Dancing

After finishing my dance with Rachel, I made my way over to my friends from Class A, ready to catch up and exchange greetings.

"Arthur, you really know how to make an impression," Lucifer remarked with a smirk, his emerald eyes gleaming. His usual confidence radiated as he watched me, but there was an edge of curiosity in his gaze.

Beside Lucifer, Luke's expression was a little more strained. He tried to keep up the usual friendly demeanor, but I could see the hint of envy in his eyes as he glanced between Rachel and me. It was subtle, but it was there, and I couldn't blame him.

"Good for you, Arthur," Luke said, his voice tight with an attempted smile. "But don't let it go to your head."

I raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't dream of it, Luke," I replied, giving him a pat on the shoulder. He smiled back, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Seraphina gave me a warm smile, her crystalline blue eyes studying me with curiosity. "It was a lovely dance, Arthur," she said softly. "You seem to be getting more comfortable with these events."

"Well, I've had enough practice lately," I replied, glancing at Cecilia who was standing beside her, arms crossed. "Though I can't say I expected to be dragged into the spotlight like that."

Cecilia scoffed, though her lips curled into a smile. "Dragged? You seemed to enjoy it quite a bit."

I shrugged, giving her a wink. "I guess it wasn't too bad."

The group laughed, and I felt the tension from earlier slowly melting away. Being surrounded by my friends, joking and smiling, felt… normal. It felt good.

I turned to Elara, who was standing just a bit away, her gentle lavender eyes meeting mine. "Elara, I hope you've been enjoying the evening?"

She gave me a small, shy smile, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's been wonderful, Arthur. You and Rachel looked amazing together."

"Well, if you'd like, I could save a dance for you too," I offered, and Elara's eyes widened, her blush deepening.

"I—I'd love that," she stammered, her smile widening.

I returned her smile, my thoughts drifting for a moment as I looked at her. Despite the looming challenges ahead, despite the future that was painted with shadows and ruin, I couldn't deny something important—I liked it here.

Living in a world where mana intertwined with technology, with people I cared for deeply, my favorite characters from a story I loved. Yes, this was more than just bearable—this was something I cherished.

'I will save this world,' I thought, clenching my fist.

This world wouldn't fall, not on my watch. I wouldn't allow it. No matter how much the plot had to change, no matter how many twists and turns, I was determined to make it happen.

Because that was my ultimate goal.

"Arthur Nightingale," a voice cut through my thoughts, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. I turned around, my gaze meeting the source of the voice.

There stood Kathyln Creighton, Rachel's older sister, her eyes sharp and observant as they seemed to assess every inch of me.

"It's an honor to meet Your Highness," I said, bowing respectfully.

Kathyln nodded, her expression unchanging as she studied me with those piercing eyes, her silver hair flowing behind her like a veil. "So, you're the one who's been spending quite a lot of time with my sister."

Her words held an undertone I couldn't quite decipher. Whether it was suspicion, curiosity, or something else entirely, it was hard to tell.

"Rachel and I have gotten to know each other quite well, yes," I replied carefully, straightening my posture.

Kathyln's gaze didn't waver. "I see. My father seems to approve of you, which is rare, to say the least. But tell me, Arthur, what are your intentions toward my sister?"

The question was blunt, and I could feel a few other sets of eyes turning our way. The others from Class A were still nearby, and some of them were clearly interested in this conversation.

"Your Highness," I began, choosing my words with care, "Rachel is someone I deeply respect. I want to support her in any way I can, and I want to see her happy. That's my only intention."

Kathyln studied me for a moment longer before her expression softened slightly. "I hope you mean that. My sister deserves someone who genuinely cares about her—someone who will protect her, not use her for their gain."

I nodded. "I understand, and I promise, I'll be that person for her."

Kathyln's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. "I suppose we'll see. For now, enjoy the banquet. But remember, I'm watching you, Arthur Nightingale."

She turned and walked away, leaving me with a strange mix of relief and tension. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"Well, that was... intense," Ian said, coming up beside me with a chuckle. "Kathyln's protective, huh?"

"You could say that," I replied, shaking my head. "But I get it. I'd be just as protective if I were in her shoes."

Ian grinned. "Just don't let it get to you. You seem to be making all sorts of impressions lately, Arthur."

"Yeah, no kidding," I muttered, my gaze drifting back to the dance floor where Rachel was talking to some other nobles. The thought of her smile filled me with warmth.

Maybe, just maybe, this life wasn't so bad after all.

Seraphina approached me just as my conversation with Kathyln ended. Her silver hair shimmered under the lights, her crystalline blue eyes meeting mine with a hint of nervousness that was rare for her. 

"Arthur, would you..." she hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath, "would you like to dance?"

A smile spread across my face, and I nodded. "Of course, Seraphina."

We made our way to the dance floor, and as I took her hand, I remembered our first dance at the freshman ball. Back then, our connection had felt new and uncertain. Now, we moved with a certain ease, a silent understanding that had grown between us.

"You're getting better at this," I said, twirling her gracefully. 

She gave me a playful smile, her eyes sparkling. "Well, I had to catch up to you, didn't I?" 

The music swelled around us, and for a moment, it felt like it was just the two of us, the rest of the room fading away. Seraphina leaned in, her voice almost a whisper, "You know... I'm really glad we're friends, Arthur. I trust you more than anyone."

A warmth spread through my chest at her words. "I feel the same, Seraphina. You were the first person I trusted here, and you've been by my side since."

As the dance ended, I bowed to her, and she curtsied back, a smile lighting up her face. We separated, and I could see a slight blush on her cheeks as she walked away.

But there was no time to dwell on that, as my gaze soon found Elara Astoria, standing near the edge of the dance floor, looking a little lost among the crowds. I walked over to her, offering my hand. "Would you like to dance, Elara?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she hesitated for a moment before nodding, a shy smile gracing her lips. "I... I'd love to."

Dancing with Elara was a different experience altogether. She was delicate, her movements hesitant at first, but as I led her across the floor, she began to relax, her smile growing more confident. 

"Thank you for asking me," she said softly, her lavender eyes meeting mine. 

"It's my pleasure," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "You deserve to be in the spotlight, Elara."

As our dance came to an end, I noticed Cecilia standing by, her crimson eyes watching us with a mix of curiosity and something else—something a bit sharper. I approached her, extending my hand with a slight bow. 

"Cecilia, may I have this dance?" 

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "I thought you'd never ask, Arthur."

She took my hand, and I led her to the center of the dance floor. Cecilia moved with confidence, her shorter blonde hair catching the light as we danced. There was a playfulness in her eyes as she looked at me, her gaze unyielding.

"You know, you've been quite the popular one tonight," she teased, her voice just low enough that only I could hear.

I chuckled. "What can I say? It's hard to refuse a beautiful princess."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Just don't forget who danced with you first at my birthday."

"I wouldn't dream of it," I replied, twirling her.

The music swirled around us, and for a moment, there was just the two of us, lost in the rhythm.