The Extra's Rise-Chapter 758: Avalon’s Grand Ball (8)

The evening’s formal presentations concluded with the traditional opening of the dancing, as orchestral music began to fill the grand hall with melodies that had been carefully selected to honor all five continental traditions. This was the moment I had been preparing for—not just the careful choreography that my girlfriends had planned, but the delicate political ballet that would determine the success of everything that followed.

The conversations we had held over the past few days had been some of the most difficult of my life. Explaining to five remarkable women that I needed to pursue another relationship—not out of wandering affection, but as a calculated move to prevent a war—had required every bit of diplomatic skill I possessed. But their understanding and support had been nothing short of extraordinary.

As Crown Princess of the host nation, Cecilia would naturally be my first dance partner. Protocol demanded it, and our coordination had been planned around this moment from the beginning.

"Your Highness," I said with a formal bow as I approached her near the imperial dais, "might I have the honor of this dance?"

Cecilia’s crimson eyes sparkled with obvious pleasure as she accepted my offered hand. "The honor is mine, Grandmaster Nightingale."

As we moved onto the dance floor, I was acutely aware of how many eyes were watching our every move. This wasn’t just a romantic gesture—it was a political statement that would be analyzed and discussed by every diplomat in the room. The Crown Princess of the Slatemark Empire dancing with the Guild Grandmaster represented a level of political alliance that would have implications far beyond tonight’s festivities.

"You’re more relaxed than I expected," Cecilia murmured as we began the elegant waltz that would set the tone for the evening’s festivities. "Given what you’re planning to do later."

"Having your support makes all the difference," I replied honestly, guiding her through the complex steps with the confidence that came from months of dancing lessons. "I know this isn’t easy for any of you."

"Arthur," she said with the directness that had made her such an effective crown princess, "we discussed this thoroughly. We understand why it’s necessary, and we trust your judgment. More importantly, we trust your heart."

The music swelled around us as we moved together with practiced grace, our coordination reflecting months of careful preparation for exactly this kind of public appearance. Cecilia was a magnificent dancer, her natural elegance enhanced by years of royal training that made every movement appear effortless.

"Besides," she added with a smile that carried both affection and strategic calculation, "if this prevents the complications you’ve described, it serves everyone’s interests. Including the Empire’s."

As our dance concluded, Cecilia squeezed my hand briefly before releasing me with the gracious smile that had made her famous throughout diplomatic circles. "Go charm the others," she whispered. "And remember—we’re all supporting you in this."

Rachel was waiting near the edge of the dance floor, her sapphire eyes carrying the stress from her earlier encounter with her supposedly resurrected mother, but also the determined composure that had made her legendary as a saintess. She needed this dance more than the others—not for political reasons, but for emotional support.

"Princess Rachel," I said with gentle formality, "would you honor me with this dance?"

The relief in her expression was immediate as she accepted my hand. "Thank you," she whispered as we moved into position for a slower, more intimate waltz that would allow for quieter conversation.

"How are you holding up?" I asked as we began to move together, my hands steady and reassuring as she worked to maintain her composure.

"Better now," she admitted, her voice carrying the musical quality that had first caught my attention years ago. "Dancing with you always helps me center myself. And knowing that you’re going to help someone else who needs protection... it reminds me why I fell in love with you in the first place."

The sincerity in her voice made my chest tighten with emotion. Rachel’s capacity for selfless concern, even while dealing with her own trauma, continued to amaze me. During our planning conversations, she had been the first to express complete support for pursuing Elara, immediately recognizing the moral imperative involved.

"You’re remarkable," I told her as we moved through the flowing patterns of Northern court dancing. "And whatever your mother represents, she can’t diminish who you’ve become."

"I know," she replied with growing confidence. "And I know you’ll keep all of us safe while doing what needs to be done."

As our dance drew to a close, Rachel’s smile had regained much of its usual warmth. The combination of physical movement, emotional support, and the reminder of our shared values had helped her recover the equilibrium that her mother’s presence had shattered.

Seraphina was next, her silver hair catching the light as she moved with the precise grace that characterized everything she did. The Eastern traditions required a different style of dance, one that emphasized controlled elegance over flowing movement. freёnovelkiss.com

"Lady Seraphina," I said with the formal bow that honored her cultural heritage, "may I have this dance?"

"You may," she replied with a subtle smile that warmed her typically cool expression.

As we moved through the structured patterns of Eastern court dancing, I marveled at how perfectly Seraphina embodied the principles she had been taught. Every step was calculated, every gesture deliberate, yet the overall effect was one of natural beauty rather than mechanical precision.

"Master Li looks pleased," I observed, noticing my former teacher watching our dance with obvious approval from her position near the Eastern delegation.

"She should be," Seraphina replied with rare warmth. "You’ve exceeded even her expectations. And your plan tonight demonstrates the kind of strategic thinking she values most—protecting the innocent while advancing larger goals."

The fact that Seraphina had immediately grasped both the moral and strategic dimensions of my plan had been crucial to securing everyone’s support. Her analytical mind had helped the others understand the broader implications of what we were attempting.

"Your martial training shows in your dancing," I commented as we executed a particularly complex sequence that required perfect timing and coordination.

"As does yours," she replied. "The discipline you’ve developed serves you well in all areas of life. Including the challenging path you’ve chosen tonight."

Rose was waiting with obvious anticipation, her brown eyes bright with the kind of strategic enthusiasm that had made her such an effective business partner. As we began our dance—a more contemporary style that reflected her practical approach to life—I felt the familiar comfort of dancing with someone who understood both my personal and professional challenges.

"The coordination is working perfectly," she observed, referring not just to our dancing but to the broader orchestration of the evening’s events. "Everyone is responding exactly as we predicted during our planning sessions."

"Your strategic input made all the difference," I replied, guiding her through a series of turns that showcased her natural grace. "Having your business perspective on the potential complications was invaluable."

Rose had been the one to help me understand the practical implications of pursuing Elara—the economic relationships that could be affected, the political alliances that might shift, and the social dynamics that would need to be managed. Her analytical approach had helped transform what could have been an emotional decision into a carefully calculated strategy.

"Just remember," she said with the fond concern that characterized her approach to our relationship, "managing six romantic relationships will require the same kind of systematic attention that you bring to guild operations. Don’t let sentiment override strategic thinking."

"I won’t," I assured her. "Having all of you to help me maintain perspective will be essential."

Finally, I approached Reika for what would be our dance—the most personal of the evening, reserved for the woman who had stood by me through everything and whose opinion mattered more than any political consideration.

"Would you dance with me?" I asked simply, abandoning formal protocol for the genuine affection that characterized our relationship.

"Always," she replied with the warm smile that never failed to make my heart race.

As we moved together with the natural synchronization that came from years of partnership, I felt the profound sense of peace that Reika always brought to my life. She had been the most concerned about my plan to pursue Elara—not out of jealousy, but out of genuine worry about the emotional toll it might take on me.

"Are you sure you’re ready for this?" she asked quietly, her violet eyes searching my face for any hint of uncertainty.

"I’m sure," I replied. "And knowing that you’ll be there to help me navigate whatever complications arise makes it possible."

"I meant what I said during our discussions," she continued. "I trust your judgment completely. But I also want you to promise that you’ll talk to me if the emotional burden becomes too heavy."

"I promise," I assured her, meaning every word. Reika’s unwavering support had been the foundation that allowed me to even consider taking on such a complex challenge.

As our dance concluded, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the extraordinary women who had chosen to be part of my life. Their trust and support would make everything that followed possible.

But now came the most challenging part of the evening.

I made my way across the dance floor toward where Elara Astoria stood with her father, Archduke Leopold. She was even more beautiful up close—golden hair that seemed to capture and reflect the ballroom’s lighting, gentle blue eyes that spoke of kindness and innocence, and a natural grace that made every movement appear effortless.

The conversations around us seemed to quiet as I approached, the political significance of my request obvious to everyone present. This would be the first time the Guild Grandmaster had publicly acknowledged the Archduke’s daughter, and the implications would be discussed throughout diplomatic circles for weeks.

"Archduke Leopold," I said with a respectful bow, "Your Grace, would you permit me to request a dance with Lady Elara?"

Elara’s eyes widened slightly with surprise, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she glanced between her father and me. Around us, I could feel the attention of dozens of powerful people focused on this moment.

"Lady Elara," I said, turning to address her directly while offering my hand, "would you honor me with this dance?"

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