The ball officially started with the emperor’s first dance.
His partner was usually his empress. If there was no empress, a substitute danced with him instead. It could be the dowager empress, a princess, or any of his wives.
As his only wife, I took his hand and walked to the dance floor.
When I took a deep breath, he asked me quietly, “You must be nervous.” His voice sounded like he was laughing at me.
There was no point in lying as it was obvious.
I nodded and replied, “Just a little.”
I tried to smile.
This felt surreal like I was in a dream. I was so nervous that I no longer was shaking. This didn’t feel real.
Lucretius must have noticed something was wrong. He kept glancing at me.
Just then, the music started. It was time to dance.
Following the rhythm, I took my first step. However, instead of doing what we practiced, Lucretius took a different step.
“Huh?”
I lost my balance and was just about to fall.
Oh, no! This couldn’t be! I couldn’t embarrass myself at the biggest event of the year!
I felt terrified.
However, thankfully I didn’t fall.
Lucretius grabbed and pulled my body. Suddenly, I was floating in the air as he spun me around.
“Huh…!”
He took my hands and held them tight. He spun me around a few time in midair.
J, just how strong was he?
He was holding me up with his arms only. Following the music, he spun me six times before letting me down.
We were supposed to spin together six times, but he did this on purpose!
I glared at him and glanced around the room to see people’s reaction.
Fortunately, it seemed no one noticed what had happened. Lucretius followed the music well and because my dress was so long, my feet probably weren’t showing.
This dance was named the Rolka, and it boasted of complicated and dizzying steps. Foreigners like myself found it very hard to master let alone spontaneously change the steps.
Lucretius was definitely an amazing dancer. How annoying!
I gritted my teeth as I continued to dance.
I whispered to him sharply, “Let’s try to keep it safe!”
At least, I felt grounded. This situation no longer felt surreal. My body moved as I commanded.
Lucretius whispered back to me, “You’re finally back to normal.”
“Hmm.”
He must have noticed how nervous I was.
However, even then, doing something so spontaneous at such a big event was ridiculous. He was crazy!
We continued to dance in circles until the music ended.
When it did, everyone applauded.
“Amazing!”
“It was perfect!”
“Oh!”
“Wow…!”
I panted from exhaustion. It was tiring, but I felt awake. When I looked up, he chuckled quietly.
“You are back to yourself.”
I replied to him sarcastically, “Can’t you help me in a normal way?”
“But then, it wouldn’t be fun.”
“Whatever.”
While we argued lightly, new slower music started.
“Huh? Another song already?”
It was a love song that required the dancers to get closer to each other. I didn’t like it, but at least, it required fewer movements.
Before I could react, Lucretius took a step while holding me.
I let out a small yelp in surprise, but no one heard it. The first dance was to be performed by just the emperor and his partner, but now it was dance time for everyone. This music, which was called Minote, was a very popular song among couples.
This was the same dance we danced that night in my bedroom.
I remembered it very well. The moonlight was especially beautiful that night.
I was deep in my own thoughts when suddenly, I saw a face glaring at me.
She looked familiar. It was one of the former emperor’s wives. I remembered her because she had beautiful dark skin. She must have been from the same country as Coronel and Ludia. In fact, they were all standing together.
Her glare was terrifying. Luckily, Lucretius and I spun around, and I didn’t have to look at her anymore.
What I saw next were my own maids. They looked at me proudly and happily. I also noticed Countess Ilan and her people. Standing next to her was her oldest niece, who was Yulia’s older sister. She was talking to a man, who must have been her fiancé. She looked very happy.
I continued to see different faces. Some were dancing with their partners, while others stood and watched.
The first day of the ball finally began like this.
***
I didn’t get to see the one person I wanted to meet the most.
The priestess.
I first met her the day after the death of the former emperor.
Long silver hair with unusual jewelry covering her eyes.
She was the most powerful religious figure of this world. She belonged to the religion that served Aos, the god of wisdom, knowledge, and history.
The priestess was the most respected and beloved religious leader. She was also the only high-ranking figure left in Aos.
Considered to be the daughter of god, she was the last of her magical kind.
If she didn’t know about how I arrived in this world, I thought there would be no one else who could help me.
I wasn’t sure if she could find a way for me to return home. Realistically, I knew it was unlikely, but I couldn’t help but be hopeful. I needed to believe in something, anything.
At this point, I couldn’t accept my life here as a permanent reality. I knew Lucretius believed it as a likelihood, but I couldn’t yet.
Who knows? If it happened to me, it was very possible that it happened to others.
I couldn’t give up yet.
The priestess was my last hope.
As I danced with Lucretius, I continued to look around, but I couldn’t find her.
An invitation was sent to her and Lucretius promised I would be able to meet her. I even confirmed that the invitation was sent to her in my name. I also got a reply stating that she will attend this event.
I felt frustrated.
I turned to Lucretius to ask, “Didn’t you say that the priestess will be here?”
“Yes, and you said you got her reply, right?”
“But I don’t see her here!”
He put his finger on his lips to warn me.
“Shh. You are yelling.”
“Oh…”
I must have raised my voice out of frustration. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice. The music was too loud, after all.
I lost my composure. I felt embarrassed.
“I, I’m sorry…”
“Don’t worry about it. I know for a fact that she arrived at the castle. She probably isn’t attending this particular dance.”
This didn’t make sense. Why wouldn’t she attend the very first day of the celebration?
“If she is in the castle, why wouldn’t she attend this event?”
He grinned. It looked like he was laughing at me.
“She is the messenger from the god and the living miracle. Obviously, she can’t attend this.”
“Pardon?”
“Currently, she is considered the religion itself.”
I knew this. The daughter of god. Living proof of all miracles. Her power and authority were absolute.
So what?
Lucretius continued, “As you saw, the first day consists of everyone gathering to kneel in front of me as the most powerful ruler of this world. They are acknowledging my authority over them. Of course, the priestess can’t attend it.”
“Oh…!”
A sky couldn’t hold two suns.
If the priestess appeared, it would be awkward. Who should bow to who? Both Lucretius and the priestess couldn’t show any weaknesses. This must have been why she didn’t show up at all.
She accepted the invitation as a sign of respect but didn’t attend the ball. She would probably continue to avoid attending any public events. This was the only way to keep easy peace between the emperor and herself.
The priestess also didn’t attend Lucretius’ coronation. She only acknowledged his right to the kingdom and our marriage at a private setting. This must have been why.
“Then…”
Lucretius smiled gently.
“Don’t feel anxious. She will ask to meet with you either tomorrow or at the latest in a few days.”
“Really?”
“She will want to meet you in person rather than go through me. It will be easier and less pressure.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
I must have looked too happy. Lucretius frowned unhappily.
“Are you that happy?”
I nodded honestly. “Yes. Of course, I’m very happy.”
After a brief silence, he asked, “… If it’s possible… Do you still plan on returning to your home?”
The music stopped.
The dance was over. We just looked at each other quietly.
The third music began, and Lucretius tried to take me to the center of the dance floor again. However, I didn’t feel like it.
“I’m tired.”
“…”
He didn’t say anything. He just looked at me.
He asked me a question, so I needed to answer him.
I didn’t know how to do it though. I just put on a blank smile like a good hostess and remained quiet.
Thankfully, Lucretius didn’t insist on getting an answer.
