Reincarnated Into A Dead Woman's Body In Another World-Chapter 204: Arc 4, Act I, - 49: Ms Perfect Part II
Bells, a piano and two violins echoed onto the dance floor; a smooth melody played, one that mimicked the ocean tides at night. Jotou brought the redhead along into the twirling partners that spun on the dance floor.
The blonde took her by the hand and held another under her arm. Many turned to glance, some continued in the turns of their feet.
"You’ve, never called me that," and with that their sway began, their gazes interlocked under the golden lights that sparkled against their skin.
Jotou smirked, leading the wolf-girl with a tilt of her head, "I haven’t. Should I not?"
The hand on her back followed every lean and every bend, causing the redhead to bite her bottom lip gently, "I can make an exception."
Jotou giggled, "Keep dancing around this little game firefly, we’ll see how it ends."
"I don’t know what you’re talking about~" Their escapade continued around the floor. Heels sliding against the floor to every long-drawn chord.
Shifting and weaving, yellow and red in a twisting autumn. Their eyes interwove within their steps; and everything around turned to mere mist as only the two remained.
Brilliant blue pools; dark brown irises from beyond this world. Crimson and gold, a dawn sky by the sea and a drifting void of stars. Maybe minutes, maybe seconds, but it felt like days—hours lost in an eternal waltz.
And there they were. The precise lighting at such an angle; the exact shade like the seas or the skies—the blue in her eyes were just, perfect. Though, this was only one’s view.
The other danced, not minding being led by the other; for this night, she shall let this carry out how it was. For her curiosity was entranced and under that same, perfect lighting, the other’s brown eyes glittered like cut smoky quartz.
"Careful," the blonde hushed, "Don’t stare for too long."
"I’m staring at the same sight you are, spiteful little housecat~"
Gently, their haze of a dance became clearer and clearer; the little enchantment the two put on each other faded slowly. It was no magic, but to say ’twas not magical, would simply be a lie.
"I promised someone else a dance too."
"Hm, if only I could have you a little longer."
"Well, I didn’t say I wouldn’t be back," in the corner of her eye, Jotou could see Fumeko leading Asobi; the brunette was just barely able to keep up with the magician as the song picked up pace and switched its tune.
Jotou led Hotaru till she could reach, "Sobi~ Mind if I take her off your hands?" she spun in unison with the other two.
"Oh sure!"
"So this is the someone huh?" Hotaru’s fangs glistened.
"Finally, and shut it wolfy," Fumeko broke away.
Jotou simply lead Hotaru’s hand into Asobi’s and let go to grab Fumeko’s before whisking her away much to the blushing of the brunette. Hotaru took lead and circled Asobi away with a smile to the blonde.
"Hello detective."
"I can lead too you know."
"I can tell you’ve been practicing, but follow me why don’t you?"
"D-don’t use that voice on me!"
"What voice?" she put on a bit of an accent.
"Fine, just lead," Fumeko lightly gasped as Jotou held under her arm, having to lower her hands significantly to reach her short stature.
"Nervous~?" The tune picked up a little faster and a little lower as the sound of a goblet drum began reverberating into a quickstep.
"No... And what song is this? Is there a dance for this?"
"I don’t know and I don’t know. The traditional dances are probably over."
"Then how’re we gonna dance you paranoiac?"
"You can tell a little from the rhythm, can’t you? Just follow my steps and dance like the people around us because neither of us know. I know you’re smart enough to pick it up detective," she winked.
Jotou swayed and turned a little faster, a little more pep to her steps as Fumeko kept an eye on how to follow. "No plan, nothing?"
"Nope~"
Fumeko looked up, "Alright, let’s show them all what we can do," to be infected by her confidence, a shadow glimmered in her eyes.
Their heads tilted left and right along to the beat, their eyes glancing to those who danced around them; it almost appeared like nobody knew what they were doing.
In a better stride, Jotou could catch a genuine smile on the brunette, as smug as it was. Fumeko took a step back, but Jotou pulled her back into the blonde’s torso.
Jotou peered behind Fumeko, who almost stepped onto someone behind her. "Uh, hi."
"Hello~ Watch where you step detective," Jotou pushed her by the length of her arm and gave her a full twirl. Fumeko landed well enough.
"Hehe... I, never said how beautiful you are tonight..."
"Thanks. That outfit looks cute on you, especially this," Jotou moved her arm to tap the top of her cocktail hat. "This little Fumeko has a charm about her; but the other has her own skittish charms too~"
Fumeko’s face turned red, "Do you, prefer me like this or, when I’m skittish or whatever? Just curious."
"Detective," Jotou cocked her head, "I prefer you being you, whatever that form is. I know it’s still the same Fumeko Namora."
The brunette stared as the song was coming to an end... "Is it the clothes or are you actually drunk?"
"I think I’ve shut down my anxiety? I don’t wanna think about it, cause it’ll come back if I do."
"Well, you’re paranoia is a part of you and... I prefer you being you too. Though, whatever act this is, I can now tell it’s an act," she pouted and darted her eyes away.
"Detective?"
"Yeah?"
"You’re not my date."
"I! I know..."
"Hm, good~ Because you can have a dance with her," Jotou smiled and twirled Fumeko towards an approaching redhead. "Asobi?"
Asobi and Hotaru were laughing before seeing Fumeko being swayed into their direction. Asobi beamed and took Jotou’s hand, leaving the other two.
"Hey wolfy..."
"I hope you didn’t try any funny business..." Hotaru glared down as they danced away.
The traditions were done and what followed was a snazzy beat, less of a sway and more of a swing. In one motion, Jotou extended her arm completely and Asobi held on as she spun away.
The blonde brought her arm back and caught the elf as she giggled, "You’re spectacular at this!"
"I try. Have you had fun around here?"
"Yup! A lot of people liked the show and there’s so many cool people from all over the world! It’s like a giant-"
"Circus?"
"Yeah! How d’you guess?"
"Everything’s a circus to you."
"Not this silly, this is a dance!"
"Then hop to it!"
Vigour took over the floor, freer in their movements as their feet tapped to every beat, some fingers snapping. In one rhythm, Jotou picked up Asobi by the waist and into the air.
Asobi kicked her legs to the sides and landed back, her face exploding with glee, "You’re really happy today!" She gasped, "Is someone controlling your body? Blink twice if you need help."
Jotou blinked twice. Asobi gasped louder and her eyes bubbled as their dance continued. "I’m just messing; relax, it’s me."
"Oh Jotou, someone was controlling your body just now."
"Yeah, it was you."
"What!? I would never!"
"I can’t believe you," Jotou shook her head, grabbing both of Asobi’s hands in hers as she jigged left and right.
"I knew you were lying after you said you were messing with me."
"Keen as ever."
Asobi let out a gremlin-like giggle, "A little trick of my own!" Asobi abruptly took the lead, the two spinning around as the hems of their dresses unfurled and furled from the twirls.
One by one and three by three, those who danced switched with random partners. Joining in the fun, Asobi swerved Jotou into another dancer.
"Huh."
"Hello there Joey Toes."
Jotou tried to lead, but Daiyu pretty much forced that not to be an option. "You picked this band for this didn’t you?"
"Can’t have everything be stuffy traditional music."
"It’s fun; maybe you should let me lead."
"Never thought I’d be dancing with you in my life loser, but if we are, not a chance in hell that’s happening. Keep up will ya?"
"Just make sure your feet land and I’ll keep an eye on you."
This was not any simple dance, it was a contest. Daiyu made it more complicated by the second and Jotou followed it all without looking down.
"Didn’t know you could dance so well."
"Weeks of princess etiquette, what d’you think I learn, something useful?"
"You can sorta dance while you fight."
"Oh yeah, cause that’s come in handy," Daiyu half-closed her right eye. "Wait a second... Land, eye, you—Lan Daiyu- You little... I just clocked that."
"Keep up will ya?" Jotou gave a wink and a chuckle before letting Daiyu go to another partner. Jotou held Hotaru once more as Daiyu was with Feyan now.
"I thought it’d be random, but this works out," Hotaru grinned.
"And here I thought you were inching closer around the floor to me on purpose."
"In your dreams Ms Howllett."
They danced, they laughed and eventually got to dinner while the music still played and many still danced, going in and out as long as the music played.
Count and Countess Keya began mingling about, every conversation they had ended in a laugh and the flash of a camera.
_
The dancers had dwindled and desserts were being served. Jotou searched to refill the pineapple punch in her cup before she saw another doing the same, "Arabella~" she sang.
Arabella turned and offered the ladle. Jotou tried to take it, but Arabella simply took Jotou’s cup instead, refilling it and placing it back in her hand, "Thank you."
Arabella questioned something.
"I’ve been fine, haven’t drunk too much really. Sticking to the non-alcohols for now."
Arabella nodded and took a quick glance past the blonde to see Daiyu and Feyan talking to Luciean. Jotou knitted her brows and turned her head... Then turned back with a sly grin.
"Have you had a dance?"
Arabella furrowed her brows and shook her head.
"Well, Luciean doesn’t have a date-"
Arabella’s eyes widened and she shook her head harder. She pointed to her eyes then her fingers to Daiyu.
"Are you sure that’s where your eyes were looking?"
Arabella sighed and signalled something.
"Oh, no, I’m not worrying about you. I think I caught you looking at him before too. Does the Ashen Whisper have a little crush~?"
Arabella rolled her eyes to a no.
"Aww... It’s so cute!"
Arabella clenched her open fist in a glare. She raised her hand and shooed Jotou away.
"Alright, alright, you need to stop hanging around the food like some loner though. Actually, I’ll be right back," Jotou twisted around and strode.
Arabella furrowed her brows and cocked her head... She took a sip of her juice...
"Luciean~! I believe I promised a dance?" Jotou pivoted her hand over.
"Oh well, now is a good time as any I suppose."
"You asked Luciean to dance?" Daiyu squinted.
"Just a little for fun," Jotou brought Luciean to the floor of a few dancers whilst Feyan gave a shrug to the princess. She danced for a minute or two, "Oh wait."
"Is something the matter?"
"I think I have to do something, hold on," Jotou took lead and danced Luciean towards Arabella as Jotou tried to avoid blushing from the fragrant sandalwood cologne he wore.
Arabella could see the plan unfolding and pursed her lips. "Arabella, Luciean, Luciean, Arabella, you two know each other. She hasn’t had a dance and since I’m occupied," Jotou led Luciean’s hand to Arabella.
Luciean looked to them both, "Well, if you will?" he gave his hand proper to the Ashen Whisper. Arabella hid a gulp and took his hand with a nervous smile.
They were sent off to the middle, "Have fun you two!" Jotou waved and twirled away back to her date.
_
"Yes, I am of one of the noble factions from Northern Cravolta, the Evelress faction. I come as an emissary of sorts due to our own battles with Vandlevela," the man in a full blue suit.
A noble tongue and clean-shaven face, his hair was a soft blue coifed upwards. "Oh, I hope they weren’t too much of a nuisance this evening," Hotaru uttered.
"Not at all, we both understand this to be a matter of something else. It is difficult however, to not see them as an enemy walking in plain sight..."
"Well Lord Evelress, we all have that same disturbing feeling. But it’s for the greater good in the end," Jotou cheered her new glass of champagne.
She mingled more and more till someone tapped her shoulder, "Good evening, I’m the Minister of Defence, Matrum Asad. I would like to apologize on behalf on Deputy Minister Cornerade..."
"Oh, it’s water under the bridge," Jotou brushed aside as the minister introduced his colleagues, the chief of the army and the chief of the affinity unit.
They schmoozed along the gala, seeing guests leave one by one as Daiyu thanked them for their time. Hotaru began to hiccup, needing a rejuvenate to keep her from falling drunk.
Jotou went along to meet an emissary from the Malecise Regime and an ambassador from Avon before most of the foreign guests had left after wishing the princess well.
Left were some of the Council of Cravolta to whom Jotou made no effort to end her act. She shook hands with the Minister of Affinities and Magic, Alexious Rusuul and a few of his colleagues.
The countess left the gala completely wasted on the count’s shoulder out the door. More chitchat was had with the Thundering Blade while the staff were beginning to pick up plates and clean up.
Namely, the Secretary General of Economy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, an Ambassador from Kria... at some point Jotou lost track...
Left now were truly few as the hour hit half past eleven. With no one else to be mingling with, Jotou sat at the bar... "GAH!!!..." she groaned and fell onto the bar counter.
