A peaceful night air blows over the royal castle, as the nobles of the most influential houses drive their carriages through the castle gate. There were already many carriages parked at the castle parking lot. The hall in which the banquet is to take place is already filled with nobles who had arrived first in the afternoon; incidentally, the king and Queen are already greeting some of the nobles who had arrived before.
The words of the princess's arrival had left the nobles all exhilarated, now having a chance to meet with the three princesses up close. The dining tables were already filled with the best dishes the royal castle chef had to offer to the guests, and many maids and butlers were offering cocktails with only the best alcohol within the castle.
Even though the banquet had just started, lively conversations were happening all over between the nobles who hardly ever had any time to exchange information; the hottest topic was the affairs of the Alberta Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Scarlett, Hinata and Racheal were still getting ready for the banquet. The three of them were dressed in different beautiful outfits that would easily charm anyone who witnessed them. With the help of the maids, they were able to get ready much faster.
***
Meanwhile, I was already dressed in my clothes which I'm to wear for the banquet. When I looked in the mirror, I saw that my outfit was fixed rather neatly my hair was also styled in a different way than usual. Normally, I would always keep my hair downwards, but now I have decided to comb it to the side instead of the front. I've never worn anything as fancy as this before in my previous world.
Even when looking at myself right now, it's hard to recognise myself. My suit was a black tuxedo, which I am wearing with a white undershirt. And a black shoe.
(I really do look like a different person, huh)
I thought a little amused.
About that time, there was a small knock on my door. I then moved towards the door and slowly opened it. Scarlett's figure then came into view as she wore a bright smile on her face.
"Haruto, are you finished?"
Scarlett asks while tilting her head.
"Yes, I was on my way now."
I said while maintaining a small smile on my face. However, I widened my eyes at the appearance of Scarlett, who was wearing a long, pale blue dress that covered her feet; her dress was designed with blue rose flowers on her waist. Her red hair was tied with a ribbon and hung on her right side.
"Hmm... Haruto, it's really embarrassing when you're staring at me, you know?"
She said bashfully with blush cheeks.
"Haha... excuse my rudeness. You just look so beautiful, my eyes couldn't help but stare."
I said somewhat nervously.
"Oh, why, thank you. You look really good yourself."
Scarlett said while glancing at my appearance.
"Thank you for your kind words."
The sound of footsteps could be heard coming from behind Scarlett. When I shifted my gazed Hinata came into view. Wearing a beautiful black dress that reaches her knees, her dress was extremely tight to her body, showing off her curves. Her dress was plain; the only design that stood out was her chest area, which had an open design that slightly exposed her ample chest.
"You look really good, too, Princess Hinata."
I said awkwardly.
"Oh, thank you. You also look very handsome in your outfit."
"You flatter me."
I said while putting on a strained smile on my face.
"It's not flattery, you know? Would you like to ask me for a dance?"
Hinata said with a playful smile on her face.
While holding both my hands, she looked at me with eyes filled with slight anticipation.
Uh, would it really be okay for a commoner like me to dance with the first Princess? It will definitely attract attention from the higher class; however, it was an invitation from the princess herself, one cannot simply refuse a Princess without a good reason, doing so will definitely be backlash.
"If I have a chance, then I will be most honoured to be your highness dance partner."
I said as I bowed with respect. Choosing an option that would seem most appropriate.
"Great, I will be looking forward to it."
Hinata said as she let go of my hands. Scarlett watches our exchanges with a sulking face as she puffs up her cheeks into a cute pout.
(Hahaha... why does Scarlett look so annoyed? I didn't do anything wrong, did I?)
I wondered as I put on a hard-to-read smile.
"Anyway, I need to go for the time being; father and mother are waiting."
Hinata said as she slowly started to walk away.
"Wait, I'll come too. Later, Haruto."
Scarlett then went after Hinata, leaving at the other end of the hallway. With that being said, I then made my way towards the banquet. The sound of fancy music playing resounded in the area. When I arrived at the banquet, the nobles were having quite a lot of lively conversation with pleasant looks on their faces.
I swiftly made my way towards the extravagant-looking tables filled with all kinds of mouthwatering meals. The food varied from deep fry to stew, stir fry, and baked. Just looking at it made me hungrier by the moment. However-
"Umm... excuse me, by any chance are you Sir Haruto?"
"Hm... Oh y-yes that's me."
I said, a little startled by her suddenly talking to me from behind.
When I turned my head, I saw a girl wearing a beautiful, deep blue dress that reached her feet. I was captivated by her blue ocean eyes that sparkled with the moisture in her pupils; her wavy blue hair fell down her back. Her skin was extremely white, resembling the colour of snow. There were traces of childness still on her face; however, it was clear by the air around her that she was also very mature.
"Umm... please allow me to properly introduce myself, I'm Haruto Sato."
I said as I bowed my head respectfully.
"Hehe... there's no need to look so nervous, you know? Allow me to introduce myself as well."
She said with a small giggle.
"I'm Isabella Nomani, pleased to meet you."
She said as she held the hem of her dress and bowed her head gracefully.
"I'm happy to meet you."
I said with a small smile on my face.
"You know I always wanted to meet the brave, dashing hero who saved my best friend, Lady Scarlett, when she was about to be mugged in the alleyway alone. So, I'm happy for this chance."
She said, with a playful smile, which was then tucked on her lips.
(Huh? Brave dashing hero?)
I tilted my head at her words when I was given such an embarrassing title. No, I should be asking why I was given such an embarrassing title. My face twitches uncomfortably at her words.
"No, please don't call me brave, dashing hero, it's way too embarrassing, you know?"
I squeak somewhat awkwardly.
"What are you talking about? From my perspective, it's the name most fitting for your great achievement of saving her highness."
She said with a grin as though she was enjoying this moment. However, my face grimaced in embarrassment. This must be what getting humiliated in public feels like. I really hope people don't start calling me a brave, dashing hero.
(Just thinking about it makes me want to dig a hole and hide myself)
I thought with a red face.
At that moment, a rather handsome young man who seemed to be the same age as me or a bit older came toward us. He had short, neatly refined brown hair and green eyes. There was a pompous air around him. There were three beautiful women by his side. The man bowed his head to Isabella respectfully the women by his side also followed his lead and lowered their heads. He then glares at me before introducing himself.
"I'm Hindu Laurier, I'm pleased to be able to meet Lady Isabella, the daughter of the duke's household within the Watanabe kingdom, for the sake of our two nations. I hope we can form a satisfactory relationship."
He said while staring at Isabella's appearance. For a moment, Isabella's expression turned a bit harsh as she stared at him, but soon, she smiled insincerely while giving her own greetings.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you too, Sir Hindu, the next head of the duke family of the noble house of Albanian."
Isabella said with a hard-to-read smile on her face.
(Is it just my imagination, or is there a bit of tension between them?)
I thought that while the two of them seem to be greeting each other friendly, if one looks closely, they seem to be sizing each other up. Hindus seem to be gazing at her rather closely, especially her chest area, while Isabella seems to be smiling but there was a bit of coldness in her smile.
"Anyway, I hope you would join me for one dance tonight, what do you say?"
He asked as he held out his right hand. The thought of ever being rejected seemed to have entered his mind. Not to mention, he was the next head of the duke family; many would want his hand in marriage for this fact. After all, being from a high-ranking family means you get to live a fulfilling life; every noble girl would immediately reach for his hand. With a confident smile still pestered on his face, he waited for her to respond.
Isabella, for a moment, became silent as though she was deciding what to say, but then she smiled coldly.
"I'll pass, after all, Haruto here has already promised me a dance for one song."
She said with a smile on her face.