Flora continued, seemingly hinting at something. “For example? Are there any particularly vibrant scenes that left a deep impression on you?”
“They were just ordinary street scenes, nothing special. For example… children receiving candy, street performers, and the cheers of the crowd.”
“It seems Xueli observes quite closely.”
At that moment, Rias chuckled softly. “You youngsters can discuss these small details privately once this is over.”
Rias interrupted the conversation, and Flora indeed had no intention of asking further. She had asked enough; continuing would only make things stranger.
Afterward, the four people did not say much while eating, only occasionally commenting on how well a certain dish was prepared or how delicious it tasted.
As the blood-demon banquet drew to a close, Ilya set down her wine glass and turned her gaze toward Flora, her tone carrying the weight of an indisputable arrangement.
“Flora, the ball will begin soon. At that time, you and Princess Xueli will dance the opening dance.”
Flora’s hand, which was holding her glass, froze.
She slowly lowered the glass and looked up at Ilya. In those golden eyes that were always calm and even somewhat sharp, surprise and… hesitation clearly surfaced for the first time.
“Mother, you mean… Princess Xueli and I?” Her voice remained steady, but the slight, almost imperceptible hesitation at the end betrayed her true thoughts.
Ilya took in all of Flora’s reactions. A meaningful smile played at the corners of her lips, yet her tone carried the majesty of a Queen.
“Of course. As the two princesses of our respective races, leading the dance at such an important banquet is both a symbol and a responsibility. Or perhaps…” She raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Did the etiquette I personally taught you not include dancing with a lady of equal status?”
Flora was only a bit surprised because no one had mentioned any of this to her!
Of course, dancing was certainly not a problem; Ilya had taught her quite a bit. Although her dancing… wasn’t exactly great.
“Yes, Mother. I understand.”
She looked at Xueli. Xueli was watching her at the same time, but there seemed to be some nervousness and… difficulty in Xueli’s eyes? She bit her lower lip slightly.
Wait!
Flora also suddenly realized the problem.
She hadn’t paid much attention before, and it hadn’t crossed her mind just now, but seeing Xueli like this, Flora finally realized —
Their height difference was quite significant…
Flora was currently about 163 centimeters, while Xueli…
Was only about 150 centimeters.
*Hiss…*
Flora imagined the two of them standing together; Xueli was more than half a head shorter than her.
If the two of them danced together…
The result was practically self-evident.
Flora glanced at Xueli again. Xueli had now closed her eyes, and her face had returned to a state of calm.
‘She accepted it so quickly.’
A moment later, the ball officially began.
The melodious dance music was like a flowing stream, slowly washing over every corner of the banquet hall.
Flora took a deep breath and rose from her seat. Xueli, sitting opposite her, stood up at almost the same time.
When they stood facing each other in the center of the dance floor, the distance between them was less than 0.5 meters. The discrepancy that had been ignored before was now presented clearly before everyone’s eyes.
Flora stood tall and straight, the flowing lines of her dress accentuating her slender figure.
Meanwhile, Xueli was more than half a head shorter. Although her dark red gown was magnificent and solemn, it could not change the visual impression created by her petite frame.
“Tch, this height difference…” A young blood clan noble near the dance floor couldn’t help but whisper to his companion. “Her Highness Xueli standing next to the demon princess is almost like — “
He didn’t finish, but those around him understood the sentiment.
However, an older demon race noble stroked his beard, a hint of playfulness and interest flashing in his eyes.
“Power and presence are never measured by height. Just watch.”
Although these faint discussions were quiet, they did not escape the ears of Flora and Xueli.
Flora saw Xueli’s face, which had just regained its composure, tighten for a split second, and her pursed lips became even straighter.
Furthermore, Flora’s own earlobes felt a bit hot — ‘Why didn’t I realize this problem before!’
The beat of the music became distinct, signaling that the dance steps were about to begin.
According to custom, the dance steps were led by the demon race.
Flora extended her hand, palm upward, in a standard invitation gesture. Xueli placed her hand gently in Flora’s palm, while her other hand rested lightly below Flora’s rear shoulder blade.
This position was just right for Flora, but for Xueli, her arm had to be raised higher than usual.
When the first spinning step was taken, the awkwardness arrived.
Flora habitually moved according to the familiar steps she knew. However, for the much shorter Xueli, keeping up was clearly a struggle.
During one change of position, Flora almost pulled Xueli right into her arms.
She quickly steadied herself, feeling Xueli’s body stiffen instantly.
“I’m sorry,” Flora whispered into Xueli’s ear during a close movement, masked by the background music. “Are my steps… too big?”
She could feel the small hand in her palm move slightly.
“…It is fine.”
Xueli’s voice was very low, her tone still flat, but Flora caught her soft panting.
Next, the two of them continued to adjust to one another.
Flora deliberately reduced the size of her steps and the range of her rotations, while Xueli displayed amazing adaptability and dance skill.
She was no longer just passively following; instead, she adapted to the current rhythm through changes in the pressure of her fingertips and the coordination of her body and steps.
Gradually, the stiff, pulling sensation disappeared.
Flora led the overall direction and the large rotations, while Xueli adjusted the details within the small space using exquisite footwork and balance.
The perspective problem caused by the height difference actually gave their visual exchange a very unique angle.
Flora looked down slightly and could see Xueli’s thick silver eyelashes and the tip of her upturned nose; Xueli occasionally looked up and could see Flora’s soft jawline and shining eyes.
Flora was a bit worried because they had reached a series of continuous spins. She whispered a reminder, “We are about to spin.”
“Mhm,” Xueli responded very softly.
The rotation began. Flora felt the hand supporting her back tighten slightly, providing a stable pivot. Xueli herself moved with a nearly weightless grace, using the momentum of Flora’s lead to spin out fluently.
Her dark red hemline drew a sharp and beautiful arc, not appearing clumsy or sluggish at all due to her height.
“That’s it.” Flora’s voice carried a hint of a smile this time.
Xueli did not answer, but Flora could feel that she had gradually adapted and was slowly beginning to relax.