"The Grand Celebration of King Edmund: Secrets Behind the Dance"
1457 Words
In King Edmund’s palace, one of the grandest celebrations was being held in honor of the victory of the great-grandfather. The party was filled with much dancing, food, and notable figures—the King of Golden Alyth, the King of the Crimson North, and the King of Igar. The cup was struck twice for the attendees to pay attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please, may I have your attention. I am delighted that you have accepted my invitation today on the occasion of the memory of my father, who defeated the Kingdom of Andria, which was known for its tyranny back then, and annexed it to his realm, thus forming what is now known as the Kingdom of Peace between the North and the South. There is indeed a great dispute between my brother and me, but I am certain that my brother is celebrating now just as I am. Let us not waste time—I only wanted to thank you. Now let us continue the celebration.”
Prince Ryota: “It has been a long time.”
Prince Arthur: “I haven’t seen you in so long.”
Ryota: “Nor I. What are these rumors? I heard the White Castle had captured you.”
Arthur: “Yes, they did capture me, but they reconsidered their decision after I spoke with them.”
Ryota: “You mean with your crazy ways? What if it hadn’t worked? That would have been a huge problem for us.”
Arthur: “Don’t worry. I am not someone who can be captured easily. Besides, I have soldiers who, if death itself came to face them, would walk to it for me. And you, Prince Ryota, know this more than anyone.”
Ryota: “As always. But I truly worried for you. You know how I consider you as a brother.”
Arthur: “And I feel the same, brother. But I beg you—don’t ever do anything that would ruin that bond. Betrayal is far too painful. Let us continue as brothers, and also as allies.”
Princess Olive: “Ah, what are you two whispering about?”
Arthur: “Nothing, Princess Olive. I just wanted to check on Prince Ryota.”
Olive: “Yes, I heard you were captured, and then news came that the White Castle surrendered to you.”
Arthur: “Do not worry, everything has been resolved.”
Olive: “Of course, you are a great warrior.”
Arthur: “You embarrass me with your words.”
Olive: “Then why not say such beautiful words to your fiancée? He is staring at me with murderous intent.”
Arthur: “Always jealous, Estepeki. Don’t worry, you are the dearest to my heart and will never change.”
Olive: “I’m glad to hear that. Now excuse us, Prince, for the princess needs me. Let’s go.”
Prince Ryota: “How are you, ladies?”
The princesses: “We are well. How are you?”
Ryota: “I am fine. And you—when you heard the news of my capture, you all grieved. Don’t worry, your sadness never pleases me.”
Princess: “Ah, Prince, stop!”
Ryota: “Why? Because I speak the truth?”
Princess: “No, because you are leaving your fiancée waiting.”
Princess Charlotte: “Of course I didn’t forget you. But you always leave the best dish for last, dazzling as always. You only know how to speak.”
Ryota: “Come, I want to speak with you privately.”
Charlotte: “Of course. Come, I have a secret place.”
Ryota: “So, what do you wish to speak about?”
Charlotte: “About this speech. I want you to help me end this party because I have a secret mission. So let’s decide to perform our dance early.”
Ryota: “And as if by ending the dance, the party itself will end?”
Charlotte: “No, it won’t end, but my father won’t need me anymore if he knows the prince and princess are off on a date.”
Ryota: “A date with me, then—that is your plan?”
Charlotte: “Don’t think I will agree without knowing the full plan. And why are we heading to the neutral kingdom?”
Ryota: “I will tell you, Princess Charlotte. I received a message that one of our allies is seeking to work with the Southern Kingdom under certain conditions. I want to know those conditions and his identity.”
Charlotte: “So you are using me in your game?”
Ryota: “I am not using you. But this is important for both our kingdoms. You must understand.”
Charlotte: “Why do you keep saying ‘for the kingdoms’? Why not say ‘for us’ or something that makes me feel you mean anything as my husband? Or are you not convinced of this bond?”
Ryota: “Listen, indeed, I do not show it, but I have many fears I must control first. It’s not that I don’t care about this bond, but necessity demands.”
Charlotte: “Like what? Give me one of those fears. We are to be as one entity, so let me share your burdens.”
Ryota: “Charlotte, do you really want to know my worries?”
Charlotte: “Yes.”
Ryota: “Then listen—there is a traitor among us, leaking our secrets to the Southern Queen. They will meet tonight. I must go there. There is a traitor.”
Charlotte: “How? Who could it be?”
Ryota: “I don’t know. But when I catch him, believe me, I will finally find peace.”
Charlotte: “Then what do you want me to do?”
Ryota: “First, hold my hand.”
Charlotte: “What?”
Ryota: “Hold it, and let’s walk to the dance floor. We’ll request a song and begin the dance.”
He gave a signal with his hand to lower the music.
Ryota: “Ahem, ladies and gentlemen. I know the party has only just begun minutes ago, but please forgive me. I am eager to dance with my fiancée. May we?”
Audience: “Of course, Prince, for your happiness is ours too.”
Ryota: “Then let’s begin. Sway with me, follow my steps. One, two… let’s go.”
Charlotte: “Oh, the prince has begun! I am amazed—you can convince people so easily.”
Ryota: “That is my gift.”
Charlotte: “If it were truly a gift, you would have remembered my birthday.”
Ryota: “I was on a mission. And my invitation to you to our palace was for matters of the court.”
Charlotte: “Isn’t it your duty at least to ask about your fiancée?”
Ryota: “I do.”
Charlotte: “Liar. Yesterday you went to buy a dress yourself. Your first choice was a red dress, but when you learned I love blue, you chose it instead. True?”
Ryota: “Nine out of ten.”
Charlotte: “Why nine? Because you didn’t tell me about the rest of the clothes?”
Ryota: “Ah, you mean the outfits. Time ran out. And besides, those are for women. I look forward to seeing them one day.”
Charlotte: “Or not—our dear prince might die from his own words.”
Ryota: “Ah, as always. Then I will wait until you are my wife.”
Ryota: “Ah, Charlotte, your cheeks have suddenly turned red. Are you unwell?”
Charlotte: “No, I’m fine.”
Ryota: “Good. The mission almost failed.”
Charlotte: “Is that all you think about?”
Ryota: “Ah, and your health too, of course.”
The dance ends.
Audience: “Wonderful, your dance was truly delightful, Prince.”
Ryota: “Thank you. Now what shall we do?”
Charlotte: “Wait.”
Ryota: “Truly? You say this?”
Charlotte: “Yes. The dance was only the first step of the plan. The next steps depend on you.”
Servant: “My lord, the king has prepared a boat for you both to be together.”
Ryota: “Good. Shall we go, my princess?”
Charlotte: “Of course.”
“Now that we are alone, tell me—how did you convince your father?”
Ryota: “It is simple. The prince and his fiancée dance. While they do, a trusted man approaches the king to suggest a way to bring them closer. The rest is left to the king. And so, here we are, leaving together.”
Charlotte: “Yes, indeed.”
Ryota: “Then, my princess, shall we go?”
- Writer
