The king called a nearby female butler across the room. The butler approached then bowed before asking a question.
"Yes? Your majesty."
"Is my daughter ready?"
"I'm afraid she is still preparing, your majesty."
The king sighed." Go to her room, check on her. Now"
"Yes, your majesty." The butler then rushed away to the princess's room.
***
Knock, knock, knock.
"Young lady the celebration is about to start. Are you still preparing?"
"Almost done!" The princess shouted from inside.
A few moments later the princess walked out the room, her steps graceful and elegant.
***
Back in the venue the king was standing on a podium holding a mic with his right hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome attending tonight's special occasion. Today we are celebrating my precious daughter's 17th birthday. Every parent out there knows the happiness of seeing you're daughter grow up. Nonetheless happy birthday my princess."
Just as the king finished speaking, the princess walked into the party. Immediately all eyes turned to her, including mine ofcourse.
Tanned skin with brown hair and green eyes. Wearing a dark emerald green dress, elbow length black gloves, a golden crown on her head, and no other accessories.
She walked elegantly on the red carpet leading to the center of the venue.
As she stopped at the center, many young men tried to forcefully give her gifts or even take her to dance with them.
But the princess rspectfully refused them all.
Seeing the commotion the king spoke again on the podium with a deep menacing voice.
"Gentlemen. I suggest you all step away from my daughter. This is a special day for her and yet what do you think you're doing?"
Naoki flinched back from the sudden ris in tension.
"Isn't this supposed to be a birthday party. A birthday is a happy occasion right?"
"Not all of them Naoki, this one's a political birthday party, and politics are never happy."
The king continued speaking. "Well... I can see your interest in my daughter. How about this if you can keep up with my daughter in a dance then you can spend time with her."
"Ahh, only if you agree ofcourse Sophia, my daughter."
The princess chuckled. "Of course father, you needn't worry. I'm confident in dancing you see."
The room was filled with chatter, some young men hesitated, while other seem confident.
The music started, like a spell wrapping around our ears, soft yet enchanting.
One bold suitor wrapped in velvet and too much cologne, confidently walked towards her reaching his hand out in a dramatic manner.
"I shall prove myself worthy, your higness."
She stared down at his han then up at his face. "Don't step on my dress."
The crowd chuckled, and the young man quickly corrected his mistake and tried to hide his embarrassment with a smile.
Finally the dance started. It went well at first with both dancers confident. But as time passed and the rhythm quickened, the young man made a mistake and tripped on the princess's foot.
"Amateur." The princess said with clear disdain on her voice. The young man hurriedly stood up and from embarrassment went home, tears on his face.
"Next."
***
Just like that one by one by one each of the suitors continued to fail. Some didn't even try and just went home. Other's straight up switched targets.
"I am grateful your majesty. Even tough I failed"
"I appreciate it, you did well."
The suitor bowed once again before leaving.
"Anyone else?"
Naoki was feeling better but still a little unwell. At that state he can't dance with the princess. So that only leaves me.
Giving my phone to Naoki I told him to record my dance. He can atleast do that much.
I walked towards the princess with confident strides. Right there and then I grew hesitant if I really wanted to grab attention like this.
'Well it's a dance with the royal princess, I should be happy. Some people would kill for an oppurtunity like this... Maybe.'
"Just go man, you gay or something?"
Just as I was about to retort Naoki's questionable insult. Mr. Watanabe suddenly came in and lightly pushed me towards the princess while holding his own phone out.
'Is he seriously recording too?'
The princess stood alone, statuesque under the spotlight. Waiting for her next dance.
Suddenly I was next to her. Holding my hand out inviting her to dance.
She took my hand, the soft fabric of her gloves warm to touch. She pulled me closer positioning herself to start the dance. Naturally I did the same.
No words were exchanged as the music started for the nth time this day.
Our dance started. Contrary to my expectations, the dance was suprisingly relaxing... and fun. Until the princess suddenly quickened the pace.
'Ah, my relaxation gone.'
"Getting impatient your higness?"
"Oh, you spoke I was starting to think you were mute."
This is it. Fast pace, glued palms, and fancy footwork with a royal princess. Ofcourse i wasn't actually tired. And for a trained mercenary this pace is only slightly irritating.
The music suddenly halted. The dance was over. The princess released her grip on my shoulder and hand. Then she simply walked away.
She was suprisingly strong, wich was honestly more surprising than the situation.
The guests applauded once again. I can see Naoki and Mr.Watanabe were also clapping.
'Looks like his stomachache is gone.'
***
"Mr. Watanabe how's your recording?"
Normally Naoki would never initiate a conversation with Mr. Watanabe. But he was in a good mood now. His stomachache was gone.
"Half of it, my phone died. Actually what's with you? You've been fidgeting until just now."
"Oh, my stomachache is gone so I'm very happy."
"And can you tell me how you got this stomachache?"
Naoki gulped loudly. This is why he doesn't talk to Mr. Watanabe.
"U-uh, we ate the chocolate cake."
"We?"
"Yeah, Saitou and I. He ate my half and I ate his."
"And is that all you ate?"
"W-well I also ate Ice cream, and grapes... and peanuts... ... and an apple."
"All of this within an hour? Well no wonder. Be prepared young man were going to have a serious talk later."
"Y-yes, sir."
The party was over and the guests started going home one by one. The king meanwhile invited to speak with us privately.
The king led us to the dining hall where a longer than average table lay. The king sat in the tallest and fanciest chair. We also took our respective seats.
"You know this room reminds me of fond memories. Back when my family was complete. Back when my kingdom was in peace."
"What do you really want to talk about, your majesty." Mr. Watanabe came with an immediate reply.
"I apologise for going off track. I just wanted to know if you really told the young men... what they really will be doing here."
I cleared my throat softly. Enough to gain attention but not loud as to seem disrespectful.
"Excuse me, but what do you mean exactly?"
King Thomas sighed. "Saitou, Naoki. Please understand these aren't your average targets. I will explain the details later. So just consider this a warning."
Mr. Watanabe released a confident scoff and smiled. "Don't worry your majesty. I have trained these children well. They wouldn't back down without a fight."
"Well if you say so." He then looked at us.
"Saitou and Naoki, you will be working as our royal butlers from now on to avoid suspicion. You may leave for now. Mr. Watanabe and I have something to discuss privately."
Naoki and I looked at each other. This wasn't really unexpected, we already knew we will be undercover working for the king. So hiring us as his butlers was within expectations.
We then both stood up bowed then politely left the room in perfect sync with each other.