AN: Enjoy the chapter,

Ch 7 Faubrey Ball

The sun has already set, indicating the start of the Ball. Ritsuka and Naofumi made their way to the Ballroom.

Morgan, Barghest, Baobhan Sith, and Melusine turn the group approaching the ballroom door. "Husband," The Fairy Queen greeted her Husband,

Morgan wore her usual garments, being regal and the best to wear during these types of parties. "I see the Tailors made a garment suited for the Guest of Honor to this ball." The Lostbelt Queen stated,

"Indeed, the clothing they provided has made you look like a Noble, master," Barghest stated, wearing her dress during the Ball after the Battle of Londinium in Avalon Le Fae.

Baobhan Sith scoffs, hearing the comparison that the Fairy Knight made to their master. "Comparing master to a mere Noble is ridiculous, Fairy Knight Gawain." The Fairy Princess commented in the same revealing attire she wore during Avalon Le Fae Ball.

"Master is much higher than a lower Noble class person." The Archer said, finding the term Noble to describe her master to be vulgar.

Raphtalia blinks, tilting her head at the Fairy Knight. "If you don't mind, Archer-san. What word would you describe Ritsuka-dono?" The Demi-Human asked her.

Sith crosses her arms, smirking at the perfect term to use on their master. "A Prince, Raphtalia." The Archer spoke bluntly.

"And how do these clothes make me look like a Prince, Archer?" Ritsuka asked, not wanting to tarnish his Servants who have the King trait.

"Fou, Fou?" The Beast of Comparison was curious as well about what makes the master of Chaldea a Prince.

"Simple, master is always respectful towards Nobles and yet stern with them." Baobhan Sith listed the things making her master a Prince. "He has a commanding aura, talented in negotiation, and always knows what is right from wrong. That makes him a Prince,"

Ritsuka sighs, shaking his head at Sith's explanation. "Archer, that-"

"Does make sense." Everyone turns to Naofumi, agreeing with the Fairy Knight.

Naofumi noticed the gazes all towards him, "Hmm? Isn't it obvious?" The Pseudo-Servant said supporting Baobhan Sith's statement. "The way Fujimaru acts is how I think a Prince or any Royal should act."

"Sir Naofumi has a point," Melusine agreed with the Shielder's statement, "Master has a unique way of seeing things that people can't ignore." The Fairy stated,

Melusine wore her Second ascension outfit with the cloth for her mask.

"Come now you guys, it's nothing to get excited over." Ritsuka sighs,

Barghest chuckles in her second ascension outfit. "Note humble to the list as well," The Blackdog commented.

Ritsuka just sigh loudly at his Servants giving him compliments. "All right, you guys that's enough everyone." He said, a bit embarrassed by everyone comparing him to a prince.

"My, my, are we buttering up Fujimaru?" Everyone turns around, seeing Da Vinci in her red dress (Formal dress).

Escorting the Technical Development Division Head was Percival in a black suit and yellow tie. Lancelot was in a purple military outfit (Formal dress) walking beside the Knight of the White Dove.

Da Vinci smiles at the fun little scene she and the other members of the Roundtable wandered into. "If we're talking about Fujimaru's qualities then I can list whole sorts of things from the top of my brain." She commented.

"You too, Caster?" The Magus groans,

Everyone gave a light chuckle, leaving only Pavel and Filo confused by the warm scene.

Lancelot lowered his hand from his mouth, looking at everyone around him. "Well, seems like everyone is in high spirits. A perfect mood to attend a Ball," The Knight of the Lake stated.

"Since everyone is in a good mood, should we go in?" Percival asked the large group.

Raphtalia nodded, agreeing with the Lancer. "This is a Ball for us, right? It's only right to enter when we're ready."

Baobhan Sith gave a loud laugh, crossing her arms. "Of course, we are the guests of honor here," The Vampire Fairy stated.

"Then let's head inside," Ritsuka said, approaching the doors to the Ballroom.

Naofumi and Ritsuka pushed the doors open, greeted by Ball music and a noble atmosphere. (Insert Dance with Black -From Minute Waltz-)

The group was amazed by the decoration hung from the ceilings and pillars. The Nobles who attended converse with each other about little things,

The Queen was at the end of the Ballroom with Saber and Rider, speaking to a large plump man laughing loudly.

"Wow, I have to admit; it kinda looks like a fairytale," Naofumi stated, seeing many Fairytale aspects from the Ball.

"Your description describing this Ball is on the mark, Sir Naofumi," Percival commented, noting the many young Noble women eyeing both him and Lancelot. He smiled, charming them with his kindness.

The women swoons at his remark, falling heels for the Knight.

Raphtalia's eyes sparkled, never been to Ball like the one they were at before. "First time attending a Ball, Lady Raphtalia?" The Demi-Human looks over to Barghest, walking firmly as a Knight should.

"Y-Yes, we've never had a Ball like this before in my Village," Raphtalia answered, looking around the room. She was a bit surprised to see a few Demi-Humans attending the Ball, wearing the same clothing as the Nobles and them. "This is my first time attending one."

Barghest nodded, "I see, well enjoy yourself, Lady Raphtalia. However do be careful, because there are some Nobles that have alternative motives in attending a Ball such as this one."

Raphtalia nodded, taking the Blackdog's words to heart. "I understand, Lady Saber."

The group saw Castoria in her third ascension dress without the armor and crown. "Ah! Onii-san, Fujimaru, everyone, you all look great! Except for you Archer." The Child of Prophecy welcomed the group.

"Tch, same goes for you, Bumkin." Baobhan Sith replied, both Fairies have a storm brewing behind them. They hid their disdain for each other with a false smile.

Everyone just watched the two glare at each other with piercing eyes.

Pavel grabs hold of Ritsuka's sleeves, looking at the Vampiric Fairy. "R-Ritsuka? Why are Lady Archer and Miss Arturia glaring at each other?" The Demi-Human boy asked the Magus from the Stars.

"Fou, Fou, (Special Translation: Just ignore them, Pavel. This is normal for the two to argue.)" The Beast of Comparison barks while sitting on Pavel's shoulders.

Naofumi sighs, looking at Ritsuka beside him. "Fujimaru?"

"Hai, hai,"

The two black-haired men came behind their respected Party members and took them by the shoulders. "All right you two, that's enough," Ritsuka said,

"We're at a social event, behave yourself." Naofumi scolded Castoria, receiving a pout from her.

"F-Fine," Both Baobhan Sith and Castoria growl at each,

"Now, now, I believe hostilities aren't welcome in a Ballroom." Melty approached the group with a smile, greeting them with a smile.

"Hi, Mel-san!" Filo greeted her friend,

Pavel also greeted the heir of Melromarc, following what the Filoial did. "Hello, Princess Melty." He shyly greeted her.

"Fou, Fou!" The Beast of Comparison also greeted the purple-haired Princess.

Melty smiled at the young ones in the group, happy that they were able to make it. She then turns her attention to the two men in the group, "Her Majesty, the Queen is very happy that you were able to come tonight, Naofumi-sama, Fujimaru-sama," She looks at the Knights of the Roundtable and Da Vinci, smiling for their appearance.

"Her Majesty is also pleased you all came as well," Melty said, truly appreciating their appearance.

The Knights inclined their heads to the Princess, returning the greeting. However, Da Vinci was casual when greeting the purple-haired girl.

"My, my, isn't this just wonderful." Da Vinci looked around the Ballroom, impressed by the effort the Castle Staff puts into this event. "This Ballroom is grander than the one in Hogwarts." She commented,

Ritsuka smiles, hearing his Caster speak of the last Ball they went to. "Yeah, at least not everyone was glaring at us here like the last time." He chuckles,

"Fou, Fou!" Fou agreed with Humanity's master, not liking the Wizards in their original World.

"In any case, I hope you all would enjoy this Ball," Melty responded, feeling bad for the Magus from the Stars. "Her Majesty will soon make her announcement, so till then do whatever you want."

Melty noticed some Nobles who wanted to speak with her. She inclined her head to the Party, "If you would excuse me, I have to meet with some other Nobles." The Second Princess bid the Chaldeans and Shield Hero farewell before leaving to meet with the Nobility.

"Well that went well," Naofumi commented, looking at the group. He suddenly hears the music increases as the people start heading to the dance floor.

Raphtalia blushed, gripping her dress when she notice the music getting louder. "U-Um, N-Naofumi-sama. Everyone is heading to the center," She pointed out the many people splitting into pairs.

The Shielder sighs, scratching the back of his head. "Well…there's only one thing to do in this situation." Naofumi held his hand to his Party member, offering her a chance to dance. "Raphtalia, would you like to dance?"

Raphtalia's face blushed red, hearing his offer to dance with her. "A-Ah, y-yes N-Naofumi-sama." She responded, allowing Naofumi to take her hand.

Ritsuka smiles, seeing both Naofumi and Raphtalia heading to the dance floor where they started to dance. He then felt someone grabbing his arm and tugging him to the dance floor. "M-Morgan, what are you-"

"Now, Husband, is wrong for a Wife to dance with her Husband?" Morgan asked, smiling at him. "Normally I would not get between you and Mashu. But since she's not here, it's only natural that the next in line will take her place."

Ritsuka was at a loss, he sighed that this was literally their contract. "Fine, but you know I have my priorities, Morgan." He stated,

The Lostbelt Queen acknowledged what her Husband was saying. "I'm very aware, now let's dance to our hearts' contempt." Morgan smiles, waiting for a moment like this to dance with Ritsuka.

"Alright, I'll take the lead since this is your first Ball since Avalon Le Fay." Ritsuka took Morgan's hand and placed the other around her waist.

Morgan blushed upon feeling Ritsuka's gentle touch. "V-Very well,"

Ritsuka steps to the right, guiding Morgan to his movement. He then steps to the left with the Fairy Queen.

Morgan followed her Husband's movement and steps to the left. This continued as they synced with everyone else on the dance floor.

With the other Servants, they all watched as their master danced with the Lostbelt Queen. "Tch, only if I was one step closer than I would've been in Mother's place now." Baobhan Sith clicked her tongue, watching both her Step-Father and Mother dance.

Barghest pouts, also watching both her master and Queen dance in the center. 'I hope master dances with me after this.' The Fairy Knight hoped,

Da Vinci watched the scene take hold; she taps her hand her chin at the beauty before her. "Now this is worth painting over." She looks around for something to sketch. "Now where is a sketchpad when you need it."

The Caster noticed a hand offered to her. Da Vinci looked up, seeing that Lancelot was the one offering her his hand. "Lady Da Vinci, may I have this dance?" The Knight of the Lake asked,

"My, aren't you bold Saber." Da Vinci accepted Lancelot's hand, walking towards the dance floor.

Baobhan Sith clicked her tongue, seeing another pair going to the dance floor. "Now those two are going off to dance, hmmm?" The Fairy Princess looks to the side, noticing a Nobleman approaching her. "What do you want?" She asked.

"If I may, can I have this dance with you?" The Nobleman asked the Lostbelt Servant.

"You're sure? I am a Servant after all," Baobhan Sith said, expecting him to change his mind.

The young Nobleman shook his head, "I don't mind, after all; a beauty like you should be on the dance floor with everyone." He stated,

Baobhan Sith chuckles, taking the young man's hand. "Very well, I shall dance with you this time." The Nobleman lead the Archer towards the dance floor where they started dancing.

Percival approached Barghest, seeing everyone was enjoying the Ball. Especially both Pavel and Filo who were dancing at the side. "Seems like everyone is getting along." The Knight of the White Dove commented.

"Indeed, even Fairy Knight Tristan is enjoying herself." Barghest looks to the said Fairy Knight, seeing the Nobleman was smitten by her. "What about Fairy Knight Lancelot? Isn't she joining the Nobles?"

Percival crosses his arms, looking back at his Lostbelt Sister. "There's a group of young men trying to ask her and Arturia to dance." He motions his head to the side.

Barghest looks to the side, seeing what the Lancer was talking about. Many Noblemen were asking both the Remnant of Albion and the Child of Prophecy to dance, yet they refused.

"Heh, I'm not surprised in that area." The Fairy Knight commented, continuing to watch the Ball and hoping to dance with her master.

Back on the dance floor, Ritsuka twirled Morgan around before bumping into Naofumi and Raphtalia. "How you're doing Iwatani?" Ritsuka asked,

"Well, considering that no one is judging us and looking in awe then, I'm just peachy," Naofumi commented as he extends his arm and spun Raphtalia around.

Ritsuka did the same with Morgan and spun her around. "That's good to hear," He and Naofumi released their partners and switched.

Morgan took Naofumi's hand, allowing him to take the lead.

Naofumi spun the Lostbelt Queen around before extending his arm and twirling her. He noticed that Morgan gave a small chuckle, "What's funny?" He asked.

"It's nothing, I didn't expect someone like you to know the waltz," Morgan commented as she was pulled back into Naofumi's arm's length.

"I didn't know either, I was just following my instincts." The Shielder commented, having a feeling that the Hero within him has experienced Balls before.

The Fairy Queen smiles softly, "Seems like you're getting in tune with your Heroic Spirit." Morgan commented, sensing his Magical Energy slowly increasing.

Naofumi scoffs spinning around with Morgan, "All I'm doing is trying to right the wrongs those idiots caused." The Shield Hero answered the Lostbelt Queen.

"And that's why your status as a Pseudo-Servant is increasing," Morgan stated, "It'll be a matter of time before you become a Hero that the Throne of Heroes will recognize."

The Shielder chuckles, seeing that Ritsuka's Servant is complimenting his growing power. 'Throne of Heroes huh…'

"Seems like Berserker is taking to Iwatani," Ritsuka commented, twirling Raphtalia with one hand.

Raphtalia stopped twirling, stepping side to side with Ritsuka. "I'm glad Naofumi-sama is talking openly with others," The Demi-Human placed her input to Ritsuka's statement. "Ever since we met Arturia-san and then met you all, Naofumi-sama is becoming a better person than before."

Ritsuka turns his attention back to the Auburn Demi-Human, "Speaking of people, I've been spending a lot of time with Iwatani and taking care of Pavel along with other things." He stated, "That I never really gotten to know you, Raphtalia."

"Oh, don't worry about that Ritsuka-dono," Raphtalia answered, taking other matters into consideration. "With everything going on, I completely understand."

Ritsuka chuckles, spinning Raphtalia to the other side. "Then let's start, you already know me; why don't you say something about yourself?" He inquires,

"Mmm, well I came from a small Village called Lurolona back in Melromarc in the Seayette Territory." Raphtalia said, "I grew up with my Mother and Father and had many friends. But after the First Wave, it was destroyed, and eventually, my people were taken by Idol Rabier and sold off as Slaves."

"Ah, sorry for bringing up something sensitive." Ritsuka flinched, twirling Raphtalia once more to the music.

Raphtalia shook her head, "No, you didn't Ritsuka-dono. Even though I experienced tragedy, it led me to be with Naofumi-sama, Filo, Arturia-san, and Mel-san." The Demi-Human looked at the bright side of the tragedy of her Village. "Even to you and your Companions, Ritsuka-dono."

"That's nice to say, Raphtalia," Ritsuka commented, appreciating her words. "Say, if you don't mind then can you share your thoughts on the situation? I never heard much from you."

"Hmmm…" Raphtalia ponders on the entirety of Melromarc and their mission. "Well, I understand the threat that the enemy manipulating Melromarc poses and must be stopped." She said before frowning at another thought.

Ritsuka noticed the sudden change in expression. "I sense a but." He said, spinning her again.

Raphtalia looked at the Magus from the Stars, "It's nothing too big, but I just wish I could be more helpful to you all." She smiled. "I can only do so much since I can tell you all are more powerful than me and Filo. I just feel…like a burden to you all."

The black-haired Magus was about to answer Raphtalia, only to be interrupted by Mirellia's voice. (End Song)

"Thank you all for coming today on this momentous occasion." The music ceased as the Queen of Melromarc stood before the throne, greeting everyone who attended tonight's Ball.

Standing beside her was Saber of the Heroes Partisans and Rider of Bermuda. The occupants in the Ballroom looked at Mirellia, giving her their full attention.

"Tonight we celebrate another major part of Prophecy of the Stars coming to light," Mirellia announced to the people gathered in the Ballroom. "Present with us are two major figures that'll play a part in the Prophecy." She continued with her speech.

Many of the Nobles and guards converse with each other, another part of the Prophecy is coming true.

Mirellia smiles, holding out her hand to both Naofumi and Ritsuka respectfully. "Yes, the Shield Hero a Hero of Protection, and the Magus from the Stars have arrived in Faubrey with people from the round circle." The Pseudo-Servant announced, placing attention on the two black men.

Naofumi looked around him, seeing many excited and relieved to see them. "Okay, never knew this Prophecy is a big thing to these people." The Shielder stated, feeling a bit awkward from the attention.

"Prophecies tend to do that," Ritsuka chuckles, smiling at the many people around them.

"If I could, why should we place our trust in both the Shield Hero and a foreigner?" Everyone turned their attention to a Nobleman, by the looks of it he was those stuck-up spoiled types. His appearance spoke true where his fit was large, and his face contorted into an ugly smug.

Mirellia looks over to the Noble, glaring at him with cold eyes. "Tell me, Lord Monroe, why do you oppose the Shield Hero and the Magus from the Stars?" The violet-haired Queen asked the Lord before her.

Lord Monroe looks at the Queen, inclining his head to her. "My Queen, you have power from a place that only people dream of. You've Summoned your own Heroes that could go against any army." The Nobleman stated, clearly hating the idea of others saving the World.

"How can we know that the Shield Hero and Magus from the Stars are capable of saving the World?" The tubby Nobleman asked everyone in the Ballroom.

Naofumi scoffs, knowing there has to be someone like this guy in this Country. 'As I expected, it's one of those Nobles.' The Shielder thought before Morgan started to speak.

"If you are doubting the power both Sir Naofumi and my Husband hold, then why not test your theory, Human." The Lostbelt Queen said sternly, she turned to Mirellia who was observing the interaction. "Queen Mirellia Melromarc, if you agree, a demonstration of power should be shown tonight."

Ritsuka knew what his Servant was doing, to be honest, this is the right play to get these people to trust them and cooperate.

Mirellia smiles, seeing what her fellow ruler is suggesting. "Very well, Berserker, if there are any doubts about the capabilities between these Heroes then a match shall be held." The Pseudo-Servant walks down from the throne and stood before Naofumi and Ritsuka.

"I am Caster of Faubrey, I as Queen herby challenge the Shield Hero and Magus from the Stars to a duel to test one's strength." Mirellia looks at the two, waiting for their answer. "Do you two agree?"

AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.