I was quite satisfied with myself for staying so composed in this outfit, maintaining the Dark Princess’s dignity and boosting everyone’s morale!
But those stares from behind me on the platform were infuriating. Hmph—they practically salivated to see me humiliated!
And way too close from behind! At this distance, they’d see everything!
Though thousands of demons filled the stadium’s stands, they were hundreds of meters away. Honestly, they couldn’t see much—unless some sharp-eyed eye demons lurked among them. Still, it felt safer.
But… I had a nagging feeling this wouldn’t go smoothly.
Huh? Out of the corner of my eye, Bessdaitiel was smiling. A chill shot down my spine!
Suddenly, above the dark arena, beams of magic light converged into an image. It magnified a girl’s figure dozens of times over. The silhouette sharpened—it was me!?
“Eeek—!!!” My boyish instincts hadn’t even processed it before my girl body screamed, instinctively bending over to tug the ribbon of my black stockings, shielding my chest and lower body.
My face burned crimson. I couldn’t bear to look at that giant projection. Every detail of this outfit was crystal clear—and it was 3D! Different angles revealed different embarrassing parts!
This was outrageous! Like being stripped bare under countless greedy demon eyes!
I shot Bessdaitiel a murderous glare over my shoulder. She just gave an innocent, apologetic shrug.
Innocent? Who’d believe that!
My flustered state sparked chaos—but weirdly, the crowd grew even wilder!
“Ahem, everyone, please settle down,” Bessdaitiel announced, stepping forward as if rehearsed. Had they planned for this exact scenario? How wicked!
She continued, “Princess, knowing this outfit was so scandalous, she ignored our pleas and bravely wore it anyway—to give you all a treat! Let’s give her some applause!”
“Some” applause? Roars, whistles, and inhuman screeches shook the cavern ceiling, raining sand.
If not for the crowd, I’d stomp my foot in rage. They’d coerced me! It sounded like I’d begged to wear this shameless thing while they “kindly” objected. What kind of subjects mock their princess like this!
Yet, I sensed worse was coming.
A crystal-clear shout rose from below: “Princess—dance for us!”
Probably another planted heckler!
But soon, rhythmic clapping joined in.
“Dance! Dance! Dance!”
The chant swept the entire arena.
I was already mortified just covering myself. Dancing? Twirling? Jumping? I’d be completely exposed!
Worse—I couldn’t dance at all. No ancient memories surfaced to save me this time.
Had even my past abandoned me? Was I doomed to fail here? Would they punish the “fake” Dark Princess by throwing me to the demons? My body trembled, but I masked it with a flustered pout, hoping to distract them.
Just as panic peaked, a tall figure approached and took my hand. Senior Sister to the rescue?
The figure gently squeezed my small hand, bowing elegantly. “Your Highness, may I have this dance?”
That voice—not Senior Sister. Sulia.
I looked up. Sulia wore a gorgeous red cropped jacket, white tight trousers, and boots. Her golden hair flowed freely. Dressed as a man, she looked like a dashing prince!
Thankfully, her white trousers hugged slender hips and a soft waist, the flat stomach hinting at unmistakable femininity. Otherwise, I’d have kicked this “prince” off the platform—I hated princely types!
But… if it was Sulia, both dashing and womanly…
Soft music swelled. Sulia pulled me close—firm yet tender. Her scent wasn’t Senior Sister’s natural warmth; it was a mysterious, intoxicating perfume that made my head spin.
I didn’t know dance steps, but Sulia led our ballroom waltz perfectly. My body—Kuroti’s lithe form—followed effortlessly. Cheek resting on her shoulder, we glided.
The world blurred. Only Sulia mattered. Her guiding hands, the accidental brushes of skin—it felt dreamlike. I wasn’t myself anymore; just her partner. Her arm around my waist shielded me from those leering eyes.
Sulia was saving me. A strange warmth filled my chest. I surrendered to her lead—slow, fast, loose, tight—even when she lifted me spinning. An Level 8 Vampire Swordswoman, she carried me like air.
Drowning in music and her perfume, I stopped thinking…
The music faded. Panting and sweaty, I leaned weakly against Sulia’s shoulder.
Outside, applause roared on.