Chapter 29: The Intruders

"Then, Princess Sonia, may I have the honor of the first dance?"

Before me, Zex bowed with graceful elegance, took my hand reverently, and knelt on one knee.

Now that the Demon Lords had withdrawn from the area, he had returned to calling me Princess Sonia.

He really is such an adaptable man.

"Of course, Lord Zexais. Please, lead the way."

As Zex rose to his feet, the orchestra began to play. A calm, soothing melody filled the grand hall.

Several pairs were already dancing at the center, but as we stepped forward, they smoothly made way, opening a wide space for us.

Whether I liked it or not, everyone’s eyes turned to us.

Well, I suppose that’s to be expected—it is the host’s dance, after all.

Still, being watched by this many people is… awfully embarrassing.

Please, everyone, could you not stare so much?

But, of course, the music didn’t stop just because of my nerves, and Zex began to lead me.

Ah, whatever happens, happens!

I took a deep breath and threw myself into the dance, matching his steps with desperate focus—like jumping off the stage at Kiyomizu Temple.

Surprisingly, it was easy to follow. Zex seemed to be adjusting his pace to match my skill.

As expected of you, Zex. Truly impressive.

Before I knew it, the song had ended.

Huh… that was actually kind of fun.

Thanks to my training, aside from a few moments where I slipped slightly off tempo, I managed to finish without any major mistakes.

At least I wouldn’t be making a fool of myself tonight. I exhaled in relief.

Yes. Effort never betrays you.

"Heh. Well done, Princess. You dance quite beautifully."

"Oh no, it was all thanks to your wonderful lead, Lord Zexais."

Without a hint of exertion, Zex escorted me off the floor toward the wall.

Meanwhile, my heart was pounding like crazy. How on earth is he so composed? Is that just experience?

"Hmm… it should be about time."

With a pleasant smile, Zex muttered something odd.

"About time?"

"Yes. I believe it’s time for the little sideshow."

"Sideshow?"

Now that he mentioned it, I vaguely remembered hearing something about that at the start of the party.

Just as I tilted my head—

BOOOOM!

"W-what was that?!"

A deafening explosion shook the hall, its rumble echoing through my chest. My ears rang painfully.

At the same time, the doors around the hall were blasted open, and figures began pouring in.

About ten men stormed through the smoke—burly, muscular types who could easily be mistaken for hobgoblins or ogres.

Each wore an iron helmet and full plate armor, wielding single-handed battle axes. Some even carried crossbows.

Judging by their formation and precision, if anyone tried to run, they’d be shot on the spot.

"Nobody move! We’re the Mercenary Corps of the Crescent Moon! Stay nice and quiet, and nobody gets hurt. But if you resist… well, you get the idea."

Their leader barked the order, and the others swiftly began tying up nearby guests.

Their efficiency was impressive—they must have known exactly where everyone was before bursting in.

Clearly not common bandits. These were trained soldiers.

"They’re probably soldiers sent by… let’s say, my business rivals," Zex said casually. "I leaked the details of tonight’s event to them beforehand."

"What?! Why would you—"

I was speechless. Why would Zex take such a risk—on purpose?

"Just watch. It’s about time."

He spoke as if it were nothing.

BOOOOM!

Another thunderous crash echoed as something massive slammed into the wall, shaking the entire hall.

"Hey, don’t touch me so casually, you damn weaklings!"

There stood Behemoth, fury twisting his face. Honestly, the sight of him glaring like that made him look more like an angry delinquent than a demon general.

"Behemoth. Don’t kill them, if you can help it," muttered the Demon Lord in exasperation.

"I know, I know—wait, what the—"

In the blink of an eye, Behemoth vanished from where he stood. An instant later, a soldier’s iron axe shattered, and another was sent flying into the wall, collapsing instantly.

So fast… too strong.

"Damn you! You’re from that infamous 2nd Special Ground Assault Unit, aren’t you?! Urrraaaagh!"

One intruder roared and charged, raising his axe high, while another fired his crossbow.

"Heh, ‘2nd Special Ground Assault Unit’? Nah, that’s a lame name. I’m—"

Behemoth didn’t even flinch as the bolt struck his body. The arrow shattered on impact, as if it had hit solid steel.

He slammed his fist into the descending battle axe. The weapon exploded into fragments, and with the same motion, he grabbed the soldier and smashed him into the wall like a rag doll.

The man didn’t move again.

Zex watched the chaos with a serene smile. "Quite the dramatic display, isn’t it? Well, that should make them calm down a bit."

"Tch! Retreat! Fall back!"

Just as quickly as they’d entered, the intruders grabbed their wounded and fled.

Zex turned back to the guests, smiling as though nothing had happened.

"Now then, everyone, I hope you enjoyed this little terrorist attack scenario performance as part of tonight’s entertainment!"

Huh?! You’re calling that a sideshow?!

"I trust even our most seasoned guests found the realism to be quite… refreshing. Now, we’ve prepared a separate room for those who’d like to continue drinking—please follow the attendants for guidance."

And with that, the remaining guests, still dazed and pale, were calmly escorted out of the hall by Zex’s staff.

And so, in the end, only we remained in the hall.

Um… I actually wanted to leave with everyone else too.

"Zex. You used us as bait, didn’t you?"

The Demon Lord approached, arms crossed and looking decidedly displeased.

"Now, now, Lord Maor, perish the thought. I would never consider you to be bait," Zex replied with his usual serene smile.

"I was merely interested in seeing how they would react to the information I leaked. Of course, as a result, I did trouble you and your companions, and for that, I truly must apologize."

"Hmph. Well, fine. If this makes things quieter on our side, I understand that a bit of cleanup time is sometimes necessary."

"Heh. I knew you would understand, Lord Maor. Thank you."

Zex bowed with practiced elegance.

"...Boring."

"Huh?"

That menacing mutter from behind made me instinctively turn around.

There stood Behemoth, exuding a murderous aura so thick it was practically visible.

"After all that, this is it? What a letdown. I was just getting fired up, and now it’s over? C’mon, I want something fun to do."

"Hey, Behemoth. I told you to stay quiet," said the Demon Lord, looking uncharacteristically troubled.

"Sorry, my lord, but even your word can’t stop this. If I don’t get to blow off some steam, I’m gonna lose it!"

"It’s Maor, not Mao," the Demon Lord grumbled under his breath. I decided to pretend I didn’t hear that.

"Sigh. Very well. I’ll spar with you—just one match. Will that satisfy you?"

Zex sighed, clearly reluctant, but made the offer anyway.

Wait, what?! Zex, you did see Behemoth’s inhuman speed earlier, right?

"Heh. You’re volunteering, huh? Fine by me. If it’s fun, I’m in."

Behemoth grinned like a predator.

"In that case…"

From nowhere, Zex drew a long sword and held it loosely at his side.

"Please, whenever you’re ready."

"Shah!"

In the next instant, Behemoth vanished—only for me to realize he was already by the wall, where Zex had caught his spinning kick with the blade of his sword.

When did they even move there?!

"Heh! Not bad! You’re actually blocking all my combos!"

"Hmm… Behemoth, you’re using something, aren’t you?"

"Damn right I am!"

And with that, both of them disappeared entirely. The only thing left was the clang! of metal clashing against metal, echoing from every direction.

They were so fast I couldn’t even see them—only brief flashes when their blades met and locked for an instant.

The Demon Lord’s eyes darted around, tracking them easily, so apparently he could see their movements.

I wanted to shout, Hey! This is supposed to be a comedy story, not some Dragon Ball–style battle manga!

With nothing else to do, I sipped my wine quietly. The Demon Lord soon joined me, pouring himself a drink as well.

"They seem to be having fun," he remarked.

"Haaah… I can’t even see them."

"Well, that can’t be helped. Still, it’s about time… Hey, Behemoth, Zex! Wrap it up!"

Almost as if on cue, the two appeared before us again.

Jeez, that startled me!

"Heh! You’re pretty good, pal. I like you. I’ll call you my friend from now on."

"You’re quite formidable yourself, though it seems you still weren’t fighting seriously."

"Yeah, if I went all out, I’d wreck the whole place. Still, that was fun. Guess that makes up for that lame ‘sideshow’ earlier. Anyway—see ya, Lord Maor! I’m outta here!"

"Yeah, yeah. Say hi to the others for me."

"Later, you two!"

And with that, Behemoth disappeared in an instant.

What a restless guy…

"Well then, Lord Maor, my partner here is probably tired as well, so if you’ll excuse us, we’ll take our leave for today."

"Ah, right. Ains was your guest tonight, wasn’t she? Very well. Until next time."

With that, the Demon Lord too departed for home.

Alright… guess I should get going as well.

"By the way, Princess Sonia, you must be exhausted. Would you like to rest in one of the rooms at the back?"

Zex whispered softly by my ear.

When I glanced toward the back, I saw several couples being led into a separate room… rather intimately.

Wait a minute. That “other room”… don’t tell me it’s that kind of room?!

Even after all that happened, they’re going to reaffirm their love now?!

And—hold on—Zex’s arm was already around my waist.

"A-ah… no, that won’t be necessary."

I slipped deftly out of his hold.

Ugh, this man really is a natural-born flirt.

I smiled sweetly at him while sticking out my tongue in my heart.