Chapter 75 : First Dance

Ramenman suddenly nudged Kaizo and pointed at Axion.

"If you keep waiting, she might get taken away," Ramenman whispered.

Ramenman pats Kaizo's shoulder a few times before leaving him. Kaizo watches as Ramenman asks Rum for the first dance. Although she's slightly hesitant, Rum eventually dances with him. Ramenman looks at Kaizo and winks before he walks to the dance floor.

Kaizo looked at Axion. He faced so many enemies, and yet, never once did his heart beats like this. This feeling is so unknown to him that he grows flustered.

Axion glanced at Kaizo and noticed his unusual expression.

"My lady," said Albi as he bows, distracting Axion from Kaizo.

"Oh, Captain. Good to see you," said Axion.

Axion can hear murmurs as she converses with Albi. Kaizo's expression turned grim.

"I see you've been recovering well," said Albi.

"Yes," said Axion. "Fortunately, I am well enough to attend this ceremony."

"If so, then..." said Albi as he bowed and offered his hand. "...may I have the honor?"

Before Axion can answer his dance invitation, Kaizo suddenly comes and holds her hand.

"I apologize, Captain. But she is my partner for tonight's banquet," said Kaizo. "And as her partner, it is just right that I will be her first dance."

Axion was surprised. But she stays calm as she tries to hold her chuckle.

The whole room looked at Kaizo and Axion. Whispers begin to grow louder. She can hear some girls gasp at the sight. Axion can already imagine the highlight of tomorrow's rumors. Captain Albi vs Kaizo, chasing the love of the same woman.

Spicy Gluten gritted her teeth as she watched.

"Is that so?" Albi asked as he looked at her in the eyes.

Both Kaizo and Albi looked at Axion expectantly and it almost made her laugh.

"Yes, it is," said Axion, slightly awkward but still sound convincing. She wraps her arm around Kaizo's arm. "I, apologize, Captain."

"Oh, please. No need to apologize," said Albi.

"Well then, if you'll excuse us, Captain. The dance is about to begin," said Kaizo. He bowed and pulled Axion to the dance floor.

Axion gracefully put her hand on Kaizo's hand. He put his hand on her waist. Dancers ready on the floor and waltz begins to play. Axion followed his movement. Their gaze locked at each other's eyes.

"How curious. You actually ask someone to dance. I thought you won't be dancing tonight," said Axion.

Kaizo blushed. "Let's just say I'm trying to keep a particular troubled member from prying eyes," he excused.

"That's very considerate of you," said Axion. "Perhaps, it is because I'm still unwell. But, I don't recall being asked to be your partner tonight nor have I agreed to become one."

"Then your memory must be very short-lived," said Kaizo.

"Oh? When exactly did you ever ask me to be your partner?"

"Just now," said Kaizo. "And you did agree to be my partner."

Axion chuckled. Seeing her laugh, Kaizo can't help but smile.

"A rather bold statement don't you think? What you said to Albi. I could've said that I'm not your partner tonight," said Axion.

"And yet you decide to play along," said Kaizo.

"Well, I can't let my Captain get in trouble now can I? It will be bad for my profile if people think I worked with an unreliable Captain."

Axion does a spin. She put her hand back on Kaizo's arm with confidence.

"How's your hand?" Kaizo asked.

"Getting better," Axion replied.

"It seems that it's not fully healed yet."

Axion smiled. "You noticed."

Kaizo gently holds Axion's hand. "Your grip is rather weak. How are you supposed to hold a sword if your hand is this weak?"

"I don't necessarily need a sword to fight," said Axion. "A few words of my spells can curse a man for a lifetime."

Kaizo raises an eyebrow. "Really?"

He suddenly lifts Axion in the air and spins. People gasp at the scene. Slightly surprised, Axion keeps her composure and continues to follow Kaizo's dance.

Axion chuckled. "You're such a tease."

Kaizo smiled. He pulled Axion closer. Kaizo's movement goes faster, pulling Axion to dance throughout the dance floor. Their dancing area grows wider, pushing people around them aside to give way. Their dancing becomes more passionate, mesmerizing those who watch.

Kaizo caught a glimpse of Albi at the corner of his eyes. He's still staring at Axion. Ramenman's words suddenly lingered in his head.

"Do I really love her?" Kaizo asked himself. "I don't even know if my feeling is real. Do I really want her?"

The memories of Captain Albi filled his mind. The words Albi said during their fight at the gladiator event. He remembered the last words Albi said before he left Planet Circus. "Let's have a fair fight, my love rival."

Kaizo chuckled. "Love rival, huh?" he mumbled.

"Huh? Did you say something?" Axion asked.

"Uh- Nothing," Kaizo replied, slightly flustered.

Soon, the waltz comes to an end. Kaizo and Axion bowed at each other as people clapped, cheering at their magnificent show.

"It was a delightful dance. Thank you," said Axion as she bowed.

"Likewise," Kaizo bowed back.

Before Axion could walk away, Kaizo pulls her hand and escorts her out of the dance floor.

"If you're asking for another dance, I'm afraid I can't keep you company," said Axion.

"No, don't worry about it. I'm your partner. I'm just escorting you," said Kaizo.

Kaizo looked at Albi as he accompanied Axion to the drinks booth.

Albi smirk. Kaizo's intention is clear. To keep Axion away from him.

"Let's go," said Axion as she hands over a glass of wine.

"Where are we going?" Kaizo asked.

"Outside. I need a break from the crowd," said Axion.

Kaizo nods.