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Side Story Part 5

「Even if you worry about it, whatever happens, happens. All we can do is watch over each other’s masters. 」

「I know. 」

Irvine nodded sullenly.

All they could do now was to wait and see how things are going to play out.

* * *

Marine walked into a large hall where music resounded, arm in arm with Ulrika.

A group of young men and women was wearing masks just like the ones they had. Music was playing and some of them were dancing. Some were sitting on sofas and talking quite intimately.

「Alright, see you later! 」

When Ulrika found a table with sweets on it, she freed herself from Marine’s arm and immediately ran over there.

Marine let out a wry smile, but she had no intention of stopping her. If it’s her, she’ll get used to a place like this in no time.

Then she looked around the participants and quickly found the person she was looking for. She could recognize him because of his beautiful golden curly hair.

Surrounded by several girls, Alexis was performing a song with a stringed instrument in one of his hands.

Even with the masks on, Marine could tell that the girls were fascinated by his music with the enraptured expressions they had on their faces.

Marine moved to a corner of the hall and sat down on a chair.

Soon she was approached by a waiter, who asked for her order with just a gesture.

「Juice, not alcohol. And put some snacks on small plates as well. 」

When Marine said that, the waiter silently and respectfully bowed to her and left. Before long, the order was brought in, and Marine nibbled on her food while sipping her drink.

The juice was made from freshly squeezed fruit, and although the food was cold, it was all delicious.

There is a Cook Guild in Elam, and it seems that they are researching cuisines from all over the continent, and new dishes are being created by them with every passing day.

Elam itself is located far from the sea, but ingredients that could only be obtained from the sea were also included in the dishes on Marine’s plates.

When she looked at Ulrika, she was already chatting with the crowd. Marine doesn’t like being noisy herself, so she decided to keep quiet right where she was sitting. Her purpose in coming here was to observe Alexis anyway.

And from what Marine could observe right now, it was as if Alexis was the guest of honor at this night party. Participants were calling out to him one after another and were asking him for something, and Alexis smiled and complied with their wishes.

He has a beautiful voice and can play any instrument. And when it came to dancing, it looked like he was a master at that as well. He always danced gracefully and in sync with his partner.

A number of girls seemed to be whispering to Alexis and trying to lure him into going to bed with them. However, Alexis didn’t accept any of such invitations. It was as if he had decided that this hall alone would be the stage where he’s going to be performing.

(I’m not aiming for a one night stand.)

Marine muttered in her mind.
Occasionally she sees the man and woman who have chosen her partner for the night as they walk up the stairs while sticking extremely close together. There are several guest rooms on the second floor, and beds are said to be placed there precisely for such occasions.

「I believe it’s the first time I’ve seen your face around here. 」

Then a man came up to Marine and, without her permission, sat down in the chair next to her.

「Is that so? 」

As the other person brought his face closer, Marine slightly pulled her body away as she answered. The man seemed quite drunk and smelled strongly of alcohol.

「You have beautiful hair. And your waist is so tight and narrow that I just can’t help wanting to hug it. 」

Saying that, he reached out with his hand to touch Marine’s hair.

「Please don’t touch me. 」

Marine said coldly and she brushed the man’s hand away.

「You seem to be a strong-willed person. But don’t you know that refusing an invitation is considered to be a sign of rudeness in here? 」

「What you were trying to do just now… that was supposed to be an invitation? I thought you were just being rude on purpose. 」

「You should throw away superficial modesty while being here. You’re too precious a flower to just be left alone to wilt in obscurity. Tonight, I want to make you bloom in my hands. 」

The man said so and tried to wrap his hand around Marine’s waist once more.
「Please don’t make me say the same thing twice. 」

Marine hit the back of the man’s hand back again, but harder this time.

「W-What do you think you’re doing?! 」

Holding his reddened hand, the man stood up abruptly in a fit of rage.

「I was just teaching you how to behave. Nothing more, nothing less. 」

Marine replied while laughing.

「You should be the one to know how to behave! I’ll be sure to thoroughly teach you about it in bed! 」

The man tried to forcefully grab Marine’s arm.

「Fine! Bring it on! 」

Marine said while she poked the man’s belly with her fist. The man gasped and fell to the floor.

「H-How dare you! 」

The man lets out an angry voice and tries to grab Marine again…

「Stop. 」

But someone intervened with a gentle warning before the things between them could go too far. His golden curly hair were swaying in front of Marine’s eyes.

(Alexis… )
He must have realized that the two of them were arguing here. A few others people may have been keeping an eye on them as well.

「It looks like the young lady over here doesn’t like your advances towards her. This is a place for everyone to enjoy themselves equally, so you shouldn’t be trying to force yourself on her if she’s not willing to reciprocate. Come on now, let’s drink over there so you can soothe your nerves and find a suitable partner for you. 」

Alexis smiled, but the man’s anger didn’t subside. On the contrary, it seemed to have been ignited even more.

「Don’t get in the way of my fun! 」

The man then hit Alexis without saying anything. Alexis didn’t even try to dodge, and just took his attack head on. His mask got blown off his face, and Alexis himself fell onto the floor.

「Lord Alexis! 」

Someone let out a voice that sounded like a scream.

Marine swiftly stood from her seat and rushed to the man, kicking him right between his legs. The man fainted on the spot and fell onto the ground himself.

A number of waiters in black then gathered around them and took the man by the arms and took him somewhere else.

Marine picked up her mask and she went to Alexis lying on the floor and she put his own mask back on for him.

He was unconscious, but he’s not breathing badly and didn’t look to be too badly injured. Marine picked up Alexis lightly, and she told one of the nearby staff members to escort her upstairs to the parlor room.

The waiter silently bowed and she lead Marine, who was still holding Alexis, upstairs. While people were watching her intently, Marine made sure to climb the stairs as proudly as possible.
The room she arrived at was spacious and lined with luxurious furnishings. A bed with a large canopy was placed in the middle of it. Laying Alexis down on the sofa, Marine opened the door leading to the balcony and walked outside.

As she stood on the balcony, a cool breeze blew past her from the lake. Below her was a garden, where several couples of men and women were talking about their love for each other. There was also a group of people skinny dipping in the lake.

(These people will inherit the titles of their parents in the future and govern their territories.)

Marine sighed.

It’s not that she herself didn’t like to play, but she thinks that there should be a time and place for everything in life, and that it should be engaged in moderation.

When she returned to the room, Alexis was moving around as if he was in pain. She took his mask off, and she took off her own mask as well.

「How are you feeling? 」

Alexis opened his eyes slightly, so Marine called out to him

「Am I dreaming? 」

Alexis stared at Marine and muttered such words.