feared that it would be too much, but surprisingly, his beloved daughter did not seem to be terribly nervous. In fact, she even showed concern for him. I was touched by her words, but at the same time I felt a little strange.

"You're not as nervous as I thought.

"Yes, I am. I'm very worried that I'll be disrespectful to the royalty. But ......

But?

I'm with your father.

Gerald felt the urge to hug his daughter as she looked up at him, "That's very reassuring. He resisted the urge to hug her by clenching his fist opposite her hand and smiled reassuringly at her.

Yes. Whenever you feel like going home, just tell me. You can start now.

I haven't even sent my congratulations to His Highness the Prince yet, that would be impolite.

I could just tell His Highness, but I don't want him to ...... see me.

I'm not going to let him see you," he muttered ruefully to his father. I'm sure the person you don't want him to see is the first prince, but why don't you want him to see you?

"Why?

I'm not sure.

I've only seen him at ......, but from what I've heard, he's very popular.

In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to use it for a lot of things.

I've heard that he has golden hair and eyes, but he's also a wonderful person inside, isn't he?

That's right. It's hard to disagree. ......

I'm not sure what to say. It would be nice if it was just a rumor, but since it includes information from a trusted acquaintance, there is a high possibility that it is true. It would not disappoint Ludia who heard the rumor. That is a cause for concern for Gerald.
Gerald turns to another topic to dispel his concerns.

By the way, you didn't wear it when you tried it on.

He points with his gaze to the flower blooming on his left wrist, opposite the right hand of his escort. On a white glove, a white baby rose, as if trapped in a moment of tears, is held in place by a nigella ribbon. Gerald, who was present when she tried on the dress for final adjustments, wondered about the accent that was not there. I've never seen floral decorations this close to fresh flowers. I feel a faint blessing from the water spirit.
At my father's question, Lydia stiffened slightly for a moment. It was a very small change, and only Gerald, who was holding her hand, noticed it.

"...... This is a good luck charm.

"So cute. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that suits you.

"What?

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've. I've never even mentioned his name, so how did I know?

I'm not sure what to make of it. ...... A spell to lock in the time of flowers sounds wonderful. I'd like to learn it too.



All those who serve the Ernst family are required to report on their aptitudes. Gerald, the duke, is generally aware of this, and remembers the aptitudes of the youngest apprentice gardener.
However, it is an interesting use of water magic. The basic purpose of water magic is to moisten, but to use it to take away the moisture? Gerald was impressed by the subtlety of the magic, and he really wanted to know how to do it. He wanted to send his wife a bouquet of flowers made with his own magic.
I'd like to give my wife a bouquet of flowers made with my magic.

"Magic, law ......?

"Oh, I'm afraid I've been tactless.

I'm sorry about that, Gerald thought to himself. He didn't know it was handmade.
Ludia looks at the flower on her left wrist, her eyes wide. He looked at the flower blooming on his left wrist, and his eyes slowly filled with joy.

You've got a good friend.

"Yes, .......

Seeing Ludia's honest nod, Gerald felt pleased with the growth of his beloved daughter. I'm really glad he came to our house. If it had been her before she met him, she wouldn't have such a soft expression on her face right now. She might not have been able to wear the same outfit.

"Gerald, you're here too, aren't you?

"Zinbarka, are you with your daughter?

When they arrived at the hall, Gerald heard a voice from someone he knew and turned to look. A young man, shorter than Gerald but with a good physique, was escorting a girl in a fresh green dress. When he sees her, he plucks the hem of her skirt and prepares to greet her.

"Dear, this is Zinbarca, who is the vice leader of the Order.

"My name is Zinbarca von August. Nice to meet you, little lady.

My name is Ludia von Ernst. My father takes care of me.

Lydia lifted her skirt slightly with her hands and bowed to Zinbarca, who bowed with her hand on her chest.

I'm more than happy to take care of him. Oh, and this is my daughter, Tordelise.

My name is Tordelise, the eldest daughter of the Marquess Augustus. I am honored to meet the daughter of the Dukes of Ernst.

Tordeliese's dark brown hair, like her father's, swayed as she hurriedly and nervously returned the bow.

"You are as lovely as a little rabbit. Please don't be so nervous.

"Yes, I am .......

Gerald smiled at her to reassure her, but Tordeliese's cheeks flushed and she tensed up even more. His father, Zinbarca, gave his friend a half-hearted look of dismay.

You don't seduce my daughter with that face. ......

"That's outrageous. I only seduce my wife.

Oh, yes, yes. Anyway, in your position and face, it's impossible not to be nervous.

In the midst of the casual conversation between the fathers, Lydia approached a girl she had never met before.

I've never talked to anyone close to my age before, Tordelise. I'd be happy to continue to be friends with you if you'd like.

"No, no, no, I'm afraid I can't be friends with the beautiful Lydia.

Tordelysse smiled at Lydia. As the two fathers watched their daughters interacting with each other, the two fathers looked around the room.

The ratio of men to women is about 50/50.

The ratio of men to women is about 50/50. It's easy to see.

The room was full of boys and girls close in age to the first prince, and their accompanying parents. Some of them have both parents, but half of them, like Gerald and the others, have only one parent. Basically, it is the man's role to escort the woman, so most of them are fathers and daughters.

I only didn't bring Via because I had Flora.

I wouldn't have come either if Torde hadn't insisted on seeing His Highness.

With a sullen look on his face, Zinvalka glanced at the girls and saw them talking about the First Prince with shining eyes. The girls around him had almost the same quality of anticipation in their eyes.

The girls around them had almost the same look of anticipation in their eyes. "...... So, he's not coming?

"The Marquis de Vito. It was bad timing for that house, ...... after it arrived.

"Perhaps.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

You can't come alone with your wife lying in bed.

He's too kind. ....... I'll visit him again when I can.

Yeah. Well, it would be disrespectful if we came here with dark expressions on our faces.

That's right. We don't want to make her nervous, do we?

...... You really are a family man, aren't you?

When Gerald smiles and agrees with the idea of ending the gloomy topic, Zinvalka replies in a disgusted voice. As a vassal, how can you so cheerfully lower the priority of this host?
Just as I was wrapping up my talk, a wind instrument sounded loudly from where the band was waiting. That was the signal for everyone in the hall to quiet down and bow their heads in unison to the two doors at the end of the wide staircase.
Slowly, the doors opened to reveal the King, followed by the First and Second Queens, and the Second Prince. The King stood in the center of the room, while the other three stood in the rear. The King called out in a clear voice for everyone to raise their heads, and after making sure that everyone followed suit, he gave the opening address. He briefly thanked everyone for coming to see his son and wished them a good time. Everyone smiled at the king, who did not linger on the subject, but rather made a joke of it, saying he was sorry to have come out before the main actors.



"Now, let's meet the star of the day.

As the King retreated to the First Queen's side, a boy with golden hair and honey-melted eyes appeared in front of the open door. The moment he appeared, applause and cheers erupted, and he stopped where the king had just stood, catching them like a gentle breeze.
The boy, who looked as if an angel had stepped out of a painting, was worthy of admiration. Those who are devout will think that he is a true heavenly messenger. His dazzling golden hair and translucent white porcelain skin are envied by women, but no one would envy him.
The first prince slowly looked around the hall, made sure everyone was quiet, and then opened his mouth with a deep smile.

I am Roy Leonard von Rosenhain. I would like to thank you for gathering here for me despite the heat. I am still in my infancy, but I will strive to serve my people and help my father. I hope that all of my subjects will continue to lend me their strength for the sake of this country. I am also very happy to have the opportunity to meet with young comrades who will lead the future. Let's talk about the future of this country.

As soon as he finished, there were more enthusiastic cheers and applause than before.
As they applauded, Gerald muttered in an inaudible volume.

It's cunning to have a good face.

"You say that?

Only Zinbarca, who was standing next to him, picked up on this and was astonished. Only Zinbarka, who was standing next to him, picked up on it and was astonished. He seemed to think so seriously, as he had an appearance that would sound ironic to anyone else.

"I guess they won't be telling me that your father is the best looking anymore .......

"It's good that you've been told.

It's a good thing you've been told that," Gerald said sadly as he looked at his beloved daughter, who was trying her best to give him a round of applause, and Zinvalka replied, not with encouragement, but with her heart. Zinvalka had never heard his daughter say such a thing to him. Rather, his female family members disapprove of his beard, which he wears to complement his dignity as a young deputy commander.
With the first prince's opening announcement, the orchestra began to play soft music. The temperature inside the hall is just right, almost making you forget that it's the middle of summer outside, making it easy to spend time there even with so many people. Since it was a standing-room-only party, there was a relatively casual atmosphere even though it was hosted by the royal family. This was also due to the fact that the First Prince himself was walking around to greet the guests. He did not passively receive congratulations at the royal seats set up, but rather went around to express his gratitude to those who had come.
After greeting the vassals who had come with or without children, the higher-ranking nobles nearby began to offer their congratulations and introduce their own children. Gerald could only watch as his beloved daughter looked at him with respect, not amused.

"Are you Prince Ernst?

"Yes. I am honored to make your acquaintance. Congratulations, Your Highness.

When his eyes were caught, Gerald made a reverent vassal's bow.

"Thank you. I've heard of your prowess. And your distinguished appearance is hard to mistake.

"I'm afraid so. I never thought I'd hear such a thing from a man of your stature.

Gerald smiles back, a flowery smile at the glowing smile. A sweet sigh escaped from the surrounding women as the two beautiful men stood side by side.

I'll have to learn from my father and my lord and get strong enough to retire early.

"You're buying too much to be ranked with you, Your Majesty. I've left my father in charge of the realm, not retired him.

That's because his domain is large. If you go to and from King's Landing too often, one of you will be neglected. It's a wise decision.

In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the most effective way to get the most out of your time. It is true that this is only the future wise king.

Is your girlfriend a public figure?

"Yes. This is my daughter, Lydia.

It's nice to meet you. My name is Ludia von Ernst. I congratulate you on this occasion.

Unlike the other nobles, Gerald did not introduce his beloved daughter until the prince asked him. Even if it was inevitable, he wanted to at least wait until the last minute.
Ludia looked nervous, but her voice did not rise and she delivered her congratulatory speech in a firm tone. Gerald felt proud of his beloved daughter for her unashamed courtesy as the daughter of a duke.
The prince's eyes widened slightly and his face broke into a smile.

The prince's face widened slightly and his expression broke. You are a beautiful woman.

It's .......

The prince reached out his hand to Lydia, whose cheeks were stained. A waltz was just beginning to play.

"Will you dance with me, Miss Ludia?

"...... would be delighted.

For a moment, Lydia could not believe what was happening to her, but she smiled and accepted the prince's invitation, trying to look as graceful as possible.
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"Is he really seven years old?

"You were like that.

Zinbarca, who knew him as a child, half-lidded, "He was a terrible child. I can't believe he's not afraid to say toothless things, and the person I thought I was in conflict with is now my friend, so you never know.
Lydia, unaware of her father's interaction, is surprised by the prince's skill at leading, but tries not to rely on him too much.

You're good. I'm glad I chose you as my first partner.

"First time with ......? I don't think so .......

The prince smiles happily, and Lydia is surprised.



It's true. I take all my lessons alone.

I take lessons alone, too.

Don't you? Aristocrats don't have many opportunities to socialize when they're young. It's my birthday, and I've asked my father to give me this opportunity.

Well, this party was your idea?

No, it was a selfish decision. I felt a little taken advantage of, but that was to be expected.

The prince's satisfied look told Lydia that he had understood his vassal's intentions to some extent and had allowed him to do as he said. Talking to him like this, she could feel his intelligence.
However, is it my imagination that his tone seems to have become a little more broken since they started dancing? His demeanor of being unafraid of adults has faded, and instead, he seems to be more appropriate for his age, making me feel a little closer to him.

"Excuse me, Your Highness, ......, but I have something to say.

"Hmm, it's okay, the adults aren't listening here. Miss Ludia, you don't have to be so formal.

You can call me by my name, the prince said, smiling mischievously. The prince smiled mischievously and said that she could call him by his first name. Lydia was puzzled to see the boyish side of him.

You can call me by my name.

I'm the one who's asking you. No one will blame you.

I'm asking you, no one will blame you. It was impolite to call him by his first name so casually, but as a vassal of royalty, he could not resist.
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I'm glad. It's a good thing I chose you after all.

When the dazzlingly good-looking man said that with a big smile, Lydia's cheeks turned rose-colored. It would be cruel to ask a girl of her age not to blush in front of the one she admires.

Why did you ask me to dance with you?

She had been prepared to dance with him at least once because of her family's status, but she had never expected to be asked by the first superior. It was natural for Ludia to have doubts.

"You told me everything.

"Yes ......?

I talked to some of the kids, but they were too nervous or distracted to talk to me. ......

Roy smiled ruefully, and Lydia agreed. I can understand the feeling of the person I couldn't have a conversation with. It would be difficult to remain calm in the face of an opponent who is superior to you in every way, except for his age. If I hadn't been able to practice to my satisfaction, my nerves would have swelled up from anxiety.
She smiled a little at the amulet flower on her left wrist, hoping that it would be visible during the dance. It probably helped in some small way, too.

Just when I was beginning to think it was too soon, I saw you, ...... Miss Lydia.

Her honey-colored eyes looked straight into Nigella's.

"Thanks to you, I didn't have to give up. Thank you for giving me hope.

"Oh, no, I'm not .......

Just as you are about to turn your head in unwarranted gratitude, a white flower catches your reflection. You know how valuable it is to have someone you can talk to. You know how precious it is to have someone to talk to. If you are humble here, you will be disappointed by the gap.
Ludia looked up and smiled.

It is a pleasure for me to speak with you, Master Roy.

It is a pleasure for me to talk to you, Roy," she said, speaking truthfully, not as a vassal, but as a contemporary. Roy then smiled brightly.
They chatted at a volume that only they could hear each other until the waltz was over, and when the song ended, they both broke into applause. They looked into each other's eyes and gave a small laugh, having been distracted by their talking. Then, hand in hand, they bowed to the crowd.
Roy escorted Ludia to Gerald's side and then returned to the royal family and his subjects.

"Goodbye, Your Highness. See you soon.

"Yeah, show me your garden sometime.

After exchanging greetings, Roy returned to greeting the rest of his subjects, including Zinvalka.
Looking back, Lydia was elated at the fact that it had just happened, but it seemed like a lie. She had just danced and talked with the prince.
She looked up at her father, still dreamy after her bow.

"Father, am I being rude?

"No? You were a very nice lady.

Lydia was relieved and happy to hear her father's praise with a smile on his face.
On the carriage ride home, Lydia was still buoyed by the dreamlike event.

Your Highness is even more wonderful than they say.

"Yes, he is.

Gerald smiled and listened. While they were talking, a gentleman called out that they were almost at the palace. The conversation was interrupted and Gerald abruptly began to speak.

"...... Hey, Dia.

Yes.

"Would you be happy to be His Highness' wife?

That sounds like a dream come true.

It's like something out of a storybook. So, Ludia just affirmed.



Okay. Well, I'll tell Dia. I think he was looking for a potential bride for His Highness today.

Isn't ...... celebrating His Highness' birthday today?

Yes. Of course it is. What you may not know is that some of His Majesty's men had that goal in mind as well, so the party was born.

No, Roy was aware of it. Lydia, who had talked to Roy, knew that he had come to the party with an ulterior motive. The fact that not all of them were genuinely celebrating was frustrating to him.

"And Dia will be the prospective bride.

Lydia wonders why her father speaks of her as if it were a certainty. The party had just ended and there was no official notification. Still, he must have had something to make that decision.

I'm sure there will be several candidates, but if Dia wants to go, I'll support her.

Gerald smiles a little sadly, but kindly.

I'm sure there will be several candidates, but I'll support you if you want me to. If you don't like it, I'll say no.

Even the young Ludia knew that a vassal could not disobey a royal order. If the decision is made officially, it will be difficult for even the duke's father to overturn it.

Yes, .......

That was all Lydia could say.
She was just surprised that the story was so real. There were no feelings of joy, but only pure surprise occupied Lydia's mind.