"Ah, a pleasure to meet you as well, sir,"

With a smile, the Princess curtsied towards the other knight who had approached. Indeed, it was the entirety of the Iron Rose Knights she was enamored with. It was common knowledge among the nobility of Thaln that Princess Eliabelle had been raised on legendary stories of chivalry and heroism. She was well-versed in Thaln's history, especially in relation to the exploits of the knights across the ages. It was possible she was even more versed in the history of the knights then some of the modern knights were.

"Ah, Sir... Nicomede, was it? I... er, I apologize," Fanilly reached back scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. She wasn't entirely familiar with all the knights yet, even if she did recognize him after a moment. Ah, the fact that she had invited him made all of this even worse... How was it that she even took a moment to recognize one of the people she had personally invited to come with her to the ball? Aah, but she was in the presence of the Princess, she couldn't allow herself to falter like this...

"I am so very eager to hear more from you, Knight-Captain... ah, and you as well, Sir Nicomede! I should like to hear from all the knights, in fact!" declared Princess Eliabelle, excitedly, "But first, Knight-Captain, what is it like to be the Captain of the Iron Rose Knights?"

Fanilly hesitated for a moment, shifting uncertainly. How did she respond...? Of course, she was honored to have the opportunity, but... ah, she didn't know, she didn't think she had done a very good job... had she? And the Princess, the heir to the throne, was looking at her so expectantly...

[hr]

"... Ah, Violette never ap-ah?"

The black-haired girl was slowly nodding in response to the knight's words, to the apparent awe of the two older girls. By context, it was easy to tell that the taciturn and sarcastic girl was likely not the type to usually consider apologizing to anyone. But perhaps it was the situation, or the fact that these knights had put their lives on the line for the safety of the people. Perhaps it was another matter entirely. Regardless of what the case may have been, the fact was that the black-haired young girl was averting her eyes and slowly nodding along to Gerard's words.

The two blonde girls still seemed rather awestruck as she slowly made her way in the direction that Sir Jarde had departed in, towards the outside and the gardens.

"..." for a few moments, Angenese stared blankly after the younger girl, then turned towards Gerard.

"... Sir Knight, are you certain you aren't a mage? Or some kind of Mayon-blessed Priest?" she asked, with only the slightest hint of irony in her tone.

"I've known Violette for most of my life, and I've never heard her apologize to anyone even once," added the drill-haired girl, just as awestruck as her friend, "Normally she dismisses anyone who takes issue with her words completely."

"Her bluntness is actually rather charming at times, but... well, I can see it isn't for everyone and she went too far today, certainly," elaborated Angenese, "... I... still feel as if I should apologize as well, Sir Knight, I'm certain you and your fellows are only trying to enjoy the party..."

She gave an apologetic laugh, clearly uncertain of what to next, and perhaps having realized her and her friends had been rather pushy in the first place.

[hr]

The little girl's large green eyes shone brightly with excitement when Fleuri revealed he was indeed capable of showing her exactly where the sweets were. Still holding his sleeve, she followed along behind him, cheerfully humming a tune to herself as she did. After a few moments, it would be possible to recognize it as a piece popular among children, the 'Milk Bunny Song'.

It was perhaps somewhat strange when the Fleuri's plate suddenly tilted rather sharply as he made his way through the crowd, and yet he failed to lose even a single piece of food, but maybe it was just luck.

Indeed, it was not long before the reached the table with the most sweets. It was adorned with a variety of different pastries, from small puffy cream-filled treats to a rather impressive blue and white-frosted cake, towering above the rest of the items on the table.

"Uwaaah~ so many..." the little girl's eyes were sparkling as she leaned closer... "Thank you! Come here, Sir Knight! I need to tell you something important~"

She waved her hand to indicate for Fleuri to lean down closer...

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