Alicia felt her heart skip a beat.
She didn't expect Rey to ask her to dance so… directly. His earnest eyes looking into hers made her nervous and also a bit… excited? She wasn't sure what she was feeling anymore.
It was all so confusing ever since they came to this world.
Everyone had figured out what they had to do, a lot of them hunting in the forest or getting personally trained by Brutus. Some of her closest friends Sydney and Bethany, have immersed themselves in learning more about the world or magic.
They seemed to being spending less and less time together…
While Alicia just read some interesting novels or fairy tales she found in the base library. It was genuinely interesting to see the similarities between her world and theirs. And the differences as well.
Alicia wanted to return to her world, it just wasn't worth being her - even if she could live out a fairy tale. She missed her family and also the pets she left at home. She didn't understand people like Adam and Eric, who seemed genuinely excited to explore a new world.
How could they? She just didn't get it!
Didn't it scare them? When they saw Jade get attacked by a goblin and her arm snapped like a twig?
That singular event scared her so much, she never stepped into the forest again.
Didn't it unnerve them that they were expected to fight in some continental war for strangers within two years? And with much bigger and scarier monsters than before?
They all seemed drunk on the newfound power they had received and was just going with the flow.
So it was refreshing for her to realize Rey was just as lost as she was.
He was weaker than the others by a significant margin. Especially with him still remaining as a [Commoner] even dormant classes awarded stats with every level.
While his class gave him less than nothing.
But, while Rey looked a bit frustrated… he seemed like he was more… relaxed? It was hard to understand what was going in his mind, Alicia realized the more he got to know Rey.
He was the one who changed the least out of all of us.
Rey still trained regularly but not as hard as the rest of them. He also kept to himself and mostly talked with Billy, just like in highschool.
And he seemed genuinely interested in the world as well, so he listened whenever she babbled on about an interesting history fact she found out or story she had just read.
It was just relaxing to be with him, and she could just about forget the hectic world around her.
Alicia wasn't blind to the obvious 'interest' Rey was showing in her. It looked like he was only nervous to talk to her the first time. And as the days went by, interest turned to something greater.
She noticed the glances he sent her way, when he thought she wasn't looking. But, Alicia figure it out would pass just the same as it came. It didn't escape her attention that he gave those same eyes to the Demon Hunter.
But, Alicia didn't want their relationship to head that way. At least she didn't want it before…
Now she wasn't sure.
It started off as a whim. She didn't want to be by herself, especially with everyone around them dancing. And Rey did kind of look cute in that stylish suit-like clothes of his.
He usually went unnoticed, especially with lookers like Adam and Adonis in our class.
But Alicia thought he almost looked charming right now…
The nervousness in her voice had surprised her when she asked the question, and even more the feeling she got with his affirmation.
Alicia was now trying her best not to remember the steps and not mess up the dance.
Rey had taken her by the hand and had slowly lead her to the spacious dance floor. Glimmering low-level spirits floated around, making in unearthly beautiful.
He awkwardly placed a hand on her hip and moved with her slowly, enjoying the slow and beautiful music played by the orchestra.
Her other hand was grasped in his and with a soft gasp, he threaded his hands through hers. Intertwining them and holding them out to the side.
'He wasn't this confident before.' Alicia thought with surprise.
His soft brown eyes didn't leave her face even once. Almost afraid to wander off. It alarmed her to find out that she didn't dislike the touch as must as she thought she would.
"You are a natural at this." Alicia whispered. The words audible to him with how close they were.
She could see thoughts behind his eyes pause for a moment.
"Yeah, I had lots of practice."
Alicia had to beat the inside of her cheek to not chuckle at remembering him awkwardly dance with the etiquette teacher. She and Rey were some of the few who actually took the classes with enthusiasm.
His steps slowly fell into a more practiced rhythm and he seemed much more comfortable. His black gloves threaded her back as it moved a bit upwards.
Then while supporting her with one arm, he leaned her back. Her body tilting backwards as their movements synced with the highs of the music. Her hair fluttered backwards and she felt herself get swept into the Rey's flow. He slowly lifted her back up.
It was one of the harder moves to pull form and she felt proud that she was able to perform it without to much difficulty.
They settled back into the familiar rhythm as the song transitioned to a new one. It was an enjoyable experience.
"That… was amazing." Rey said softly and a bit out of breath.
'Was he holding his breath the entire time?'
Alicia smiled. "Yeah, it was"
Their eyes met again and as soon as they did they glanced away.
"Lets go get some food." Rey suggested.
Alicia felt relieved and thankful at the suggestion.
"Sure."
*******
Rey wanted to go home.
He had enough heart wrenching excitement for a day. That dance with Alicia was both the most stressful and exciting event he had since this trashy Isekai adventure started.
'Though…' Rey thought.
He glanced over at Alicia, who was chatting with Bethany while trying out some of the foods.
'I think she enjoyed it too… Hopefully.' Rey sighed.
He was super nervous, but at some point he just locked in. He managed to do the 'lean back' or whatever it was called - the word was too complicated for him too pronounce in Filit.
Billy had disappeared at some point and most of his classmates were still dancing with some of the nobles that approached them.
The music slowly panned out as the main event unfolded.
The knighthood of Adonis Levi.
Attendants and what looked like mages, tucked away the tables and food in neat corners and away from the venue. Carpets were placed as knight guards lined the sides of a path from the bottom of the balcony.
Lucielle created pale blue floating stairs, that almost looked like panes of glass. Adonis in his regal white and gold outfit ascended towards the pavillion.
A cloak of white fur coated his body - the first kill he ever made in the Forest. His back was held straight and even the usually calm Adonis looked strained under the pressure of a hundred piercing eyes.
An empty scabbard was placed to the side of his waist.
The veil was parted by the members of the Royal Harem and the Silver Queen revealed herself true for the first time.
She wore a silver mask with intricate black swirling patterns. White fox ears that made her look more noble than animal, poked out from her head. Long silver hair cascaded down her shoulders. And down the front of her chest.
…And she was also completely stark naked despite her mask.
The important bits were covered up, but she was definitely naked!!!
Rey gaped.
He looked around and saw that while some seemed awed by the beauty displayed in front of them, none of the royal faction thought it was strange that their Queen was naked.
Rey exchanged looks with his classmates who looked just as confused as he was, though some seemed a bit too interested in the sight presented…
Despite his inner turmoils the ceremony proceeded as intended.
Adonis froze for a full three seconds before he resumed as if nothing ever happened.
He stood before the Queen an kneeled on one leg.
One of her concubines presented her with an intricate sword. She stood up and even her cleverly-positioned hair could hide what was revealed before the world now.
Rey could see Adonis visibly shudder as the Queen moved towards him, her body swaying with regal authority despite her appearance.
She grasped the sword with her long and nimble fingers, her height was a bit taller than Adonis. She placed it on his shoulder and proclaimed:
"With thy sword sheathed, tho shall now commence knighthood and eternally represent the Kingdom of Filian."
"By your will, Silver Queen." Adonis said slowly, the words coming out measured. He didn't dare to raise his head and looked straight at the floor.
"If thou falls to evil, thine sword will take your life." She said, her words echoed throughout the lavish chamber. The sword moving to the other shoulder.
And Rey despite the incredulity of the situation couldn't help but respect the power she radiated.
"By your will." Adonis repeated.
"Now rise, Hero. And may light guide thine enemy's neck to your merciful blade." She placed the sword on his neck this time and Rey could feel the tension prick his skin.
"By your will, my queen." Adonis repeated and this time with devotion in his eyes. He grasped the sword with his gloved hands and sheathed it.
And as soon as he did, the entrance double doors busted inwards revealing a scared and anxious attendant.
"The Demon…" He panted and continued the next second.
"The Demon has escaped!!!!"