Chapter 93

“From the start, even if it’s called an escort, I don’t know the empire’s etiquette or anything.”

I’ve seen ballroom scenes in movies before, but who knows if their etiquette is the same as ours?

Plus, I’ve never danced a social dance in my life.

“Don’t expect too much. Just the basics will do, just the basics.”

You sound like some kind of squad leader.

“Anyway, it’s still a long way to the imperial palace, so I’ll specially teach you some basic manners. Time to get civilized, you barbarian?”

“Monkey—”

“Enough with the monkey talk!”

Freide’s face turned bright red.

No way. You won’t escape this nickname until you make 65 friends.

In other words, it’s a nickname you’ll have for life!

A little later, the real Freide explained the etiquette to follow at the banquet hall.

When getting off the carriage, step down first and then offer your hand to help her down.

After that, hold her hand and enter together.

Don’t speak to strangers until someone introduces you.

When greeting a lady, bow politely and kiss the back of her hand. Place your other hand behind your back like you’re holding it.

If she doesn’t offer her hand, just give a light nod like a knight.

If a man greets you, a handshake is fine, but no need to offer the back of your hand if they treat you like a lady.

Since you’re in uniform, it means you came as a knight, not a lady.

Don’t overeat at the banquet.

Use formal language as much as possible. Don’t cause a scene.

Listening to it, it really was just basic stuff.

Some of it sounded like advice for a little kid.

“What about dancing? At a ball, don’t you have to do that spinning dance where you hold hands?”

In movies, they always do that. The waltz, was it?

“Waltz? Well, since it’s a ball hosted by His Majesty the Emperor, it’ll probably be a minuet. If Empress Isabella leads, it might be a waltz, but…”

What’s a minuet?

From the way you describe it, it sounds like a more formal dance.

“Anyway, what do I do about that?”

“You’ll have to dance at least one song with me. I’ll lead, so just follow along by watching others. You’re pretty sharp, right?”

Freide shrugged her shoulders.

“Don’t step on my foot. If you do, my toes will be crushed.”

“…I’ll try.”

So I really have to dance, huh…

“After one dance, you can refuse all other dance requests. I plan to do the same. That’s why I’m going with you. If I’m by your side, annoying guys won’t bother me.”

“Does that mean I have to stick with you the whole time? That’s a bit troublesome.”

I was planning to talk to Prince Leopold…

And I can’t bring the young lady of Faelun with me.

Faelun is politically neutral, after all.

“Do you have plans to meet someone?”

“I was planning to talk to Prince Leopold.”

Freide raised an eyebrow.

“Hmm? Well, if that’s your choice. Then I’ll just hang out with Sir Nigel nearby. That okay?”

“Yes. It would be an honor.”

Nigel, who was driving the carriage, readily agreed.

Come to think of it, maybe it’s time to hire a new coachman.

It feels a bit wrong to have a master-level knight doing coachman work.

—

We arrived at the imperial palace just as the world was turning crimson.

—

“Princess Ai-shan Gi-or. Lady of Faelun. Sir Nigel. Confirmed. Welcome to Magnus Kaelum.”

The knight at the gate checked our invitation and saluted with precision.

Nigel gave a light nod and guided the carriage through the gate.

The palace interior was already bustling with invited guests.

The neighing of horses, the clatter of carriage wheels, and the chatter of countless people created a chaotic atmosphere.

After parking the carriage in the storage area, I stepped down and offered my hand to Freide.

She gracefully placed her hand on mine and stepped down.

Graceful? That word really doesn’t suit her.

The gazes of the surrounding nobles turned toward us.

A female knight in uniform. A Ka`har warrior in academy attire. And a lady in a gorgeous dress.

From the side, it must look like a strange combination.

Let’s see what they’re whispering about.

I focused my hearing.

The whispers crept into my ears.

“Who are they? The lady seems familiar…”

“If it’s the Ka`har in academy uniform, isn’t that the princess? The one who became Baroness of Median recently.”

“The Beastman Devourer…!”

The nobles, who had been looking at me with interest, now wore expressions of shock.

“I saw her from afar at the funeral mass… but she’s completely different now. Just her back is terrifying. The rumors weren’t exaggerated.”

Yeah, yeah. I’m the Beastman Devourer.

I wonder if they’ll faint if I turn around.

“Ah…! Sir Vain, could you hold me? I’m embarrassed, but my legs feel weak…!”

“Of course, Lady Eleanor. It would be my honor.”

Using me as an excuse to flirt? Unbelievable.

“Relax your eyes. Force a smile if you have to.”

Freide whispered advice.

As I turned, I tried my best to follow her words.

“Eeek…! A m-monster…!”

“Ugh…! Are you looking at me!! Those eyes! Those terrifying eyes!!”

“Elpinel, are you abandoning me…!”

…Seems like it’s not having much effect.

Like commoners who’ve witnessed an assassin, the nobles, struck by shock and horror, began screaming.

What a mess.

“…No, it’s not that bad, is it…? If anything, it’s more like…”

There were still some people reacting somewhat normally.

Probably those who saw my face during the knighting ceremony.

The ones having a fit must be the nobles from outside the capital who missed that day.

“…Wow, no need to dance. If I go to the central hall, all the nobles around will be carried out. Nice, huh?”

“Shut up…”

It’s a relief no one’s rushing at me, but I didn’t want this chaos either.

Even the students are acting like it’s nothing now, so why are these guys all freaking out?

Well, thinking about it, it makes sense.

They’re all aspiring knights who’ve seen some rough stuff, but these nobles? Some of them have probably never even touched a weapon in their lives.

Of course, they’d be more sensitive to fear than the students.

“Here, you should probably wear this.”

From who-knows-where, Nigel handed me a black veil.

A piece of black fabric fixed to the forehead, covering the front of the face.

Unless you’re someone with exceptionally sharp senses, you wouldn’t be able to see through it.

Is this what you call being overly prepared…?

I took the veil and covered my face.

The surroundings instantly darkened, and people’s silhouettes became faint and blurry.

An academy uniform with a veil?

Not the most stylish accessory, but what can you do?

Still, with my face covered, the panic around me seemed to gradually subside.

“This works better than I thought, but won’t I have to take it off once we’re inside the palace?”

“Hmm… But it should at least prevent chaos until we reach the main palace.”

“Don’t worry. When they check your identity at the banquet hall entrance, you’ll only need to lift it for a moment. I’ll handle the excuses inside the hall.”

Freide, as if to reassure me, chuckled and pulled my hand.

Well, whatever happens, happens.

It’s not like it’s my fault if people faint at the sight of my face, right?

—

The veil’s effect was outstanding.

By the time we entered the banquet hall, the number of casualties had been reduced to just two.

One knight guarding the palace entrance and one servant checking identities at the door.

Freide had a tough time.

She had to calm down a knight who was about to draw his sword in shock and soothe a servant who was foaming at the mouth and about to collapse.

—

“The Empire sure is rich…”

The moment I stepped into the banquet hall, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh of admiration.

A dazzling light pierced through the veil.

The space seemed to be the epitome of extravagance.

Massive glass windows adorned the walls, flaunting their platinum frames and gemstone embellishments.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, adorned with diamonds that emitted a rainbow of colors, while marble pillars wrapped in golden engravings gleamed.

Beneath each pillar stood beautiful sculptures.

Knights. Goddesses. Birds. Lions. Even Emperor Carolus—truly a variety of statues.

Tables with simple snacks and drinks lined the sides of the central hall, where a few nobles were enjoying light refreshments.

In the corner of the hall, a platform draped with velvet curtains stood.

A dozen or so orchestra members were warming up, playing a simple melody in preparation for the main event.

The melody sounded familiar.

Is it just me, or do all these places have similar music?

The second floor had an open center and one wall, resembling a sideways “ㄷ” shape.

Low tables for card games and plush sofas were arranged, likely for relaxation.

The room was slightly warm, and the scents of perfume and powder wafted through the air.

The nobles who noticed us immediately began whispering among themselves.

A truly diverse crowd.

Some showed curiosity toward the veiled princess.

Others admired Freide’s presence.

And despite their best efforts to appear composed, some noblewomen trembled with fear.

Most of the male nobles wore tailcoats, while a few, likely former knights, were dressed in knight order uniforms.

As for the women, they seemed to be in a competition to see whose dress was the most extravagant.

As for women in academy uniforms like me… there were only about two or three.

The rose emblem on their uniform chests marked them as members of Leonor’s Rose Cross Knight Order.

“Hey, what do we do now? Wait until the ball starts?”

I whispered to Freide, keeping my voice low.

“Hmm… We’ve got some time, so let’s go see the Margrave of Randenburg. He’s your sponsor, right?”

Though at this point, it feels more like he’s grooming me as his successor.