■ After the party ended □
We descended back to the banquet hall after conversing with Countess Glorious upstairs.
In truth, we could consider our purpose for attending this party now fully accomplished. We had made an appearance, and it would have been fine to head home at this point. However, it was obvious that Ozma would feel let down if we left so soon, so I decided to stay a little longer.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Chief Financial Officer, and Governor.”
Incidentally, it wasn’t only the Royalists who attended this party. Quite a number of pro-demon faction members were also present. This was likely because Countess Glorious invited all influential individuals without regard to political affiliation. They came over with smiles, letting out flattery in hopes of making a good impression on us, as representatives of the Oz Governor’s Office.
Though honestly, it was extremely bothersome. Nevertheless, to maintain our political stance, it was necessary to appropriately accept their sycophancy.
Ozma, who must have been tired from working all week, stayed behind as I shielded her and dealt with them. Unlike usual, she wore a dress and seemed uncomfortable standing still, looking around until she found an empty chair and sat down.
After dismissing the pro-demon faction members with suitable responses, I quietly approached her and asked,
“What’s wrong? Is your foot hurting?”
At this, Ozma, seemingly embarrassed, scratched her cheek and nodded.
“A little.”
She usually didn’t wear high heels, so it was clear her feet had grown tired easily.
Even though she tried not to show it, I was aware of the glances people around us were giving, so we decided to step out onto the balcony connected to the banquet hall for a moment.
Once we closed the thick glass doors leading to the balcony, the sounds inside and outside were completely cut off, leaving silence all around.
Leaning against the balcony railing, Ozma said,
“To be honest, it felt a bit awkward.”
I shrugged in agreement with her.
“I feel the same way.”
Neither of us had anything to do with politics before taking our positions in the Governor’s Office. Nowadays, showing any weakness would surely result in betrayal, so we put on a strong front. But assuming this lifestyle continues for a few more years, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to endure much longer.
While it is often said that position shapes a person, ultimately, there are cases where one’s character simply doesn’t align with their role, no matter how high the position. Clearly, we belonged to the latter category.
Squatting down beside her feet, I said,
“Take off your shoes.”
Without hesitation, Ozma slipped off her shoes and extended her feet. Her legs, wrapped in white stockings, showed swollen toes due to poor blood circulation.
Carefully massaging her toes, I asked,
“How does it feel? Better?”
With her hand covering her mouth, Ozma replied, “Yeah, yeah. A little stronger please.”
Her voice carried a strangely seductive tone, which might make others think we were up to something improper.
Regardless of what others might think, I continued pressing firmly on her soles and toes. Eventually, Ozma told me she felt better and tapped my shoulder.
As a final gesture, I helped her back into her shoes before standing up.
“It’s a bit warm.”
“Is it? Come here and stand still. There’s a cool breeze blowing.”
Following Ozma’s suggestion, I leaned against the railing next to her, feeling the gentle wind.
It was definitely refreshing. The sweat from massaging her feet was pleasantly wiped away.
Standing still like this gave the illusion that time had stopped.
Looking up at the densely star-filled night sky, I asked,
“Thinking about it, it’s almost been three years since we met.”
“Right? When we first met, I never imagined we’d end up like this.”
Our first encounter happened shortly after I had defected to the Demon King’s Army. What initially seemed like a chance meeting with an arrogant demon turned out to be a comedic twist—she was actually a woman in disguise.
Since then, we gradually became friends. It was during a martial arts tournament held at Dragon Mountain that she confessed to me, leading us to start a physical relationship. Though it took some more time for her to open her heart to me completely, many things happened over these three years.
I glanced at Ozma standing beside me. Her usually short purple hair was styled with slight waves and light makeup, making her look like a sophisticated princess.
Though the person inside remained the same Ozma I knew, just with a different appearance.
Frankly speaking, I preferred her usual self.
While her current look had its appeal due to the contrast, I suspected I’d get tired of it if I saw it every day.
When I shared this honest thought with her, Ozma laughed incredulously.
“Pfft, are you stupid? Who would find someone like me attractive?”
“Shouldn’t a true fiancée love everything about you, including that?”
At least my feelings weren’t based solely on her outer appearance. I was drawn to how Ozma continuously worked hard to overcome the inferiority complex she developed when she was younger.
Though, considering I live under the same roof with four women, maybe I shouldn’t talk.
Upon hearing my words, Ozma slightly blushed and stretched, saying,
“The breeze feels sufficient, so let’s head back inside now.”
“Yeah. Since we’re here already, let’s dance once.”
As I said this, I extended my right hand. Ozma smirked, grabbed my hand, and said,
“You’ll forgive me if I’m not good, right?”
“We’ll see.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Despite her retort and light tap on my shoulder, she soon leaned on me with a happy smile.
“I always feel this way, but choosing you as my fiancé seems like the best decision I’ve ever made.”
[[#]] The party finally concluded around 10 PM.
People were slowly getting drunk, and couples who caught each other’s eyes were returning home to whisper sweet nothings.
Having successfully achieved the original goal of debuting in high society, Countess Glorious thanked everyone during the final sequence of the party.
“Thank you all for attending the party hosted by our family today. As Count Glorious, I will continue to work hard to uphold the honor of our family. May your journeys home be safe.”
Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!
The nobility responded with thunderous applause, including myself and Ozma.
Although there were slight unpleasant moments earlier due to the Royalists, the overall experience was positive, and this party would remain memorable for quite some time. Especially since we got to see Ozma’s rarely-seen cute expressions.
We watched from a secluded spot as guests began to trickle out of the banquet hall like receding tide. Barnett and Camilla, who had silently guarded us throughout the event, did the same.
Once most of the guests had departed and the originally bustling hall was left with only the mansion’s butlers and maids—
we called over the passing chief butler and asked,
“Has Count Glorious already retired to his chambers?”
“Yes. May I ask why you inquire about this?”
“No particular reason. I just need to inform him of some matters beforehand.”
Saying this, I pulled out a piece of paper I had kept tucked away.
“This is a list of nobles involved in the crimes of insulting the governor and treason. As you can see, quite a few figures from the Royalist camp who attended today’s party are included. Currently, the area surrounding the mansion has been completely surrounded by police from the Security Department.”
“What…?”
“By now, all the nobles on this list should have been taken to prison. Of course, some may prove their innocence and be released, or conversely, their crimes may be fully exposed, ending their lives.”
“…Won’t such actions without prior consultation make the world misunderstand our family?”
“They’ll likely assume we’re pro-demon supporters, regardless of our innocence. That’s why I’m seeking your understanding in advance.”
I said this while maintaining a cold gaze toward the aging butler.
“Please convey to your master that it would be wise to support the Governor’s Office before it’s too late. Anyway, most of the troublemakers among the Royalists will be swept away by tonight, so there’s no need for excessive worry.”
The butler swallowed hard upon hearing my words.
“Did you intentionally leave the Royalists unchecked?”
I shrugged and replied,
“There’s no real need to answer that question… But since you might lose sleep wondering tonight, I’ll tell you. Yes. We kept them alive until now because they were necessary.”
To prevent the pro-demon faction from gaining too much power amidst the chaos of the newly established colony, the Royalists served as a counterbalance.
However, signs have started appearing that the independence groups supported by the Royalists are planning radical actions within Oz territory. Therefore, it’s appropriate to take action now.
“Isn’t it reasonable to return them to nature after carefully managing them for two years?”
Honestly, I believe this is their own doing.
Ultimately, the actions the Royalists took for their own benefit will likely end up strangling themselves.
We bid farewell to the Count with our regards and were the last to leave the banquet hall.
Outside the mansion, police officers waiting in anticipation were arresting key Royalist figures, causing flashy lights to flash everywhere.
I descended the mansion’s entrance steps like a conductor leading an orchestra, waving both hands.
Finally, stepping onto the ground after descending all the steps, I turned around and asked,
“How was it? What are your thoughts on today’s party?”
Ozma smiled brightly at me and replied,
“It was amazing.”
