Chapter 43: Chapter 43 - Princess’s Feeling ( Part 3 )
Every first month of spring was exciting time for Royal Academy of Seraiya.
Flowers blooming in huge gardens.
Cherry trees made the paths of academy pink.
Students were hurrying through the corridors with unusual energy.
Because of examinations.
No.
Because of sword tournaments.
Because of event happening once a year.
Royal Spring Dance Festival.
The tradition that lasted for more than three centuries.
It celebrated peace between noble families, reinforced political connections and was the first big event where future leaders of the kingdom could meet each other.
For most young nobles...
It was the time when engagement quietly happened.
And this year...
Everyone just wanted one thing.
To become the partner of Princess Lilia KingHeart.
Inside of girls’ dormitory...
Maid candidates rushed through with gowns, ribbons and jewelry.
Dresses were everywhere.
Girls discussing their hairstyles and noble boys outside practicing invitations in front of mirrors.
Poor student prepared himself for that speech almost fifty times.
But he faints before getting to Lilia.
Jennie Queens was observing chaos, while carefully polishing silver tea set.
"... People certainly have energy."
Beside her Martha Morius was adjusting a ribbon in precise way.
"Royal Dance Festival is an important event."
Jennie nods.
"I know."
"It teaches grace."
"It teaches etiquette."
"It teaches diplomacy."
Jennie smiled.
"And it teaches young nobles how to embarrass themselves."
Martha paused.
Then...
Very slight...
Corner of her mouth twitched.
"...That as well."
Princess Lilia dramatically enters the room.
"Jennie!"
Jennie looks up from teapot.
"Good morning, Princess."
"I have a problem."
Jennie places teapot aside.
"What happened?"
Lilia dramatically pointed towards the hallway.
"They are waiting."
"... Who?"
"Noble boys."
Just in time...
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Servant opens the door.
"Lady Princess."
"Lord Vincent Ashford requests the honor of becoming your partner for tonight’s dance."
Lilia smiles politely.
"No."
Servant bowed.
"As you wish."
Even before the door closed—
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Another servant entered.
"Lord Cedric Holloway wishes to invite Your Highness."
"No."
Servant sighs inwardly.
"I’ll tell him."
Jennie blinked.
"... That was quick."
"It becomes worse."
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
"Lord Damian Frost."
"No."
Knock.
"Young Master Roland Gray."
"No."
Knock.
"Viscount Edwin Carlisle’s son."
"No."
Knock.
"Crown Prince of West Aria has sent formal invitation."
"... Absolutely not."
Jennie silently counted.
"... Eight."
Lilia dramatically sighs.
"And it’s not even breakfast."
The news quickly spread all over academy.
"The princess rejected everyone!"
"Already?"
"I heard she rejected a prince."
"No chance..."
"She actually did."
Students gather in front of academy bulletin board, where all invitations and acceptances usually are recorded.
Lilia’s section is completely empty.
No single accepted invitation.
Noble boys are emotionally damaged.
Meanwhile...
Jennie is completely oblivious.
She spends morning decorating Grand Ballroom.
Crystal chandeliers hang from vaulted ceiling.
Golden banners with royal crest flutter gently.
Thousands of enchanting candles float in air like tiny stars.
Polished marble floor reflects all light perfectly.
Jennie admires around.
"... Beautiful."
Martha nods.
"It has been prepared for nearly two months."
Jennie smiles.
"P palace staff truly are amazing."
By evening...
Academy completely changes.
Elegant music fills all corridors.
Students arrive in splendid formal outfits.
Gentlemen are wearing suits, embroidered with family crests.
Young ladies appear in beautiful dresses, shimmering under crystal lights.
Laughter fills ballroom.
Political conversations quietly going on.
Future alliances are already discussed.
Jennie stands beside the wall in black-and-white maid uniform.
Unlike everybody else...
She didn’t plan to dance.
Her mission tonight is simple.
Stay close to Princess Lilia.
Help if needed.
Prevent diplomatic disasters.
With Lilia’s temper...
That last task is especially important.
Across the ballroom...
King Aldric and Queen Celestine are proudly observing from royal balcony.
Arthur and Elena Queens are standing beside them.
Lucas adjusts the collar of his formal suit.
"... This place is terrifying."
Arthur chuckles.
"It’s just a dance."
Lucas looks around at hundreds of nobles, who are looking at each other like rival generals before the battle.
"... I’d rather fight monsters."
Orchestra starts playing opening melody.
Headmaster steps forward.
"Welcome..."
"To this year’s Royal Spring Dance Festival."
Applause fills the hall.
One by one...
Young nobles approach their chosen partners.
Elegant bows.
Gentle smiles.
Hands offered with confidence.
Ballroom gradually fill with dancing pairs.
But there is one person standing alone.
Princess Lilia.
Whispers immediately start.
"Why haven’t she chosen?"
"Did she reject everyone?"
"Impossible..."
"I heard she rejected all invitations."
Even foreign nobles watch with interest.
Who could possibly get the first dance with her?
Lilia calmly examines the ballroom.
Then...
She starts walking.
All noble boys straighten posture.
"She’s coming!"
"No..."
"Towards me!"
"I think it’s me!"
Hope rises in the room.
Only to shatter in a few seconds.
Lilia passes through all of them.
She keeps moving across the ballroom.
Passes musicians.
Passes royal knights.
Till she stops before very confused white-haired maid.
Jennie looks behind herself.
"... Is someone standing there?"
Lilia sighs.
"No."
Jennie points towards herself.
"... Me?"
Lilia smiles.
Soft smile, which Jennie sees only.
She offers elegant hand.
Her voice is so gentle, that the whole silent ballroom can hear it.
"Lady Jennie Queens..."
"It would make me very happy..."
"... If you will grant me the first dance."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Somewhere in the ballroom...
Noble accidentally drops his wine glass.
Another quietly sits on the floor.
Lucas slowly covers his face.
"... Oh no."
Arthur looks towards the ceiling.
"... Half of the kingdom is about to have a heart attack."
Jennie stares at outstretched hand of princess.
Then at hundreds of noble boys, watching them.
"... Princess."
"Yes?"
"I don’t think it’s part of my job description."
Lilia smiles brightly.
"It is now."
