Chapter 23: The Mob Prince is Adored by the Princess of a Neighboring Country
The next day…
“I never imagined we’d be invited to Princess Olivia’s social gathering!”
Diana, dressed in a black dress, smiled.
We were shunned as children of the Mazoku and never invited to social events, so she seemed happy.
“To think Princess Olivia would specifically request our presence,” I said.
“I heard that Brother Luke gallantly saved Princess Olivia from a dangerous situation! You look so dignified and wonderful in formal attire! As expected of my Brother Dia!”
“R-Really…?”
Diana’s praise seemed a bit biased, coming from a family member…
I, too, changed into unfamiliar formal wear and checked my appearance in front of the full-length mirror.
After all, this was an opportunity.
To rise in the world, making connections with influential nobles at social gatherings and forging friendships with princesses from neighboring countries would be greatly beneficial.
“Well, well, you both look so lovely,”
Luna-Mother said, deeply moved as she looked at us.
“But to think I can’t accompany you two on your big day… Oh, Mother is so sad.”
Mother had to supervise the restoration work on the Rose Garden, which had been ruined by the collapse of the spire.
Having priority usage rights also meant bearing the responsibility of management.
“Dia is also disappointed that she can’t go with Mother.”
“Let’s all attend a party together someday.”
“You two have fun, okay? Diana, don’t get into too much mischief. Luke, keep a close eye on Diana for me.”
“Don’t worry, Mother.”
“Yes, don’t worry! Dia will be a good girl!”
Diana raised her hand energetically in response.
Mother seemed worried that Diana might cause trouble, especially since she had gone wild against Victor before.
“Dia is so happy to be escorted by such a handsome brother.”
Diana snuggled up to me, looking enraptured.
“Thank you. Dia is cute too.”
“Wow! Brother, let’s get married! Let’s do it right now!”
I took my high-spirited sister’s hand and headed towards the venue.
The venue was filled with a large number of elaborately dressed nobles.
The moment we stepped inside, their gazes focused on us.
“Oh my, what beautiful children.”
“Emerald eyes, just like His Majesty…? Which noble family do they belong to?”
“Shh! Those are the children of Empress Luna.”
“Ah, the Mazoku children who brought down Empress Camilla!? …How terrifying.”
“Don’t say such reckless things. Prince Luke is recognized by His Majesty the Emperor for his military prowess.”
“It is said that Princess Diana, his younger sister, is growing at an astonishing rate with her terrifying magic.”
“…However, isn’t it true that they still carry the blood of the Dark Elf Royalty, who continue to defy the Empire? Does His Majesty intend to favor such children?”
“In these turbulent times, it can’t be helped.”
The nobles who saw us were gossiping amongst themselves. Half in fear, half in interest.
Thanks to the Emperor acknowledging my contributions, only a small minority openly disliked us.
Or rather, it seemed that more people were afraid of me because I had brought down Empress Camilla.
At that moment, a fanfare resounded.
“Presenting Her Highness, Princess Olivia Macedonia!”
Princess Olivia, in a beautiful dress, entered gracefully.
With that, the people’s interest shifted from us siblings to Princess Olivia.
“Brother, would you like to dance? It has always been my dream to dance with you in the Imperial Court’s dance hall.”
“Dancing, huh… Come to think of it, I haven’t practiced at all. Diana, can you teach me?”
“Yes, with pleasure!”
If it’s with my sister, it doesn’t matter if I fail.
If I aim to become Emperor, I can’t just rely on swords and magic; I need to be able to do social dances. I guess I’ll give it a try as practice.
That’s what I was thinking when it happened.
“Princess Olivia! I am so sorry for involving you in that unfortunate accident yesterday. Please, allow me to have this dance with you!”
The Third Prince Astoria’s exaggeratedly loud voice echoed.
“U-Unfortunate accident…?”
Looking in that direction, Princess Olivia’s face was strained.
“Um… Wasn’t the collapse of the tower caused by Lord Astoria’s magic?”
“Precisely! Does this not prove how great a magic user I am?”
The two’s conversation was fatally mismatched.
Astoria didn’t seem to feel sorry at all for endangering Princess Olivia’s life; instead, he was boasting about the power of his magic.
Having been pampered as a prodigy and the “Prince of Light” since childhood, he seemed to believe without a doubt that others would praise his magic.
Astoria knelt before Princess Olivia and kissed the back of her hand.
Princess Olivia looked around as if seeking help.
“Ah, Lord Luke, you’ve come!”
When Princess Olivia’s eyes met mine, she rushed towards me with a look of joy.
Eh, why…?
“Thank you so much for yesterday! Would you please dance with me?”
I was quite surprised by this offer.
I had wanted to deepen my friendship with Princess Olivia, but the first man to dance with a woman at a social gathering is usually her fiancé or lover.
At the very least, asking for the first dance means conveying affection to the other person.
As expected, the surrounding nobles buzzed with surprise.
“Princess Olivia!? W-Why would you choose that failure over me!?”
“Hmph!? Brother Luke is not a failure!”
Diana expressed her anger towards the stunned Astoria.
“Can’t the Princess see that Brother has a proper partner named Dia!?”
“Hey, Dia.”
Diana glared at Princess Olivia as if threatening her.
My sister was already starting to cause trouble, so I pulled her behind me, holding her hand.
“Look, see? Brother is going to dance with Dia first!”
Misunderstanding something, Diana declared triumphantly.
The surrounding murmurs grew even louder.
“To refuse Princess Olivia’s invitation…!”
“But why did Princess Olivia choose Prince Luke? In any case, this is…”
Refusing a dance invitation is quite rude.
This is only permissible if the person being asked is of higher status or already has a designated partner.
Even though I am a member of the Imperial Family, I am just a child born out of wedlock, and since Diana is my sister, there is no option to refuse Princess Olivia’s offer.
In the first place, the Empire has already committed the blunder of endangering Princess Olivia’s life. It would not be diplomatically wise to further worsen her impression of us, but…
This party was arranged to foster a relationship between Princess Olivia and Astoria, right?
Princess Olivia should understand that as well.
“Princess Olivia, I am just a child born out of wedlock who is a prince in name only… Is that alright with you?”
“Y-Yes. Of course!”
I tried to resist as much as possible, but I had no choice but to raise the white flag when she gave me such a happy smile.
“Dia, I’m sorry, but…”
I gently released Diana’s hand.
“Ah, Brother…!”
Diana looked sad, but this couldn’t be helped.
“Princess Olivia, if I am acceptable to you, I would be delighted.”
“Yes! Thank you, Lord Luke!”
When I bowed, Princess Olivia seemed deeply moved.
But what on earth is she planning?
Did Astoria not meet her expectations, so she’s using me to avoid him?
The candidates for a political marriage could also be the older First and Second Princes.
However, they are enrolled in the military academy and are not currently at the Imperial Court…
“Don’t get carried away, you lowly Mazoku child! Princess Olivia is to be my fiancée!”
Astoria, in a fit of rage, barged in.