Chapter 16: How to win the (future) Emperor

(No, it's not the first time. This is the second time.....)

The last scene before Rishe's eyes in her last life revived in her mind.

Today is the second time she'd been too close to Arnold.

And the first was when his sword pierced her heart.

Even as the dance began, Rishe was shifting her feet in a stupor, ruminating on her memories.

In that castle, many knights were slaughtered by then Emperor Arnold Heine. Rishe was also standing amidst that pool of blood, clutching the hilt of the sword that was slick with her own blood, and with shoulders heaving with her breathing.

Protecting the rear of the room from which the royal family escaped.

If the young princes make it safely through the hidden passage, they will be sheltered by their allies.

It was such a battlefield, where protecting the royal family was a victory, and they were willing to sacrifice their knights' lives.

Rishe only slammed her sword once against Arnold's cheeks when she heard the bell that signaled, "The princes have escaped."

It was the only thing that could have hurt Emperor Arnold.

In the next moment, a jet-black sword was thrust between Rishe's chest.

She could still remember the heat at the time, as if a burning stake had been driven into her heart.

It didn't hurt, it was just hard to breathe. Drawing his sword, 'Emperor Arnold Heine' knelt down beside the fallen Rishe and whispered something in her ear.

For some reason, she can vividly picture that scene on that day.

".............."

Unknowingly, Rishe gripped Arnold's hand tightly.

(Shall I play a prank on you?)

As it is, Rishe retreated backwards, escaping from the hand attached to her waist. Rishe was out of Arnold's lead, and yet the harmony of their dance was never disturbed as she spun gracefully in place once.

Obviously, her surprise attack was successful.

Noticing his slightly rounded eyes, she was sure of it.

(Come now, what are you going to do if I try to take the lead in the dance?)

She stared up at Arnold defiantly, declaring war with a huge grin.

It would be a delightful sight to see if she could let him dance in accordance to her lead.

Rishe drew his hand tightly towards her and attempted to let him turn with the flow of the music.

But was instead conquered by Arnold.

"!"

A hand clasped Rishes's waist and deflected the flow in another direction.

In the meantime, the axis of rotation was changed and the planned movement was repainted.

(Ah!)

Rishe ended up twirling around alone on the spot

Of course, that didn't mean he's going to expose her for her atrocious behavior. The hem of her dress swelled softly as she completed a beautiful turn, and cheers erupted all around her.

(Ugh............)

Rishe, who had done a graceful turn, was not happy about it.

(I see, so that's how you'd parry... Then how about this one?)

Rishe stepped forward and tried to step on his toes in another challenge, but Arnold remained unperturbed. After avoiding it as a matter of course, he smirked down at her invitingly with what could be read from his eyes as, [What are you going to do now?]

(You look like you're saying, no matter what I do, it would be useless.)

It's annoying to see him unflappable, but it's true that he's a few shots better.

Rishe let out one breath and tried to use a turn to entice him. But, Arnold was not swayed by it and backed off without hesitation.

(His balance is well-proportioned....!)

Her tongue rolled inwardly.

(We're dancing closely, but I don't feel like I'm stepping on anything at all. All my efforts are sidestepped. Wait for him to let his guard down, and charge all at once!)

It was infuriating. While earnestly fumbling for an opening in one way or another, Rishe was led to steps and spins. Arnold, who was [keeping Rishe company on the play], gave no impression of defeat.

(Just like that time. I was being serious, but Arnold Hein remained impassive.)

Well, in this case, she'd like to hit back somehow.

Everyone watching them was knocked sideways as their dance clearly goes beyond socializing convention.

Rishe was totally oblivious to it as she was intent on finding an opportunity against Arnold, then a thought struck her.

(-Ah? Come to think of it, since earlier...)

Nod, she gulped with a grunt.

(No, it's not since earlier, but the whole time.)

The scene back on her sixth life flashed before her again.

Rishe was only able to inflict a sword wound on Arnold once.

Then and now, Arnold had one weakness that could be called a weakness.

(If I poke him there, I might win...)

The thought had just taken shape when Arnold, who had been redirecting Rishe's moves so far, suddenly hugged her around the waist.

And then, he dipped her upper body down, concealing a coercive scoop underfoot.

"Ah...~"

She's going to fall on her back.

With that thought, Rishe reflexively reached out her hands and clung to the man in front of her. She was relieved that she'd been held tightly by his big hands, but then a chuckle rang in her ear.

At the same time, the music that's being played came to a stop after a jangling sound.

(....It's over..?)

Blink, blink.

After a moment of silence came a resounding round of applause.

"Oh, no, that's wonderful!"

The nobles who had been watching around fluttered around them.

"His Highness, the Crown Prince and his fiancée, the vibe of your dance is spot on!"

"It was like watching a sword dance in the arena, it made my hands sweat."

"Is this a dance of the Ermiti Nation?This is the first time I've ever seen it...."

"Huh?! No, that was, uh...."

Unsure of how to explain it, Rishe consulted Arnold. However, he seemed to be enjoying Rishe's fluster and left her to fend for herself without extending any hand at all.