A few minutes before a certain royal encounter, in a different corner of the ball's venue, a white-haired woman with a bob-cut that covered one of her eyes with a red colored bang found herself drinking amongst a group of women.

She was wearing a white and pink dress that complemented her hair color and emphasized her figure.

Although, it was a bit too tight for her, which made her try and wiggle her bottom discretely every now and then.

Some would say that she should have been already accustomed to those types of clothes given her age and status.

But what they did not know was that there was no way for that one woman to be accustomed to a dress like the one she was wearing. Or dresses in general, to be precise.

After all, she had been the man known as Locke Boid for most of her life until something happened just a week ago.

She met the Absurd, Auros Argento.

The same woman who was mingling with both nobles and citizens of the Kingdom like normal, with none of them being aware of the great power she held, nor her true identity.

Just the memories of her encounter with her made her shiver...and not in fear, but in longing.

Yes…for the pleasure, the relaxation, and the weightlessness that she had felt then were unforgettable. That time the Absurd interrogated her had been the first time that she had not felt the crushing presence of stress inside of her body and mind.

Not even the forest that she used to visit when going for materials seemed to give her the same level of release that the Absurd's massage had given her.

"Are you alright, Baronetess Boid? You were shivering."

And having noticed her shivering, one of the women who were accompanying her to the ball said that. She was a blonde woman with her hair tied in an elegant and over the shoulder braid. Furthermore, she also was as young as her.

But most importantly, she was the head of her household, one that had lost its eldest son in a certain event.

"Ah! Yes, I-I am alright. It was just a sudden cold feeling, nothing more. Thank you for your concern, Countess Pyr."

So said the red headed woman to her companion with a reassuring tone and a courteous smile. But that same companion seemed to have not believe her for she squinted her eyes in suspicion and pulled her closer to her, even checking her temperature with her hand.

"Really?”

“Y-Yes, Countess Pyr...”

“Alright, but I have already told you that there is no need to be so formal with me. After all, we share similar circumstances, and have we not established a friendly relationship throughout the week, Sarah?"

Yes, Sarah. That was the name that replaced her previous one after her change. As for the reasoning behind it, there was none. It was just the first name that occurred to her.

Still, hearing Countess Pyr say it to her throughout the week had helped her reinforce the fact that that was indeed her new name.

Even if the Countess’ appearance in Sarah’s life had been nothing but sudden.

Indeed, she appeared in the Boid's household home the very moment that it was made known that Locke Boid had ‘disappeared’ and that a hidden half-sister would take his place. Not only as a noble, but also as a provisionary head of the family.

Something that the other half-sisters, who were not of age and/or in other places, such as different cities and countries, did not object to.

Furthermore, said sisters trusted their brother’s decisions, for he had been the one who raised them after being left orphaned by their father.

They also were not surprised at all about the fact of having a hidden half-sister, as they already knew of their deceased Father's inclinations for having multiple romantic partners. As such, them having one or two unknown half-siblings was not all that surprising. And Locke knowing about them as the Head of the Household was not a surprise either.

Nevertheless, Countess Pyr never missed a chance to talk about her dislike of the situation.

"Seriously…one is living their life peacefully while taking care of their own responsibilities…studying, training, and suddenly, there is a title, a household headship and all the responsibilities they ensue. And why? Because our elder brothers had to up and disappear from the face of this Goddess-given world..."

There she was...starting again a rant that Sarah knew all too well by now.

It was clear that Countess Pyr felt a sense of camaraderie towards Sarah due to their apparently similar circumstances, which was why she had been supporting her ever since they met for the 'first time’.

"That's..."

In any case, Sarah tried to stop her from ranting by nervously motioning with her hands, but Countess Pyr simply continued after she took a sip of her alcoholic beverage.

"Please, do tell me when the stress starts to build up, I will tell you ways on how to deal with it. That way you won’t become like your brother who was an always angry, stiff, and never satisfied, kind of person."

“…!!”

Those words hit Sarah like a punch in the stomach, so much so that she even twitched before replying to them.

"D-Do not worry about that Myriel...my brother left so many instructions and completed jobs that it is as if he was still here. So, I have not felt any stress..."

Awkwardly, Sarah shook her hands in a 'calm down' kind of manner once more as she said that.

All while Countess had no idea just how true were Sarah's words, but how could she?

"Well, that must be nice...my elder brother had to be an idiot and a knight. And when he went 'poof' five years ago he left so much work to be done..."

In any case, she always talked about her older brother and how he had always been an idiot that even managed to turn his then sweet and innocent attendant into one that had no patience for his antics.

"..."

And as she continued to rant, Sarah noticed that Myriel's cheeks were slightly red, which meant that the drink had already affected her.

It also meant that she needed to help her stop drinking, for it would be quite the shameful thing if she was in a worst state when the King arrived.

Yes...that was also when everything would be set in motion according to the Absurd.

It was then that she gave a look at the rest of the venue and her eyes met with a certain woman that was clearly enjoying herself.

A woman with blue colored eyes, long wavy hair, and an alluring golden dress.

She nodded at Sarah as if to say hello to her before turning once again to the people that seemed to be courting her.

She was the now Baronetess Greese, another one who shared the same 'boss' as her and as Sarah was able to see, she was loving every moment of it.

_____________________________________________________

Meanwhile, in another part of the venue, a certain blonde woman with curls found herself surrounded the many people.

Not only that, but it was quite the diverse group of people.

“Is it true that Lady Argento is the Regent of her region, Miss Gabrielle?”

“What is Lady Argento’s relationship with her Holiness, Miss Gabrielle?”

From scholars and nobles who desired to know more about the Absurd…

“I heard she already visited Lord Baltfault’s store; would you be so kind to suggest my store to Lady Argento? I am sure that my wares will pique her interest.”

“Oh! In that case, please tell her of my pub, Miss Gabrielle. I’m sure that she and all of you will enjoy many of our dishes, they are just as good as those of the King’s Glare pub. I guarantee it!”

…to merchants and pub owners who desired to have the Absurd as their client…

“Your skin looks so beautiful, do you use a special product from your country, Miss Gabrielle?”

…and of course, curious citizens of the Kingdom.

Still, those were just some of the inquiries she had been receiving since she started to mingle with the ball’s guests.

Furthermore, it seemed that the guests saw the blonde woman in the green dress as the most approachable of Lady Argento’s companions, judging by how they were grouping up around her.

In any case, she maintained her usual smile as she bathed in the irony of the situation that she encountered herself in.

‘My…what a turn of events, from feeling like a ghost, to getting this much of the attention. But most importantly, to think that a day would come when I felt comfortable enough with myself to be in this kind of event and not leave in the middle of it.’

As such thought crossed her mind, she could not help but glance endearingly at a certain woman in a black dress. Something that only lasted a moment for she then proceeded to answer all the guest’s questions in order, her tone always being polite and even warm.

“While her position does indeed carry some responsibilities that are similar to those of a Regent, it is not my place to divulge any specifics on the matter. For that, I sincerely apologize, Professor Luminare.”

So said Gabrielle to the older woman who asked her such question. Not only was she a professor of the Capital’s Academy, but she would never know that she was talking to one of her former students.

“Hohoho…oh no, please. I am more than satisfied with your response, Miss Gabrielle. After all, it is not an everyday occurrence that a new country appears out of the woodworks like this. I am truly lucky to be living at such a time. And it is truly a pleasure to meet you.”

Said the sweet but curious elder professor in a tone that could only be described as grandmotherly. One that brought a certain nostalgia to the woman before her, a nostalgia that made said woman smile warmly at her.

“My, it is I who is blessed to meet someone as good of heart as you, Grandmother of the Academy. Not many teachers have gone as far as you when it comes to taking care of your students. And not just that, the Orphanage project that you lead is truly a labor of love that I shall always support.”

As Gabrielle said that, she complemented her words by putting her hands where her heart was supposed to be, showing such honest and heartfelt praise that everyone around her could not help but skip a beat.

“Oh dear, that is too much praise for this old heart of mine but thank you. It is just a way for us Professors to help in this sort of times.”

The old professor smiled as she said that; her impression of the lady before her having gone from good to excellent.

And after some small talk, the Professor left, and Gabrielle moved on to the next person and their question.

“Her relationship with her Holiness is something that I am not permitted to talk about in full scope, but I can assure you that it is a good and solid relationship. And we would not be here if it were not for her support. I apologize if that is not enough of an answer to your question, Count Tule.”

Gabrielle bowed lightly in an apologetic manner as she said that to the person who was at her right, a man wearing a formal military attire, while always maintaining a courteous and respectful tone.

Count Tule was a former member of the Royal Knights, and one that had served many years before Gabrielle’s time as a Knight.

Gabrielle acted that way towards him not because of his title, but because she was paying respects to a Knight that only retired after his body was not able to perform as he wanted.

“There is no need for an apology, Miss Gabrielle. You are merely following orders and not saying more than necessary is a good quality to have.”

Said Count Tule with a sympathetic tone and an equally sympathetic expression that one would not expect from someone with such stern-looking face.

He left shortly after as he spotted some of his former subordinates and went to them.

Gabrielle, meanwhile, proceeded to accept the written invitations that were being given to her by an elven store owner and an ogre pub owner.

“I will make sure these invitations reach Lady Argento. I know that she will be glad to visit your store, Miss Fiore. And your pub, Mister Pol.”

“That is all I needed to hear; I sincerely thank you, Miss Gabrielle.”

“Same goes for me! I can’t wait to have you all in my pub!”

With that, Miss Fiore and Mister Pol bowed politely, which Gabrielle reciprocated, and left for the bar.

And so, Gabrielle continued mingling with the rest of the people that surrounded her, all while always keeping her smile.

Yes...even when a certain someone arrived at the venue. Even if she desired nothing more than to bury her fist into that certain someone’s face.

_____________________________________________________

Unlike her Holiness' guests, that certain someone was not so well received amongst the many people attending the ball.

His stride was prideful.

His chest was high in confidence.

And his gaze was beyond arrogant.

Many guests shook their heads in annoyance, simple disgust, or ignored him completely as he passed by them.

Still, some people did approach him and praised him for his efforts, but they were few and far between.

While others clearly talked to him out of obligation. Perhaps they were members of a related Household or family members of his subordinates. Either way, they wanted nothing more than to be done with the pleasantries and get away from him.

All in all, despite those exceptions, he seemed to repel the people around him and he knew it.

He knew it very well.

But he did not care about that, nor he cared about those who were forcing themselves to talk with him.

After all, he was convinced that when the time came, they would go to beg him for his help.

And so, with an undisturbed arrogant smile, he kept walking as if making his rounds.

All while showing off his lavish formal suit, one that had a fine embroidery of bull on its back.

He was Ulthane Reignitz and his gaze was fixed on the beautiful foreigners that had been brought to the ball by her Holiness.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

First, he looked at the woman in the silver dress and while he found her attractive, something about her bothered him, so much so that he moved on to the next one.

Such woman was the one in the green dress, whose figure was more than pleasing to his eyes, to the point that he found himself smiling while he undressed her with his eyes.

Still, it did not take long for his gaze to move on to the woman in the sea blue dress. One whose younger looks and slim figure made him unable to keep himself from thinking of being...rough with her.

But then again...there was someone else that deserved all of his...attention.

She was the woman that Prince Licht had started talking to.

"I think it is time to listen to my father and look for a wife, heh."

So he said as he salaciously looked at the woman's bountiful figure and licked his lips, all while he imagined the things he would do to her. Roughly. Plentifully.

"Lord Ulthane, will you listen to me for a moment?"

That was when he was approached by someone he knew pretty well.

Someone who was the reason for his 'honorable' position and his main benefactor.

"Of course, my Lady. Anything for you."

Such was his immediate response, for he knew that hearing her out would be worth it for him.

________________________________________________

Uuuuugh...I just felt some disgusting vibes coming from somewhere...

"I believe that there is no point in acting as if nothing happened, Lady Argento. You are an unexpected element that is threatening the grand scheme of things here in the Kingdom and I will not apologize for wanting to remove you from the board in a secretive manner. No matter how devoid of honor that might be."

Daaamn, Erevain's little brother is saying some really serious things without even blinking. He's also smiling in a really...dubious manner.

Although, I could say that the same goes for me, since I am also smiling while hearing all of this.

Still, I bet that from the outside this seems like a friendly chat between me and the prince.

So, let's keep it that way.

"Hoooh~~, this is quite the direct approach for someone who has tried to spy on me ever since noticing my presence. I do have to ask though. How is your little information network, hmm? Losing not only so many eyes, but also the head must have made things quite...chaotic."

While his eyes do turn sharper in response to my words, he is not intimidated by the sudden surfacing of my edge alter tone.

Heh, could this be a family thing?

Not only that, but he has been trying to size me up with those eyes of his. All to try and figure out my strength and maybe any weakness.

And I bet he is having a hard time doing it. Even with those eyes that are brimming with mana.

How do I know that? My OP senses, man! Pay attention! Didn't I 'see' the mana of a certain ice cream lizard?

Hm? Does that mean I have the same eyes as the old woman in the village? Hmm...I don't think so, even if the effect is kind of similar. I mean, hers is more of a unique skill and mine are just my eyes.

Oh, and now the Prince has let out a small and seemingly innocent giggle. All part of his act.

"So, you were behind that too. I see."

So he says while tilting his head, making his bangs sway lightly...and…

Seriously...this guy...I swear that if he calls me 'Hero-senpai~~', I'm going to get weak in the knees...he just looks so much like her...that knight kouhai…

But I can't stay silent, so let's continue...

"Indeed, since this conversation seemed to be about admitting what one has done to the other, I thought it was fair to reward your honesty. Besides, it is not fit for a prince to spy on a suite full of ladies."

"I promise that peeking while you bathed was never my intention, Lady Argento."

As he says that, he shakes his head lightly and take two cups from one of the maids acting as waiters.

"Would you like one, Lady Argento? Mind you, it is not alcoholic since I prefer my mind to stay sharp, but I can assure you that the taste is top quality."

He says that while offering me one of said cups which contain a champagne-colored beverage. It smells like a mixed fruit juice and yep, there is no alcohol in it.

"I will trust your judgement regarding that then."

I, of course, take the cup and drink its contents with propriety.

Still, he already knew that I wouldn't refuse a drink directly offered by him in public.

"I am glad to hear that even after that tea."

With that, he joins me in drinking said beverage and keeping appearances.

By the way, nothing was added to my drink, it’s normal.

"Hmm, so you understand that poison has no effect on me after trying once. And here I thought you would be as stubborn with it as you were with your spies."

He giggles again at my words, perfectly selling the act that he is enjoying this conversation.

"Surely you jest, Lady Argento. If a poison made by the Poison Meister himself cannot affect you, then there is no need to try any further with that course of action. That is also the reason for this direct approach of mine. Now, I have three questions for you."

The moment that last bit leaves his lips, his expression turns from that dubious smile to a serious one.

"Hooh~~? And what might they be, Prince Licht?"

"How much do you presume to know? What is it that you seek? And what will it take for you to leave? Those are the questions that I need answers for. For I have come to understand that there is a need to take unexpected measures, such as these, when nothing else works."

He doesn't know it, but I can notice that he is weaving a great amount of mana in a really 'silent' manner. His control over it is quite precise. I have trouble thinking that anyone other than me and the Maid-Knights could notice this.

He is clearly preparing to use something big while he makes time with those questions of his.

Of course, I could stop him right here and tell him that it would be useless, but then it wouldn't be isekai enough without him realizing his weakness firsthand.

So, let's oblige him with those questions and play along.

"Hmph, very well. I shall tell you what I know...Prince."

With that, I lean forward a bit, getting just close enough to him to whisper into his ear.

Something that Mary tries to stop me from doing, but I give her a good old nice edge alter glare, plus red eyes, and she stops in her tracks.

And so, I smile and start.

"I. Know. Everything."

"..."

Damn, I sounded really seductive and badass right there! Nice!!

Meanwhile, Prince Licht turns his head around a bit, just enough so that our eyes meet, and nods ever so slightly in silence as if telling me to continue.

"I know what is in the 'basement' behind that door. I know about your little family drama. Your foolish father. Your betrayal and hers. I even know parts of your country's history that no one here knows about. Your New Glory. Ilumbee village. The so called 'curse of the goddess'. And everything in between. Of course, I also know about five years ago and Ryze village..."

With that, I back away and look at him while keeping my smile. His gaze is even sharper now and more intense than ever.

If looks could stab someone, his would be it.

"I knew most of this even before arriving here. The people of Illumbee village were very welcoming of me and my convoy. And one of those conscripted miners saw your little maid giving the blessed cloth to the one in charge of them."

Mary's eyes go wide when she hears that, to which I giggle before continuing.

"Huhu...then one of New Glory's spies told me even more things. So much that if I had to put a figure on it, then I would say that one third of the information on all of this was obtained before I even arrived. Then, I obtained another third the very day I set foot here. Yes, that single day when you were completely unaware of me, Prince. As for the last third well...you will know soon enough."

Aaah, it's so satisfying to lay it all out on him.

The schemer types always show some good frustration...even more when someone else tells them that their information wasn't only theirs.

Also, my instinct pinged me when I mentioned the part of what is behind that door and this country's history.

He was more surprised at me knowing those things than everything else...even if those reactions were fairly small...

"Will you tell me that it is impossible to know all of that? That you alone should be the one to know about this country's true purpose? What was it, an old looking book in the royal library? A secret room with a journal?"

"..."

Oh, look at that. Instead of letting his emotions go up to his head, he has let them out of his body by slowly breathing in and out.

He is smart. Really smart. Because only someone like that would be able to have such control over their emotions.

"Haa...so, you even know about the Great Founder's Journal. I must admit that I did not expect you to know about it. Not only that but you even know about its contents...I see that not even this palace is out of your reach then."

I seriously didn't know about it, Prince. I was just going through the isekai clichés.

Also, nope, no one infiltrated the palace.

Darling, I so love isekai misunderstandings.

"I will reserve any comment on the rest until after you answer my other questions."

Is it fine to tell him all of that, you ask? Of course!! He might think that he is getting so much info out of me, but, in the end, he will not be able to do a thing about it.

His only advantage is gone. He has no more time for schemes, nor the forces to enact them and he has even less methods to try and deal with me. He is cornered with no way out; he just doesn't know it.

Yet.

"Hmph, the other two are quite simple to answer. I seek to punish those who defaced the Goddess' name for their schemes and those who have betrayed the world by cooperating with the Dragon Lords. I shall not leave until that has been taken care of, Prince. Of course, that also means that I will be stopping your and your father's plans."

Man, how much time has passed since I said that? It feels like months.

"Then, I suppose that that makes you one of the so-called Knights of the Ever-Burning Will that have come to this capital, correct? Not only that, but there might be members of a certain fallen order within your ranks, for that is the only way for you to know of my involvement in what happened five years ago. Could it be that my dear elder brother is with you? No, I cannot get my hopes up. He would have confronted me by now if he were here...so you probably have him waiting in another location, right?"

Oh, you have no idea. Also, did I not pay enough attention, or did he completely ignored the part of me mentioning Dragon Lords?

Also, his tone when he said 'dear elder brother' was creepy...so creepy...like man he really has 'yandere brother-con' written with neon-colored letters on the top of his head.

"...there is also the matter of that person who looks so similar to Mother. Is it an attempt to provoke me or Father? Either way, I must say that it is a low blow that one...for a moment I had to squash that childish urge to run up to her and embarrass myself. Father will not take it this kindly though."

Again, you really don't have any idea...also, are you really not going to mention the Dragon Lords?

"In the end, I do know that my actions are worthy of punishment. But then again, the only one who can punish me is him and I apologize, but I cannot have you meddling with my plans any longer. Not when they are about to come into fruition after such a long time and great pains."

And Erevain will indeed be the one doing that...hmm? Oh, he is about to use whatever he was charging. I thought he’d use a bit later, but as my raised eyebrow says, color me surprised. Also, it's official, he did not care one bit about the Dragon Lord bit...that could only mean that he already knew, right? Oh well, it doesn't matter since we will be dealing with them regardless.

"So, I am afraid that I will hold on to you for a brief time. Do not worry, it will be just enough to finish what I started. And there is no need to be surprised. You are a threat. Your Order is a threat. Your connection to the Church and the Goddess is threat too. This is but the logical conclusion. After all, I mentioned from the beginning that I would take a more...direct approach."

There is no chant.

There is no spell name.

Just his irises glowing, yes, irises, their glow is that strong.

Then I feel it.

All the mana he had been weaving starts flowing towards me as if to entrap me in a strange cocoon.

Speaking of which, his mana's color is strange, it is as his hair, pink with white but I can only feel the light attribute in it. Perhaps it’s a highly specialized unique type of light magic?

In any case, he has trapped me inside the 'cocoon' but...it will not last long. See? It’s already melting away before my natural flow of mana, [Magic Resistance] and [Abnormal Status Resistance].

There, it’s gone.

But he doesn’t know that...heh...it is time...hehe...

"..."

First, some silence mixed with a vacant look in my eyes to make him think that it worked. Why? Well, in most isekais, spells that are shot from the eyes are either charms or mind control spells.

So, the typical vacant eyes are good to trick him into believing that it worked.

“Haa…haa…”

See? He has relaxed to the point that he has let himself to show how clearly exhausted he is after using whatever spell that was.

"You...did it your Licht..."

Girl, it didn't work, but you still should have more faith in your Master. Because that look on your face shows that you really didn’t expect it to work.

"Yes...it was a great gamble...but it worked..."

Oho, aren’t you getting a little too close to me? Could it be that you’re trying to steal a kiss? Sorry, but I’m taken. Ok, ok, I’ll stop joking around, he got close to me to confirm it worked by looking at my ‘vacant’ eyes.

"Now not only she but her knights are…in the palm of my hand...no one will be able to interrupt me...I wonder what dear elder brother will do about it..."

Ding. This is prompt alert services. Your enemy has dropped his guard due to 'victory'. Press 1 to use that prompt. Press 2 to wait for the next one.

1.

"Hooh~~, I wonder about that."

I say so with a full smile that reaches my now red colored eyes as I look down at him.

"...!"

"...what?"

While Mary is speechless, Licht's managed to let out that delicious question with eyes wide in surprise and incredulity.

"You thought that you could have me on the palm of your hand, but it never occurred to you that...you were already dancing on mine."

"Nn..."

Heh, he’s managed to reign himself in and is now showing that fake expression of his. All to keep other people out of this.

But the eyes he showed a few seconds ago and his silence is more than enough to make one thing clear. He now understands that he is cornered and with no way out.

Hm? Two people are approaching. Better wrap this up.

"Prince Licht, recognize that your mistake was terribly underestimating the strength of your opponent. You have lost. No, that is not it, we were never even in the same playing field."

"You...ignorant fool...you do not know the consequences that meddling with my plans will bring...I—"

"Ah, I finally found you, Prince Licht. And here I was getting worried that my dance partner had stood me up."

A third voice has interrupted Licht while he was about to engage in the typical defeated villain speech. Of course, I do not think of him as a villain because of my promise with Erevain, but he sure acts like one.

As for that voice, it belongs to a woman. She is wearing a sunny orange dress that has a classical feel to it and her hair has a similar tone. If you want a shorter description, then you are in luck. 'Sunny girl'. That fits her.

"Oh my, where are my manners? I am Hilde Val, second advisor to the King and Prince Licht's partner for the evening. There were some matters I had to attend to, so I regrettably could not welcome you with Prince Licht. I deeply apologize, Lady Argento."

She says that while smiling warmly and bowing politely.

Also, am I the only one that feels kind of weird after hearing her speak? It feels all so...scripted? Practiced?

Well, you could say the same for me. You are already doing that, I know. But it still feels kind of weird. My instinct is agreeing with me too…

"You are not the only one, dear~~. I could use my omniscience to figure out why but..."

Spoilers?

"Spoilers."

That's a no then.

"There is nothing to apologize for, Miss Hilde. Everyone has their responsibilities. Besides, I have been deeply enjoying my conversation with Prince Licht. Although, I hope his Highness thinks the same."

I say so while I turn to him and man, do I really want to laugh now...

I feel like I am now just throwing salt in the wound, heh.

"*ahem* Of course...it has been quite the enlightening conversation."

Wow, he handled it really well.

"Ah, I am glad. I did overhear something related with strength, though. Did his Highness ask about the strength of Lady Argento's country? Because that seemed to pique the curiosity of the man beside me."

Hilde does a motion with her hand and the man beside her makes a step forward...and...uuuuugh...this guy is the one giving off the disgusting vibes...

Like...I’m all for fanservice and not covering my cleavage, but...he is a 'no service' type of person...

"Good evening, I am Ulthane Reignitz. Leader of the Bulls of the Zenith. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Argento."

Ah, the idiot fake knight of Erevain's story. The same that said all that crap to the citizens when the King betrayed Erevain's Order.

That. Same. Bastard.

I smile. Forcibly. Really. Forcibly.

"The pleasure is mine."

Not.

Now I get what some cosplayers feel...

"Please, if Lady Argento was discussing the strength of her country, then I would like to offer an idea. One that would benefit both countries perfectly and serve as good entertainment for the night. A duel."

"Lord Reignitz, are you aware of what you are saying? To have a duel in the middle of ball is preposterous."

Says Licht clearly baffled by the idea.

"Oh, but it is not. Lady Argento made claims of such strength in the house of the Goddess and in the presence of her Holiness. But, with all due respect, she has not provided proof of it. What better time to do it than here? After all, every person involved with the maintenance of the country is present. This will serve to dispel any doubts that they might harbor about her strength and will also help Lady Argento in the future negotiations. It is just as the old saying goes, actions are better than words, Prince."

So he says with an arrogant smile.

He is also clearly planning something.

It is like he is wearing a shirt that says as much.

"Miss Hilde, I am sure you agree with me that that is not a good idea."

Says Licht turning to his advisor partner and she tilts her head, probably confused as to why he’d think that.

"But I do? His reasoning is sound."

“…”

And look at that, Licht is taken aback by that response and now he has turned to me.

"Surely Lady Argento agrees with me then?"

Damn it. I really don't want to bully you more than I already have but...

"I agree too, actually. It is true that there might be doubts about our strength and a duel sounds like a good idea to clear them."

"...”

Hearing that, Licht is now speechless and Ulthane has started to laugh.

"Ha! That is what I wanted to hear! Everyone!! Listen to me! Lady Argento has accepted to provide a special entertainment for the night!! But also, to provide earnest proof of her claims of strength in the name of entering the Alliance of Nations!! There shall be a duel!!!"

Wow...this dude just did a 180 and I am not surprised at all...that is clearly his real personality...

Also, the guests seem to have mixed reactions to his announcement.

Some are surprised but eager to see the duel and others are just baffled by such thing.

Of course, my Maid-Knights lose no time and start approaching my location, just like the many guests in the venue.

"And the ones who will be fighting are...!!!"

To be continued...(cue typical Lucha Libre poster with shadowy figures)