Chapter 16: Teachings
———
Seven days later, at 7 PM, an hour before the banquet began, in Namiya's room.
"Head up, chest out, don't be shy, relax your posture, don't be too stiff..."
Ghost held a stick, gently nudging Namiya's lower back, then raising her slightly drooping hand.
A standard posture emerged, yet Ghost was still somewhat dissatisfied.
"Ghost..."
"Idiot, you've only memorized the steps one by one, but once you string them together, it all falls apart..."
"But... but it's really hard... and I don't have a dance partner... I don't know what to do..."
Damsel's voice was hesitant, her head tilted slightly to the side.
Ghost sighed, tossing the stick away, then rose from the chair and slowly walked toward her.
Light flickered from her palm, and her body began to solidify.
Her legs trembled faintly with the weight, but she steadied herself at once, leaving no flaw behind.
The time is near...
She let out a quiet sigh in her heart, then reached out to take damsel's hand as the latter was still fumbling with her pose.
"Oh! Gho... Ghost!"
"Don't talk. Let me lead you through it, alright?"
So... so close! And Ghost's hand was so cold...
It wasn't the first time Namiya had touched her, yet her heart still pounded as though it would leap out of her chest.
"Mhm..."
Her head dipped lower, voice soft, not daring to meet Ghost's eyes.
But Ghost's gaze remained calm, steady. Taking Namiya's hand, she guided her forward, step by step. The stiff practice dance instantly flowed into something graceful.
Her hand slipped lightly around Namiya's waist, twirling her with the rhythm, their bodies weaving to the quiet beat — until the dance ended.
"Hoo..."
Ghost exhaled softly, but upon meeting Namiya's gaze, she quickly hid her weariness and spoke evenly:
"Do you understand how to dance now?"
"Yes, Ghost!"
The damsel's cheeks were flushed, her voice unusually bright. That sensation of dancing so freely was wonderful...
And... and when Ghost held her hand... and her waist.
That closeness — she couldn't help but crave more of it.
"Gho... Ghost..."
"What is it?"
"Can... can we do it again?"
"No, we can't."
"Eh... why..."
Namiya's eyes wavered with confusion. Could it be that Ghost didn't want to dance with her...?
"Ow—!"
Ghost flicked her forehead, then pinched her cheek.
"What are you imagining? Do you know what time it is? You still need to change and head to the banquet hall. That's why we can't."
Her deliberately stern face made Namiya, who'd just realized her own thoughts, want to sink into the floor. And — Ghost was still pinching her cheek!
I-is this something you can just casually do?!
Her heart thumped wildly. Fleeing, Namiya bolted into the changing room and slammed the door shut.
With a click, the lock slid into place.
Ghost blinked at the door, then looked at her hand, her lips twitching into a half-smile.
"Idiot... what's the use of locking the door? I can walk through walls, you know..."
Namiya was sharp, but sometimes just so silly that Ghost couldn't help feeling helpless.
"How am I supposed to leave you alone like this..."
Sighing, her body shimmered, fading back into its transparent blue glow as she waited for Namiya to finish changing.
---
Some time later, in the banquet hall.
This was the nation's annual grand ceremony. On this day, everyone set aside their work, dressing in their most splendid clothes to gather at the palace.
Even though the banquet hadn't begun, the hall was already filling with people.
"It's Her Majesty the Queen!"
At that exclamation, every gaze turned toward the staircase — where two figures slowly descended.
"Who's that beside her?"
"Her dance partner, surely... that young lady is stunning. Look at her posture— so elegant, she must be a skilled dancer."
"To be chosen by Her Majesty the Queen as a partner... what an honor."
"Wait— did you just say lady?!"
"Eh? You're right... she's a woman!"
"The Queen chose a woman as her opening partner?"
"The first dance is always symbolic— usually a gentleman is chosen. But now..."
"It looks... it looks perfect though. They're breathtaking together..."
"Well, if Her Majesty decreed it, then who are we to question? Still... what a shock."
Namiya's heart thudded at the whispers. This was her first time appearing in public with Ghost.
Her grip on Ghost's arm tightened slightly, before she forced herself to loosen it. No... not here. But later, when no one was watching, she swore she'd hold her tighter.
Ugh... what am I even thinking! Namiya! Stop filling your head with this nonsense!
She tried to compose herself as the two reached the throne prepared for her.
After sitting briefly, she rose again at Ghost's reminder, walking slowly to the front.
The spotlight fell on her. Holding the microphone, she recited the speech she had memorized, steady and soft.
When it ended, she drew in a deep breath and reached a hand behind her.
Ghost stepped forward, elegant and calm, and took it.
"The first dance of this banquet, I... shall present to you all!"