"Iâll take that compliment," Devilia responded as she continued moving to the music while she closed in the distance between Ryder and her.
"Hoho, Young ones really know how to have a good time," High Duke Oris let out as he chuckled while he kept watching Ryder and Devilia with a smile on his face.
"You talk as if we are old. You might be old, but Iâm still a young maiden," High Duke Mila replied as she laughed.
" Weâre the oldest people in the room," High Duke Oris responded as he shook his head.
"Come with me, old man. Let me get you to move your old bones then," High Duke Mila stood up as she extended her hand to High Duke Oris.
"You canât be serious," High Duke Oris replied with a smile on his face.
"Come on, donât be shy. Didnât you hear the Prince? Itâs like something that friends do. It must be like a tradition from his land. Letâs give him company by taking part in that tradition," High Duke Mila insisted.
"Hahaha, fine then, Letâs give them company then," High Duke Oris held her hand as he stood up.
They walked up to Ryder and continued dancing to the music.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
"Cheh, They are like children. They donât even care about the dignity of High Dukes," High Duke Magna muttered as he snorted as if he didnât like the High Dukes dancing before the Dukes, but he didnât say anything.
"This dress looks good on you. Who chose it?" Devilia inquired as she looked at the clothes of Ryder.
"Miku chose this dress for me for this occasion. Sheâs back in the palace," Ryder responded as he smiled.
"Oh, the Royal Head Maid. She does have a nice sense of fashion, but let me give you a bit of advice," Devilia said.
She brought her face close to Ryderâs ears and whispered something in his ears.
"Be careful around her. Donât trust her too much," She told Ryder.
Ryder heard her words and grew even more confused. It seemed as if Devilia was suspicious of Miku, but he didnât understand why she was suspicious.
"Why?" He asked Devilia.
"You donât know her background?" Devilia inquired as she looked at him.
"Her background? I didnât investigate. Whatâs her background?" Ryder asked again.
" You remember the Duke that tried to take your Scythe when I first introduced you to the High Dukes?" Devilia inquired.
"Yeah, he was the first Duke if Iâm not wrong. The strongest one amongst the Dukes," Ryder let out as he nodded his head. "He was badly injured after that, and I havenât seen him since then. He didnât come today either."
" Miku is his sister," Devilia answered Ryder.
"Sheâs the sister of a Duke? Why is she working as a maid in the Royal Palace then? Also, how did High Duke Oris allow her to work for me in that case?" Ryder inquired in a low voice, with a frown on his face.
"Because they trust her. I donât know why or what happened, but five years ago, she was assigned to take care of the Royal palace as the head maid. I believe that they must have a reason to trust her, but I get a feeling that you need to be careful. Itâs better to be suspicious of the innocent than to believe the one that will betray you," Devilia told Ryder.
"Alright. Iâll be careful," Ryder replied as he nodded his head.
"So, when exactly are you coming to visit my place?" Devilia asked Ryder.
"Your place is the first on my list. Since the Vampire King is already here, Iâll have to rush some things. Iâll probably be there the day after tomorrow," Ryder replied.
"Good. Iâll prepare for the Grand Welcome," Devilia said as she smiled.
"Thereâs no need for a grand welcome. Iâve already been there," Ryder responded.
Devilia licked her lips as she brought her face closer to Ryderâs ears again.
"You were there as a young boy who was too shy to even change before me, but now youâll be there as the Prince of the whole realm. Itâs not just for me, but for the whole land. There needs to be a grand welcome. The People of my land have been eager to see the new Prince, and it can be an opportunity to give them a glance before the main speech from the palace," Devilia said to Ryder.
"Suit yourself," Ryder nodded his head.
"Well, I think someone is looking at me with jealousy. I guess the others want the opportunity to dance with the Prince too. Iâll take a rest. Enjoy the evening," Devilia let out as she released Ryder and walked back to her seat.
Ryder wondered who she was talking about as he looked back and noticed that Felina was looking in his direction. As soon as his gaze met hers, she started looking away.
"I hope it wonât be too inappropriate," Ryder muttered as he nodded his head.
"Come On, guys, why are you all not dancing? This is a day of celebration. Itâs the birthday of our High Duke Oris. Come on, everyone, stand up and enjoy the evening," Ryde let out as he glanced at everyone. "Use this as a bonding experience to improve your relationship with your fellow Dukes."
There were Twenty-five Dukes in the hall, and twelve of them were guys. The Dukes started getting up and former pairs to dance.
Now, thirteen pairs were dancing while the music played. This looked like a proper ballroom dance now.
Ryder went back to the seats.
"High Duke Magna, why are you not celebrating?" Ryder asked as he saw High Duke Magna sitting with his eyes closed.
"Iâm not joining this," High Duke Magna responded without opening his eyes.
"Come on. Donât be shy. Come, letâs dance. The old man seems to be tired already," High Duke Mila appeared near Magna and started telling him to dance with her.
High Duke Oris sat back on his seat.
"Take her up on the offer. It does feel better. Itâs kind of like an exercise. Just try it, once," High Duke Oris said to Magna.
"Iâm not taking part in this. Leave me alone," High Duke Magna responded as he refused to budge.
"Hmph, youâre such a killjoy," High Duke Mila let out as she rolled her eyes.
"My Prince, How about you dance with me?" High Duke Mila asked Ryder.
Ryder was about to go ask Felina, but he had stopped since he saw Magna sitting alone, and now he was asked to dance Mila.
"Alright," He agreed to the offer.
He held High Duke Milaâs hands and started walking with her to the center.