47 47. Double Dance

After that disturbance.

A luxurious party took place tonight in Lynch Guiham, where calm was restored.

Nigel's birthday party took place as planned.

Powerful nobles gather from all over the country, and dignitaries from other countries come to the royal castle.

Nigel was smart enough to let me join the party...

"Hmm...."

Outside the venue, I exhaled.

"You're really tired. I didn't think it was such a big party."

People were screaming everywhere.

Each and every one of them is an important person in charge of the country's future. My elbows are stretched and I can't help it.

"It's been a long time... and the last person in the kingdom wasn't allowed to party."

Speaking of which, what will happen to the Kingdom of Belkheim by now?

The dragon... the dragon has disappeared from the dragon's nest, and I don't think it's strange that one or both of the advanced demons should come aboard?

And there must be a curse bouncing back on Leticia.

... well, I don't care.

"Elaine, you're here."

When I was taking a walk around the venue with that in mind, I was surprised to hear it.

"Nigel, are you okay in here?

"I've been looking for you. It's coming out."

"It's not very complimentary for the lead to get out."

"I don't mind. I wanted to talk to you now."

Today Nigel was wearing a full-bodied white suit and was even cooler than usual.

I mean, the afterglow is emitted, dazzling as soon as possible!

If I keep watching, I'm going to lose myself somehow.

"Ah, Elaine. Thanks for the cookie. I didn't say thank you, but I'll say it again."

I gave Nigel an example birthday present before the party started.

But as soon as I handed it over, I could barely communicate with the others.

Well, there's no choice. Because he belongs to the prince of this country.

I really wanted to ask you how you feel about cookies, but my identity is too different from his.

But... when I looked at Nigel's side of the party, I suddenly felt as lonely as if he had gone far away.

"You're welcome."

"I haven't eaten all the cookies yet, but it was delicious. I'll take care of it."

"No... it's not that big a deal. Because I think it's enough because I eat it right when I have a slot."

"What are you saying-- yes. I have a gift for you too."

"To me?

When asked, Nigel nodded.

I wonder what it is.

And it's Nigel's birthday today. There shouldn't be any reason for me to get a present...

"This is it."

Doubted, Nigel took a small box out of her inner pocket.

When he opened the lid of the box, there was a beautiful ring in it.

"Is that...?

"You went to the jewellery store with Elianne before, right? I bought it there on a different day."

Ah, that jewelry store looks expensive...

But I still don't know what it means.

To me?

Why would he take something so expensive?

As his head whirled with doubt, Nigel shook his knee and drooped his head on the spot.

"Elaine -- I want you to be my partner in life."

"... yes?

They say things they don't expect, and they answer back.

"Was it hard to understand? I want you to marry me."

"Ke, nkon...?

"Oh, I've been thinking."

Nigel keeps his head down and keeps doing this.

"Now that I think about it, I may have been taken from you at first glance. [M] And... it was Alberto's last incident that made me even more aware of it."

"The battle?

"Yes, I felt deeply connected to you when Elaine gave me the goddess's protection. It feels like a gentle envelope. I was in the middle of a fight, but I've never felt so relieved."

I couldn't hear the surroundings, and all I could hear was Nigel's words.

He goes on.

"I've never been in love before. But I feel like I've never seen you in love before. [M] So, Elaine, please be my partner in life and walk with me."

At first, I thought it was Nigel's joke.

But his expression is serious.

Besides, it shouldn't be a joke to propose to a woman.

"But... between me and you..."

"Of course, you can't get married right away. We need to convince those around us. But no matter how long it takes, I'll try to persuade them all. Come on, Elaine. Can you take this ring?

My fiancé... my future wife... is that what you mean? At this stage.

What do we do now?

My feelings aren't organized yet!

And will I have Nigel's fiancée? We also need to pull Nigel and the country slowly. It's too different from Prince Claude.

It was proposed and I noticed it again.

I like Nigel, too.

But I don't have the confidence to accept his "likes", and will my "likes" be conveyed?

... maybe he hated me during my engagement and threw it away again.

"Nigel, I'm sorry..."

That's why I tried to say no.

But a moment ago, the words Douglas said came to mind.

- Tell someone you like and why should they hate you?

... that's true.

Expulsion, Engagement Revocation.

I may have been too timid.

Accept Nigel.

And convey my feelings.

Shake your neck immediately and say it again.

Nigel, please raise your head.

When she spoke, Nigel slowly turned to me.

"... honestly, I'm not sure I'm your fiancé. But it seems true that I like you, too."

"Then...."

"Yes, your offer will be honored."

Nigel brightened his face, I say.

"Elaine, give me your hand."

As Nigel told me, I put out my hand.

He put an engagement ring on my ring finger.

Nigel will be my sword and I will be his shield.

By being able to put on the ring, I made it stronger.

"Come on, Eliane. Would you like to dance with me?

"Oh, is it better to be here with His Highness?

"There will be a lot of people back at the venue. Now I want to dance alone with you."

Nigel takes my hands and dances.

His dance was very gentle and inclusive. Just doing this makes me feel naturally at ease.

Under the moonlight, we enjoyed dancing alone.