The Ugly Orc Strikes Back ~ Reincarnated as the Cruel Crown Prince of a Twisted Doujin Eroge with No Happy Endings, But as an Inexperienced Guy, Cruel Play is a Hopeless Challenge, So I'll Give My Best to Break the Flags and Strive for Survival ~ - Chapter 10: Dancing is Difficult for an Orc

Chapter 10: Dancing is Difficult for an Orc

And so, we arrived at the venue of the welcome ball for the new students.

I escorted Ilse, dressed in a dress with a blue theme, and helped her down from the carriage.

“By the way…”

Yeah, just as I thought, Ilse is the heroine after all, and she’s more beautiful than any other girl here.

Moreover, she’s three years older than me, so she already exudes a perfect charm.

Hehehe… I may be an “ugly orc,” but isn’t it enviable to have Ilse as my partner?

But please, don’t give me those hateful and jealous looks. I understand that it’s inappropriate for someone like me.

“Okay, shall we go inside then?”

“Yes.”

Taking Ilse’s hand, we entered the venue.

“Whoa…”

I couldn’t help but let out a strange sound at the overwhelming splendor… or rather, the sight of a hall filled with students of similar age.

No, if it were a party hosted by the royal family, the average age would be much higher. A party with only young people like this… how should I put it… feels out of place to say the least.

“U-um, Ilse… Maybe I shouldn’t have come after all…”

“What are you talking about? The banquet won’t start without Louie-sama, the star of the empire.”

It’s nice of her to say that, but I’m not a star, I’m just an “ugly orc,” so I think the atmosphere would be livelier without me.

As proof of that…

“”……………””

The gazes from the participants since we entered the venue are painful and distressing.

And then…

“Thank you all for gathering here today. Although it’s modest, please enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content, new students.”

With Eleonora’s words, the ball began tonight.

The music started playing in the venue, thanks to the ensemble that had appeared unnoticed. It seems like we’re free to dance as we please… or so it seems.

“…No one seems willing to dance, huh?”

“Perhaps they’re being considerate and holding back for the first dance.”

“Holding back?”

“Yes. It’s probably because they can’t dance while disregarding Louie-sama, the crown prince of this country.”

Ugh… Even if they put that kind of pressure on me, it’s troublesome.

They usually call me an “ugly orc” and make fun of me, but now, in this situation, they suddenly show this meaningless consideration.

“Look, Louie-sama. Look at that.”

“What…?”

When I followed Ilse’s pointed finger, I noticed the figures of our homeroom teacher, Nauman-sensei, and some professors from the academy.

…Ah, I see. It’s understandable. With the professors present, they can’t just disregard me, the crown prince.

“That’s why, Louie-sama…”

“Ah… y-yeah…”

Nervously, I knelt in front of Ilse and extended my right hand.

“Um… Ilse, would you… dance with me for a song?”

“Yes…”

Taking her hand, we made our way to the center of the hall.

And then…

“I-I wonder if this is alright…”

“Yes. Louie-sama, you’re doing great.”

Guided by Ilse, I desperately danced while being extremely careful not to step on her feet.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

“Louie-sama… It is proper etiquette to gaze into your partner’s eyes during the dance.”

“B-But if I look away from your feet, I might step on them…”

“It’s alright. So… please look at me…”

With her azure eyes glistening and a melting expression, I had no choice but to comply.

However, just being stared at by such a beautiful heroine is a fatal blow to the mentality of a socially awkward guy like me.

Ugh… I feel like this kind of thing should be directed towards someone she truly loves…

Being punished with the task of accompanying an “ugly orc” like me because I serve her, I feel so sorry for Ilse that my stomach aches.

“Sigh…”

The music ended, and simultaneously, our dance came to a close.

Having successfully completed the dance without stepping on Ilse’s feet even once, I basked in a sense of fulfillment. In contrast, she had a somewhat wistful expression, tinged with melancholy.

“Well, um… Ilse, this isn’t the only opportunity to dance. We can dance anytime from now on…”

“Ah… yes, you’re right…”

In response to my words, Ilse smiled.

Indeed, she is such a beautiful girl. There would surely be no shortage of dance partners for her, and a more suitable man is bound to appear.

W-Well, until such a man appears, um… please, I beg you to be my partner.

Even if it’s out of pity, there is no girl other than Ilse who would dance with this “ugly orc” like me.

“Ah, ahaha… Maybe I was nervous, but my throat got dry.”

Saying that, I received two glasses filled with grape juice from the hall staff and handed one to Ilse.

“Thank you.”

“Yeah. We might disturb everyone here, so let’s go to a quieter place.”

“Yes…”

Taking her hand, we moved towards the wall of the venue.

We’ve fulfilled our duty of dancing properly, so now let’s just lean against the wall and get through the rest of the time.

That’s what I thought.

“Fufu… Your Highness Ludwig, would you dance with me?”

Of all people, Sophia approached me, inviting me to dance…