The music shifted to another graceful melody, and as Fie glanced around the room, she caught sight of Victor Arseid, the towering figure of strength and nobility who was both Laura's father and the renowned Radiant Blademaster. Gathering her courage, she approached him with a determined smile.
"Viscount Arseid," she said, tilting her head slightly, "would you do me the honor of a dance?"
Victor's expression softened with a fatherly warmth. "It would be my pleasure, Fie. And please, call me Victor."
Fie's cheeks warmed at his words, and she took his hand as he led her to the floor. Despite his size and commanding presence, Victor's movements were fluid and precise, and Fie quickly adjusted to his pace.
"You've become quite the dancer, Fie," Victor remarked as they began their waltz. "I'd heard of your agility in combat, but it seems that grace extends beyond the battlefield."
Fie chuckled lightly, her emerald eyes meeting his. "I guess it helps that I'm light on my feet. But honestly, dancing with someone like you makes it easy."
Victor laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "You're too modest. But I suppose that humility is part of what makes you admirable."
For a few moments, they moved in silence, the music guiding their steps. Then, Fie took a breath and decided to speak her mind.
"You know, I didn't always think about the future like this," she admitted, her voice quieter. "Back when I was a Jaeger, it was all about surviving the next mission, the next battle. But now… I'm going to be a Bracer. Someone who fights to protect others. It's a big change."
Victor's gaze softened as he listened, his respect for her evident. "It's a remarkable change, Fie. And a testament to your strength of character. Few could have come from where you've been and chosen such a noble path."
Fie hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I didn't want to come right out and say this before, but… I worried I wouldn't be good enough for Laura. Not just because of who she is, but because of who I am. A commoner. An orphan. A former Jaeger. I thought… maybe I didn't deserve someone like her."
Victor's steps slowed slightly, and he gave her a steady, reassuring look. "Fie, let me tell you something about the Arseid household. Titles and wealth are fleeting. What matters most to us are deeds and virtues—the strength of one's character and the actions they take to uphold their beliefs. And in those, you carry an abundance."
Fie's lips quirked into a small smile, a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thanks, Victor. Laura's been such a big part of why I've grown the way I have. I just want to keep doing my best to make both of you proud."
Victor smiled warmly, his grip on her hand firm but comforting. "You already do, Fie. And I have no doubt you'll continue to. You've proven yourself time and time again—not just as a warrior, but as someone who values the bonds they've forged."
The dance led them into a gentle spin, and as they slowed to a stop, Victor inclined his head slightly. "Keep walking your path with confidence, Fie. You've more than earned the right to stand beside Laura and anyone else you hold dear."
Fie nodded, her heart swelling with determination. "I will. Thanks, Victor."
They parted with a respectful bow, and Fie stepped off the dance floor feeling lighter, as though a weight she hadn't realized she was carrying had been lifted. Victor watched her go with a knowing smile, proud to see how far she had come.
The music shifted to a soft, romantic tune, and the mood in the room seemed to change. Rean took a moment to steel himself before making his way through the gathered guests. His gaze found Alisa, who was chatting with Sharon and her mother. Her laughter sparkled, and she looked radiant in her elegantly crafted gown.
When he reached her, Rean extended his hand, his voice steady yet warm. "Alisa, would you honor me with this dance?"
Alisa turned to him, her expression briefly surprised before breaking into a delighted smile. "I'd love to, Rean."
She placed her hand in his, and he led her to the dance floor. As they began to move to the rhythm, their steps synced effortlessly. The warmth of Rean's hand in hers and the way he guided her with a natural grace made Alisa feel as though she were gliding.
"You look stunning tonight, Alisa," Rean said, his voice sincere. "But that's not really surprising—you're such a beautiful person, inside and out."
Alisa felt her cheeks flush, her heart skipping a beat. "Rean…" she began, trying to steady herself. His words were simple, but the way he said them made her feel seen in a way she hadn't expected.
They danced in comfortable silence for a moment, the world around them fading away. Alisa could feel her heart pounding, each beat urging her to take the leap she'd been hesitating over for so long. If she didn't say it now, in this perfect moment, she might lose her nerve.
Taking a deep breath, Alisa looked up at him, her cerulean eyes shimmering with both hope and vulnerability. "Rean, there's something I need to tell you."
Rean tilted his head slightly, his gaze soft and attentive. "What is it?"
Her voice trembled at first, but she pushed through, pouring her feelings into her words. "I… I have feelings for you, Rean. I have for a long time. You mean so much to me, more than I can put into words."
For a moment, the world seemed to pause. Rean blinked, her confession catching him off guard, and then his expression softened into a warm, genuine smile.
"Alisa…" he began, his voice steady and full of emotion. "I feel the same way about you."
Alisa's breath hitched, her heart soaring as his words sunk in. The nervous tension in her chest melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of joy and relief.
Rean squeezed her hand gently. "You've always been someone I admire. Your strength, your kindness, your determination—they're inspiring. I didn't know if you felt the same, but I'm so glad you do."
Alisa couldn't stop the bright smile spreading across her face, her eyes glistening. "Rean…"
They continued their dance, their movements now carrying an unspoken promise, a shared happiness that made every step feel lighter. For Alisa, the music seemed sweeter, the room brighter. And for Rean, holding Alisa in his arms felt like the start of something he hadn't realized he'd been yearning for.
When the song ended, they lingered in place, hands still clasped, neither wanting to let go just yet. The applause from the crowd around them felt distant as they exchanged smiles that held the promise of new beginnings.
Fie leaned casually against a pillar near the edge of the dance floor, her keen eyes watching as Rean and Alisa moved together. They looked entirely at ease with one another, their steps flowing naturally. It was clear to Fie that something significant had just happened between them. The way Alisa was beaming, her face glowing with happiness, and the way Rean held her hand as they left the dance floor together—yeah, Fie thought, that was definitely a confession.
A smirk crept onto Fie's face. "About time," she muttered to herself, amused by how oblivious the two of them had been to their feelings for so long.
She turned her head and found Laura standing nearby, her elegant posture and radiant presence drawing Fie's attention like always. Laura had been watching as well, and when their eyes met, she smiled warmly and extended her hand to Fie.
Fie straightened up, her smirk softening into a fond smile. Without hesitation, she took Laura's hand, letting herself be led to the dance floor.
As the music began, they slipped into position, their movements instinctively falling into sync. Unlike the other dances of the evening, this one was quiet—not in a strained way, but in a serene, unspoken understanding. There were no words exchanged, no need for conversation. They simply basked in the moment; in the closeness they shared.
Fie's hands felt secure in Laura's, the strength and grace of her partner reassuring and grounding her. Laura's steady, confident steps guided them seamlessly across the floor, her every movement speaking volumes about the trust and affection they shared.
Their gazes stayed locked, warmth radiating between them. Fie's usual aloofness melted away, her eyes softening with unguarded emotion. Laura's serene smile carried with it a deep sense of contentment and quiet joy.
The song swelled, and they turned and twirled together, perfectly in rhythm, their bodies moving as one. It was as if the rest of the world had fallen away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in the glow of the music and the bond they had built.
When the final notes of the song played, they slowed to a stop, still holding on to each other. Neither moved to pull away, the silence stretching between them filled with unspoken words and unshakable trust.
Finally, Laura broke the quiet, her voice low and tender. "Fie, I love you."
Fie felt her heart swell at the words, her lips curling into a genuine smile. "I love you too, my brave knight."
Their eyes closed as they leaned into each other, sharing a kiss that was as gentle as it was full of emotion. It was a moment of absolute clarity and certainty—a promise of the future they would face together.
As they pulled back, Laura reached for Fie's hand, their fingers intertwining. Together, they walked off the dance floor, hand in hand, their smiles reflecting the happiness they felt in each other's presence. The world around them buzzed with the energy of the celebration, but for them, nothing else mattered except the path they would now share.