The Hero Became a Succubus, and the Only Way to Level is to… What?! Chapter 522 – The Ehmvier Ball (Part 1)

Today was the day. The ball had arrived at last. The castle was abuzz with activity, from servants running around getting the final touches in place, to carriages of attendees rolling into the courtyard. Yvaern had completed the gowns at the very last minute, each were exceedingly beautiful dresses sure to steal the spotlight tonight.

Lilith and seven other Sisters of Sin helped Kanae and her daughters get dressed. They had been stuck inside the royal bedchamber for the past hour getting them on. How Arenade could stand still to be fitted, Kanae would never understand. It was almost torturous. Only one among them braved through it all. Kanade enjoyed every second of pampering and having her gown put on her by servants. A high elf through and through.

"Annnnnd done! Ahh, Your Majesty and the princesses can't be more stunning! Yvaern really has a way with his designs." Lilith took a step back and marveled.

Without a wall of people in the way, Kanae was finally able to look up at the mirror. She, too, was blown away by herself. The royal purple and black gown, adorned with gold jewelry and floral embroidery, flowed all the way down to the floor like the drapes of the evening sky. Thin tal wires ford a partial crinoline that granted volu to the posterior. Floating ribbons powered by enchanted fabrics flared out to the side. Kanae's bare upper back exposed her large wings, and her smaller pair slipped through two holes in the lower back of the dress. The strapless nature of it left her shoulders uncovered and offered a rather incredible view of her cleavage. Normally, Kanae had her hair up in a tail, but Zadris insisted it be let down to better suit the dress.

"I feel… suffocated." Kanae sighed.

"Mom, you look so pretty!" Suvee exclaid.

Kanae turned to her dark elven daughter. Yvaern had crafted a sleeveless dress with an orange and red gradient. Like Suvee had wanted, a large bow rested on her back. She shimmied about to make the adornnt flutter like the wings of a butterfly.

"So do you, my adorable little girl!" Kanae lifted Suvee up into the air and spun, giving her the appearance of a monarch butterfly.

However, the one who was really going to be the center of attention tonight was none other than Kanade. Kanae's high elven daughter wore a gold and white gown. Her chest boasted a light breastplate of riveted silver links similar to chainmail that glisten at every turn. It was very reminiscent of Arenade's battle regalia. Sowhere, a piece of the dress had been enchanted, too. It emitted a very gentle mist that trailed from her as she moved, giving her an almost epheral appearance. To top it all off, she also wore a silver crown encrusted with diamonds.

"Kanade looks like she's going to war first, then the ball after." Suvee giggled.

"When it cos to an aristocratic ball, close enough. Alright, girls. Ti to join the party," Kanae said, putting Suvee down.

Lilith opened the door and escorted them to where the ball was taking place. Music and chatter grew louder with each step. Zadris was waiting near the end of the corridor just before the entrance. She was also dressed elegantly in white, contrasting Lilith's black.

"I shall introduce you, Your Majesty. Wait for my cue." Zadris curtsied.

The half-succubus stepped out into view on the second floor landing, and silence fell upon the chamber floor. No doubt all eyes were on her.

"Honored guests, I thank you for your arrival. These invitations ca in short notice, and you are all surely busy people. We hope this ball will wash away your worries and lift your spirits. Tonight, Her Majesty Arenade Brightwind could not make it. She has engagents in Talahurah. Her Majesty Kanae Toyomi and their daughters, Princesses Suvee and Kanade, are present in Arenade's place." Zadris extended a hand towards Kanae.

That was the cue. Kanae, along with Suvee and Kanade, erged from the corridor. Applause assailed the chamber. Her eyes adjusted to the brightly-lit ballroom and hundreds of people down below. The nobility of the Commonwealth. Everyone was dressed in their finest and adorned in their most expensive jewelry. These were the people Arenade catered to every now and then.

Kanae waved awkwardly. Kanade remained steadfast and regal, while Suvee full-arm waved back to the guests. They were used to this after all, from Arenade's past balls during Kanae's absences. Zadris quietly handed her a glass of champagne.

"Thank you for coming, everyone." Kanae smiled to another round of applause and lifted her glass up. "A toast, to all of you and the Commonwealth!"

As though freed from their bonds of deference, Kanae's words sent them back to enjoying the party. A great many people stole glances her way, waiting for the chance to approach her as soon as she reached the floor. Not a surprise, since she was Empress of the Commonwealth. What better chance than tonight?

Kanae, together with her daughters and entourage, descended to the first floor of the ballroom. It looked nearly indistinguishable compared to before. Guests helped themselves to the great many foods laid across the tables. The bards perford a graceful lody with stringed instrunts. Their acoustics carried well in the large chamber.

"Well, Your Majesty." Zadris hooked an arm with Lilith. "We'll be enjoying the party, too. Don't hesitate to find us if you need anything. Make sure to mingle with the important guests."

Right. That list of important guests Kanae had read about beforehand. Zadris and Lilith had already disappeared into the crowds, making their way to the refreshnts. Imdiately in their place, a group of aristocrats replaced them.

"Your Majesty, may I just say you are absolutely beautiful?"

"The dress must have been made by Yvaern!"

"Please, marry , Your Majesty!"

"Who said that last comnt? Guards, get him out of my ball!" Kanae shouted.

Two castle guards dragged the lovestruck proposer kicking and screaming out of the ballroom. Even in a who's who party she couldn't escape marriage proposals.

"Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to finally et your acquaintance." A refined feminine voice willed the others into quiet.

It belonged to a middle-aged high elven woman whose dirty-blonde hair was done up in the beehive style. She wore a regal red dress that put those around her to sha. A young boy so two years older than Kanade and Suvee accompanied her. He must be her son. His tunic was red and gold, hair cut short, and had his eyes on Kanade.

Kanae recognized them. The woman was on the list. She was Baroness Francesca Steelhall, a city-state born high elf. Francesca and the Steelhall family might not be Ortesian, but they were influential in both Lograin and Radevic, having a large hand in steel manufacturing. According to Zadris' intel, Steelhall had supplied the empire's invasionary army with tal right up until Radevic put an embargo on them.

"Baroness Francesca." Kanae nodded in acknowledgent, drawing an unreadable smile from her.

"The ball has been quite lovely. It is a sha Her Majesty Arenade isn't present. I would have liked to say hello. The party is lesser without her. Food is less delectable, the selection of wine leaves much to be desired, and the music is dreadful." Francesca sighed.

Kanae pursed her lips from making a retort and said instead, "I'm sorry we couldn't suit your taste in food, drinks, and music. Have you tried the ice cream? It's made with a special cream!"

"No, thank you. I was hoping to maybe speak with you on a certain matter. One that concerns legacies and the future of your empire. Raphael." She ushered her son forward.

"Your Majesty." Raphael bowed.

"Uhh, no… Don't tell you want to give your son. At least wait until he's of young adult age!"

Baroness Francesca and Raphael turned bright red.

"No! I ant a union between my Raphael and your daughter Kanade! It doesn't have to be now. They may begin courtship in a few years with the intentions of marriage at an older age," Francesca explained, fanning herself with a handkerchief after getting flustered.

"Oh. Well, that changes everything. Kanade, what do you think?" Kanae asked.

"No," Kanade answered flatly.

"Y-Your Majesty, surely you understand how beneficial this union could be? You wouldn't let your daughter decide the future of your empire?" she stamred.

"What my children think ans the world to . I let them decide their own future, with guidance of course. If Kanade isn't interested in Raphael, I'm not going to force it."

Infuriated, the baroness chewed on one end of her handkerchief.

"Fine, but you will co to regret turning down the avenues of prosperity my family could have opened up for the Commonwealth. Co, Raphael!" Francesca stord away with her son trailing after.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of it. During the party, Kanae ran into more and more people offering their sons to Kanade. For many of them, it was clear they sought to elevate themselves by marrying into the royal family. Others, there might have been genuine interest in Kanade, but she didn't share the sa sentint. The coldness in her rejections hurt a lot of feelings, to the point that Kanae started feeling bad.

"Everyone wants to marry Kanade. How co nobody wants to marry ?" Suvee sulked when they stopped by a table to grab so drinks.

"That's not true. Lots of boys want to marry you. Maybe… you're a little intimidating? So people might think you're out of reach for them?" Kanae grasped at straws, careful not to hurt her daughter's feelings.

"I'm intimidating?" She stared at Kanade in disbelief.

"Who cares. I don't like them anyway," Kanade said.

"I care…" The dark elven girl looked down at her glass of juice.

Kanae half-considered charming a boy around Suvee's age to give her so attention. The fear of the farce backfiring made her decide against it. She spotted three familiar high elves in the distance seated at a table together. Petyr, Gretchen, and Andora.

"You two want to see Gretchen? She's here, too!" Kanae pointed across the way.

They shuffled over and turned down every guests' attempts to talk. Gretchen and Andora saw them coming. The two were about to rise until Kanae motioned otherwise.

"Gretchen!" Suvee and Kanade ran into their guardian for a hug.

"Oh, you girls are simply the sweetest things! Your dresses look like they ca out of a fairytale." Gretchen smiled.

"Sweet party, Your Majesty. I think Arenade would've loved what Zadris did with the place. Personally though, I prefer the quiet." Andora shrugged.

"It has nothing on Ortesian balls and functions, but I am impressed by what your ager city achieved. A proper party would have Rotandrix gladiators and jousting knights. There's no fun without a little sport and battle," Petyr said.

"I'm not going to let soone get maid for your enjoynt…" Kanae groaned.

Petyr Stormcloud had co with Vesh in his young form. She wore a breathtaking silver dress, the most feminine Kanae had ever seen her. Vesh donned a matching embroidered silver tunic. Gretchen Redbaron's dress was a snug blue that hugged her body and accentuated her form. Andora Sempter had on a more reserved maroon gown and floral attachnts on her hair.

This table alone probably had the most high elves in any given place. People were giving it a wide berth, especially since Petyr and Gretchen didn't have the most stellar reputation given their past. That worked out to their advantage, giving them a mostly quiet and uninterrupted evening at the ball.

"Okay, I'm going to go back to mingling. Do you girls want to stay here or co with ?" Kanae asked Suvee and Kanade.

"I'm gonna hang out with Gretchen and the others!" Suvee exclaid.

"I go wherever Suvee goes," Kanade said.

Now it was Kanae's turn to sulk a little. She gave her kids a pat on the head and set off into the crowds. Closer towards the foyer, guests parted ways as two people entered. Elizabeth Bedlam and Edina Hackett. Only one of them ca dressed to impress. The sorceress wore a lavender gown with raven feathers wreathing her neck and shoulders. The necromancer, however… wore her usual necromantic robes.

"Athyst!" Eliza threw her arms out. "Show the way to your ice sculpture. I hear it 'squirts' wine!"

"You look good, Eliza! Edina, you don't." Kanae glared.

" and fancy clothes don't mix. Besides, what I'm wearing has plenty of character! It tells everyone that I'm a necromancer." Edina puffed out her nonexistent chest.

Eliza leaned in and whispered, "I tried introducing her to so beautiful dresses, but she refused them all."

Kanae escorted them towards the ice sculpture. Edina burst out laughing when she laid eyes on Arenade's. The busy high elf's sculpture was made exactly to Kanae's specifications. Arenade was on her knees, naked, and both hands cupping her enormous breasts from which milk flowed out of into a beverage bowl.

"It's like her tits are still here in the city." Edina wiped an imaginary tear from her eyes.

When Eliza and Edina helped themselves to ice cream, Kanae couldn't help but grimace. Ichi's seed had been mixed in there. Nothing could be done about it now though. She picked up a bowl of the cold treat to taste, and the flavor was very addictive. The two eventually hit it off with a group of guests and vanished before Kanae was able to follow them. A cry for help started her.

"Supre One's rcy! Soone help!"

Kanae followed the commotion to a table of food, where a dozen people surrounded a familiar young high elf. A beastman servant thumped on Raphael's back, who had his hands up against his neck and tearing up.

"Your Majesty, the boy is choking!" the servant cried.

"Do none of you know the Heimlich maneuver? Er… Or whatever this world's version of it is? Give him to ." Kanae shooed the servant and wrapped her arms around Raphael from behind. She balled up her fist, clenched it with one hand, and positioned them just above the belly button. The first thrust didn't do anything. On the second trust—

A atball flew out from the boy's mouth and landed on soone's plate. Kanae stroked his back as he caught his breath. The color in his face returned to normal.

"Are you okay, Raphael? Where's your mother?" Kanae asked.

"Mother… took a walk outside, but Your Majesty… You saved my life! Never mind Princess Kanade. I'd like your hand in marriage!" Raphael exclaid.

Everyone around them gasped and waited for her response.

"Why does everyone want to marry ?! Actually, there's sothing you can do for to return the favor. Marriage is off the table, but when the music slows down and people start dancing, I want you to ask Suvee to dance with you," Kanae explained.

"I can do that! Honestly, I think Princess Suvee is a lot easier to approach than Princess Kanade…" Raphael shuddered, recalling her prompt rejection.

"Hehe. Kanade's just a little different. Make sure to chew thoroughly from now on, okay? Off you go." She ushered him away.

"You've made quite the stir, Your Majesty!" A man guffawed.

Kanae spun around to et another who was on Zadris' list. Lord Marius Hillerton, a human man of portly stature and a handlebar moustache. He was with his wife, Alona Hillerton, whose dress was in a fuller crinoline cage. She had a cute little hat on the side of her head. They were both nobility from Lograin. In their 50s, the two amassed a fortune selling ciders made from apples grown at their orchards. In the notes, Zadris ntioned that they moved to the Commonwealth to acquire lands to turn into more orchards.

"Lord and Lady Hillerton. How has the ball been treating you?" Kanae smiled.

"It is a lovely gathering! Your minister, Zadris, made a large purchase of our cider for this very party. Have you tried it?" Lady Alona asked.

"I haven't, but I'd love to. Will you show to your drinks?" She offered a hand for the woman to take.

People stepped aside to let them through as Marius escorted them to a table afar. Alona was a lovely middle-aged woman, motherly in poise and voice. Everyti she spoke, she tapped Kanae's hand. They ca to a half-circle table furnished with many bottles ranging from wine, cider, and other alcoholic beverages. The lord fetched three glasses and picked the priciest-looking bottle to pour for them. Kanae lifted the drink up to her lips and savored the bubbly carbonation. The crisp flavor of apples that followed was delightful.

"I love it!" Kanae exclaid.

"I knew you would." Alona patted her hand again. "You see, apples are typically harvested around the end of sumr. We give it another month, so their sugar contents are extra saturated. Our distilleries actually produce a special kind of cider reserved for the most refined palettes. I could arrange for a crate to be sent to you, if you like?"

Thankfully, Kanae had taken lessons of gentility from Zadris before the ball. Soone of higher stature should always accept gifts from those beneath. It wasn't just a sign of respect, but also an indication of good will from both sides.

"I would like that, thank you. I think Arenade would, too"." Kanae smiled.

It seed after his first comnt earlier, Lord Marius wasn't much of a talker. Hold on. There was sothing in the notes that Kanae was missing. She rembered reading it. Maybe she had glossed over the rest. The details were important, too…

"Your Majesty, there is sothing important I'd like to bring up—"

"Wait just one damn second!" soone roared.

The crowds cleared and gave way to a centaur couple, who glared daggers at the Hillertons. Oh, shit. Kanae rembered now. The centaurs were Mason and Jenniel Kellers. They were head of Kellers Winery, the largest wine-makers in Radevic. That's right! Both Kellers and Hillertons were vying for land for vineyards and orchards respectively.

"Your Majesty, don't listen to these snakes. Their working conditions are horrid! Our vineyards compensate laborers handsoly!" Mason Kellers galloped up to them to size up the other couple.

"Stay away from my wife, you horseback cur!" Marius confronted him but only faced the centaur man's belly button.

Music across the ballroom had taken a turn for a softer and more romantic lody. Folks cleared the center floor, and partners linked up to slow dance in their place.

"Maybe we can talk about this after the dance? I'm sure both of you lovely couples would like to stroll onto the dance floor! If you will excuse …" Kanae gave them the slip before they roped her into a land-grabbing argunt. She was more interested in sothing else.

Across the ballroom, Kanade and Suve were still seated with the high elven trio. But not for long. Petyr and Vesh got up to go dance. A handso dark elven man asked Andora to go with him, and she gladly accepted. Kanae's two daughters watched on with Gretchen by their side.

Then Raphael squeezed through the crowds. Kanade thought he was coming for her, so she turned the other cheek. However, he extended a hand to Suvee, who looked utterly taken aback and sat there unmoving. Kanade smiled softly and nudged her sister in the side. Suvee finally took Raphael's hand, smiling from ear to ear, and he guided her to the dance floor.

"It's a mother's job to make sure her other daughter isn't feeling left out." Kanae was about to accompany Kanade until she got up on her own, singled out an elegantly-dressed girl her age at another table, and asked her to dance.

"Welco back. I'm afraid the others have left to go dance. You should've been here. A high elven pretty boy whisked Suvee away, and Kanade had asked a young girl to dance," Gretchen explained as Kanae sat down at the now mostly deserted table.

"I know." She poured them both a glass of Hillerton cider, watching her daughters enjoying the ball with their dance partners.