“This is going too far.”
It was afternoon, and after sitting for a long time, we needed to stretch our stiff bodies, so we had exercise time.
However, the attire we were wearing seemed far from conducive to exercise.
Should I call it a tuxedo?
As I entered the venue clad in stiff yet high-quality and easy-to-move-in outfits, my first words were a comment on the company’s level of commitment.
I had expected a venue no more elaborate than a dance hall with a single chandelier.
“S-Senpai, we’re really going to dance here, aren’t we?”
I could understand why Kaido was hesitant.
Eight smaller chandeliers were arranged to illuminate the venue, radiating from a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
“Small” was relative to the central one, of course.
From my perspective, each of those “small” ones was the size of the chandelier I had imagined. The splendor of the central chandelier was such that I didn’t want to think about its price.
However, for us, who had faced various situations within the dungeon, the grandeur of the chandeliers was astonishing, but that alone would have been met with a simple “amazing.”
But this was different.
“Jiro-san, is that an orchestra?”
“It seems so.”
My company sometimes moves in ways that break our common sense, which is problematic.
In response to Katsu’s voice, who was also dressed in formal wear, I could only reply with a strained voice as I pointed in the direction he indicated.
Just moving my gaze slowly revealed the vastness of this place. It was so spacious that I thought, “They’ve really gone this far?” The interior of this space, which was more like an auditorium than a dance hall, was enough to make me want to look away. I forced myself to confront the realities that had been nagging at the periphery of my vision, which I had been deliberately ignoring.
In a corner of this vast space, a group of people dressed elegantly stood with instruments in hand, each responsible for their part.
They were probably tuning up, and a demon conductor was overseeing the orchestra members, who came from various species.
I wondered if the practice was about to begin, but I was actually anxious that the party itself might be starting right now.
The Demon Lord’s Army preparing a full-fledged orchestra in Japan, where dance music is usually handled by CDs or digital media.
And it wasn’t just a handful of people; it was an orchestra of at least thirty members, by conservative estimate.
This was too serious.
As my thoughts, which had been leaning towards escapism, began to grasp reality, I gradually started to pay attention to my surroundings.
The wall decorations, the quality of the tables, the color scheme of the curtains, and even the waiters were all prepared.
I suppressed the urge to retort, “What royal palace is this?” and sincerely felt glad that I had changed into these clothes.
I was convinced that if I had entered this space in my usual attire, I would have immediately turned around and fled at full speed.
“…This isn’t a space prepared for practice. How much money have they spent?”
“Senpai, if I break one of these vases, I’ll be in trouble, right?”
“Jiro-san, is it okay to wear our shoes here?”
“Calm down, all of you. I understand how you feel. Let’s take a deep breath first.”
Even if we had entered the venue in attire that didn’t violate the dress code, could we, as ordinary people, adapt to the atmosphere here? The answer would be no.
Everything in this place looked like a luxury item, and I felt as if I were trapped in a minefield, unable to move an inch.
While I didn’t look around like a country bumpkin, the atmosphere was undeniably unsettling.
Trying to calm myself down, I took a deep breath, but a tension different from that of the dungeon prevented me from relaxing.
“Well, well, you guys look nervous.”
“Kukukuku, it can’t be helped. Hmm, it seems quite good for what we paid this time, doesn’t it?”
“A passing grade, perhaps. Evia prepared it, so it’s only natural. Considering the time crunch, it’s quite impressive how well it was prepared.”
Then, the two instructors appeared from behind us.
“Don’t be so nervous, Jiro. It’s not like you’re going to die.”
“Indeed. Just be like you always are, that’s fine.”
Instructor Kio patted me on the back, and the shock made me choke, but the pain did help ease my tension somewhat.
Instructor Fushio seemed mostly the same as usual, but Instructor Kio was dressed a bit more neatly.
I had imagined Instructor Kio might wear traditional Japanese clothing, but that wasn’t the case.
However, there was something I couldn’t ignore.
“Instructor, is this considered cheap?”
“Huh? What is it, Jiro? Do you have a complaint too?”
“No, it’s not a complaint, but I thought I heard something like there’s something even more elaborate, but it must have been my imagination, right?”
“Kukukuku, it wasn’t your imagination. The Demon Lord’s Castle’s New Year’s party will have more than double the orchestra, and spirits will fly about, making it even more dazzling. Hmm, the number of servers will increase as well, and the pillars will be adorned by craftsmen selected by the country—”
“No, I understand. Just imagining it makes my sense of money go haywire, so that’s fine.”
The fact that this was considered simple by the instructors made me doubt my ears. But for these two, for whom such scenes were commonplace, this space was indeed likely just for practice.
I managed to pull Katsu and Kaido, who were gaping with their mouths open, back to reality, and I was grateful that the instructors’ words had, paradoxically, calmed me down.
I recalled our plans.
“Well, we understand that we’ll be practicing here, but it’s really spacious.”
We were going to dance here now.
Not the kind of dancing like backup dancers at a live concert, but a ballroom dance that would be described as elegant.
I had studied the subject beforehand, looking at textbooks and images of dances, but the sensation of actually doing it would be different from just knowing it.
However, as the instructors said, the fact that we wouldn’t die even if we failed somehow eased my shoulders.
“Oh, our partners are here too.”
The reason we men were waiting in this room first was because the main event was expected to arrive later.
“Whoa.”
“…”
It takes time for the women to prepare.
As the servers slowly opened the doors, we, who were standing a little inside the entrance, witnessed their appearance.
Kaido let out a simple gasp of admiration, while Katsu’s eyes widened as if he were seeing something unbelievable.
“… ”
I might be one of those who were mesmerized by the sight. The supervisor appeared, accompanied gracefully and boldly by Tatte-san, who was in her usual maid outfit. Instead of her usual suit, she was wearing a crimson dress with a neckline that was subtly revealing. Her appearance was truly that of a noble lady. Her posture and every movement were perfect, as if she were a model of etiquette. While some women naturally draw attention, in the supervisor’s case, it wasn’t just her appearance but also her demeanor that commanded gazes.
“Ah!”
I realized this was not the time to be mesmerized and slowly closed my eyelids, taking a deep breath. Then, I heard a familiar exchange, and feeling a sense of calm, I slowly opened my eyes.
“It’s… difficult to walk in this.”
“That’s why I told you to wear it more often.”
“I don’t particularly like skirts.”
“Who is it?”
“Who do you mean?”
“Who?”
“How rude!”
We were so taken aback by the drastically changed appearance of Minami that we genuinely didn’t recognize the woman standing there. Kitamiya, wearing a light blue outfit with minimal exposure, was somewhat recognizable. With her makeup beautifully done and a tiara on her head, she looked so refined that one could believe she was royalty from some kingdom. However, Kitamiya always took care of her appearance, so her transformation wasn’t as dramatic. The problem was the person walking awkwardly, being led by Kitamiya. From her speech and voice, I knew it was Minami. But her voice and appearance didn’t match.
“No, because, well…”
“Right? Ah, but if it’s Katsu-kun…”
“Is this a dream?”
“You don’t seem to get it.”
“Even I know it doesn’t suit me!”
The way she shouted was precisely Minami, but her movements were restricted by the dress, and it was strange how her usual boisterousness was suppressed, making her appear demure. Minami’s declaration that it didn’t suit her was the opposite of what we felt.
It wasn’t that it didn’t suit her. It suited her perfectly.
I had somewhat expected the supervisor and Kitamiya’s outfits. But I had underestimated Minami’s potential. Ordinarily, she didn’t wear any makeup and her clothes were just enough to avoid being shabby. Add to that her glasses; she didn’t look plain, but she didn’t evoke femininity either. And yet…
She was wearing a light yellow off-the-shoulder dress, her usual glasses were gone, replaced instead by natural makeup, and her moist lips exuded feminine allure. Furthermore, she wore earrings and hairpins that weren’t gaudy. Her hair, which was usually styled casually, was neatly tied up, exposing her nape. It was likely that even comparing “before” and “after” photos, one would not believe they were of the same person. She was the epitome of the saying “a woman transforms,” or rather, a prime example. Katsu hadn’t recovered from his shock yet, while Kaido and I were gradually coming back to our senses.
“Is that… Minami?”
“Forgetting the face of your childhood friend, even I would get angry.”
Minami, who still believed it didn’t suit her, didn’t seem to understand why Katsu said that. Kitamiya, perhaps noticing this, looked a little displeased.
“Beautiful.”
“Huh!?”
Katsu’s words, which seemed to have slipped out naturally, were a genuine confession to Minami. Minami seemed to be momentarily unable to comprehend what he was saying.
“Ah, well…”
Then, Katsu began to look confused, unable to understand why he had said such a thing, realizing he had spoken his honest thoughts. Kitamiya noticed this and looked a little sad, but Katsu didn’t seem to realize it.
“Kaido.”
“Yes? What is it, Senpai?”
“Do something funny.”
“What do you mean, that’s an outrageous request!?”
“Fix this atmosphere.”
The air around them was filled with a sweet, youthful awkwardness, making everyone feel a bit queasy. So, I decided to use Kaido, who had recently taken on the role of the comedian, to try and diffuse the situation.
“You can do it. I believe in you.”
“Believe in me? With this atmosphere, whatever I say won’t be understood. I need to read the room, right?”
“You can do it.”
“Why?”
“You’re not much different from your usual self.”
“Even I’m getting angry now!!”
Perhaps I had gone too far with my teasing. I calmed down a protesting Kaido and confirmed that I had managed to ease the awkward atmosphere a bit. I felt reluctant to overtly support Kitamiya, but if the atmosphere continued, it would hinder our training, so I interfered. As Kaido started to make a fuss, the air between Katsu and Minami gradually returned to normal. At that moment.
“Supervisor, could you please begin the lecture?”
“What? Are we starting already? I was hoping to watch a little longer.”
“Please save that curiosity for later enjoyment.”
By shifting the conversation to the supervisor, I completely changed the mood. The supervisor and the two instructors were amused, smirking at the recent exchange. It was impossible to let them enjoy it any further, so I asked them to start the training.
“Very well. I’m looking forward to what happens next, so let’s get serious.”
Knowing the supervisor, she was probably enjoying the developing love triangle, likely involving Kitamiya’s emotions. It was gratifying that I managed to change the direction of the conversation with such a person.
“Let’s begin, everyone.”
The supervisor’s expression changed from one of finding a new toy to her usual work mode.
“Alright, let’s do this.”
“Kukukuku. Let’s begin.”
Seeing the three of them, I felt a sense of unease in my heart. We were going to dance later, right?
Word of the day: Anyone can change if they wish to.
That’s all for today.
Thank you for pointing out any typos and for your feedback. If you found this interesting, please leave a review, rating, bookmark, etc.
*The first volume of this novel has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. It was released on October 18, 2018. The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year. The second volume was released on December 19, and the third volume was released on February 20, 2019. The content has been revised and expanded from the version posted on Shosetsu ni Naro, with additional unpublished interlude chapters included. We would appreciate it if you would also check out the new releases!
Additionally, a comic adaptation has been decided for Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third” and is currently in progress.
We hope you will continue to support this work.
