CH 10

Chapter 10: Werewolf dance

“Huh, dancing, you say?”

Ernesta noticed that her voice had gone up, but she couldn’t bring herself to care right now.

In front of her was the expressionless Rougena. Ernesta carefully chose her words and asked again.

“What kind of dance is it? Can I do it?”

As the first major event, the Founding Festival was to be held in two weeks.

It commemorated the day when, in ancient times, the tribe’s chief received a message from the Moon Goddess and decided to settle in this land.

Although it was mostly a legendary tale, the werewolf tribe attached great importance to this day, and a nationwide festival was held. Dances were offered to the Moon Goddess everywhere, and a banquet was held at the royal castle from evening.

For Ernesta, it would be the only event during her period as a substitute. Although nervousness was mounting ahead of the big day, at the same time, if she could get through this, there would be no more obstacles.

However, the content of the event was something that made her hesitant. It turns out that it was customary for the queen to perform a dance at the banquet.

“It is the sword dance. It is a special dance that has been passed down to offer to the Moon Goddess, and only the queen is allowed to dance it.”

Ernesta felt as though a weight had been placed on her back. To bear such an important dance, it must come with a great deal of responsibility.

“However, his Majesty the king says there is no need to push yourself.”

“…Eh?”

Ernesta couldn’t believe her ears. It was like she had just been granted her freedom.

“This time, the preparation period was too short. You should have started practicing one month ago, ideally.”

“I see, so…?”

“Yes. So I think it’s okay if we don’t do it this year. Everyone will understand.”

Certainly, that must be the case, and it is probably treated as something that is not necessary even among the subjects.

However, is it really okay like this?

His Majesty the king said, “You don’t have to push yourself.” But she understood through their few conversations that these words did not come from compassion, but from rejection.

——I don’t know why I’m so stubborn, but there is one thing for sure. If I give in to those words, nothing will change.

“No, Rougena. I’ll do it. I want to do it.”

It was the first time Rougena’s expression had crumbled.

She didn’t intend to say something so surprising, but the feeling of having stepped onto an even harder path was overwhelming.

Just a moment ago, she had been hesitating, but now she felt like she was saying something stupid. However, Ernesta didn’t want to be the queen with half-hearted determination. She had wished for it so strongly.

“Sword dance isn’t an easy technique. Even for werewolves, it takes a month of practice. Two weeks is not enough.”

She thought Rougena would agree with her, but for some reason, she was stopped. While restraining her burning heart, Ernesta leaned closer to Rougena.

“I want to do everything I can. Please, Rougena, help me out!”

The head maid nodded as if being pushed by the queen who seemed to be bowing her head.

Around the time she finished having lunch, Engeberg came to visit her. He seemed hesitant to say it, but he asked Ernesta to tell him about the events that had happened until that day.

“In other words, nothing has happened so far. That’s all, right?”

“Yes. Thank you for your concern.”

Engeberg let out a clear sigh, showing relief. It seemed that he had been seriously worried about Ernesta’s safety.

“I’m relieved. It seems that you have been handling things well.”

“It’s not like that. I just went with the flow.”

That’s right, she just went with the flow. Ernesta didn’t do anything, in fact, she made a blunder.

“What are you talking about? Ernesta-sama has been doing very well. Please continue to do your best.”

“Haha…Alright. I’ll do my best.”

By the way, the conversation between the two so far has been mostly whispers. Even though no one is around, it’s better to be careful since they don’t know where their voices could be heard from.

“By the way, the National Foundation Day is in two weeks.”

At this point, Engeberg returned to his usual tone of voice. Ernesta understood that the conversation had ended, which was not meant to be overheard. So she started talking to him as usual.

“Yes, that’s right. Actually, I have a report…”

After explaining how she was going to perform a sword dance, Engeberg showed an exaggerated surprise.

“So, you’re going to perform a sword dance…?! That’s incredible.”

Engeberg seemed still surprised and muttered with his eyes wide open. Ernesta realized that she was causing him trouble again and apologized.

“I’m sorry, I just suggested it without thinking… Maybe it was too much.”

She felt down and regretted her actions, but Engeberg shook his head sideways.

“There is nothing to make Ermengard-sama feel depressed. However…”

At that point, Engeberg interrupted his words. As she waited eagerly for his hesitant manner to continue, he eventually smiled in his usual way.

“No. If that is what you wish, it is best to do so.”

Then, Engeberg spoke in a hushed voice. Ernesta also leaned in closer to make sure she could hear properly.

“Maintaining a distance without getting too close is a technique used to prevent the exposure of the substitute, so it is better to build a relationship of trust if there is no risk. Ernesta-sama has been doing well, so the possibility of suspicion is low.”

“Is that so? I don’t feel like a princess at all.”

“It’s okay. To anyone, you look like a genuine princess. I guarantee it.”

Engeberg had a trustworthy smile on his face.

But was that really the case? She didn’t feel like she could completely embody the role of a princess.

“You have much more cooperativeness than Ermengard-sama, so please continue to gain trust.”

Engeberg gave his usual distant smile and told her not to overdo it, then left the queen’s room.

As she walked down the corridor of the royal castle, she couldn’t help but notice the wary glances being cast at her.

Not all of them were coming from malice, but she could sense the feelings of confusion and fear emanating from them, which made her feel depressed.

What kind of feelings do the werewolf nobles have towards humans? She may not know for sure, but she could imagine.

As she continued with a sense of gloom, she finally arrived at her destination, which was a spacious and empty room. Waiting there was an elderly gentleman whom she recognized.

“Good evening, Your Majesty. It’s been since the banquet the other day.”

“Good evening. Nice to see you again, General Kudera.”

Silvestor General Kudera was one of the commanders of the royal army. With his gray hair and mustache that was tinged with white spots, he was a handsome old warrior who looked great in his black chokha. He was famous for his heroic deeds achieved in numerous battles.

At first, Ernesta was reluctant to take up the great person’s time, but he was the head of the Kudera family, who had been responsible for passing down the tradition of dance for generations. The head maid, Rougena, who was also his wife, spoke up for her to arrange for the lesson.

Since they went to such lengths for her, she couldn’t refuse and decided to ask for his guidance.

“I am delighted. To think that the queen herself wants to perform the sword dance.”

Silvestor said, stroking his chin cheerfully. It was the first time Ernesta had received such a friendly response from someone she had just met, so she was also pleased.

“I don’t mind if you’re strict with me. I’ll go through any rigorous training throughout these two weeks if it means I can dance properly!”

Ernesta replied with determination.

“Oh ho. You have quite the fighting spirit.”

Silvestor said, impressed by the queen’s enthusiasm. As a veteran general, he was not taken aback by her eagerness.

“Understood. With my life at stake, I will grant your wishes, My Queen,”

the active old warrior said laughing with narrowed, gray eyes. Feeling the immense power exuding from him, Ernesta realized how tough the upcoming training would be and swallowed hard.