The Knight Commander of the Second Male Lead [Novel] Chapter 117

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 117

Chapter Title: A Waltz Interrupted

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Prince Paradiv gazed across the dance floor, feeling a twinge of helplessness.

There stood Nina, surrounded by young ladies in colorful, beautiful dresses.

To speak with Nina, he'd have to push through that wall of girls.

Slim and clad in her black uniform, Nina stood out strikingly amid the lavish lace and brilliant hues.

He simply couldn't muster the courage to breach that glittering barrier.

As he edged toward the periphery of the group, his eyes met Nina's.

Nina's eyes widened slightly in feigned surprise, then she excused herself to the young ladies. All their gazes turned toward him.

'Creepy.'

The girls, fans covering their mouths, murmured things like, "Well, if it's His Highness the Prince..." even as their expressions said otherwise.

They parted for him just as they would for the Emperor's entrance, clearing a path. Nina strode through gracefully and curtsied elegantly.

"Your Highness, it's been a while."

"Indeed it has. Could we escape to somewhere before those stares pierce me to death?"

Nina flashed a smile at the women glaring sullenly from behind, then said to him,

"Shall we head that way?"

The meeting between the Ebony Knight Order's Captain and the Prince was a tantalizing topic. As they stood side by side near a pillar, eyes converged on them, and the crowd tactfully kept their distance.

A noble retreat signaling they wouldn't intrude on the conversation—while dying of curiosity.

"This is the first time I've seen you apart from the Duke."

Nina nodded at Paradiv's words.

"I have to stand on my own sometimes, after all."

Paradiv swallowed the urge to ask whose "standing alone" she meant.

In high society, Nina was popular with both men and women alike. Every door opened wide for her.

The elite of the social scene invited her to salons, teas, and private gatherings.

Even the capital's prestigious gentlemen's club—the card club—had debated whether to allow entry to Lady Nina as the finest knight.

They'd even sent word that they'd gladly issue her a membership as an honorary member if she wished.

The capital buzzed with talk of the Rubaenu Ducal Family, and as the Belak threat loomed larger, fascination with knightly tales grew feverish.

Of course, the hottest gossip right now was this very story.

"Have you heard about the Saintess?"

Nina nodded at Paradiv's question.

"Of course. I didn't see it myself, but they say she purified the corruption."

"Yes, everyone was shocked. Donations to the temple must have skyrocketed."

"Since the temple's the only place that can handle barriers right now. Oh, does that include the Isle of Sages?"

Paradiv grinned at Nina's head-tilted query.

"I've heard a mage tower is being built in Rubaenu territory. Wouldn't that have even more potential?"

"Rumors are already spreading, huh."

"My ears are sharp."

Paradiv replied and glanced at Nina.

Her twin tails were the same, her black uniform unchanged. But he noticed a hint of blue mixed into her uniform.

"There's blue in your uniform now."

"Ah, it's formal attire for the ball. The tailor said pure black was too stark, so they added this. I don't see much difference, though."

Nina shook her head.

"Do you know how priceless that fabric is?"

"They're not selling it outside, are they?"

Nina's eyes rounded as she spoke, prompting Paradiv to reply,

"Exactly."

Even in the ballroom, several people wore long coats. Black ones were visible too.

Women's dresses mimicking jacket silhouettes caught the eye as well.

"Lady Nina."

"Yes."

"Aren't you more famous than me now?"

Nina looked at him as Paradiv spoke. Her water-blue eyes gazed quietly at him.

In their letters and conversations, he was always courteous, never crossing lines.

He wouldn't be a bad first boyfriend for a novice like her. After pondering, she said,

"Shall we dance?"

Paradiv smiled.

"With pleasure."

They lightly joined the waltz midway. From afar, Shallo watched them with hawk-like eyes as they spun.

"The Prince looks flashier somehow."

Shallo replied to Kel's whisper.

"Males in rut are always more vibrant."

Is that something to say about the Empire's Prince? Even so, Kel responded.

"...It's not a courtship dance."

Not something to say to the Empire's Prince either. Kel chuckled, and Shallo glanced at him.

"What? Don't they suit each other?"

"Standing here means no one bugs me."

Shallo's mint-green eyes stared piercingly before snapping toward Nina.

The pair in black uniforms stood out even at the ball.

As an elite leader, Shallo erected an invisible wall; anyone approaching her had to brace for a scolding.

By contrast, good-natured Kel drew people regardless of gender. He'd slip to Shallo's side when overwhelmed.

Kel scanned around and asked,

"Where's Raza?"

"Garden."

"Alone?"

"Couldn't stand it."

Kel nodded at Shallo's answer. Raza couldn't handle crowds swarming him.

Nor could he brush them off with Shallo's sharp rebukes.

He didn't care for packed venues like balls either.

The three had trailed Nina today to test if the rest could adequately guard Duke Rubaenu.

With Vice-Captain Jin leading, it should be fine, but the new elites worried them.

Kel muttered,

"Our Captain's pretty popular."

"She's the Captain."

Kel had no choice but to agree with Shallo's tone, as if that explained everything.

"True enough."

Nina was far kinder to women at the ball. After asking wallflowers to dance and thrashing lechers in duels, her popularity soared to the gilded hall ceiling.

Shallo flinched.

Kel whispered low, "What?" Shallo whispered back.

"Captain's expression just turned weird."

"Huh?"

I don't see it.

"It was weird. That guy's spouting nonsense for sure."

"Please tell me the 'guy' you mean isn't our Evensel Empire's Prince."

Soon Kel noticed Nina's expression souring too. The smile faded from her once-cheerful face, replaced by repeated questions.

"What's that about?"

Kel squinted. If that jerk was feeding their Captain nonsense—

Then the hall entrance grew rowdy. Kel and Shallo reflexively looked; Raza in black clothes stood out immediately.

Somehow retrieving their weapons, he tussled with guards blocking the entrance.

Their eyes met, and Raza raised a hand in quick sign language.

Belak.

Multiple.

B-rank or higher.

East and west sides.

Shallo and Kel burst through the dancers on the floor to Nina's side.

"Lady Nina?"

Murmurs and stares rippled from their sudden moves.

Nina grabbed Paradiv's wrist and started walking.

"Whoa? Lady Nina!"

The startled prince tried to stop, but Nina's grip wasn't weak enough to yield.

She whispered to him,

"Belak are coming."

"What?"

Paradiv's face hardened. He scanned for his youngest sibling and attendant, Naph.

Naph, who had been idly sipping champagne over there, sensed the oddity and approached—leisurely, as befitting royalty.

"Shallo."

At Nina's glance, Shallo grimaced but dashed to Naph.

Naph was dragged over protesting, finally bursting, "What in the world is this?"

Nina clicked her tongue.

"They're here."

"What?"

Kieeeek-!!

A eardrum-shattering screech shattered the glass windows.

"Everyone, get down!"

Nina's voice boomed louder than any scream or shout.