Preparing for the Ball
After returning from the mansion, we immediately began preparations for the journey.
The ball is scheduled for two weeks from now. We need to have everything ready by then.
However, this expedition is quite different from the ones I took part in as a knight.
This is a ball—a gathering of nobles and influential figures. As someone who lived in a swordsmanship dojo in the royal capital, spending every waking moment training and studying, this world is completely foreign to me.
"Hmm, should we also dress up?"
Elina murmured as she stroked Lindel’s head while he lay beside her.
"No, I don’t think that’s necessary…"
Even though we’re going as escort knights, this will be my first time formally attending a ball. That means I have no clue how things are supposed to go.
It would be ideal to hear from someone with experience…
"If only we had someone who knew what to expect at the ball, preparing would be so much easier."
"Hey, hey, I’m right here!"
Elina pointed at herself with a smug expression.
"But just earlier, weren’t you struggling to decide what to wear?"
"T-That’s only because it’s my first time attending as a knight, so I wasn’t sure how to go about it! I still remember the overall atmosphere and important details, though."
"That’s reassuring."
"That tone was completely devoid of sincerity… You don’t trust me, do you?"
Elina puffed out her cheeks in protest.
Still, she’s the only one here with actual experience at a McCreed family ball, so her insights will be valuable.
The conversation then shifted to the real question—why the McCreed family invited the Tryon household.
"Why do you think the McCreed family reached out to the Tryons?"
"I have absolutely no idea."
It feels like there’s something hidden behind the fact that a ducal house suddenly sent an invitation to a family they’ve never interacted with before.
"You’d probably know more about these kinds of things, Elina."
"Hmm… Not a clue!"
She answered with a sharp, confident look.
… For all the confidence she had earlier, she’s surprisingly unhelpful now.
But to be fair, even someone who’s attended multiple balls would probably struggle to figure this one out. The only person who truly knows the reason is the one who sent the invitation—the head of the McCreed family.
"I just hope this isn’t anything troublesome…"
"I really don’t think it will be. We’re dealing with a ducal house, after all."
She had a point. A ball of this scale, attended by high-ranking figures, isn’t the kind of place where reckless moves can be made.
The only real concern would be if someone attempted an attack—but with the knights and the magic corps handling security, that wouldn’t be easy.
… Am I just overthinking this?
As I groaned, unsure of what to believe anymore, Elina spoke up.
"Being cautious is one of your strengths, but getting stuck in your own thoughts isn’t a good look, you know? My father says that all the time."
"Ugh… Yeah, you might be right."
"Besides, you’re one of the few elite knights who hold the title of Holy Knight, so you should be careful too. Someone might try to recruit you for something shady."
"There’s no way I’d accept an offer like that. I have more important things to focus on."
Wait, why am I the one who needs to be careful here? There’s no way that’s going to happen.
"Kuuhn…"
"Sorry, Lindel. We can’t take you to the ball. Listen to everyone in the village and wait with Bulk and Leon, okay?"
Elina gently reassured Lindel, who seemed uneasy about being left behind.
Watching that peaceful scene eased my mind a little.
No need to overthink things. I just need to do my job properly.
That’s how I’ll approach this ball.
What do you think about this chapter?
