“You look… good.” 

“Thanks.”  She elegantly forward her hand. “It’d be an honor for me to be your partner. Lor..”

“You don’t have to… call me ‘lord’ all the time. We’re about same age. Just  call me Ray.”

“Okay, Ray.”   

Ray smiled while noticing some boys still peeking at Lily. But something else caught his eyes, Ria was chatting with some guys. Noticing his gaze, she wore a smug expression on her face.

 Soon the calm weather of the room changed as most lords and knights approached the entrance to greet someone. It was none other than Duke Leopard Astray, also happens to be the grandfather of Ray, accompanied by Ray’s mother.  

Duke had a long beard, something that he feels pride of, his hairs were long and grey covering his calm black eyes. He wore simple black dress - something that’s not aristocratic by any means. He didn’t need to display authority or act to get it. Every noble-man knew the power and intellect the man possessed despite his simple life-style. 

He looked annoyed by those homosexual lords beside him who’re trying to flirt. But soon he lit up, noticing Ray.   “You’ve sure grown up since last time I saw you.” With his big hands stained by Ink, he patted Ray’s head messing his tidy hair-style. 

It’s been always like that, Duke Astray loved his grandson more than his children. Even within his busy schedule, he managed to spare some time visiting Raven county. Even during the time of rebellion, he readily gave up his throne just to avoid the unnecessary bloodshed. Fortunately or unfortunately, he didn’t have to face the guillotine as he died soon after.

Noticing Lily, Duke frowned but quickly it turned into smirk, “Seems like truly Grown Up Ray.” “You no longer  dance with that milk-sister of yours”  He brushed his hand against his shoulder.”WHat’s your name Dear?” She respectfully bowed, “It’s LIly. His Grace.” “Oh that’s a lovely name.” He then heard something from his secretary and said “Now I shouldn’t ruin your precious time with lovely lady. Should I?” He left talking with someone else.

Just as he left Ray noticed the gazes on several aristocrats. The attendees of the party are mostly nobility and Raven House was most prosperous among them. The fact that It’s heir was now with some unknown girl didn’t go unnoticed by those onlookers.

“Hey Ray.” Among the onlookers Jack was waving his hands. Ray leave Lily behind without excusing himself.

But when he was busy chatting with friends, Lily had to meet with unpleasant guest. A half drunk guy from some count house came out of nowhere, “Hey sweety! Wanna dance with me?”    “no. I apologize.”  “C’mon you shouldn’t ignore a handsome guy like me. You should know I’m a heir of a wealthy family” He laughingly place his hand on her waist which in reply met her crushing grip. “Oh! Barbaric girl. Do you know what you’ve done?”

Hearing his loud noise most   attendees turned their head. Ray quickly made his way to her.

“What happened while I was gone?”  Her reply was calm, “he assaulted me.” 

“What?! Me assaulting. I’m a heir of Iron-sword family who are the torch-bearers of martial world. Why would a warrior like me assault a measly girl like Yourself?”

Ray felt regret about leaving her alone to face this! “You said you are a warrior? Then how about we have a duel?”  A direct proposal of duel - this was probably most aristocratic way of doing things.

“Very well. I acc..”      “NO.” “You dont have to fight for me MIlord.” “I’M the one who’ll fight this filthy excuse of a man.”

“Hahaaha.” “You young brats are filled with energy. “ “Let me oversee the duel of yours, younglady.” Duke Astray seemed enthusiastic about the duel. Though behind him Count Raven had a darkened face.

Lily was holding her long sword in different posture. “You don’t have to do this. It’s a man’s duty …”

“I honor your principle’s and duty , but I have my own one’s too.” 

Two sword pointed out at one another. Though it’s a normal duel, for their own prestige as warriors, they refused to wear any armor. And overseer Duke himself didn’t seem to mind.

“You two seems ready, good. Killing each other is not allowed. THough… it wont have any consequences. And beside it there’s no rules.”

DUke just had to make it a Death Match. “Now don’t waste my precious time. Start the duel.”

Duel started with clash of the sword. Two duelers had equal footing since the very beginning. Lily used her sword’s length to reach his chest over and over again. Several marks were put on his suit. But she herself got some here and there. They both seemed evenly matched before two swords blocked one another and a knife popped up from the pocket of iron-sword brat. The knife was heading straight for her face before she blocked it with left hand blood pouring out of her hand. In this deadlock situation, she put a solid kick that connected with his lower gut catching him off guard. Both knife and sword dropped from his hand. And he didn’t have the time to take them back. Lily placed her shoe on his chest pinpointing him completely. Sword and knife was out of his reach.

Audience broke out in cheer as the thought the duel was over. But .. Lily placed her sword on his face and draw a bloody line despite all hi pleas for mercy. “Now before you call yourself handsome. You should see yourself before a mirror.” Maybe she was actually a barbaric girl. “Now do you surrender or I actually have to kill you.” “I surrender. .. Surrender.” 

“The winner of the duel is Lily . What’s the surname again?” Duke was a pleasant mood but her not having a surname bothered him a little. Anyway the entire hall was in a awe. Except for the iron-sword family off course. But they only send their knight to carry him.

“For this beautiful duel, I decided to present her a copy of my newly written book ‘Beyond the paradise.’” Writing was duke’s passion, but seldom it was entertaining to read. Still the great nobility was filled with enthusiasm to read his books as soon as they were published.

“Hey…are you okay?” ray’s voice was filled with concern. “I’m fine. He was just some moron hardly a challenge.” Her face showed indifference. “Maybe you should take some rest.”  “No. It’d be quite a shame to miss the opportunity to be your dancing partner.”

Soon, the atmosphere of the hall got back to normal, light music played by pianist filled the air. Ray was nervous a bit . He looked at her calm eye, “May I?” But answer was already given by. He hold her waist trying to touch the bandage. With some mechanical movement they dance. Though their rhythm was imperfect, they tried their best. Seeing them like this, count and countess chuckle a little. Evening of the gathering went past without any farther interruption.

With first ray of morning, Ray woke up. Last day was quite tiresome for him. When he was about to pull the curtain, he noticed an usual book. It had black cover and red font on it - something was written but he couldn’t figure out what. It didn’t make sense , he was sure there wasn’t anything like this exist. While trying to open the book by force, he felt fear. The gruesome scenes from the past funneled in his mind.