#also here have rinji casanova arc again

[nk-rinji]

[FFXIVWrite] Taken

The dances, the cheers, the joyous atmosphere - it was, of course, yet another ball in the Pillars!

And there isn't a ball where the shining heir of Teweronts isn't invited. There he was - mingling among other guests, chatting their ears away, his boisterous laugh sending itself across the whole room.

Of course, it wasn't actually Leon - the real timid excuse of a noble is sitting back in his chambers, deep within some book, likely while being scolded by their Father. No, it was Alyssa (or Rinji, as she calls herself), going through with the charade - though not like she minds! She's got drinks, company and dances! What's there not to like? A little lie won't hurt anybody.

It was time for yet another dance. Leon, of course, had to dance with a whole assortment of different noble ladies, as followed by the etiquette. And he didn't lack in options, nor did he lack spirit. Alyssa knew she fancied ladies, and considered her disguise being a nice bonus to it. And as the pairs twirled and partners swapped, the night progressed rather swiftly, to the enjoyment of everyone involved.

But as the music progressed, and began to slowly reach its conclusion, one more round of dances had to go through before the night could be considered a success. And a lady approaches Leon with a smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She was of incredible beauty, only exemplified by her gown. Leon, - or, rather, Alyssa, - could feel the colour on her cheeks as the lady invited him for a dance. She knew her for a while now. Lady Leanour of the Meril family. Someone who has the attention of many suitors, someone with whom to even speak is an honour (among the young nobles), not even mentioning a dance. Her and Leon have danced before, but it was but a passing moment, far from anything worth talking about. And yet here she is, inviting Leon for a dance.

Alyssa could not believe her luck. She couldn't wait to tell Father of this - he would certainly be incredibly proud to hear that she has brought their family more renown! It doesn't matter if the dance would be the only gesture Lady Leanour deigns her with - a rumour like that is bound to give them all the respect they would ever need! And so Alyssa obviously took the lady's hand, and happily took her to the dance floor.

There was also something... else she was feeling. She knew this would never happen again, but she had hoped the dance would never end. This small moment of their closeness was bringing her a sense of comfort and warmth. And the smile lady Leanour gave her... It almost made Alyssa stumble. What a way to end the night! A memory for a lifetime...

"My lord?" Suddenly, she spoke up during the dance, catching Leon off-guard.

"Yes?" he blinked twice.

"I was thinking... Perhaps we should come to the next ball together?"

Leon’s heart skipped a beat. What did she just say?

No. He heard what she said. 

Oh no.

Leon couldn’t answer immediately, and that was already a mistake on his part. He wants to say ‘yes’ so badly, but he knows what this means. It’s not an invitation to the dance at all.

Would Father approve? No, of course he wouldn’t. If their scheme is found out, it will cause a massive scandal. But how can she turn down the lady without gravely insulting her? Time was running out. He had to say something.

“I am terribly sorry, my lady, but… I am already taken. Er, that is - I already have a dance partner for the upcoming ball.” he nervously smiled, hoping that his innocent awkwardness would be convincing.

“...Truly?” she raised her brows. For her to be rejected was… unexpected. “Who is the lucky lady, if I may?”

He’s doomed. He ran through his mind as quickly as he could, and landed on one name he vaguely knew.

“Lady Cerillian of Revinteux, my lady,” he nodded and prayed to Halone that she didn't know her.

“Hm… Must be some smaller house. I know her not,” her voice turned slightly colder, and Leon did not miss the veiled insult against him.

“Yes, well… had I known, I would have definitely accepted the offer. Please do not take it the wrong way, my lady.”

She was satisfied, at least for now, and as soon as the dance finished, she left him almost immediately. As he looked at her leaving, he felt a pang of guilt upon his heart. Well… Some sacrifices must be made to uphold family reputation. Nothing he can do about it.

He didn’t feel like dancing anymore.