Case 63: On the dance stage.

[A play?]

''...Mhm. Her Royal Highness Kiara offered me a role in her class's performance.''

[I see. What role?]

''The script says, 'A lovable princess whose smile brings light to all.' It's a bit vague, actually.''

The person on the line—Rachael—kept her silence for a few seconds, then came back with a sigh,

[Is there enough time to prepare? The festival is only a few days away.]

''Of course! I'm confident in my acting!''

[...]

''Um... can you say something?''

[I love you.]

''Ah... me too.''

[...]

''...''

Seriously, though, I was a bit worried about the play Kiara's class was going to do. How should I say this... well, frankly, I felt as though the concept was a bit childish, but not really in a bad way.

The story was simple, actually. The declining kingdom's princess, who received the goddess's blessings, traveled the country with her trusty knightess to bring forth peace and prosperity. Bit by bit, she cured tragedies, thwarted calamities, and put a smile on everybody's faces.

There were no stakes, no drama, and frankly, no tension. I was worried it would be too boring that way, but the rehearsal I attended yesterday changed my mind. See, the academy was filled with children of nobles whose etiquette had been polished since they were young. Because of that, they decided to incorporate a dubious number of dance moves into the storytelling, making the whole play more of a ballet than anything.

Fortunately, Cecilia's body could somehow remember that stuff pretty well, so I didn't embarrass myself.

It was fine until that point, but a puzzling element that I still couldn't get over was the reason I was chosen. Most of the cast awkwardly tried to change the topic when I asked, and the few who answered only dared to mention Kiara's name subtly. From what I could tell, it seemed she had the princess's role initially but gave it to me instead.

Nonetheless, since I had agreed to it, I wanted to take it a bit seriously. In a way, it was an amazing chance to make great memories with Kiara, I suppose.

[Then... I'll see you at the academy.]

''Yes. Good night, my princess.''

Smiling at Rachael, I ended the call afterward. Although I felt a bit sluggish, my motivation was high. After all, both Rachael, Penelope, and Lyra were going to watch my performance.

Let's not disappoint them.

''Oh, Lady Orleans!''

''Hello.''

The anticipated cultural festival came quickly. In the early morning, I took a sleepy Lyra to the Syrus National Academy, where a bustling atmosphere had already permeated the space.

Of course, I held hands with my little sister so as not to lose her.

Amidst the crowds of people, I approached a wandering member of class 1-A, of which Kiara was a member. She was a cheerful girl with cute freckles sprinkling on her cheeks and nose.

''I see. A bit of sightseeing with your sister?'' She asked. ''Have a good time, then! But don't get hurt. You're the main character today, after all.''

''Fufu, thank you.''

For whatever reason, the students here welcomed me really well. In particular, Kiara's class showed quite a hospitable attitude toward me, even if I was an outsider intruding on their play.

''Big sis.''

''Hm?''

''I'm hungry.''

Still nuzzling her droopy eyes, Lyra spoke to me casually. Looking at her laidback posture, I couldn't help but feel proud at how far our relationship had progressed.

See? Even when I stroked her head out of nowhere like this, she still didn't resist...

''Well, I guess we can grab something and then find Her Highness,'' I said, giggling. ''What do you want to eat, Lyra?''

''That one.''

Following my little sister's direction, we brought two chili dogs and went around the venues for a quick tour. At this time, many vendors were still preparing their goods, but many had also started their businesses.

It seemed like a good time.

You know, I was used to seeing this scene through the game protagonist's viewpoint. All these people, with their own thoughts, their own struggles, and their own happiness... I used to see them as human-shaped grey blobs—a mere part of the background.

''...''

Ah... but even if you wanted to live here now, you couldn't, Cecilia. Even if you wanted to feel such pointless regret now, it would be too late.

Too late.

''Big sis.''

''Ah.''

''Did you zone out again?''

...It seemed I had fallen into that cycle of bad thoughts again. Really, I needed to thank this little soldier for waking me up every time. How about a hearty head pat as a reward—

''The sauce is falling.''

''Ah!''

Thankfully, with my incredible reflex, I was able to avoid the sauce getting onto my clothes barely. As I sighed in relief, I could feel Lyra staring a hole at me.

''Um... is there something on my face?''

''...No. It's nothing.''

Since she herself said that, I had nothing more to say. As the opening ceremony, which included our play and other performances, approached, I decided to hurry backstage in case anything went wrong.

Even though it was dark in there, I quickly spotted a white-head from afar. I supposed having white-colored hair was too attention-grabbing. Kiara was already rehearsing with the other members despite it being so early, but most importantly, I was immediately drawn to her outfit.

''So cool...''

It wasn't as though I hadn't seen that knightess costume before, but on the royal princess's immense figure, it fit too perfectly—a touch of elegance, but mostly class and coolness.

In the first place, wasn't this a 'Blue-eyed White Dragon' moment? That combination worked so well with almost anything.

''Excuse me, beautiful wandering knightess.''

''Hm? Cecilia.''

''Heheh.''

''...Ah.''

Only after dumbly looking at me did Kiara realize what I was doing. Without hesitation, she knelt one knee on the floor. When I held out my hand, she gently took it and pressed her lips to the back of it.

This earned quite a few enthusiastic noises from the other girls and a big, big smile from me.

''Tch.''

...Well, I'd better stop before Lyra kills me.

''Phew...''

''...''

''Is it that good...?''

At my question, Kiara gingerly nodded, a tint of pink visible from the faint stage light. We were now nearing our performance, which was scheduled to be the last of this ceremony.

Strangely, I wasn't too nervous, and my knightess certainly wasn't as well. However, I was concerned about where her gaze was glued to. Apparently, she was too 'mesmerized' with me and my costume, which wasn't anything more than a wavy dress with some cosmic patterns.

Would she be able to focus on the dance moves like this...?

[Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy the last performance of this morning, brought to you by our proud freshmen.]

''Oh, it's our turn.''

[From class 1-A—Radiant Light.]

The applause came and went, and when the beginning waltz descended, Kiara and I held hands, stepping out toward the stage. With her, I felt as though every moment from this point onward would be so passionate and full of joy.

''Let's do our best,'' Kiara whispered, complementing her radiant smile with a touch of excitement.

''Mhm.''

All of a sudden, everything was so different for me. Perhaps fueled by my partner's enthusiasm and the desire to create something memorable, I momentarily forgot all my sorrows and sufferings.

And, I began to dance.