A Good Friend
That concludes the fitting. Thank you for your patience.
We'll have your dress delivered to the address you provided as soon as it's finished.
Great! Thank you!
...I'd say luck was on your side today, Lady Stranis.
I know, right? Meeting you here was such good luck!
Honestly, I have no sense for this sort of thing.
They kept asking me to pick this or that, but it all looked the same to me.
I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks, Epindel.
W-Well, that's only because you're so unfamiliar with dresses...!
I simply helped you narrow down the choices.
If I hadn't stepped in, you would've chosen another outfit that covered you from head to toe.
Let's just say I wasn't about to let you attend my gala dressed like that.
*Sigh*... My lady. Please, as I've told you time and again, a noble should dress like one.
Dressing like a noble, huh...
I quietly compared Epindel's attire with Asherah's, giving the matter some thought.
Either way, I really appreciate your help. Thanks, Epindel!
...Fine. Believe whatever you like.
Oh, right. Since we're talking...
What is it? Do you still have something to say?
Any chance you're free after this?
...Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like what's coming next?
Do you think... you could help me out?
Help? With what?
Well, a little of everything...
A little... of everything?
...So you'd like me to teach this ragtag bunch a little etiquette so they don't disgrace themselves at the gala.
R-Ragtag bunch? I never called us that!
...That's not for drinking.
Mmm. It's actually pretty tasty.
...Please don't speak with food in your mouth.
Spice level inadequate. Adding chili powder.
Must you coat everything in chili powder?!
*Sigh*... Perhaps "ragtag bunch" wasn't such an unfair description after all.
These born commoners are one thing, but...
Um... I was supposed to use the other knife, wasn't I?
This steak's pretty tough... Maybe if I press a little harder...
Whoops! Ahaha... Guess I broke it...
Just what are you—N-No, I mean...! My lady, honestly! What is WRONG with you?!
Sit up straight! Mind your elbows! And don't rest them on the table!
You weren't even using the steak knife to begin with!
You're missing even the most fundamental etiquette!
Hehe... I-I guess it's been ages since I've eaten at a proper formal dinner...
Nobody forgets the basics just because it's been a while! Clearly you never paid attention!
...Ouch.
*Sigh*... This won't do. At this rate, the gala will be a disaster.
Too much is riding on this event for me to stand by and do nothing.
I'll teach you everything, one step at a time. So make sure every bit of it sticks!
...As if that weren't enough...
...I certainly didn't expect dance lessons to be part of the request.
S-Sorry...
But if I'm going to learn, I want to learn from the best... and that's you!
Ahem! W-Well, naturally. Anyone aspiring to lead their family must strive for excellence in every field...!
Exactly! That's why I came to you!
...That is... a perfectly reasonable point. Very well.
Since you're a beginner, we'll start with the basics.
All right. To the rhythm. One, two.
And so, Epindel's intensive dance lessons began.
Some time later...
So... D-Did I get a little better...?
How was it?
...Whoa.
...Remarkably precise.
Wh-What kind of feedback is that?!
Considering how talented you are with a blade, I simply don't understand how your dancing can be this... hopeless.
I assumed you were good at anything involving physical coordination.
But I copied every move, didn't I? Can you tell me what I did wrong?
...Everything. Every last bit of it...!
Really...? I was trying to keep my movements efficient and eliminate anything unnecessary.
I figured my version of the sixth turn would be more efficient.
That's precisely what's wrong with it...!
You're dancing, not drilling sword techniques! Efficiency isn't the point!
And if you're going to ignore the rhythm anyway, why are we even playing music?!
I-I wasn't ignoring it...
Above all else... There's absolutely no elegance in your movements!
It doesn't feel like you're dancing with your partner. It looks like you're trying to put them in a joint lock!
Ugh... This is tougher than I thought...
*Sigh*... Forget winning the prize. At this rate, you'll be lucky if you don't ruin the entire performance.
This isn't just about you. Dancing takes two.
Captain. May I ask whether you've ever learned to dance?
...Not that I can remember.
The ballroom competition isn't something two complete beginners can realistically hope to win.
*Sigh*... Even so, a promise is a promise. I'll do everything I can.
Captain, allow me to be your partner for a moment.
Just guide your partner gently and follow the flow. Match your movements to mine.
Now, rest your hand on my waist.
Like this?
Perfect. Now keep that position and move with me to the music.
It was my first time attempting a ballroom dance, but thanks to Epindel's guidance, it came more naturally than I'd expected.
We'd never danced together before... or at least, we shouldn't have.
To my surprise, I moved through the steps without much trouble.
Even Epindel appeared caught off guard.
...Are you sure this is your first time? Somehow, I find that hard to believe.
For some reason... it feels as though you've done this before.
Perhaps it's only a feeling of déjà vu.
Ugh...
...
Lady Stranis, may I offer an alternative?
Let the Captain attend the ball as my partner.
What...? The Captain... with you?
Naturally. If we're being practical, this seems like the option with the highest chance of winning.
Time is running out, and frankly... your dancing doesn't yet meet even the minimum standard.
So, shall we make a deal? Lend me the Captain, and I'll lend you the prize.
A-Absolutely not!
...I see. You won't allow it?
Tch... Fine! I get it, okay? You're saying my dancing still isn't up to par.
Then I'll practice until I get it right.
Hmm... Even with diligent practice, I question how much you can improve in so little time.
...You'll see. I'll practice until you can't complain anymore.
I'll show you I'm capable of this!
...
...Is Asherah sulking?
Should we go check on her?
It's all right. Leave her be.
If I had to describe her... she absolutely can't stand to lose.
Now that she's fired up, she'll practice harder than anyone.
...She always has.
Right, they'd known each other ever since they were little.
You really do know her well.
[Strongly fuel Asherah's desire to win.]
It seemed Epindel understood that the quickest way to get results out of Asherah was to challenge her pride.
Heh! Now that's something only a close friend would know.
Excellent friendship.
W-We were less "friends" and more... families with close ties!
Thanks for helping us.
As I've mentioned, I intend to see this event through to perfection for the sake of House Orlan.
Consider it part of my responsibilities. You owe me nothing.
...So listen carefully, the three of you!
Make sure every one of today's lessons stays with you! Is that clear?
Y-Yes, ma'am!
True to Epindel's expectations, Asherah devoted herself to brutal dance practice from that very day.
Although she kept her practice sessions private, it looked as though every spare moment was devoted to dance.
Ah...?!
Come on... Why do I keep messing up that last step?
Just one more try...!
If you force the turn like that, you'll end up spraining your ankle.
...Oh, hey, Epindel.
Aw, don't tell me you came because you were worried.
M-Me? Worried about you? Whatever gave you that idea?!
...I'm merely here on behalf of those who were worried about you.
You're fortunate to have such caring companions.
Hehe... You think so! Haha!
...You always seem to possess what I lack.
Swordsmanship. A personality people are drawn to. A loving family. ...Even your wonderful companions.
Huh? What did you just say?
...Pay it no mind. I was only mumbling to myself. Now then...
If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you something.
What is it?
Why are you pushing yourself this far?
You mean the dance practice?
Your feet are covered in blisters, and you haven't been eating properly.
Hehe... So you've been watching me?
N-Not constantly! I only came by from time to time!
Anyway... Do you remember when we took dance lessons together when we were little?
Just like every other lesson, you complained it was boring and snuck off into the woods.
Yeah, I remember. You kept saying you didn't want to go with me, and I dragged you anyway.
You kept insisting we should go back, but you had just as much fun as I did.
Th-That's not what I was trying to say!
Why are you suddenly so devoted to something you always dismissed as noble etiquette?
I already told you. I want the Star Savior's—
*Sigh*... There's just no talking to you.
I won't repeat myself... but I still don't understand.
I know you've never cared much for your responsibilities as a noble, or for your family's affairs...
You're at an age when you ought to be considering your future, but you're still devoted to the same storybook hero you admired as a little girl.
I-Is that really how it looks?
Now that you mention it... Luna told me I still act like a child.
I couldn't agree more, and—
Still... I don't think that's quite it.
Pardon?
In the beginning... it really just was about winning the relic.
But the more I practiced, the more I realized something.
You know what my dream is, don't you, Epindel?
...You said you wanted to become a great Savior like the Star Savior.
...I suppose that's still your dream?
Right. The thing is...
I don't know what path will get me there yet.
It just occurred to me... that maybe the first step toward my dream is simply trying to face things the way he would have.
Dancing isn't my thing, and I honestly can't stand noble gatherings.
But if it were the Star Savior, he wouldn't avoid something simply because he wasn't good at it.
He would've given it everything he had first.
At least... that's the person I imagine him to be.
Ahaha... I guess it does make me sound kind of foolish.
...
Hmm... Is that so?
So this has nothing to do with dancing with the Captain?
I... I don't know what you're talking about!
My, is that so? Then surely anyone could be your partner, so long as you win.
Then I'll gladly take the Captain as my partner instead.
Having taught the Captain myself, I'd say the potential is certainly there.
I'll find you another suitable partner.
There are more than enough eligible gentlemen who would eagerly line up for the chance to become acquainted with House Stranis—
...!
I don't need that...!
Goodness, what a fierce reaction.
...Relax. I was only teasing.
Honestly, your answer was so unbelievable that I assumed you were joking.
I simply thought I'd indulge in a little joke myself.
Ugh... You're so mean!
Speaking of which, you came at just the right time.
I think I've finally got the hang of it. Mind watching?
It's hard to tell by myself if I'm doing it right, so—
Your stance.
Huh?
Your stance looks unnatural.
Give yourself more space. You're much too tense.
O-Okay, got it!
You asked whether I thought you were being foolish.
You do. From my perspective, it's an utterly irrational way to live.
That dream of yours, and your entire way of life... both strike me as terribly immature.
Throwing aside your responsibilities as heir to your family is simply unthinkable.
I have no doubt. The life you're pursuing isn't the life that was meant to be yours.
Well, but...
Whatever our differences, you'll always be someone I consider... a dear friend.
So the least I can do is help you see this through to the end.
...Yeah. Hehe, thanks! I'm lucky to have you as a friend.
Ngh...! Q-Quit clinging to me and show me what you've practiced already!