Chapter 80: The Dance of Intrigue

“Fran, don’t be so stiff. Don’t tense up…”

The girl calmly reminded her dance partner. Hearing her words, Fran realized his own arms and legs were moving awkwardly. He did his best to set aside his nervousness and focus on keeping up with her rhythm.

‘This woman is really teaching me to dance with her whole heart…’

‘I need to concentrate too.’

“Steady your steps. Make it natural. Relax. Yes, that’s it… You can do it…”

Liz noticed Fran’s improvement. She nodded and said with some surprise, “At this level, it’s hard to believe you’ve never danced before, Mr. Fran.”

“Ahaha…” Fran laughed awkwardly. “I’ve tried it once or twice in the past, but I never really learned.”

“That’s already very good. As Lyon said, you’re quite clever. You learn quickly in every aspect.”

As the dance continued, the girl suddenly leaned backward, arching her back, suspended in the air while Fran held her hand tightly.

Liz squinted and spoke with interest, “But I wonder—are you learning so fast at work now because… Mr. Fran also has prior experience there?”

Fran felt a chill creeping up his spine. His face turned pale. The girl quickly straightened up, almost tumbling into his arms from the momentum, but she steadied herself and stood before him again.

When the music ended, she said flatly, “You forgot to exert force.”

“Oh, oh…” Fran finally snapped out of it and nodded awkwardly.

Even though her veiled interrogations made his scalp crawl, he couldn’t afford to panic.

Fran took a deep breath, gradually calming himself. He looked up at the beautiful girl before him and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Liz shook her head and turned away.

****

‘Tch…’

‘How can she be so sharp?’

Only after Liz had walked away did Fran’s heart begin to settle. Yet he could still feel cold sweat trickling down his back.

‘She’s definitely no ordinary maid.’

Worried, he muttered to himself. Recalling the dream he’d had last night made him even more uneasy. Fortunately, she had left.

He let out a sigh. He definitely didn’t want to go back to his seat now—he might give himself away.

‘She’s too intimidating. I’d better find a place to hide.’

He found a corner, alone, and drank some wine in silence. He didn’t dare drink much; just took small sips when he remembered.

But the result was that he only got thirstier.

‘Hmm…’

Shaking his head helplessly, Fran was about to get a glass of water when a voice from the center of the hall suddenly interrupted him.

It was an old, somewhat frail but still vigorous voice. A man in a military uniform stood at the podium, waving his arms, saluting the banquet guests. Then, under the gaze of the Teutonic attendees, he took the speech handed to him by his adjutant.

He put on his glasses, tremblingly grasped the manuscript, and began reading word by word.

“Respected officers and soldiers of the Teutonic Empire, their families, my colleagues, ladies and gentlemen present, good evening.”

Fran stared at the man on stage. Frowning, he studied his face. The voice sounded familiar.

‘Like I’ve heard it somewhere before…’

Fran was standing quite far from the speaker; the voice was indistinct, and he could barely see the face. He wanted to move closer, but he was afraid of drawing attention.

After some thought, he decided to return to the spot where he had rested with Liz. It was closer, and it would be more natural to go back there.

“I, Philip, am honored to stand here today to attend the welcome banquet held by our friendly ally, the Teutonic military, for the new municipal officials of Purburg. On behalf of the Francian government, I express my deep gratitude for the goodwill of our friendly neighbor.”

The old man read mechanically, his speech devoid of emotion. Yet the audience burst into cheers again and again. Teutonic officers and new municipal officials clapped and shouted, “Well said! Well said!”

Back at his seat, Fran listened to the round after round of applause. He frowned, looking toward the distant podium.

Now he could finally see the aged figure clearly. Combined with the content of the speech, he was almost certain.

Yes, it was him. General Philip, who had delivered the surrender speech on the day of the fall.

‘Hah. I’ll probably never forget that voice. So much time has passed, but this nightmare still haunts the people of Francian. Even Philip’s aged voice sounds like a demon’s whisper—terrifying.’

‘So that’s who attended the Gestalt banquet at the seafood restaurant last night.’

‘But… what is he doing in Purburg?’

‘Hmm…’

Fran thought for a while but came up with no clue. The most likely possibility was that he was here to lend prestige to the new city government.

He shifted his gaze to the audience below.

‘Whoa!’

Fran was slightly startled. A group of reporters stood below, cameras like long guns and cannons aimed at General Philip, clicking away. Some were frantically recording his speech.

‘Oh…’

Now Fran understood. His guess seemed correct. Philip was indeed here for show.

Once the surrendered newspapers published their reports, and the citizens of Purburg saw that the president had arrived, the city government was established—even though the Teutonic army hadn’t left yet—they would feel hope, wouldn’t they?

Fran grew a bit worried. He feared that these media reports might undermine the citizens’ resolve to resist.

“The establishment of the city government will help alleviate the current tensions in Purburg. We believe that under the joint efforts of our new government and our close ally, the Teutonic Empire, we will create a more peaceful situation. Working together, a prosperous future will arrive.”

The old man on stage finished the speech and raised his glass. The reporters below snapped pictures. Then they had General Philip drink it all, put down the glass, and took two more photos.

Fran watched helplessly.

‘Hah. Sounds nice. What ally? Honestly, they just found a good dog.’

Suddenly, a sarcastic comment came from the girl beside him.

Fran was stunned. He turned to look at her. She was admiring her nails, her eyes still indifferent, her tone full of hidden meaning. He couldn’t figure out…

Was she talking to him?

And who was she mocking?