Chapter 15: Dancing
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Time always slipped by unnoticed, just like damsel's life.
After another long day of pretending, Namiya finally returned to her room.
Ghost followed close behind, the same bright smile lighting up her face as always.
"You were amazing today! Without my reminders, you already knew how to act. That's really impressive."
Ghost's voice was cheerful, filled with encouragement. This was damsel's progress.
Though she was still clumsy at times, after nearly a year of Ghost constantly by her side, Namiya had gradually learned how to play the part of a competent "Queen."
Full of majesty, steady and composed, exactly like a true monarch — this was the current Namiya.
"N-no, if it weren't for Ghost, I'd probably still be making mistakes!"
Damsel remained damsel. Even behind the queen's mask, she was still that same simple, ordinary girl. Sometimes, when she was tired, she would imagine leaving it all behind — stepping out of the palace, returning to her aunt's home.
And if she could... she would bring Ghost with her.
Ghost, who had never once left these palace walls.
Yes — if that day came, she absolutely had to take Ghost outside, to show her the mountains and rivers, the little village where she grew up. If possible... to live together, quietly, simply.
"Don't say that," Ghost interrupted softly, her tone gentler than usual. "You've already learned how to act. But remember, Namiya, don't keep the mask on forever. Take it off, like now. Let it rest. If you keep it on too long... one day you won't be able to take it off at all."
Her words sank deep into Namiya's heart. She nodded seriously, silently promising herself to remember.
After a year together, Namiya couldn't imagine life without Ghost. She trusted her completely — almost blindly. This was damsel's innocence, and perhaps now, it was something she only showed Ghost.
After all, she couldn't trust anyone else. She couldn't share her secret with anyone. Not even Ghost.
That truth — about the reflection in the mirror, about how fragile this "queen" truly was — remained buried in the deepest part of her heart.
But Ghost's presence gave her the strength to breathe. Even without knowing everything, even without being told the whole truth, she was someone Namiya could lean on. That alone was enough.
"Ghost..."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Thank you..."
Her voice was quiet but sincere.
Ghost waved her hand with a playful smile. "You tell me that every single day. Do you really need to?"
She reached out, brushing her glowing fingers against Namiya's forehead. There was still no real sensation, but the small gesture spoke volumes.
"But I really am grateful to Ghost!"
Namiya puffed out her cheeks, as if gathering all her courage to say it aloud, her face warming with a shy flush.
"...Then thank you too, Namiya. I'm very grateful to you as well."
Ghost's smile softened, her gaze filled with a tenderness that made Namiya's heart skip.
Though Ghost's body had no warmth, in Namiya's eyes she shone more warmly than anyone else.
Ghost herself didn't know how long she had existed — years, centuries, perhaps longer. Until Namiya, no one had ever seen her. No one had ever spoken to her.
Her world had been nothing but silence and loneliness.
Why had she helped Namiya so much? Perhaps at first, it was only because she finally found someone who could see her. Someone to talk to.
And after that... the reason no longer mattered.
Namiya quickly averted her gaze. Ghost's eyes made it hard to breathe, her heartbeat pounding so fast it made her dizzy.
The seed planted a year ago had quietly sprouted. But because of who they were — because of the walls they both carried — it remained unspoken.
"Remember there's a ball next week?" Ghost suddenly reminded, her playful tone returning. "You'll need to practice beforehand."
"I know... but... I can't dance..."
The ball was the most important event of the year — the celebration of her first full year as Queen.
Tradition demanded a grand ball be held in the palace, open to all. And always, the ruler would lead the first dance, marking the beginning of the festivities.
For Namiya, that meant being watched by every single pair of eyes in the hall.
"There's no helping it. It's something you have to do."
Ghost leaned closer, her voice dropping into mock severity.
"Miss Namiya... you wouldn't want everyone to think their Queen is incompetent, would you?"
"I—!"
Namiya's cheeks instantly flamed. She glared at Ghost, who only shrugged with an infuriatingly mischievous grin.
This wasn't the first time, nor the second. Lately, Ghost had grown bolder, always finding ways to tease her. Too naughty!
"But... how do I practice? Find a teacher? It's too late for that now..."
Namiya frowned. She had danced once or twice before, but never properly learned. To dance on such an occasion... it felt impossible.
"Don't worry. I've watched countless people dance over the years. I can teach you."
"Then... what about a partner? You can't practice without a partner..."
Her voice grew quieter, her expression hesitant. She didn't want to practice with anyone else, didn't want anyone else to see how clumsy she was. But dancing required two.
"Don't worry," Ghost whispered with a sly smile. "You have me."
"...Ghost? Wait — what do you mean?!"
Namiya stared at her in shock, but Ghost only smiled calmly, her eyes glinting.
"Perhaps... I can touch you now. But if I don't want to be seen, no one else will notice me."
She lifted her hand again, gently brushing her finger across Namiya's forehead.
This time, a clear, undeniable sensation spread across her skin.
Namiya froze, staring wide-eyed at Ghost — who, in that moment, looked no different from a living girl.
"Now," Ghost said softly, offering her hand, "I can teach you how to dance... can't I?"