Published: September 10, 2025
Satou here. A friend once claimed that music has the power to influence human emotions. That friend cited scenes from anime where the theme song plays, but I think that's more of a conditioned convention than anything else.
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The sparkling ornaments, imbued with magical light, shimmer gently. That light reflects off the fragrant oil applied to the dancer’s brown skin, emphasizing her alluring curves.
Moreover, as the dancer moves, the short, sheer fabric flutters, instinctively drawing all eyes.
—A feast for the eyes, truly.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Count Pendragon?”
“Yes, King of Sania.”
That evening, on the day of our audience, we were being entertained at a banquet hosted by the King of Sania.
On a plush carpet lay Sania woven mats about the size of cushions, on which we were seated.
Around the mats, the dignitaries of the Sania Kingdom gathered, and in the spacious center, the dancers performed their elegant dances.
This country tends to be modest in dress for both men and women, but these dancers wore provocatively scanty outfits, nearly half-naked.
“Truly a magnificent dance.”
“Indeed, it is a traditional art that has continued since the founding of our country.”
—How impressive. A wonderful culture.
“The temple folks scorn it as vulgar, but there is nothing shameful about it.”
The usually timid-appearing King of Sania emitted a somewhat cool aura during this moment.
No wonder he bears the hidden titles of “Protector of Culture” and “Patron of Traditional Arts.”
—Hmm?
From the other side of the circle, where the “Clan of the Sword” gathered, a cheer erupted.
It was a bad, drunken atmosphere.
“Move aside! I’ll show you the real dance!”
A large man wielding a broad curved sword stepped into the center of the stage, interrupting the dancers and pushing them off the central space.
—What an outrage!
Perhaps the righteous indignation pierced through the impenetrable defense of the expressionless skill master, as some members of the “Clan of the Sword” opposite lost consciousness under the influence of the leaked “Intimidation” skill.
It would have been better if the drunk fool had been the one to get hit, but luckily, their gaze had shifted, and they escaped.
The fool, having discarded his jacket, drew his sword and began to dance.
Apparently, it was a sword dance.
“The dance of the Sword Saint Dorito is reputed to be the best of our time. Count Pendragon, surely you will—”
The King of Sania tried to support the fool.
Having been slightly affected by the earlier intimidation skill, his words dwindled in the middle.
Still, is that the Sword Saint—
According to the AR display, he is a level 45 swordsman, the younger brother of the head of the “Clan of the Sword,” and apparently the number two in the clan.
The skills “Ultimate Technique: Golden Sword” and “Secret Ultimate Technique: Solar Flash Sword” in his skill list caught my attention. I want to see them once.
Anyway—
Since earlier, the Sword Saint has been giving me annoying side glances with a smug face.
Aside from the sword dance itself, the exotic accompaniment is quite engaging.
It must have originally been intended to boost morale.
When I remained unresponsive, the Sword Saint stopped his dance during the interlude, flashed a fierce grin, and approached me.
Despite the drawn blade, I wish he would stop staring at me with heavy breathing, his muscular body glistening with sweat.
“I have heard that the Demon King Slayer is also a master swordsman. Shall we dedicate our dance to the gods together?”
Is this a typical challenge after a sword dance?
If the opponent were a beautiful female swordsman or a dancer, I’d gladly accept, but dancing with a musclehead is something I’d rather avoid.
“Or perhaps you fear to expose yourself before my sword, even in a dance?”
The Sword Saint provoked me with a condescending look.
Does he want to assert that his swordsmanship is superior?
I sensed killing intent from Liza, who sat next to me.