As time passed, the event transitioned into a buffet-style gathering. The schedule for the day began with exchanging greetings and socializing over food, with a dance party to follow afterward.
Rebecca-senpai, Amelia, and Ariane had been with me until a few moments ago, but they had all departed to attend to their own social obligations.
I suppose the daughters of the Three Great Noble Families are in a league of their own... Just as that thought crossed my mind, I spotted Clarice trudging along by herself.
"Clarice. What’s wrong? You look exhausted."
"Ah... Ray..."
Clarice was dressed in a gown and wore a touch of makeup. Her hair was in its usual twin-tails, though today the ends had been curled into soft, loose ringlets.
However, seeing her twin-tails drooping, I immediately grasped the state of her well-being.
"Are you all right? If you aren't feeling well, I don't think you should push yourself."
"No, I’m fine. It’s just... giving so many greetings has worn me out."
"I see. It sounds like being a noble daughter is hard work."
"Well, yeah... Wait, more importantly!"
Suddenly raising her voice, Clarice grabbed my hand and pulled me toward a corner of the venue. I wondered if something had happened.
"Ray, you're the talk of the town right now!"
"Is this about the tournament, by any chance?"
"Exactly. There are still some nobles grumbling that they can't stand an Ordinary, but there are surprisingly many people who feel favorable toward you. Just now, someone actually asked me if I could introduce you to them."
"I see. So things have come to that, have they?"
"But, well... no one knows you’re that, right?"
By "that," she was undoubtedly referring to my identity as the Ice Sword Sorcerer. It was true that only a limited number of people knew I was the Ice Sword.
However, there might be those who had their suspicions. After all, I had used my ice sword techniques to a visible extent during the tournament.
"Anyway! Just be careful! Catching the eye of the wrong nobles is nothing but a headache."
"I appreciate the warning. You’re as kind as ever to go out of your way to tell me, Clarice."
"Wh—!"
With a sharp boing, her twin-tails snapped upward. It was a clear sign of her agitation.
"I-It’s not like that at all! Don’t get the wrong idea! Hmph!"
She turned her head away with a huff and marched off. It’s been a while since I’ve seen that... As I watched her go with a sense of nostalgia, I noticed another person standing tucked away in the corner of the venue.
"Maria. What’s wrong? You’re standing there as if you're trying to hide."
"Shh! I am hiding! Greetings are such a pain..."
"I see. But is that all right? I’ve heard that making the rounds is considered vital for nobility."
"I’m fine. Big Sister is handling all of it. Besides, look at me. Some nobles tend to keep their distance because of my style anyway."
"I see. Noble society is indeed a complicated place."
I took a spot by Maria’s side and began to sample the food. As expected of a party hosted by the Magic Association on the day of the Carol Festival, every dish was exquisite.
"So, is it okay for you, Ray? Hanging out with someone like me."
"Of course it is. As far as I'm concerned, there aren't many people lining up to greet me anyway."
"Hmm. But don't you have some kind of gathering for the Seven Grand Sorcerers?"
"No. To begin with, it’s rare for all of us to gather. I’ve never actually seen the full group assembled in one place."
"Eh... is that how it works?"
"Yeah."
Master had told me once that the Seven Grand Sorcerers almost never gathered all at once. I believe it happened once during Master’s generation, but I had yet to experience it. Apparently, it was more common for them to skip these parties even when invited.
Or so I thought, until my eyes landed on those two.
"Pwahaha! Delicious! This is delicious!"
"You're right. It is very tasty."
Standing there were Fran-san and Lise. Behind them were Master, Abby-san, and Carol.
I had never dreamed that this particular lineup would be assembled here, so I found myself rubbing my eyes in disbelief.
"What's wrong? Are your eyes itchy?"
"No... it’s nothing. Let's just leave them be..."
"Really?"
It was obvious that if I was spotted by that group—especially Fran-san—things would get complicated fast. Master caught my eye for a fleeting moment and gave a small nod. Then, she quickly sent me a hand signal.
I see. The plan was to ply Fran-san with massive amounts of food and alcohol to knock her out early.
It was a flawless strategy. For now, I signaled back a simple, I’ll leave it to you.
As time ticked by, the dance party finally began. The tables were quickly cleared away and a light cleaning crew swept through the floor. The lights cut out all at once, and a spotlight illuminated the stage.
Standing there was Princess Olivia. I recalled hearing that she was celebrated as a Songstress for her beautiful voice.
I had never heard her sing before, but apparently, the tradition at every Carol Festival was to dance to her voice and music.
"...Incredible."
"Yeah. Is this your first time hearing her sing, Ray?"
"It is."
"It’s amazing, isn't it? She truly feels like a Songstress."
I watched Princess Olivia as her voice resonated from the stage. She was a figure truly worthy of the title. Since she usually spent her time joking around with me, the impression she gave now was entirely different. I suppose she isn't the princess of a nation for nothing.
"Alright. Shall we dance, Maria?"
"...Huh!? You and me, Ray!?"
"Yes. Is that a problem?"
"I-It’s not a problem. I mean, I can dance well enough... but can you handle it, Ray?"
"Yeah. I was drilled in dance as part of my general education."
"I see... well, I guess just for today is fine."
After muttering that last part under her breath, Maria bowed respectfully and offered me her hand.
"Lead me, okay?"
"Of course."
The two of us swept onto the floor. Like the world spinning round and round, we continued to whirl through the venue.
After that, I danced with various people in turn.
"Ray-san. May I have this dance?"
"Yes."
The next person to arrive was Rebecca-senpai. Without saying much, we simply moved in harmony to the music. It felt much like it had during the Cultural Festival. But now, we weren't alone. We were part of a great crowd, blending into the movement of the masses.
"Ray. My dancing is quite passionate, you know."
"I'd expect nothing less."
True to her personality, Ariane’s dancing was intense. However, I wasn't about to be outpaced. Moving with the flow, I pulled her close and continued to lead the dance.
Afterward, I shared dances with Clarice, Hartnett-senpai, and several others.
Finally, the end of the set drew near. Walking toward me with her crimson hair swaying was Amelia, breaking into a light run.
"Ray. Will you save the last dance for me?"
"Of course. I should be the one asking you."
We danced.
My world narrowed until I could see only Amelia. As expected of a daughter of the Three Great Noble Families, her dancing was highly refined. She likely performed here every year.
"Hey, Ray," Amelia spoke as we moved.
"What is it?"
"Next year, too..."
"Yeah."
"It would be nice if we could dance together like this again."
"I agree. I'm sure we will."
I took the lead with a firm pull, bringing Amelia close as we moved to a faster tempo. We spun round and round. We revolved. We continued to dance.
Suddenly, looking into Amelia’s eyes, I thought I saw them glistening with a hint of moisture.
Then, the music finally came to an end. Performing a graceful bow, she gave me a radiant smile.
"I usually hate parties, but thanks to you, Ray, I actually had fun."
"I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for dancing with me, Amelia."
"No. It’s not just the party. Ever since I met you, Ray, my life has been full of nothing but fun things."
"Amelia..."
Our gazes locked. Her eyes looked as if they were trying to convey a deep, unspoken resolve. As I stared into them, feeling myself being drawn in—
"Alright, alright. That’s enough of that."
Rebecca-senpai cut right between us. Behind her stood Ariane, Clarice, and even Hartnett-senpai. For some reason, the three in the back were wearing wry smiles.
"Muu... please don't interrupt!"
"Fufu. No stealing a march, okay?"
Since they were at a formal party, they didn't break into a full argument, but the two of them continued to glare at each other.
In any case, it seemed today’s party had concluded without a hitch. Now, all that remained was to head to Master’s house.
Rebecca-senpai, Amelia, and Ariane had all invited me to their homes, but I had turned them down.
The time ahead was special to me, after all.