Chapter 29

It was a night party that I thought would be canceled, but it seemed that it would be held as scheduled.

Lane and Reine, who heard this from Clarence, were speechless.

"Why?"

Lane couldn't help but voice her doubt.

It might have been a disrespectful word to the Crown Prince.

However, many people had lost their lives in the neighboring country, and the hero Alec was heading to slay the dragon.

Despite this situation, the country was planning to hold the night party at the royal castle as scheduled.

She couldn't believe it.

"It's only natural that you two feel uncomfortable. I am sorry."

Clarence, who visited with his attendants, guards, and Rea as before, bit his lip and said so.

From his words and actions, it seemed that he was also reluctant about holding the event at this time.

"But the world has just breathed a sigh of relief after the defeat of the Demon King. The majority opinion was that it was necessary to show that the peace of this world is unshakable."

That must be the opinion of the nobility.

If peace is disrupted again, some might flee to more distant countries, or stock up on food and herbs.

In fact, many people had fled the capital until the Demon King was defeated, as large cities with many people were targeted by the Demon King.

The capital had just regained its former vitality as people who had fled were returning.

The country was just beginning to recover from the threat of the Demon King.

Therefore, to show that the peace of this country is unshakable, it was necessary to carry on as usual. The nobility of this country must have come to this conclusion.

"Sir Clarence, you are against it, aren't you?"

Reine, who had been clenching her hands tightly, said this, and he nodded quietly.

"Yes. I understand that we cannot disrupt the peace we have finally achieved. But many people have died in the neighboring country. Alec is fighting. And yet, a night party..."

His low, suppressed voice seemed to convey his emotions.

"I see."

Reine closed her eyes once and then looked straight at Clarence.

"Do you believe that my brother will surely slay the dragon?"

The neighboring country and the capital are relatively close.

If the dragon slaying fails, the damage will not be limited to the neighboring country.

By carrying on as usual, it means not only the nobility but also the king will not leave the capital.

"Of course. If it were truly dangerous, we would prioritize the evacuation of the people living in the capital instead of holding a night party."

"I understand the reason. If I, the sister of the hero Alec, participate, will the people feel more at ease?"

"Reine?"

Surprised by the unexpected words, Lane called out her name.

Reine had a determined look on her face.

"It's the peace that my brother and others risked their lives to protect. My brother wouldn't want the people of the town to be frightened and flee."

Some people might be anxious about Alec going to the neighboring country.

But if Reine, his only family, remains in the country and participates in the night party held at the royal castle, many would feel reassured.

The hero will surely return to this country.

And if the hero's sister does not flee from the capital, it must be safe here.

Reine knew this and announced her participation.

"...I'm sorry. I am grateful."

Clarence and Noah bowed their heads and said so.

"Lane, will you be with me?"

Of course, Lane nodded deeply in response to Reine's plea.

Thus, the night party was held as scheduled in Alec's absence.

Clarence, as promised, would escort Reine.

And Noah offered to take Alec's place as Lane's escort.

But Lane declined.

If Alec wasn't there, she would only participate as Reine's companion.

As a commoner, she wasn't supposed to attend such a night party. Even if she attended alone, it wouldn't be a big issue.

Besides, she didn't want to be escorted by another man in the dress he had given her.

Finally, the day of the night party arrived.

With Sally's help, she started getting ready early in the morning.

"Would it be strange if I wore the same dress as before?"

Before changing, she asked, and Reine tilted her head.

"We are commoners, so I think others understand that we don't have many dresses. But since we were given a new one, why?"

"It's just that..."

She herself thought she was being too particular.

Not only did she dislike the idea of being escorted by another man in this dress, but she also didn't want to attend a night party without Alec.

"Because it's a dress that Alec gave me, and I haven't shown it to him yet."

Looking at her as if seeking an answer, Lane felt a bit embarrassed but told her.

"Do you want to show it to your brother first?"

"...Yes. Sorry, it's a silly obsession."

"It's not silly at all. Your brother will be happy. So, will you attend in the dress from the other day?"

"If possible, I would like to."

Sally worked hard to change the lace and ribbons to different colors, trying to make it not exactly the same dress.

"Thank you. I'm sorry for the extra trouble."

She apologized, but Sally shook her head with a calm face.

"No, I'm sure Lord Alec will be pleased."

Hearing this again, she felt a bit embarrassed.

But she wanted him to see this dress.

While gently touching the beautiful dress, she recalled the warmth of his embrace before they left.

She felt apologetic to Mary, who had worked hard to prepare it in time for today.

But she wanted Alec to see her in this dress, not just for a fitting, but properly dressed and ready.