Four days had passed. since Zen began dance practice with Non.
And finally. the day of the ball arrived.
At Tukai's Sea Dance Festival. women danced individually.
But at the ball held here. in Artemis Castle. it seems men and women dance in pairs.
There are no particularly vigorous movements. but rather, dancers follow their partner's movements. stepping to a rhythm called a "waltz".
They slowly and boldly rotate. as if exchanging positions. showcasing a dance that emphasizes their axis.
It's characterized by the beauty and grace of the rotation. and the way they periodically meet each other's gaze. to express a connection of hearts. and a bond of trust.
In other words, this ball. unlike Tukai's Sea Dance Festival. doesn't compete on dancing skill.
Instead, the main focus is on. "showing" the relationship between the dancing pair. through their dance.
If that's the case. then being a pair at this ball.
Might carry some kind of meaning.
I think Non probably wants us. to continue cooperating with her. and accompanying her in future activities. to learn about this world. including the abnormal phenomena.
So, by dancing as a pair with Zen. at this formal event, the ball.
She's trying to make the castle people. recognize that Zen is an important person to her. I believe.
However, the castle people. naturally know that Non has been teaching Zen to dance. for the past four days.
So actually showing the results at the ball.
Is probably a kind of rite of passage. to formally acknowledge it.
Of course. that's not just about Zen.
It's also true for the relationship. between Non and me.
That's why Non prepared. not just Zen's costume but mine as well.
And was preparing to dance together. at the ball.
"Monna. Thank you for being so well-behaved."
"The costume is now successfully on."
"How does it feel? Are there any parts that are difficult to move in. or any discomfort in the fit?"
While I was reviewing the ball. and thinking about Non and our relationship.
Non had been dressing me in the costume.
I wagged my tail in response to Non. meaning, "The fit is fine."
Yes. the problem wasn't the fit.
"Heheh. That's good."
"I know you probably don't like. wearing a costume, Monna."
"But I'd appreciate it if you could bear with it. until the ball is over."
I resigned myself to it. and replied with my tail, "Understood."
"Oh! It's my first time seeing Monna in a costume. and it suits you very well!"
"And Non, you really can make anything."
"Not just cooking and medicine. but even clothes."
"That's right. When I decided to go on a journey."
"I worked hard. so I could at least make things. to protect my body myself."
"I see. Something to protect your body, huh."
Indeed. cooking protects physical health. and clothing protects from external factors.
And medicine suppresses the worsening of wounds. or enhances healing.
And even things like the ether. used on the monster bird. to immobilize enemies and get past them.
Having the skills to make those things. is reassuring for a journey.
And in fact, Zen and I. were able to come this far safely. thanks to Non's cooking and medicine.
"Well then. I'll also go change into my ball gown now."
"So I hope you'll wait. in the throne room. which is the ball venue."
"Understood."
And then Non returned to her room.
And we decided to head. to the throne room first.
"Oh! Sir Zen and Sir Monna! Both of you look splendid in your costumes!"
Upon arriving at the throne room. Syugo noticed us.
And complimented Zen and my. attire.
"Thank you. This is all thanks to Non."
Following Zen, I also thanked Syugo. with my tail.
"And how is the dancing coming along?"
"That, too. thanks to Non's guidance. I think it's finally taking shape."
"Is that so? That's excellent."
"…"
"Sir Zen and Sir Monna. The ball is about to begin."
"But before that. there's something I'd like to tell you."
"What is it?"
Syugo confirmed with Zen.
And then continued speaking. while looking at the castle soldiers in the throne room.
"Lady Non has chosen you."
"Not us, the castle staff. including myself. who have served Lady Non since she was young."
"Of course. I believe it's due to the trust. that has developed during your journey together."
"But there must be some other meaning. behind it as well."
"Some other meaning…"
"Yes, Lady Non. seems to feel something special. towards Sir Zen and Monna. apart from trust."
"…That must be related. to Monna being Mana Tribe."
"And to me knowing. that Monna is Mana Tribe."
"Hahahaha! As expected, Sir Zen, you're sharp! That's precisely it."
"Of course. the Mana Tribe is undoubtedly the key. to understanding this world."
"So, regarding Monna. it goes without saying."
"But even more than that. Lady Non sees something special in Sir Zen."
"It seems even Lady Non doesn't understand. the full meaning of that."
"However, it appears Lady Muu also. feels something special towards Sir Zen. just like Lady Non."
"That's why. Sir Zen needs to demonstrate it. at this ball."
"Sir Zen, you understand. the meaning of these words, don't you?"
"Yes."
Syugo nodded at Zen's reply. and continued speaking.
"Among those in the castle. there are many who, while understanding. Lady Non's choice of you with their heads. haven't fully accepted it in their hearts."
"That's how much everyone. cares for Lady Non."
"Therefore, by dancing with Lady Non. at this ball."
"I hope you will show the people of the castle. that you are worthy of entrusting Lady Non to."
"Yes, of course. I am prepared for that."
"That's a good answer. Then, please take care of Lady Non."
Syugo was satisfied with Zen's words. and after showing a smile. he returned to his original spot.
And then. just like the other soldiers. he assumed a sword-raising pose.
Immediately after that. many flutes began to play.
And simultaneously, Non and Princess Muu. entered the throne room from the inner passage.
And when the two stood before the throne.
"Everyone gathered! Thank you for coming to the ball today. despite your busy schedules!"
Princess Muu began the opening declaration of the ball.
She spoke of her feelings for Non and Princess Muu's parents. namely King Ban and Queen Miruze, and Queen Suoka.
And then continued with formal remarks. including the purpose of holding a ball every year in this castle.
"Now, everyone. please enjoy the interactions at the ball today."
Along with Princess Muu's closing remarks. the ball music began to play.
First. the people gathered in the castle. for this ball.
Began to dance freely. forming pairs as they wished.
Princess Muu had mentioned in her opening declaration. that the purpose of this ball was interaction through dance.
The ball's dance is not an individual competition. like the Sea Dance Festival. but performed in male-female pairs.
So it probably includes a kind of matchmaking aspect. where people find ideal partners. based on their dancing compatibility.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean. only finding a marriage partner.
Because. among the pairs formed since the ball began.
There are already married couples included.
Of course. since it's basically a male-female paired dance.
There will be people participating. to find a marriage partner.
But I think there are also people. participating in this ball. and choosing dance partners. to find companions who can act together. in their future lives, such as work partners.
Zen and I participated in this ball.
Also for the reason of being recognized. by the castle people. as companions who will act together with Non. from now on.
After a period during which the participants. freely formed pairs and danced as they pleased.
Non rose from the throne. and came towards us.
It seems it's finally our turn.
And when Non came before us. the people participating in the ball began to murmur.
"Oh dear? Is that person an acquaintance of Lady Non?"
"But I didn't see him last year?"
"Is he a prince from some country?"
"Eh? Is there a country on this Miruze continent. that would have a prince?"
"You're right. Who on earth could he be?"
"Could it be that Lady Non. will dance with him?"
"Eh!? Does that mean…!"
"No, no. Don't jump to conclusions and make assumptions."
"And what about that cat next to him?"
"He seems to be wearing a costume. Is that cat going to dance too?"
You're right. You'd want to question that. But that's exactly what's happening.
And then, seeing the situation. which was nothing but a sense of incongruity. with a costumed cat inexplicably at the ball venue.
When the murmuring momentarily settled.
"Zen. Would you dance with me?"
Non spoke words of invitation to Zen.
"Oh, gladly!"
Zen accepted Non's invitation. and extended his hand.
"I am unworthy. but please continue to guide me."
Non whispered softly enough. for only us to hear. and then placed her hand.
On top of Zen's extended hand.
Thus, our ball began.
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