A Good Friend

We'll have your dress delivered to the address you provided as soon as it's finished.

Honestly, I have no sense for this sort of thing.

They kept asking me to pick this or that, but it all looked the same to me.

I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks, Epindel.

I simply helped you narrow down the choices.

If I hadn't stepped in, you would've chosen another outfit that covered you from head to toe.

Let's just say I wasn't about to let you attend my gala dressed like that.

*Sigh*... My lady. Please, as I've told you time and again, a noble should dress like one.

*Sigh*... Perhaps "ragtag bunch" wasn't such an unfair description after all.

These born commoners are one thing, but...

This steak's pretty tough... Maybe if I press a little harder...

Whoops! Ahaha... Guess I broke it...

My lady, honestly! What is WRONG with you?!

Sit up straight! Mind your elbows! And don't rest them on the table!

You weren't even using the steak knife to begin with!

You're missing even the most fundamental etiquette!

Too much is riding on this event for me to stand by and do nothing.

I'll teach you everything, one step at a time. So make sure every bit of it sticks!

...I certainly didn't expect dance lessons to be part of the request.

But if I'm going to learn, I want to learn from the best... and that's you!

Since you're a beginner, we'll start with the basics.

All right. To the rhythm. One, two.

How was it?

I assumed you were good at anything involving physical coordination.

I figured my version of the sixth turn would be more efficient.

You're dancing, not drilling sword techniques! Efficiency isn't the point!

And if you're going to ignore the rhythm anyway, why are we even playing music?!

It doesn't feel like you're dancing with your partner. It looks like you're trying to put them in a joint lock!

This isn't just about you. Dancing takes two.

Captain. May I ask whether you've ever learned to dance?

*Sigh*... Even so, a promise is a promise. I'll do everything I can.

Captain, allow me to be your partner for a moment.

Just guide your partner gently and follow the flow. Match your movements to mine.

Now, rest your hand on my waist.

For some reason... it feels as though you've done this before.

Perhaps it's only a feeling of déjà vu.

Lady Stranis, may I offer an alternative?

Let the Captain attend the ball as my partner.

Time is running out, and frankly... your dancing doesn't yet meet even the minimum standard.

So, shall we make a deal? Lend me the Captain, and I'll lend you the prize.

Then I'll practice until I get it right.

I'll show you I'm capable of this!

If I had to describe her... she absolutely can't stand to lose.

Now that she's fired up, she'll practice harder than anyone.

...She always has.

Consider it part of my responsibilities. You owe me nothing.

...So listen carefully, the three of you!

Make sure every one of today's lessons stays with you! Is that clear?

Come on... Why do I keep messing up that last step?

Just one more try...!

Aw, don't tell me you came because you were worried.

...I'm merely here on behalf of those who were worried about you.

You're fortunate to have such caring companions.

Swordsmanship. A personality people are drawn to. A loving family. ...Even your wonderful companions.

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you something.

Anyway... Do you remember when we took dance lessons together when we were little?

Just like every other lesson, you complained it was boring and snuck off into the woods.

You kept insisting we should go back, but you had just as much fun as I did.

Why are you suddenly so devoted to something you always dismissed as noble etiquette?

I won't repeat myself... but I still don't understand.

I know you've never cared much for your responsibilities as a noble, or for your family's affairs...

You're at an age when you ought to be considering your future, but you're still devoted to the same storybook hero you admired as a little girl.

Now that you mention it... Luna told me I still act like a child.

But the more I practiced, the more I realized something.

You know what my dream is, don't you, Epindel?

...I suppose that's still your dream?

I don't know what path will get me there yet.

It just occurred to me... that maybe the first step toward my dream is simply trying to face things the way he would have.

Dancing isn't my thing, and I honestly can't stand noble gatherings.

But if it were the Star Savior, he wouldn't avoid something simply because he wasn't good at it.

He would've given it everything he had first.

At least... that's the person I imagine him to be.

Ahaha... I guess it does make me sound kind of foolish.

Hmm... Is that so?

So this has nothing to do with dancing with the Captain?

Then I'll gladly take the Captain as my partner instead.

Having taught the Captain myself, I'd say the potential is certainly there.

I'll find you another suitable partner.

There are more than enough eligible gentlemen who would eagerly line up for the chance to become acquainted with House Stranis—

I don't need that...!

...Relax. I was only teasing.

Honestly, your answer was so unbelievable that I assumed you were joking.

I simply thought I'd indulge in a little joke myself.

Speaking of which, you came at just the right time.

I think I've finally got the hang of it. Mind watching?

It's hard to tell by myself if I'm doing it right, so—

Give yourself more space. You're much too tense.

You do. From my perspective, it's an utterly irrational way to live.

That dream of yours, and your entire way of life... both strike me as terribly immature.

Throwing aside your responsibilities as heir to your family is simply unthinkable.

I have no doubt. The life you're pursuing isn't the life that was meant to be yours.

Well, but...

Whatever our differences, you'll always be someone I consider... a dear friend.

So the least I can do is help you see this through to the end.