I’m Not the Final Boss’ Lover - Chapter 192

Chapter 192: Getting Him Riled Up

“Ah, I’m sorry. Did it hurt?” Mayer hastily examined my hand in a caring attitude, but that was all. He didn’t take back his offer to dance, and I could see he was fixed on shaking a leg no matter what. He wasn’t supposed to be this kind of person. Who knew what had gotten into the man…

In any case, it didn’t feel right to stand still in the middle of the banquet hall so I resigned myself to dancing just one song. I let out a small sigh before taking a proper hold of Mayer’s hand. “Don’t ever do this again.”

“I understand.”

“This is the last time.” Even as I glared at Mayer, I moved my feet along with the music. Clenching my teeth, I whispered softly enough for only Mayer to hear. “And for your information, it’s my first time dancing a duet.”

“What? But you dance so well.”

“Who would have offered to be my partner in the first playthrough?” I snorted upon seeing the shock on Mayer’s face.

Unsurprisingly, I felt more eyes on me than before as we began dancing. I felt like I was going to throw up at the mixed gazes of curiosity as well as resent for having Mayer taken away.

“So that’s the dress Bellonet tailored?”

“Look at the jewels. They must be heirlooms of the House of Knox.”

“The jewels are amazing, yes, but did you see the artifact on her arm? I’m certain that must be Lucille’s Bracelet.”

“Didn’t they say Mayer Knox personally picked the dress for her? Not to mention she’s positively wrapped in precious treasures… Considering how doubtful it is for a support mage to be anything amazing, surely they must be in ‘that’ sort of relationship after all?”

“Yes, quite. It’s also the first time the Dark Knight is dancing too.”

I knew dancing would lead to this sort of talk! I shot resentful eyes at Mayer, but he stepped to the rhythm of the music, oblivious to the chatter. As we were dancing, I happened to spot a familiar redhead over Mayer’s shoulder: Fabian. His flaming red hair stood out even from afar. I saw that my former leader was dancing with April, and a few seconds later, we passed by each other. As I was doing a spin, I came face to face with Fabian for an instant that seemed to last for an eternity.

Sparks were flashing in his jewel-blue eyes, which I had always admired. No doubt he had been trying hard to control himself, but he ended up revealing the raw emotions he failed to hide. Was it because the grass was always greener on the other side, or because he couldn’t stand the fact that I was doing so well…? Our eyes met for a mere fleeting moment. I burned his twisted face into my mind, saving it as fuel for the fury that had accumulated in my heart, and as a trophy to savor in the days to come.

A second later, we were off dancing in different directions. I could sense Fabian continuing to look at me, but we only grew further apart. Would I have gotten the chance to see that look on his face close up if I hadn’t danced with Mayer? It couldn’t have been a coincidence to encounter him in this large banquet hall full of people.

I asked Mayer, “Did you come this way on purpose?”

“Was I being too obvious?” Mayer replied. How sly. No wonder he was breaking character and forcing me to dance. My tall partner bent over a little to whisper in my ears. “I wished to show him that you are now on my side.”

Although I was a bit bewildered that Mayer forced me into this, the result was something I was hoping for too. I put on a slight smile and said, “There are times when you and I don’t agree, Captain… but I think we have good synergy when it counts.”

“I am honored to hear that.” Mayer returned a small laugh before taking a firmer hold of my hands and playfully adding, “Then, since we are here, how about we make him see red?”

“Sounds like a plan.” I returned a mischievous smile of my own, nodding in agreement. The urge to ruin Fabian’s mood even more pushed the thought of clearing up the relationship between me and Mayer to the back of my mind for the moment. Personal matters could be forgotten for greater undertakings, after all.

It was our first time dancing to music, but for today, I felt like I could keep on going forever.

* * *

Mayer and I spun around the banquet hall many times in our motivation. While I did have weak stamina, that was strictly by expedition corps standards. This much activity was nothing since I had far more energy than ordinary nobles. However, we had no choice but to stop due to an attendant suddenly interrupting.

“Your Excellency, His Imperial Majesty is calling.”

“His Majesty? Is it already that time?”