The venue for the masquerade ball, which I attended with Viscount and Viscountess Southern, was bustling with activity.
The venue itself was incredibly luxurious.
Several chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, composed of numerous beautifully cut glass pieces, refracting the light emitted by magic tools, which served as the light source.
Mythological murals were painted across the ceiling itself.
I assumed they were frescoes.
Fresco painting is a technique that uses freshly applied plaster and ground mineral pigments on a canvas, and it is said to require immense effort due to the strict conditions for the plaster to absorb the pigments.
Furthermore, painting a ceiling mural requires scaffolding and is a difficult task performed while looking upwards.
Ceiling murals like these can also be found in the Grand Temple of the Asgard Holy Church, so it was easy to infer the difficulty of such work.
“The masquerade ball venue is incredibly elaborate, isn’t it?”
“It really is.”
Alicia seemed overwhelmed by the grandeur of the venue.
This venue also served as a display of national prestige, so they had likely employed the highest level of craftsmanship.
“Are those murals depicting the exploits of the great gods?”
“Yes. We have some time before the opening, so I’ll tell you about the exploits of the gods.”
“Thank you, Hal.”
“Those paintings—”
As I began to recount the stories depicted in the ceiling murals, Viscount and Viscountess Southern excused themselves and moved on.
The goddess visible in the distance must be Aquaanar, the supreme deity of water.
The depiction seemed to be of her miracle, parting the great sea.
Aquaanar was also the goddess who assisted Freya, the rightful heir to the throne of the Vandis royal family, at the ‘Thanksgiving Concert’ held in the Old Kingdom of Vandis, Freya’s homeland, during her expedition to the Southern Nations.
It was at that ‘Thanksgiving Concert’ that Freya came to be known as the ‘Diva of the Calm.’
And that title is synonymous with the legitimate heir of the Kingdom of Vandis.
However, as the Valkyrie Swan Hilda, a member of the God Clan, took her away, the succession of royal power is merely on temporary hold.
The god on the right appears to be Calyun, the supreme deity of fire.
Speaking of Calyun, he is the god who bestowed upon the hero Albert Sandia, the leader of the hero party that the former cleric Lester was a part of, the quest to defeat the Demon King Gandaro and the divine artifact, the holy sword Calyute.
The ceiling mural depicts him incinerating an wicked ancient dragon with his divine power.
The goddess on the left is Dentemetina, the supreme deity of earth and the earth mother goddess.
Dentemetina is the goddess who sealed the ‘Great Calamity’ in the ‘God’s Yoke,’ located in the deepest part of the underground dungeon at the Portland Castle Ruins, within the former Kingdom of Portland, Elise’s homeland.
And Elise was the ‘Sealing Priestess Princess.’
The ‘God’s Yoke’ seems to exist in the former Imperial Capital Ashurai of the Old Wahl Imperial Kingdom, Ly’s homeland, and in the Desmonia Kingdom founded by Azarii Desmon, one of the ancient heroes. However, it is currently only known to exist in the Northern Nations, which are under the dominion of the Demonkin.
If Edele’s story is to be believed, is the Demon King’s Castle the intended destination?
As my Adventurer Party, the ‘Princess Harem,’ includes Elise, the ‘Sealing Priestess Princess,’ we must promptly visit the remaining sealing locations and confirm their condition.
I have already received two divine rod magic staffs from Dentemetina.
Furthermore, the ceiling mural depicts the creation of the land we inhabit, effectively showcasing her authority as the earth mother goddess.
The god depicted in the foreground is Crouneruia, the supreme deity of time and space.
The ceiling mural seems to depict the creation of the heavens.
And this Crouneruia is also the god who governs causality.
Finally, the goddess depicted in the center is Lucialurei, the supreme deity of holiness and light.
In the Eastern Nations, it is said that when Lucialurei hid in the Cave of Heavenly Rock, the world was plunged into darkness.
I recall reading in ancient documents stored in the forbidden section of the Asgard Holy Church’s library during my time as Cardinal Lester that a divine ritual to lure out the hidden Lucialurei is passed down in the Prosperous Nation, an island nation at the very edge of the Eastern Nations.
I believe they were called the Isurugi clan…
The ceiling mural depicts the renowned exploit of bestowing light upon us.
Tired from explaining the exploits of the gods to Alicia while looking up at the ceiling, I lowered my gaze and turned my attention to the walls.
Balconies were installed midway up the walls, offering a commanding view of the masquerade ball venue.
Intricate carvings adorned the pillars and walls, indicating the significant effort and expense involved.
Naturally, a luxurious carpet, so thick that one’s shoes might sink into it, was laid out on the floor, though the central area was paved with wooden boards.
Round tables laden with food and drinks were placed at regular intervals, slightly away from the walls, with chairs for resting positioned along the walls.
The center of the venue was left open, designed for social dancing.
Searching for the source of the accompaniment, I found musicians waiting on several of the balconies I had seen earlier.
And at the back of the venue, on a raised platform, a throne was set up. Since there was only one chair, it was likely that Princess Elizabeth was the sole host of this masquerade ball.
A gag order seemed to be in place regarding Emperor Henry’s poor health.
Many distinguished guests had already gathered in the venue, conversing in groups.
Weaving through the crowds, waiters and waitresses carrying trays with wine glasses navigated, serving wine and collecting empty glasses.
Viscount and Viscountess Southern, whom I had parted ways with earlier, seemed to be making their rounds to greet people.
Even with masks on, it was easy to recognize familiar individuals by their build and demeanor.
While the masquerade ball provided a facade for uninhibited interactions beyond social standing, in reality, it was difficult to escape the constraints of society.
“It’s quite lively, isn’t it? As expected from a ball hosted by the Espana Imperial Kingdom.”
“Hal… I’m starting to get scared. Even though we’re wearing masks, people seem to recognize each other…”
“Don’t worry, Alicia and I are not known in the social circles of the Espana Imperial Kingdom.”
“That’s right. I feel a bit relieved.”
“Everyone, silence please. Princess Elizabeth Camila Espagna will now make her entrance.”
It seemed the appointed time had arrived. The master of ceremonies announced the entrance of the host, Princess Elizabeth, fondly known as “Bess-chan,” and the venue fell silent as if struck by water.
Then, “Bess-chan,” clad in the Prince’s splendid attire, proceeded majestically towards the throne, accompanied by important figures such as Prime Minister Gesper, and took her seat.
“Everyone, thank you for gathering tonight. I am most pleased. My father, Emperor Henry, is feeling unwell, so he is resting to recover. Tonight is a time for uninhibited revelry, so please enjoy yourselves to the fullest!”
“Bess-chan,” who was not even ten years old, delivered a confident greeting as the host.
“Now, let us toast to the prosperity of the Espana Imperial Kingdom and our victory against the Demonkin. Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
“Bess-chan” raised her glass and led the toast, marking the commencement of the masquerade ball.
Music filled the venue, instantly creating a lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, “Bess-chan,” who had led the toast, departed, escorted by the Imperial Guards and important officials.
“Alicia, would you do me the honor of a dance?”
“Yes, with pleasure!”
In the center of the venue, young noblemen and ladies, who were there for the purpose of meeting potential partners rather than pure social dancing, were already moving around seeking tonight’s partners, and established couples began to dance.
However, most of their dancing seemed to be rather awkward.
“It seems the dancing of the people around us isn’t very skilled.”
“I don’t think so. This is normal! I’m sure of it!”
Alicia and I also began to dance. Perhaps it was due to Alicia’s skillful lead, but we were dancing beautifully.
“Hal? You’re an incredibly good dancer.”
“Oh, really?! I was always scolded during practice…”
“The ones who instructed you were former princesses, first-class dancers in their time. Frankly, their standards are far beyond those of ordinary tutors hired by nobles.”
“I-is that so?”
As Alicia and I danced and conversed intimately, the people who had been dancing around us had gradually moved to the sides, and our dance had attracted attention.
“That gentleman is dancing so dashingly. I wonder who he is?”
“That princess is also performing a very beautiful dance. I wish I could get closer.”
Receiving envious glances from those around us, Alicia and I, having grasped the situation, took refuge in the crowd as the music ended.
“I didn’t intend to stand out this much.”
“Hal, you did it again.”
As I reflected on our conspicuousness, Alicia agreed with a tired expression.
“Well, we have to dance at least that much, don’t we?”
“I could dance about that much as well…”
Just as the crowd began to settle down, I heard familiar female whispering voices.
There’s no way they should be here… am I hallucinating?
“Oh?! You guys!!”
Turning around, I saw two noblewomen conversing.
Of course, they were disguised with masks and wigs, but I recognized the overflowing bosom of one of the noblewomen.
That masked lady was Ly, in disguise.
Judging by the quality of their voices and their figures, the other noblewoman was likely Liliana.
Stunned, I surveyed the surroundings. All the party members of ‘Princess Harem’ were gathered.
Elise seemed to be eating the feast at that table over there, with Freya looking composed beside her.
At the next table, a big-breasted beautiful girl was seducing what appeared to be a young noblewoman, and that was likely Sophie.
By what means did they manage to infiltrate this masquerade ball?
Just then, Tirna approached Ly and Liliana, carrying a plate of food.
At a table far away, Kirika and Mai were eating a heaping plate of food. At another table beyond them, Swan Hilda and Edele were engaged in what seemed like a debate.
And in a corner on the opposite side, there was an area where demi-humans were gathered. Dietlinde, Shera, and for some reason, Ilisha were also there.
The entire party of ‘Princess Harem’ had assembled!
“Hal, what’s wrong? You suddenly look pale… Did I overdo it with the social dancing?”
“No, Alicia… all the party members of ‘Princess Harem’ are gathered in this venue.”
“What?! No way!!”
“That person over there is—”
With my explanation, Alicia’s face also turned pale with worry.
“Excuse me. Are you perhaps Lord Raymond, the First-Class Quasi-Noble, and Lady Lendl, the Viscountess? The master is waiting for you in a private room beyond here. Please follow me.”
Suddenly, a young knight, presumably from the Imperial Guard, called out to me.
Could this be a summons from “Bess-chan,” Princess Elizabeth, the host of the masquerade ball?
I idly looked at my palm, which was sweating.
“…Understood. I’ll follow. Alicia, don’t stray far!”
“Yes, Hal.”
Alicia and I, having resigned ourselves to our fate, decided to follow the young knight.
Thank you for reading.
episode27-4, To stand or not to stand, that is the question! ①, has been scheduled for release on December 9th at 0:00 AM.
