Chapter 80

"Hehe, I'm off today."

When he woke up, a beautiful girl was sitting beside his bed.

The sunlight streaming in through the window illuminated her, making her smile even more dazzling.

It was the best way to start the day.

"Good morning, you seem really happy."

"Yeah, I'm extra happy because I earned this vacation after working hard."

"So, you came to my room this early in the morning? Could it be that you're planning to take me somewhere?"

"Yep! But it wasn't my idea. I just met Prince Larser, and he said, 'I'm so excited, we're going to an amazing place today!'"

"Really, Larser?"

An amazing place... I hope it's not amazing in a weird way.

"Hmm? You don't seem very enthusiastic?"

"No, it's not that. I'm just still a bit sleepy. I was working late last night."

"Wow, you're amazing. You're already a master craftsman. Have you thought about changing jobs?"

"I'll think about it."

I don't want to keep Iris waiting, so I quickly got dressed and headed to Larser's place.

"A masquerade ball?"

"Yes, it's held every year at this time. I wasn't interested in it before, but since my brother and the others are here... As a member of the noble society, it seems I should attend at least once."

You mean the royal family, right?

Iris came to report her vacation from work this morning, looking very happy. Now, Larser is saying this with a happy face. There's no way I can refuse.

Should I attend as well, even though I lack the manners of the noble society? It's a good opportunity, after all.

"Hmm, if you two are going, I'll go too."

"Really!? That's great, Iris!"

"But I'm not a noble, is it okay?"

"Of course! I'll take care of it. Besides, the purpose is to interact without revealing our identities. Choose any dress or mask you like. This castle has plenty of them."

Indeed, there are plenty. He said he'll prepare something for me too, so I shouldn't have any trouble with the dress code.

Hey, what's with those dirty, sturdy clothes! This is a party! A party venue!

I won't have to hear such embarrassing comments.

Going to an unfamiliar place makes my imagination run wild.

"Let's go choose our masks now. We'll keep each other's masks a secret. It'll be fun to find them by chance at the venue."

"Wow, that sounds fun."

Indeed, it sounds very fun.

But it's just about finding the most beautiful woman and the most princely man, right? It should be easy.

You two will probably be looking for the most blacksmith-like person, and that's me.

"Once we're dressed, let's be picked up separately. There's still plenty of time, so let's put in some effort to dress up."

So, we decided to do what we wanted in the castle.

As usual, Spathiphyllum is taking care of me. I've been relying on her since the first day.

"Sorry to involve you in such entertainment."

"It's fine, it's my job."

Somehow, that makes me feel even more guilty.

She led me to a private dressing room.

There are various items lined up, from shoes to hats. I can choose whatever I like, but there are so many that I'm a bit overwhelmed.

"I'll go with a simple black tuxedo. Please find one that fits."

"Why not try something bold like red?"

...Wouldn't that make me look like a magician?

"...I'll go with it."

Since I'll be hiding my face, it might be good.

"What about the mask? A simple white one with only the eyes exposed should be fine."

"Why not something more distinctive?"

"...Like what?"

"Like that bear mask over there."

A bear! A bear mask at a masquerade ball!?

And it's a very mascot-like bear mask.

"...I'll go with it."

Well, I'm a layman, so Spathiphyllum probably knows better. A bear mask is more casual and better than something too fancy. Impressive!

"Should I get a hat too?"

"Yes, how about a silk hat?"

"Sure, let's go with that."

"Is that okay?"

Why? You were the one who suggested it.

"How about a tricorn hat? In a pirate style?"

Indeed, adding a wild touch to the quirky and cute look. It might also help hide my hair color.

"...I'll go with it."

It's no longer my outfit, but it's probably fine. If everyone else is dressed normally, I might stand out and want to bite my tongue.

Spathiphyllum continued to coordinate the details. The theme was to be smart and luxurious. Did she seem to be enjoying it a bit? Probably just my imagination.

"Since we still have time, let's head to the venue leisurely."

"Sure, thanks."

A carriage was arranged, and I headed to the venue, watching the city from inside.

I wonder if Iris and Larser have already gone?

I'm curious about what they're wearing.

I noticed that everyone was wearing masks when I looked outside.

It seems this kind of event is happening throughout the capital today. I see, fun things can't be hidden among the nobles alone.

A group of masked people passed through the noisy city and arrived at the old mansion that served as the venue.

There was a line of people near the entrance.

Most of them were in disguise. There were even bird-like people...

Good, I won't stand out.

I got out of the carriage and parted ways with Spathiphyllum. She said she would come to pick me up when it was over. I apologized, and she replied, "It's my job." ...I feel bad.

"May I have your name, please?"

After waiting in line for a while, it was my turn at the reception.

"Kururi Heran."

"Yes, you're a guest. Please wear this around your neck."

It looks like a necklace with a magic stone. What is it?

"What is this?"

"It's a magic stone that changes your voice. It only works today, but you can use it without any problems during the party, so please feel free to use it."

I see, it even changes your voice.

With the face, voice, and even height for women, it's possible that I won't meet Larser or Iris...

In that case, I might as well look forward to new encounters.

When I entered the venue, it was dimly lit, and a large number of people were packed inside.

Everyone was talking in low voices, but it was noisy. However, the noise was perfect for having a secret conversation and a wonderful encounter.

Well, I got a tomato juice at the entrance... Why tomato juice?

Anyway, I'll pull myself together and try to talk to someone.

"Ah... ah..."

I tried out the voice, but it was too deep. This voice is too deep!

I want to say something like "Tuna!!"

There are beautiful women everywhere, but the voice makes it harder.

But, I should just go with it, right?

"Excuse me, can I talk to you for a moment?"

A stylish man with a silver mask approached me. He looked cool, but his voice was high and funny.

"What is it?"

I replied in a very deep voice.

"Ah, sorry, your deep voice surprised me a bit."

"Of course, I feel very strange talking like this too."

"I'm also having trouble getting used to my high voice. Anyway, I have a question."

"Yes, go ahead."

"Have you seen a woman named Iris?"

...It's Prince Arc, this guy!! I noticed his beautiful blonde hair peeking out from under his hat!

He's at the masquerade ball...

What should I do? I don't know where Iris is, and I don't want to help him.

"...I talked to her a while ago."

"Really!?"

"Apparently, she wasn't feeling well and went home."

"What!? Darn, it might be too late..."

Prince Arc, who is definitely Prince Arc, sat on a nearby sofa and bowed his head deeply.

He seemed more depressed than I imagined.

I feel bad for him.

"...Sorry, the woman I talked to was named Ailin. I don't know anyone named Iris."

"Really? Great! There's still a chance. Thank you, deep-voiced man."

He hurried back to the party.

Bye, high-voiced man.

With that annoying man gone, I decided to enjoy myself.

I'll try to talk to a beautiful woman and look for Iris and Larser.

I looked around the venue, but everyone's face was hidden, so they all looked beautiful.

Honestly, I can't tell who is who.

I wandered around, drinking tomato juice.

Then, I felt a strong intuition. My beauty sensor was screaming.

This person is definitely beautiful.

A woman in a blue dress with a cute rabbit mask.

She must be beautiful.

That aura can only come from a very beautiful person. It might even be Iris.

"May I talk to you for a moment, cute rabbit?"

"Oh, you have a deep voice. I can talk for a little while, Mr. Bear."

Her voice was beautiful and clear, fitting her aura. Wait, shouldn't she be using a magic stone? ...That's unfair. My voice sounds like a beast. This is like Beauty and the Beast, literally.

"I saw a delicious-looking rabbit, so I couldn't help but talk to you."

I decided to play the role.

"Will a rabbit fill your stomach?"

Oh, she's playing along.

"Quality over quantity, so it's fine."

"Ha ha, then I'll keep you company for a little while."

We toasted with the carrot juice she was holding and drank it all at once.

Her movements were very elegant and sexy. She's not Iris. Iris doesn't move like that. She might be a real, sheltered noble lady.

"Isn't it a bit careless for a rabbit to wander around alone?"

"Oh, I may look weak, but I'm actually quite strong. And I can run fast."

"I see, I was worried for nothing."

"That's right. I'll knock you down with one hit if you're rude, Mr. Bear."

"...I'll be careful."

She seems to be a strong woman. If she has the strength to back it up, I need to be careful. I don't want to get hurt by getting too close.

"Do you often come to such parties?"

"No, it's just a whim... and a bit of hope. I don't come to such places much these days. I used to like them, though."

"Used to? Was there a turning point?"

"Women are always changing creatures."

I can sense a hint of sadness in her voice. Is she looking for someone... in this venue?

"By the way,