Chapter 55: Party
[space_man][space_man]The Cultural Hall in the central capital. The Saintess’ succession party was being held there. Eld and Marie had been forcibly given invitations by Al, who insisted they attend since they had been inconvenienced by the Goddess of Curse incident.
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[space_man][space_man]”This hall really is spacious, no matter how many times I come here.”
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[space_man][space_man]Marie, escorted by Eld, said as she flipped her unfamiliar dress.
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[space_man][space_man]”Apparently, it used to be a dance hall when the castle was still here. It’s no wonder it’s so big.”
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[space_man][space_man]Eld entered the venue with a slightly nervous look.
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[space_man][space_man]”What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?”
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[space_man][space_man]”Well, I’ve been to parties like this a few times, but you were always attending as a maid, Marie. So this is the first time I’ve escorted you like this, and besides……”
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[space_man][space_man]”Besides?”
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[space_man][space_man]”……Marie, you look beautiful in that dress……”
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[space_man][space_man]Eld said, blushing. Hearing that, Marie also blushed.
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[space_man][space_man]”Idiot! What are you saying at a time like this…… I’m going to get some drinks.”
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[space_man][space_man]Saying that, Marie left Eld’s side. As Eld stood to the side, waiting for Marie, Al, in his usual military uniform, called out to him.
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[space_man][space_man]”Hey Eld. You actually came.”
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[space_man][space_man]”Hey. Thanks for lending me the clothes.”
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[space_man][space_man]Thanks to Al, they had arranged for an inn in the central capital and the outfits for today.
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[space_man][space_man]”Don’t worry about it. You said you don’t like these kinds of things, right? I figured you’d be renting an outfit anyway, so I just took care of it.”
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[space_man][space_man]Al assumed as much, but in reality, Eld owns several party outfits. However, it was a hassle to carry them around, so he had left them at the Faniaal estate. He figured Jaylot or someone would use them if they didn’t go out of style.
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[space_man][space_man]”Eld, sorry to keep you waiting~.”
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[space_man][space_man]Marie returned with drinks for the three of them.
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[space_man][space_man]”Hey Marie. That dress really suits you.”
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[space_man][space_man]”Oh, Al’s here too. If I had known, I would have brought one more.”
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[space_man][space_man]She said as she handed Eld his drink.
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[space_man][space_man]”Huh? But you have three?”
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[space_man][space_man]Al asked, confused.
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[space_man][space_man]”Two of them are mine. I heard they had a new Olesia juice, so I got a little extra.”
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[space_man][space_man]She said as she finished one of them.
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[space_man][space_man]”Mmm. It’s juice made by squeezing only the skin. It’s not sour at all and very sweet.”
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[space_man][space_man]Marie said, licking her lips.
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[space_man][space_man]”That’s not very ladylike at a time like this.”
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[space_man][space_man]Eld took the empty glass from Marie’s hand and placed it on a nearby waiter’s tray.
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[space_man][space_man]”If you want more, you can have Al prepare a whole barrel for you later. Maybe ten barrels.”
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[space_man][space_man]Marie’s eyes sparkled at that.
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[space_man][space_man]”C-Could you?”
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[space_man][space_man]Marie asked Al, looking up at him slightly. Al looked away for a moment, then blushed and said he understood.
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[space_man][space_man]Eld also took a sip of the Olesia juice.
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[space_man][space_man]”Wow, it really is sweet. One glass is enough for me.”
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[space_man][space_man]”Honestly, you guys have it good.”
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[space_man][space_man]Al sighed.
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[space_man][space_man]”Well then, I still have people to greet, so I’ll be going. I’ll introduce you to the Saintess later, so stay until the end.”
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[space_man][space_man]”I don’t think we’ll have a chance to see her again, so you don’t have to go out of your way to introduce us……”
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[space_man][space_man]Eld said, exasperated.
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[space_man][space_man]”No, you might.”
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[space_man][space_man]”Huh? What do you mean?”
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[space_man][space_man]Al left without answering Marie’s question.