The following days went by much faster now that my mind was more at ease. I didn’t jump at anything or didn’t scare anybody by the way I was acting, it all felt very normal. I even helped set up tables for the ballroom and made sure that the light reflectors were working. It was funny how they had things that were so similar to technology of Earth, like amplifiers and lighting for bands.

The day of the ball had finally arrived and I mustered my courage to ask Claire to go with me, what I did not expect was to see her parents on my way to her dorm.” Goddammit,” I say to myself, then louder I say” Hello, it’s been awhile Susan.”

“Oh, I did not expect someone of your… Caliber to be here.” She says in her noble bitch voice.

“What she means is that you don’t seem like the school type.” Arthur says.

“Oh I completely understand,” I say and realise Susan doesn’t know I’m protecting Claire.” If you’re looking for Claire I can walk you to her dorm.”

I get a look of disgust from Susan, obviously she isn’t happy I’ve interacted with Claire at all. Arthur speaks up before she can,” Of course, that would be helpful.” Then we walked to her dorm with an awkward and dense atmosphere around us. Then I immediately left to finish my preparations for tonight.

Three hours passed and I had hid as many swords, knives, and spears as I could until the ball was about to begin. I then changed into the suit that had been picked out and Edward helped me straighten up and even went over the dances he had taught me throughout the week. He taught me proper manners, how to ask for a dance, and even some formal speech.

“You remember our plan, right?” Edward asks.

“Yup, you and Claire are going to talk to your parents, then you will distract them by showing them the decor and such of the school, then I take Claire, and then we get to dance.” I say

He nods,” But remember as soon as you get out of sight to ask the way I taught you. It will show her how much you care.”

I smile and say,” I can’t thank you enough for all your help. You’ve become a very reliable guy.”

“All thanks to you.” He says then leaves to go meet up with Claire.

I take a deep breath and look at myself in the mirror one last time. The last time I wore a suit like this, it was with Jessica. A mix of nostalgia and sorrow hits me in the chest and I stand there for a bit. Then Ryan calls my name and I exit our room.

“Oh my,” Beth says,” You look clean and…. And weird.”

“Um, thanks?” I say a bit confused.

“I agree, it’s weird seeing you with straightened hair and a good shave.” Ryan adds,” And without you cloak.”

“Um. Okay then.” I say.” Shall we go?”

We walk to the ballroom and I notice that the two of them aren’t their awkward selves. They are linked by the arms and aren’t acting nervous around each other, maybe they had finally grown out of their childish habits. We enter the ballroom and a wide ocean of students and parents greets us. A band is playing, not like an orchestra type, more like something I’d hear on Earth, which shocked me.

I spot Claire immediately, she’s dancing with Edward, her red dress would catch anyone’s eye. I watch the two of them dance, they way they moved was so fluid and natural. I’m glad Edward isn’t my rival for Claire’s love, because I would stand no chance. Then Edward catches my eye and he nods, the signal to start our plan.

The song stops and he walks Claire to their parents, he then lets go of her arm and points at the decorations. WIth his other hand he waves for me to approach. I walk up behind Claire and tap her on the shoulder. She turns and I put my finger over my mouth, then lead her away towards a group of students.

I take a deep breath then bow my head with my hand,” May I have this dance?”

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A laugh was not the reaction I was expecting.” I’m sorry, watching you do that seemed so…. Weird.”

I straighten up and sigh,” I wanted to do it properly, I guess that was a bad idea.”

“No, it was just… unexpected.” She says and then puts her hand in mine.” SO did Edward teach you that?”

I nod,” He taught me some dances and even how to speak at these formal things.”

She smiles and says,” This isn’t that formal of an event, especially since the band is playing more modern music.”

“Yeah, back in my world, dances like this counts as formal. The band however sounds very similar to songs from my world too. It’s even weirder to be dancing like this to this type of music.” I say

She smiles and says,” That’s just how this world works. What type of dancing would you normally do?”

I think back and remember some the one dance I went to in middle school. It was a lot of jumping, cheesy dances, and even some grinding. I did not want to tell her any of that so I told her this,” When the music slows down I can show you slow dancing.”

She smiles and says,” I’d like that.”

We finish the song and just like that the music slows to a more soothing melody.” Okay, put both your hands around my neck.” I say and she listens.” Now I’ll put my hands on your waist and we sway back and forth.”

“Like this?” She asks and I nod.” Anything else?”

“No this is pretty much it.” I say.

“I was expecting more, but this is much more intimate.” She says.

I smile then realise everyone is looking at us. What made things worse was the fact that I heard Susan’s insults and curses when she saw us. She stormed to us and grabbed Claire.” What do you think you are doing?!” She yells.

The band stops and now the whole room is looking at us, Edward runs up but I hold my hand out to stop him. This is for Claire to explain and I turn to her. Her expression was filled with fear and I knew I had to do something. So I grabbed her hand and stopped her from being pulled away.” Let her decide who she dances with.” I say

“What did you just say?!” Susan asks.” You think you have any right to speak to me?”

“Yes, I actually do.” I say calmly.” I think you should even consider listening to me.”

“And risk making myself look like a fool? Not a chance.” She says.” I thought I was done with your nonsense years ago.”

My anger fueled what I said next,” So you’d rather throw a helpless kid out than look bad in front of the nobles? That’s just cruel!”

Her face turns from annoyance to anger and she yells back,” I forbid you or Claire from ever speaking again!!”

“Susan you can’t do tha-” Arthur tries to say, but is cut off.

“Silence fool! If I ever see you two together again I will take Claire away.” She says.” Now run along peasant boy and find some other family to bother.”

“Shut the fuck up!” Claire screams.” I’ve had it with you! You and your tyrannical rule over my every move! I want to be with Kyle! Can’t you accept that?!”

She slaps Claire with the back of her hand.” Don’t you dare tell me to shut up or swear ever again young lady. I should-”

“Susan, the wedding is off.” Edward says calmly.” Not because of how Claire is acting, but because of how you’re acting.”

Her face turns from anger to a destroyed expression,” But, but you can’t do that.”

Edward doesn’t let her continue after that.” Yes I can, and I can tell you that Kyle would make a better husband for her anyways.”

“If you don’t agree with it, then we’ll elope.” I say building off of Edward’s words.” So you decide. Accept me or never see Claire again.”

“Never would I accept such a boy like you, Kyle.” She says coldly.

I pull Claire away from her and say,” Fine then, good luck ever seeing your grandchildren.” Then I turn and walk out. I catch a glimpse of Arthur’s expression and see a bit of happiness in his eyes. I walk Claire far enough away and then turn to face her.

“I-I hope this wasn’t too much. I kinda spoke without thinking.” I say. She doesn’t respond so I keep going.” I couldn’t stand it anymore, the way she treats you, it’s like an item. I just want her to let you think for yourself and let you control what you do.”

I get nothing from her again and let the silence linger. A minute passes and she takes a deep breath.” I can’t thank you enough. I’ve wanted to tell her off ever since she kicked you out, but never had the courage. I wanted to run away to find you, but I was locked in my room. I wanted to be with you so badly and hearing your adventures made me so sad. I wanted to experience all those wonderful things with you, but she was there.”

She’s crying now and I grab ahold of her,” You don’t have to worry anymore. I may not be the knight I said I would be, but I’m here to sweep you off your feet.” I know it was cheesy as hell, but it made her smile. She got on her tiptoes and I knew what was coming, a kiss to seal this whole night.

Then I hear a clicking noise coming from the statue next to us. I turn and realise it was the one of the unknown hero created by the founder of this school. I touch the gem on his shield and the wall behind it slides back revealing a room. My perfect night ruined not by monsters, but by the mystery of the hero.