New Year's Festival
New Year's festival?
Yes. Even in my homeland, NOA's New Year's festival has a fine reputation.
It seems a shame to miss something that only happens once a year...
...A-and I thought it'd be best to go with someone who at least knows the basics of etiquette, as an escort.
...Will you join me?
I don't have other plans.
What an honor.
Then I'll see you tomorrow, in front of the quarters.
We spent the day exploring the festival together.
Epindel tried not to show it, but she was clearly enjoying herself.
...Fufu.
What was that laugh?
For me, festivals were always something I observed from horseback while looking down from above.
Walking through the crowds... it feels entirely different.
Ah, what's that? I don't recognize that tent.
Epindel pointed to a large tent that took up most of the plaza.
We squeezed through the crowd to find a makeshift ballroom inside.
Ah, no wonder it was packed in here.
There's even a full band.
Lumiere's Waltz No. 3 in A minor...
What a nostalgic melody.
The musicians are quite skilled. More than worthy of playing in a city square...
Hmm?
Lucky... I wish I could dance, too...
Then you should've just told him!
I was too nervous!
What if he went, "Wait, who are you again?" after I asked him out?
I'd have died on the spot drowning in my own tears...
Well, thanks to that, you're stuck spending New Year's festival with me. Better not regret it.
Ooh...
If you just want to dance, why not go find a partner now?
Like... that guy over there with the hood?
He looks like he'd say yes if you just asked.
They're staring way too hard...
Well...
No. I'll pass.
Huh? Why?
He just... looks like someone who can't dance. You know?
...Oh. Now that you mention it...
Right? And he's got a gorgeous partner next to him, but they're just watching.
That's a red flag. Total pass.
...Sharp-eyed, aren't they.
Maybe we should go.
...
...Epindel?
Captain. Let's head in.
Huh?
"Huh" is not an acceptable answer.
Your refinement has been insulted. Surely you won't let that slide?
This is an affront not only to you, but to the Orlans as well.
And House Orlan does not take kindly to challenges.
Easy, Epindel.
What if you leave a mark on one of them?
...Did you really think I'd slap them with a glove or something?
A challenge to dance should be answered with a dance.
Do your best out there.
...
You want to dance with me...?
...
But I've never danced before...
Captain, which side is your right?
...The side I use my fork with?
Good. Now try matching the rhythm you hear.
Thump-tap-tap, thump-tap-tap...?
That's more than enough.
Leave the rest to me.
I can trust you, right...?
Oh dear, Captain.
Do you smell that?
It smells like cowardice.
...Well then.
I stepped out of the crowd and held out my hand to Epindel.
Braving the stares, I spoke.
May I have this dance, my lady?
Gladly.
...After that, it's all a blur.
The lights were brighter than expected. Epindel's hands were rougher than expected. And I definitely stepped on her feet more times than expected.
She looked up at me and smiled. Her hair brushed against my cheek as we turned, and it smelled nice.
The crowd erupted in applause.
Beyond the tent, fireworks lit up the night sky.
...All in all, not a bad way to spend the festival.