(A/N: Please see Author's Thought for this chapter for context.)
I was still in complete shock.
The woman I had met in Lorelei turned out to be a Princess. Even more so, she wanted me to be her husband.
It was still too hard to believe.
But...this was my life now.
Currently, I was being escorted to one of the castle lounge areas. I didn't know my way around yet, so it was necessary.
Once I arrived, I walked in and saw Isabella's face light up with happiness.
She immediately stood up, ran over, and hugged me.
"Mizik! How did you sleep? Have you had breakfast? It's so good to see you!" She said.
I'm still not used to this!
"Let's see...I slept really well, I ate back at the diner, and I'm glad to see you as well!"
"I'm glad! By the way, Mizik! I have something to tell you today!" Isabella said with a smile.
"What is it?"
"Well, since you'll be my husband at some point, I think it's important for you to learn how to dance!" She said.
"Wait...is that really important? I mean, shouldn't we be training?" I asked.
She frowned.
"It is, but...do you not want to dance with me?" She said.
Oh crap! No!
"Of course I want to! Really!" I said quickly.
"Wonderful! We're planning to have a royal ball in a few days to announce my engagement to some of the noblemen who have had their eyes on me," She said.
"Does that mean...Arvild will be there?"
"Nope! He already knows. He was the first to find out, so he has no reason to attend. He wasn't invited, and you'll be there with me to put an end to the marriage proposals."
"I see. They bother you a lot, don't they?" I said.
"Almost nonstop! Since before I became an adult woman, they've been after me! I still get letters constantly and I'm so sick and tired of being proposed to! But now that I have a fiance, it should cease," Isabella said with a smile.
"Then I would be more than happy to join you for this...ball?" I said.
"Ehehe~! Let's go!"
She grabbed my arm and pulled me along with her.
* * *
We arrived in an empty ballroom and made our way to the main floor.
I knew Walter was likely to be nearby, but I couldn't see him.
"Alright then! Today, you're going to learn how to waltz. Are you ready?" Isabella said.
"Umm...sure. But is there an instructor? Who's going to teach me?" I said.
She smiled.
"That would be me!" Isabella said proudly.
"You're going to teach me? Well, you're probably really experienced at this, right?"
"I don't like to brag...but I have many talents for the things in higher society. I have excellent linguistics, negotiations, theatrical, musical, and artistic skills," Isabella said.
"You really are way out of my league..." I said despairingly.
"No I'm not! And don't worry about those things, my love! Now then, we have much work to do. Have you ever danced before?"
What do you think!? I was born in Lorelei and raised by a single father!
I just looked at Isabella.
"Right...silly question. Why would Sir Ulysses have taught you to dance? Well, never mind, then! Let's get started!"
I nodded and we began.
We started with simple exercises to get my muscle memory down.
After that, she showed me the proper stance. Next...
I had to actually have a partner to learn how to dance.
And of course, that meant physically touching Isabella.
I had to put my hand on her waist. It felt very wrong...like I was crossing some sort of line... But she couldn't stop giggling at my embarrassment.
I could have sworn she was enjoying this far more than she should have been...
And I could feel Walter's eyes boring a hole through me the entire time.
Although...he was probably doing the same to Isabella for pushing things so far.
Despite this, I had a lot of fun. I would still need to practice for the upcoming ball, but we had a few days.
I would be practicing as much as I could until then.
As we were finishing up, the doors opened and Cassandra walked in.
"Oh no..." I mumbled.
She already looked to be in a bad mood.
"And what, exactly, is the meaning of this? Are you teaching this commoner how to dance, sister?" Cassandra asked.
"I am, Cassandra. I want him to make a good impression for the people constantly hounding me for my hand in marriage. That way, they'll stop proposing to me," Isabella said.
"Even if you teach him to dance and dress him up, he's still trash. They will never accept him, Isabella. He's below us," Cassandra said.
Isabella gritted her teeth in rage.
"Don't you dare...call him trash!!! Mizik is a wonderful man! But, you wouldn't know anything about men, would you?" Isabella said.
I was surprised to hear Isabella say that. It seemed like she was losing her temper.
"What are you implying!? I'm not some loose girl, you know! I have high standards!" Cassandra said angrily.
"I'm implying that you're so mean to everyone, that no man could possibly love you for your personality. You know nothing about love, Cassandra. You should try to be nicer to people. Maybe then, you wouldn't be so lonely," Isabella said.
Cassandra looked away and seemed to slump slightly.
I could see a hint of sadness on her face.
"Even for you...that's low, Isabella. I'm leaving. Have fun with your...ugh..." She said.
Cassandra quickly ran off.
"What was that about?" I asked.
"Don't worry about it, my love. Cassandra is just very troubled. I promise that she's a lot nicer deep down. I hope you can eventually get along with her," Isabella said.
It seems impossible, but I'm not against trying.
From that moment onward, I worked hard to learn how to dance.
* * *
The next day, I was called to speak with the King just as I was about to start my dance lessons with Isabella.
As we stood in the throne room, King Ronald smiled at me.
"Mizik, I have good news. It is finally time for you to demonstrate your capacity to wield Vengeance to the nobility."
"Yes, your Majesty," I said.
"Now, understand that many of them have not come here directly. I set this up on short notice, so they were unable to attend in person. Instead, several witnesses and trustworthy individuals are here on behalf of the upper class. Isabella, your cousin Kailo has also decided to attend personally to catch a glimpse of your fiance."
Isabella crossed her arms.
"Ugh...I hate that guy..." She said.
"Is there a problem with this Kailo guy?" I said.
"He keeps proposing to me like a lot of the others. He's arrogant and nosy," Isabella said.
Even your own family is harassing you...? Wow...
"Yes, it is quite a problem. I would never approve because of the Victoria family's...er..."
"Father, with all due respect, that was your fault. You know my mother's family has poor fertility. Yet you chose Evryss anyway to be your wife for the arranged marriage. If any more of our family entered into the royal line, it could create a huge problem for producing heirs," Isabella said matter-of-factly.
"I...wish you wouldn't point that out in front of Mizik. But yes, I know. Now then Isabella, please lead Mizik to the training yard and do keep a watch on him. Walter, I am also counting on you to ensure that no one tries to trap him."
"Yes, sire. It will be done," said Walter as he appeared.
Isabella began leading me to the training yard at that point. I already knew the way, but this was likely just for show.
Many people didn't like me because of my heritage and the engagement. They wanted to get rid of me. Isabella and Walter weren't about to let that happen.
Soon, we reached the training yard and I was instructed to stand in the center just in front of the benches.
On the benches, were a group of very well-dressed people.
One of them in particular was a handsome, tall man with pink hair.
Actually, I thought he looked ridiculous with that hair color. But I kept that to myself.
"Oh dear. Is this the Iratus boy? Come now, Isabella...surely I am a much better fit than-"
"Be quiet, Kailo! And you will not refer to Mizik as the 'Iratus boy'. He is my fiance and that's final! Now be quiet and watch. Walter, please keep an eye on everyone," Isabella said.
"But of course, my lady. Now then...all of you have gathered here to bear witness to something quite rare. What you are about to see is the one who wields the lost legendary sword 'Vengeance'. The other blades refer to this one as Overseer. As far as Honor and I are concerned, he is our superior. You will treat him with dignity and respect."
"Question...what level is he? Even a legendary weapon is useless in the hands of someone that hasn't reached their full potential. He seems quite young, yes?" Kailo said.
Isabella glared at Kailo and quickly composed herself.
"Mizik's level is none of your business. He's fourteen years old, and yes, he still has room to grow. But remember, the legendary swords won't select someone with a leveling limit of less than 100. He'll grow into a much stronger warrior," she said.
"Hm. Well, forgive me if I seem unimpressed. He certainly doesn't inspire confidence. Besides, we haven't seen him actually use it yet. Does he merely possess the sword or can he use it? Well, boy?" He said.
I was starting to lose my temper.
Isabella could tell and smiled at me.
"Go ahead and prove them wrong, my love," she said.
I stepped forward and pulled the sword in its sheath from my inventory. Then, I held it up for everyone to see.
"This, everyone, is Vegeance. The Overseer sword. As you can see, it takes the form of a scimitar. Its colors are black and light blue. Sometimes, it changes to red as well," I said.
"Pfft. Are we really supposed to believe that this is Vengeance? It doesn't look very impressive..." One of the other spectators said.
"Unsheathe it! Show us the blade!" Another shouted.
"Yes...let us see the blade of this supposed lost sword..." Kailo said with a smirk.
I affixed the sword to my side and grabbed the hilt. The sword slid from its sheath with ease and I held it up.
"As you can see, only someone who has been selected to wield a legendary blade can unsheathe it. Master Mizik is demonstrating his position as the wielder of Vengeance," Walter said.
Several whispers of surprise and awe rippled through the crowd.
"Those are definitely the same type of runes that the other swords have..."
"He actually unsheathed it? Is this a trick? No...this is looks far too authentic..."
"It doesn't look anything like the other swords. It radiates malice...and authority..."
"By the gods. That is definitely a genuine legendary weapon... A scimitar...? So Vengeance is real..."
"Hm... I'm not convinced," Kailo said.
"And what more do you need to be convinced, cousin?" Isabella said in an annoyed tone.
"Well...what if that sword is a fake? How could I possibly know if it's the real deal?" Kailo said.
Isabella seemed confused. Unsure of how to respond. But...
"I can actually verify that. I, Walter Orthright, am in possession of Honor, as you all know-"
Suddenly, my sword began to vibrate. It glowed red and flew out of my hand, stopping in mid air.
Then...
I heard a voice.
[Insolent weakling. You dare to doubt my authenticity? I am the Overseer, Vengeance! I speak to all of you now!] The sword said aloud.
"What the...it can do that...?" I mumbled.
I was in shock. Vengeance could project its voice out loud...
Kailo also seemed to be confused.
"You are...Vengeance...?" He said.
[Precisely. Just as Honor once spoke aloud to prove itself as the blade of this man, I am doing so today for Mizik Iratus. Henceforth, you will know him as my wielder. You will treat him with respect. And if not...you will know why I am called VENGEANCE!]
Kailo and the others were speechless.
"Well then. There you have it. My fiance, regardless of his orgins, is a legendary sword user. Not only that, but it is Vengeance that he wields. By Albatross law, that makes Mizik a member of the upper class nobility. None of you can speak against him now," Isabella said proudly.
Kailo looked angry at this. But before he could speak, Isabella held up her hand.
"I truly do not care for whatever it is you have to say. So hear my words everyone: on this day, I, the First Princess of Albatross, decree that Mizik Iratus is an official legendary weapon user in this country. You will treat him with respect and dignity. This meeting is dismissed," she said.
All of them got up and began to take their leave. I collected Vengeance and it returned to its usual state.
I was pretty surprised... I didn't know it could do that. But apparently, as Vengeance put it, this was normal. Honor had done the same for Walter.
Eventually, all of the witnesses and other nobles left. Kailo was the last to leave, but only departed when he did because Walter threatened him.
He was very unhappy with seeing me at Isabella's side.
Later on, the King promised to begin working on having an official title given to me.
Once all of that had been then care of, I began my dance lessons again with Isabella.
* * *
Days later, the time finally rolled around. I was dressed in a nice suit and Isabella wore a stunningly beautiful dress. Her back and shoulders were exposed and her hair was up in a gorgeous ponytail.
Honestly...I couldn't stop staring.
Although I tried to be secretive about it... Occasionally stealing glances whenever I thought she wasn't looking.
I was dressed in a high quality suit that had been tailored for me to wear at this event. I was also told to keep Vengeance at my side as a show of status.
Isabella said that a few nobles would be arriving from nearby because it was on fairly short notice, just like the event days prior.
They were also ordered by the King not to speak of Isabella's engagement to the public.
It would be a relatively closed-off event mainly for the men who had been harassing Isabella for her hand in marriage.
I was also notified that Kailo wasn't invited.
Whether or not he was told of the event, was completely unknown to me. But for the purpose of it, he didn't have a reason to come. He already knew of Isabella's engagement.
Still, Walter expected to see him anyway. We were prepared for it. Walter also assured both of us that he would provide protection from any unruly guests.
Currently, we were waiting to enter the ballroom.
Isabella was greeting guests and I was told to...
In her words, 'just stand there and look handsome.'
I wasn't upset about being here, but I felt horribly out of place. I wanted to be out adventuring! Not being judged by a group of arrogant nobles...
And another thing that constantly bothered me, was the fact that most of the noblemen Isabella greeted seemed to be under the misconception that she intended to marry them instead of Arvild.
And the ball was being held for the purpose of announcing that she had selected one of them.
I had to watch as she told these idiots over and over that she'd already made her selection and it was somebody else.
After another guest was turned down, a well-dressed man approached with a wide smile on his face.
"Here we go..." I mumbled.
"First Princess Isabella! My dear! I'm so glad you finally came to your senses! I am quite the catch, no?" He said as he got too close to her. He opened his arms to hug her, and...
Walter unshesthed his sword and firmly connected the flat of his blade to the man's chest.
"You may not touch the Princess," he said sternly.
"Walter, my friend! No need to be so defensive! She has chosen me, yes? I'll be her husband soon. And when that happens, I can touch her as much as I want," he said as he glanced at her.
I nearly lot my temper, but held my tongue. Isabella warned me that these people had horrible attitudes.
"Varanis, I am very pleased to inform you that I have, in fact, made a decision on who my husband will be. I am even more pleased to inform you that my selection was not you. This ball is to announce that man who, once again, is not you," Isabella said.
"Ah...I-isabella! Please reconsider!" Varanis said.
"I will not! You were invited here to learn this very thing. Now stop harassing me! I am already engaged to someone else!" Isabella said.
Varanis looked down and made his way into the ballroom.
"Is that the last of these scoundrels, my lady?" Walter said.
"I hope so...ugh... I went through the trouble of gathering them all here... Would it not be pleasant if some criminal showed up to execute them...?" Isabella said.
"I agree, but...that is needlessly harsh, my lady," Walter said.
"You are correct. My apologies, Walter. Such violent thoughts are unbecoming to me...even if I might reward such a person..." Isabella said.
I approached her.
"Ah, Mizik!" She said.
Isabella hugged me and I reluctantly put my arms around her.
Her back was exposed, so it felt embarrassing to touch her skin directly...
"Mizik, it is perfectly okay if you touch me. I can tell that you are hesitating. Although, you have certainly been staring at me quite a bit, yes?" Isabella said.
Crap!
"I wasn't-"
"Do not lie to me, my love. I know you were staring. I am very perceptive. But...you can stare as much as you like!" She said with a smile.
You're a goddess.
"My lady...you must exercise restraint. Even if you love him..."
"Ahem! Hush now, Walter. I have not pushed the boundaries any further than what is technically allowed! Now then, let us join in on the festivities. I am excited to announce Mizik as my fiance," Isabella said quickly.
"If you insist, my lady. Now, Mizik, hold your arm out the way I taught you," Walter said.
I held my arm to my side and Isabella wrapped hers around it.
"Good. Remember to walk properly. This is a first impression, after all. You remember that, yes?" Walter said.
"Yea sir. I remember," I said.
"You may call me Walter. Not sir. But I applaud your respect, young Master."
I nodded.
After that, we made out way into the ballroom.
When Isabella and I entered, everyone immediately looked at us...and then at me. I saw many of the nobles narrowing their eyes and glaring at me in disgust.
Part of me wanted to cower and hide away from these people, but...
I felt like I was on top of the world. I kind of wanted to show off.
But before I could, Isabella leaned on me and smiled.
HA! TAKE THAT, YOU SNOOTY BASTARDS!
One of them immediately approached and looked down at me.
"Tch...who are you, boy?" The man said.
"This is Mizik Iratus. My fiance. Not 'boy'. He will one day be a Prince, so I suggest that you learn to respect him...ehm... What was your name again?" Isabella said.
"It's...Hans... How could you forget, your Majesty...? After all the times I proposed..." He said.
"How many men do you think proposed to me since before I became an adult? You expect me to remember each and every one of them? No. Away with you, Hans. And if you disrespect my beloved again, I will have you removed from the castle," Isabella said with a glare.
He bowed his head in shame and walked away.
"Now then, with that taken care of, Mizik, let us move towards the podium," Isabella said.
I nodded and followed her.
Once we got to the podium, Isabella smiled.
"Greetings everyone. I have asked all of you to come here for a very special reason. As of a week ago, I have officially become engaged to this man here. Meaning, all of you can stop proposing to me once and for all. I grow tired of constantly turning you away, and wish to be left alone. Thank you all so much! I hope you enjoy the festivities!" Isabella said.
"Hold on! How are we supposed to accept this!? This boy is an Iratus! Is Kalsa attempting to make a move towards our throne!?" One man said.
"The answer is no. Mizik was born in Lorelei and is an orphan at this point. His parents are both deceased and he has no real connection to Noir. I have chosen to marry Mizik because he is not interested in politics, money, status, or...my body. Unlike the lot of you. You should be ashamed of yourselves for harassing a young woman like myself and treating me like an object since before I became an adult," Isabella said.
"I refuse! I will not bend my knee to an Iratus! Especially an orphaned commoner! This is ridiculous! Isabella, your Majesty, please reconsider! I am much more worthy of your beautiful hand than this filthy-"
"Walter," Isabella said.
Walter stepped forward and grabbed the man by his shoulder.
Hard.
"Gah!"
"You have insulted the young Master and defied her Majesty's orders. You will be removed," Walter said angrily.
Everyone went silent as the man was carried to the door and...quite literally thrown out.
Walter must be really strong... I hope I don't ever have to fight him...
[Walter Orthright is a true wielder. Honor and I have been communicating. He will serve loyally just as he always has. You have nothing to fear.]
Umm...good to know, Vengeance.
"You all have nothing to fear. Mizik is not as much a commoner as you think. Days ago, he was officially recognized as the wielder of the lost legendary sword 'Vengeance'. By law, that makes him a noble, same as you. Now then, if my decision to be rid of your constant harassment by marrying someone that I actually love bothers you, you may leave. Mizik and I will be staying to enjoy the ball that I have worked so hard to put together. Thank you all very much," Isabella said.
She gave a graceful bow and wrapped her arm around mine.
This is her claiming me...isn't it? Awesome!
Then I saw the doors open again and Cassandra entered.
She wore a stunningly beautiful dress with her hair up as well. She approached the podium and looked at me.
"How long do you intend to play this game, Iratus boy?" Cassandra said dismissively.
"Game...? I'm not sure what you mean, Cassandra. I intend to marry Isabella. I hope we can get along," I said.
"Hmph..."
Cassandra turned and walked away.
She approached one of the tables in the back with food and drinks and began silently pouring herself something.
As she did so, I saw two noblemen chuckling to themselves.
When I listened to them, I was surprised at what they were saying.
"Ha...typical of the Second Princess. She has no tact, whatsoever. Poor girl," one said.
"Well, she's just as beautiful as her sister. She'd make a good concubine if nothing else!"
Am I...missing something here?
"Mizik, would you care to dance with me?" Isabella said with a smile.
I smiled back and nodded.
She extended her hand and I took it.
She gave a signal to some of the people holding instruments and they began playing.
As Isabella and I danced, I could see Cassandra seeming more and more upset.
And as much fun as I was having while dancing with my fiance...I couldn't help but hear the voices...
They weren't talking about Isabella and I...but Cassandra instead.
"Useless. Only good to be a half-assed replacement if something happens to her sister. Haha!"
"Did you see the way the Iratus boy looked at her? How pathetic. She isn't even deserving of that kindness. She can't do anything Isabella can!"
"She may be beautiful, but even a low-class woman would probably be of more use. I hear the Victoria family has fertility issues among the women. The Queen even had problems!"
"Really!? Then Cassandra wouldn't even be good for producing heirs. She's better off just keeping your bed warm!"
"Indeed! Better as a toy than anything else. Why, I would never allow the Victoria family curse to corrupt my house's bloodline! Unless Isabella reconsidered, that is..."
"Haha! Well said!"
What...? Why are you all so mean to her...?
Once we finished dancing, it continued.
As people drank and ate, I could see Cassandra looking more and more depressed.
She stood near the corner away from everyone as we enjoyed the festivities.
Eventually...
One man tried to approach her.
"Excuse me, Second Princess, may I have this dance?" He said.
"Why...?" Cassandra said.
"I just thought you looked lonely. Perhaps if I cheer you up, you'll accompany me home? I can give you plenty of company, my dear," he said with a smile.
"And you believe I will simply give my chastity to a low-born pile of maggots like yourself, because...why?"
"Ah, I forgot. My apologies. I just remembered that even a rabid dog would be friendlier than you. Please, keep drinking all by yourself as you normally do," he said.
He turned and waved as he walked off.
Cassandra dropped her glass and it shattered on the floor.
She looked down as tears rolled down her cheeks, gritting her teeth in anger.
All the while people kept whispering to one another about her.
"Hey, Isabella," I said.
"Yes, my love?" She said with a smile.
"If you don't mind, I'm going to try and make amends with Cassandra," I said
Isabella seemed delighted at this.
"Please, go right ahead! You will be family soon, so I want you to get along. I promise that she is very kind deep down," Isabella said.
I approached Cassandra with some slight reluctance.
I didn't want to get stepped on again...but I wanted her to like me.
And for some reason...
Looking at her reminded me of myself. When I was younger, I had no friends to speak of. I was avoided and scorned because of my blood.
Because of my eyes.
I hated to see that kind of suffering.
"Hey...Cassandra? Are you okay?" I asked.
She looked up at me and glared. Then she quickly wiped her tears away and straightened her hair.
"What do you want? Have you come to mock me as well? Have you come to spit on me while I'm down? Go ahead...I deserve it after the way I treated you..." She said.
I reached a hand out to her.
"We'll be family soon, won't we? Let's be friends," I said with a smile.
She looked surprised by this...
Almost hopeful.
But her gaze shifted around as I heard the others speaking again.
"How cute! It's like giving meat to a stray dog! I hope she doesn't bite his hand off!"
"He'll be lucky if he gets away with only insults for that. Hey, if she kills him, does that mean Isabella will be free again?"
"How sad. To be a Princess and receive pity from someone below you like that. That must be embarrassing..."
"Don't forget, she's only the Second Princess. She's useless royalty. A replacement with no skills or ability to lead like Isabella."
"Hah! Right! If something happened to Isabella, I'd be willing to bet they'll just have Cassandra change her name! She's worthless as she is!"
Before I could turn to tell then off, Cassandra stomped her foot on the floor.
"SHUT UP!!!! I DON'T NEED YOUR PITY!!! I CAN STAND ON MY OWN, YOU BASTARD!!!" She screamed at me.
"I wasn't implying-"
"SILENCE!!! YOU FILTHY MAGGOT!!! JUST DIE!!! GET AWAY FROM ME!!!" She screamed.
She slapped my hand away and ran straight out of the ballroom.
I clutched my hand after she hit it. It hurt quite a bit.
When I looked down at the floor, I saw a chip in the tile. Her heel had broken off as well.
What...just happened...?
Isabella approached and took my hand in hers.
"I'm so sorry, Mizik... I know how it looks, but really...she's not so bad..." Isabella said.
Then she turned to the others at the party.
"ALL OF YOU GET OUT, RIGHT NOW!!! HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY SISTER!!! LEAVE AT ONCE!!!" She screamed.
They all left as quickly as possible.
"Is she okay?" I asked.
Isabella looked away.
"No...no she's not. I've been working for a while to try and make amends between us... Just leave it for now, okay?" She said.
"Very well. I hope she gets better..." I said.
* * *
As I hung on the wall of her dungeon, after our most recent 'session', Cassandra smiled.
I was gasping from screaming so much.
"Yes...how dare you humiliate me so... How dare you make me desire your company...filthy maggot..." She said.
"Please...I've already...apologized so much... I just wanted to be friends... Please...make it stop..." I whimpered.
Cassandra turned away from me.
"Liar. You're just lying to me. Shut up..."
"I wasn't...lying!!! I-"
"STOP LOOKING DOWN ON ME!!!! I DON'T WANT YOUR FRIENDSHIP, YOU MAGGOT!!! I'LL MAKE YOU SUFFER FOR THAT!!!" She screamed.
I looked on in fear as she grabbed a dagger from her trolley with a serrated edge.
"PLEASE NO!!!! I'M SORRY!!!! PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!!!" I screamed.
My pleas fell on deaf ears.
My cries for mercy were ignored.
Between the sessions of torture, I could almost swear I heard weeping in the room above.
But I just assumed my mind was playing tricks on me.
After all...I didn't believe such a monster could actually be capable of shedding tears.
The very idea of someone like her actually having a shred of humanity was ridiculous.
Still, I couldn't help but wonder.
Why...does she keep crying?