Chapter 103: Each Person's Choice
The sight of the two women staring at each other was more than just strange; it was uncomfortable.
Is this what it feels like to sit on pins and needles?
‘I’m not sure what they’re fighting about, but…’
Deciding he needed to mediate, Daniel opened his mouth with a smile.
“Whether it’s silverware or goldware, aren’t they both the same in that they’re used for dining? Which one is used ultimately comes down to personal preference, so I see no need to argue.”
Both women’s gazes turned to Daniel.
They were far from friendly, and Daniel broke into a cold sweat without realizing it.
“Personal preference, you say?”
It was Selvia who spoke first in the silence.
“Then, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel, which would you choose? The goldware or the silverware?”
The question’s intent was so obvious it sent a chill down his spine.
Just as he was beginning to regret getting involved, the Imperial orchestra’s music changed.
The leisurely tune from moments before gave way to a slightly faster tempo.
Judging by the brighter mood of the piece, it was the music signaling the start of the ball—the highlight of the banquet.
Seeing an opportunity to change the subject, Daniel quickly steered the conversation.
“My, look at the time. If possible, might I have the honor of seeing Her Highness the Princess dance?”
Selvia was displeased with Daniel for slyly evading her question, but she decided to let it go, just this once, and nodded.
“There’s no reason I can’t, if you’ll be my partner. Will you dance with me?”
“If Your Highness wishes, it would be my pleasure.”
As Daniel rose from his seat, Selvia did as well.
After shooting a glare at Lucy from the corner of her eye, Selvia led Daniel toward the center of the hall.
Near the Christmas tree, men and women were already paired up, enjoying the ball.
“Daniel.”
Selvia’s lips parted as they walked, watching the other couples.
She was about to tell him that his adjutant was suspicious, but she quickly shook her head.
She decided there was nothing to be gained from spreading unsubstantiated claims.
So, she chose to ask a different question instead.
“Have you considered joining the Imperial Guard?”
Uncharacteristically, her voice trembled.
Daniel, taking her hand to begin the waltz, replied.
“I received the same offer from Lieutenant Colonel Hartmann before. I’m afraid I can only give you the same answer I gave him then.”
Hearing his response, Selvia gently bit her lower lip.
Though she respected Daniel’s opinion, she couldn’t hide her disappointment.
Finding this odd, Daniel spoke again.
“...Your Highness. Is something the matter?”
Of course, something was the matter.
Selvia was currently in the process of absorbing all power as the next emperor of the Empire.
Power, by its nature, involved securing pledges of loyalty from those at the head of their respective factions.
In that process, Selvia felt a sense of emptiness.
She had a vague sense that the nobles who formed the nation’s backbone did not truly follow her from the heart.
Her power was becoming more and more concentrated, but she could hardly tell if it was her own strength or not.
She couldn’t even discern the true intentions of those who now claimed to be her allies.
That was why Selvia wanted someone she could trust by her side.
Someone who had saved her life twice and had not hesitated to fight the prince.
But…
To pour out this anxiety would be no different from a child throwing a tantrum.
It was a disgrace that a future emperor should never show.
An emperor was a being who must rule and lead all people.
Believing she could not show any weakness, Selvia forced a bitter smile.
“It’s nothing.”
Soon after, the orchestra’s music swelled, and their feet began to move.
Selvia’s steps were practiced, as if she were tired of it all by now.
Compared to her, Daniel’s movements were somewhat clumsy, but he didn’t look too bad on the surface.
“You dance quite well.”
“Didn’t Your Highness say so yourself, long ago? That one must at least know this much to avoid being looked down upon.”
Recalling the past, Selvia nodded.
The memory of their private ball, with only the moonlight for illumination, was something she could never forget, even if she wanted to.
“A student who remembers his lessons so well deserves a reward. Tell me, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner. Is there anything you desire?”
There was one thing he wanted.
“Since you speak of a reward, I shall make a bold request. Your Highness, if possible, could you issue an order that would allow me to serve on the battlefield?”
Selvia’s feet, which had been moving in a dazzling display, came to a halt.
As a result, Daniel nearly tripped over his own feet but managed to regain his balance.
“...Your Highness?”
Confusion swirled in Selvia’s blue eyes.
Catching her breath, which had quickened from the dance, Selvia looked up at Daniel.
“I don’t understand why. You want to go to the front? Weren’t you satisfied after what you went through in the Bellanos Sea?”
It wasn’t that he didn’t understand her words.
The problem was that if things went wrong, what happened in the Bellanos Sea could very well happen again in the Imperial Capital.
But he couldn’t exactly say, ‘Your father is tormenting me,’ to the princess’s face, so Daniel offered an excuse with an awkward smile.
“Your Highness. You have ascended to the position of heir, but public opinion is not entirely favorable. There are even absurd rumors circulating in some circles that Daniel Steiner is the one pulling the strings of the Imperial Family.”
“And what does that rabble’s nonsense matter?”
“It is nonsense, you’re right. But when one dog barks, the other dogs tend to bark along with it. And when the dogs start barking, their master will eventually look into the cause.”
Daniel gently took Selvia’s hand in his.
“Therefore, I believe it is best for you and I to maintain a distance that is neither too close nor too far. By sending me to the battlefield, please show everyone that ‘Daniel Steiner is nothing more than a common soldier.’”
His proposal was to quell the nobles’ suspicions by sending Daniel, who had just returned from the brink of death in Bellanos, back to the front lines.
It was a truly logical suggestion, but Selvia couldn’t help but be consumed by guilt.
“...Are you telling me to send you to your death with my own hands?”
In Selvia’s eyes, it seemed Daniel was displaying a terrible spirit of self-sacrifice for her sake.
In reality, he was just struggling to survive, but seeing no need to reveal his true intentions, Daniel spoke in a tone of resignation.
“This is the only way for both of us to survive, Your Highness.”
This, at least, was sincere.
Meeting Daniel’s gaze, Selvia spoke after a brief silence.
“Then promise me just one thing.”
“What is that?”
“That you will absolutely not die. And that you will come to see me on the day of my coronation.”
Daniel, who had not the slightest intention of dying, smiled and nodded.
“I will keep that in mind, Your Highness.”
*
Lucy watched the private conversation between Selvia and Daniel from a distance.
She didn’t know what they were talking about, but she could tell it was something quite serious.
After all, Selvia had abruptly stopped dancing to speak earnestly with Daniel.
Just as she was wondering what on earth they could be discussing, a familiar voice came from behind her.
“Lucy Emilia.”
Lucy knew who it was without turning around.
Theobald Vernoux.
He was the Palentia branch chief of the Allied Nations’ intelligence division.
“These are your orders to return. Pack your things and report back in the near future.”
Lucy’s shoulders flinched.
Choosing her words carefully, she took a deep breath and replied.
“I refuse.”
They were words a spy should never utter, but Theobald neither scolded nor grew angry.
He simply stared at her back for a moment before frowning.
“Is it because of Daniel Steiner? Has that man bewitched you?”
“...No, sir.”
“Then what is the reason? If you were in your right mind, you would never choose to betray the Allied Nations.”
Theobald’s audacity made Lucy grit her teeth.
“The Lucy Project.”
“...”
“You wouldn’t pretend you don’t know what that is. Until everything becomes clear, I will not be pledging my loyalty to the Allied Nations.”
There was no reply.
Seemingly flustered, Theobald paused for a moment before speaking.
“You will surely regret this choice.”
With those words, Theobald slowly backed away.
Only then did Lucy relax, looking forward and blinking blankly.
Daniel, having finished his dance, was walking toward her alone.
Finding this strange, Lucy spoke up.
“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel? Where is Her Highness the Princess?”
“Ah. Her Highness has many people to meet after the banquet, so I couldn’t keep her. But…”
Daniel asked, looking puzzled.
“Weren’t you just talking with a man?”
Lucy considered telling him the truth but shook her head.
She didn’t want to drag Daniel into her personal affairs.
“He asked me to dance. I refused.”
“...Was that necessary? You’re at a banquet, you might as well enjoy yourself.”
“I’ve never learned to dance, so I wouldn’t find it enjoyable.”
“Is that so?”
Feeling a pang of sympathy, Daniel extended a hand toward Lucy.
“Then I shall teach you. We still have some time before the banquet ends.”
Lucy, who had never expected to be asked to dance, looked up at Daniel in surprise.
After a moment’s hesitation, she took his hand.
Feeling the warmth of their joined hands, Lucy looked at Daniel and gave a faint smile.
“If you wish, I will gladly follow.”
In the moonlight streaming through the window, Lucy was certain.
She would never regret the choice she had just made.