Chapter 134

【IF Route: White-winged Knight Order Enrollment Arc】Part 1

It was like a world straight out of a fairy tale.

The light cast by the glittering crystal chandelier was reminiscent of the twinkling stars.

On the table lay an array of dishes made with an abundance of rare ingredients. The venue was adorned with colorful flowers arranged throughout.

The lively laughter and the elegant dance music played by the chamber orchestra were pleasing to the ear.

Yes, this was a ball.

Held in a large theater located in the heart of the noble district of Ritzheim City, it was a ball primarily attended by the children of nobility.

And in this sparkling space, I found myself.

…

……

“…Hah.”

…Yeah.

No matter how you look at it, I’m definitely out of place here, Commander Leon!!

Ahahaha, I can only let out a dry laugh at this point!

***

Taking small sips of the drink I received from the waiter, I leaned against the wall in a secluded area and sighed.

Ugh, I knew I shouldn’t have come…

It’s obvious that I, who am not a noble or anything, am out of place in a setting like this…

Moreover, there was never a ball event in “Change the World”…

Could it be that as the “Protagonist” is summoned to this Ritzheim Magic Kingdom and the battles against monsters intensify, they will no longer have the luxury to hold such extravagant balls?

Th-that would be too sad if that were the case…

“Change the World” is the name of the RPG I used to play in my original world.

The content was a typical fantasy story, where an ordinary student living in Japan is summoned to this Ritzheim Magic Kingdom as the “Savior.”

The protagonist befriends knights, princes, and princesses living in this Ritzheim Magic Kingdom and ultimately battles the “Demon King”—that’s the gist of the story.

And by some twist of fate, I found myself inside the world of “Change the World” before I knew it.

No, it was so sudden that I had no idea what was going on.

There was no warning at all!

It happened so abruptly that I thought, “Ah, this must be a dream, right? Maybe it’s the influence of the game I was playing. Since it’s a dream, let’s go wild and have some fun, yay!” and I charged at the monsters in front of me with that mindset.

…Thinking about it now, I was doing something crazy…

I could have easily died if I had taken one wrong step…

Well, but maybe it was a good thing that I was convinced it was a dream.

It was precisely because I believed it was a dream that I could do something reckless like charging into a horde of monsters.

And that’s how I was able to save Leon’s little sister.

Yes, Leon—Leon de Dorme.

He is a character from “Change the World” and holds the position of captain of the White-winged Knight Order in this country.

With his long, silver-white hair tied back and his pale ice-blue eyes, he has the appearance of an ice prince.

At first glance, he seemed very cold and unapproachable, but when I talked to him, I found him to be an incredibly kind and polite person.

In fact, he even said, “If you have nowhere to go, please come to my mansion. It’s a token of gratitude for saving my sister,” and allowed me to stay at his mansion as a freeloader.

So, while I’m indebted to Leon’s family, the Dorme household… the Dorme family is one of the most prominent noble families in the Ritzheim Magic Kingdom.

Therefore, for the purpose of fostering relationships among the children of nobility, an invitation to a ball arrived at the Dorme household.

This time, for some reason, Leon invited me to that ball.

Of course, I initially declined!

I don’t know anything about etiquette or dancing!

…Well, I might be able to dance the Yosakoi Soran dance I learned in middle school, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the kind of dance they do at balls, right? It’s definitely different, isn’t it?

So, I tried my best to decline, but then Leon said to me with his wise, ice-blue eyes fixed on mine,

“You’re living in the Dorme family mansion and have joined the White-winged Knights with my recommendation. It seems that you’ve become the talk of the town among the nobles. You need to show your face here at least once.”

I couldn’t say anything in response to that.

I mean, how could I say something like, “Sorry, Leon. I have no idea what you’re talking about, so could you please explain it to me in detail?” in that situation…!?

Besides, if Leon says it’s better for me to go, I thought, “Well, I guess that’s how it is?”…!

…But maybe I really shouldn’t have come after all.

“I wonder who that young man is? His hair and eyes are like the cloak of night…”

“How unusual. The same hair color as the hero who defeated the Demon King… I never knew there was someone like that in this country.”

“It seems he’s a member of the Dorme family.”

“Despite it being his first time appearing at a ball, he has such a relaxed smile and composed demeanor… Could he be a noble from somewhere?”

“Hey, someone go and talk to him.”

“You fool, he’ll just brush us off and that’ll be the end of it.”

Ugh…

I can’t hear them very well, but it seems like everyone is whispering rumors about me… And yet, no one is actually approaching me… It’s making me really uncomfortable!

Ah, Leon was called away by someone else.

I’m a little tired, so maybe I’ll go out to the courtyard. Or rather, I want to go somewhere with no people.

I set my wine glass on the table and slowly walked out of the ballroom and into the courtyard, careful not to bump into anyone.

Exiting the ballroom into the hallway, there were glass doors left open to allow guests to cool off outside.

Stepping down into the courtyard, it was enveloped in the tranquility of the night. The chirping of insects, like the tinkling of bells, and the breeze against my cheeks were pleasant.

“…Phew…”

Ah, I just want to stay here forever.

Leon told me to show my face here, but no one is coming to talk to me…

And it’s impossible for me, with my social anxiety, to go and talk to someone myself…

As I was thinking about this while feeling the night breeze on my cheeks, I heard the sound of someone stepping on the grass behind me.

I instinctively turned around.

Standing there was a young man with hair like golden thread and amethyst-colored eyes.

He seemed to be in his early twenties.

Judging by his formal attire, primarily black, he must be the son of a noble family.

With his straight nose and sharp facial features, combined with his blond hair and outfit, he looked just like a prince on a white horse.

If Leon is the serious, disciplinary committee type of handsome guy, then this man is the refreshing, nice guy type of handsome.

When the blond-haired young man’s eyes met mine, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

“Pardon me, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No, it’s fine…”

Wow! Even the lines spoken by handsome guys are smooth!

As for me, I didn’t know what to say and was incredibly terse.

Ugh, it must be totally obvious that I’m not used to these situations. How embarrassing…!

“The heat and bustle of the ballroom was a bit exhausting, so I found myself coming out here. I apologize for disturbing you.”

“No, don’t worry about it. I escaped out here too.”

Far from disturbing me, I should be the one apologizing for making you go out of your way to be considerate, Mr. Handsome…!

Thinking this, I exchanged a wry smile with him, and he walked over to me, looking relieved.

“I’m sorry for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Felix von Alpharetta.”

“…Could you be the vice-captain of the Black-winged Knights?”

“Oh, have we met somewhere before?”

“No, this is our first meeting.”

I knew it, he’s Felix from the Black-winged Knights!

I thought so when I saw his face. I mean, he looks exactly like his character art from the game.

No, but seeing him in person, he’s dozens of times more handsome than in the game~!

How do I put it? The aura he exudes and his elegant mannerisms are just incredible!

I’m in awe at how he surpasses the original work!

Wow, but I’m really moved!

In the story of “Change the World,” you can only have either Gazelle, the captain of the Black-winged Knights, or Felix, the vice-captain, join your party! I loved all the characters from the Black-winged Knights~!

…Yeah. You can only have one of them join you.

That’s because, in the story, the Black-winged Knights are defeated and annihilated at the defense line against the monsters partway through the game.

So, only either the commander or the vice-commander survives…

……Only one of them survives. If things continue as they are.

…From my conversations with Leon so far, it seems the “Protagonist” of the game hasn’t been summoned to this world yet.

If this world progresses according to “Change the World,” I wonder where we are in the timeline right now?

“Your name is Felix, right?”

“Yes.”

“Do the Black-winged Knights have plans to go suppress pirates anytime soon?”

“How do you know about that…?”

Felix looked at me in surprise.

I see. Before they go to suppress the pirates, if I remember correctly… there should be a character event scene with Felix where he tells the “Protagonist” about a past event he regrets.

On their way back from suppressing the pirates, the Black-winged Knights stop at a small farming village.

Right after the Black-winged Knights leave the village, it gets attacked by monsters.

In that attack, the villager Felix had been talking to dies.

There was a scene where Felix confides only in the “Protagonist,” saying, “If only we had stayed in the village a little longer…”

If they’re about to head out to suppress the pirates, that means… there are still a few months until the protagonist is summoned and the main story of “Change the World” begins…

Hmm…

“Um, who exactly are you…? How do you know about the royal decree issued to us to suppress the pirates…?”

Felix asked me in a suspicious voice as I was deep in thought.

However, I was so absorbed in my own thoughts and the sound of the wind blowing through the courtyard that I missed most of what Felix said.

What did he say?

Well, for now, I’ll just tell Felix what I need to say.

“Felix. After the pirate suppression mission you’re heading to, I think you’ll stop by a certain farming village on your way back to the royal capital.”

“………”

“It would be better to stay in that village a little longer. Even if you’re in a hurry to return to the capital, it would be better to leave a few knights behind before departing.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

Felix looked at me with growing doubt in his amethyst-colored eyes.

Yeah, it’s understandable.

Even I thought, “No way… my explanation skills are that bad…?” while saying it myself.

But he probably wouldn’t believe me even if I said that village is going to be attacked by monsters!?

Above all, even if he asks, “How do you know that?” I can only say, “I studied it in the game I played before coming to this world!” That’s an explanation that could easily land me straight in the hospital…

But I don’t want to ignore it when I know someone is going to get hurt…!

A-anyway, let me emphasize it one last time.

“…I’m sorry. I can’t say much more than that.”

“………”

“It’s only natural that you can’t trust me. But still, I’m begging you. Otherwise, many people will get hurt.”

“Who exactly are you…?”

I didn’t answer Felix’s question and silently walked past him.

…I’m sorry, Felix!

If my vocabulary and communication skills were more advanced, I could have given a better explanation, but…!

Thinking Felix might chase after me, I glanced behind me just before going through the glass door back into the hallway.

He was staring intently at me, but showed no signs of pursuing.

He’s probably trying to gauge the true meaning behind my words.

Well, since I can’t give any further explanation, it’s lucky for me if he doesn’t chase after me. Let’s just blend into the crowd in the ballroom.

…Oh. Isn’t that familiar silver hair Leon?

“Leon.”

“! Takumi, where have you been?”

Just as I thought, the person looking around in front of the ballroom was Leon.

When I called out to him, Leon showed a relieved smile and approached me.

“I was worried when I couldn’t find you in the ballroom.”

“I’m sorry. I got tired of being around people and was resting in the courtyard.”

“Ah, I see… Almost everyone at the ball was talking about you. Even the Second Prince bombarded me with questions.”

Leon said with a wry smile.

But I couldn’t comprehend the meaning of his words and tilted my head inwardly.

Huh? Why were they all talking about me?

Like, “Who is that country bumpkin over there who clearly isn’t used to these situations?”

“I may have caused you some unpleasant feelings, Takumi, but please forgive me. Now the nobles should know that you have the backing of the Dorme family.”

…Huh?

“The ‘Jet-Black Gentleman’ who saved my sister from the attack of the horde of B-rank monsters the other day has been the talk of the town among the nobles of the royal capital. But now they should understand that the Dorme family is officially supporting you, Takumi. With this, no one should try to make any strange advances on you.”

…Um, Leon.

Is that what you meant by attending this ball!?

Um, if that’s the case, couldn’t you have explained it to me properly beforehand!?

I had no idea you were going to such great lengths for me!!

…Ah, but Leon did say, “You need to show your face here,” didn’t he?

I see, so that’s what he meant…!

Wow, and here I was thinking, “Why did Leon invite me to a ball like this…”

I-I’m sorry, Leon. That’s right. Despite Leon being such a great person, letting a suspicious guy like me live in his mansion.

“Leon, you don’t need to apologize. I’m the one who’s always indebted to you.”

“This much is nothing.”

Leon showed a kind smile.

Recently, he’s been showing me this kind of gentle expression more often.

If it means the distance between Leon and me is shrinking, I’m really happy.

“I owe you a debt I can never fully repay.”

“…Don’t worry so much about saving your sister. You’ve already repaid me plenty.”

Yeah. Even saving Leon’s sister, I couldn’t have done it without the skill of the cursed sword I have.

It was really tough afterwards because of the paralysis side effect.

And if I hadn’t realized it was reality, there’s a chance I might not have fought so recklessly in the first place, so I really don’t want him to dwell on it.

“…That’s part of it, but not all. You might not know this, but… my White-winged Knights were called the ‘Decorative Knights.'”

“Decorative…?”

Was there a term like that in the game?

Could it be some kind of behind-the-scenes setting?

“…As you probably know, the members of our White-winged Knights are comprised of the sons of nobles, right? And the White-winged Knights are in charge of guarding the areas around the royal capital. In other words, we rarely see actual combat, and we’re a knights’ order meant to give prestige to the sons of nobles.”

“………”

“Because of that, many of our members lacked enthusiasm even in regular combat training. Even when the vice-captain and I gave guidance, the lax atmosphere never improved. In fact, the knights even treated me with disdain.”

R-Really!?

…But I’ve never sensed that kind of atmosphere…?

The White-winged Knights are always training properly and take their guard duties very seriously.

When I told this to Leon, who had a bitter expression, he relaxed his cheeks and said, “That’s thanks to you.”

“The ones guarding the carriage my sister was riding in were members of our White-winged Knights. You were the one who saved them in their time of need.”

…Ah, come to think of it, after joining the White-winged Knights, quite a few of the knights came to thank me, saying, “You saved us back then.”

So that wasn’t a case of mistaken identity!?

I’m glad I didn’t say, “You’ve got the wrong person”…!

“Your valiant figure, risking danger to save the weak. Seeing you, with strength surpassing anyone else, diligently training even after joining… Everyone was inspired by that. …It was something I couldn’t have done alone. I’m truly grateful to you.”

“…You say that, Leon, but I can’t believe everyone’s attitudes changed just because of me. I think it’s because you’ve been constantly encouraging and pushing everyone that the White-winged Knights are what they are today.”

When I answered with a shrug, Leon stared at me in surprise.

Then, he let out a chuckle.

When Leon, who usually has a countenance like an ice sculpture, smiles like that, his expression suddenly transforms into a warm one, like a bud blooming into a flower. I liked that expression of his.

“Haha, I can’t win against you. …To tell you the truth, it’s not just gratitude. If it’s within my power, I want to do anything for you, Takumi.”

Saying that, Leon took my chin in his hand and lifted it up towards him.

Then, he placed a kiss that barely touched my lips.

The sensation of his moist lips overlapping with mine left me frozen in surprise.

“…L-Leon?”

“Now, shall we go home? My sister must be waiting anxiously for your return.”

Leon, separating from me, had a completely normal expression as always.

U-um, just now, that was…?

Ah! Could it be like a European-style cheek kiss as a form of skinship!?

Th-this world has that kind of custom too!?

…Though I’ve never seen anyone actually do it!

“…Yeah. Let’s go home, Leon.”

“That’s right. Let’s go back to our home.”

I wanted to ask Leon about the kiss just now, but he put his arm around my shoulder with his usual expression as if nothing had happened and started walking towards the exit.

Therefore, I felt a bit hesitant to ask and for the time being, walked along the long hallway with Leon.

…It’s probably just a form of skinship, right?

I mean, otherwise, there’s no reason for Leon to kiss me, right?

……Right?