Pasmo Ti-e.Little Lady, eccentric, or the Genius from a Foreign Land.

There were many names for her, but the only nickname she acknowledged herself was Eccentric.

― 'Eccentric', huh. I quite like that nickname. After all, it does fit me.

So when she joined the insignificant Theodore Faction, everyone was surprised.

She was the type who wouldn't have seemed strange forming her own faction.

"I only came to enjoy an unadorned party for the first time in a while since Theodore went missing, and yet, something quite stimulating happened."

"... Mm. Yes. Welcome."

"Thank you."

After greeting again, Pasmo flashed a smiling gaze.

"I thought you weren't the type to come to places like this; it's unexpected."

"I didn't come here by choice. It's because of a promise."

"Oh ho... Come to think of it, didn't we have a promise between us too?"

What Pasmo had asked for in exchange for information was a joyful affair—something fun.

But it didn't have to be repaid immediately; it could be paid back slowly.

"Don't you think now is the most appropriate time to repay your debt?"

"What do you want?"

"I'm quite taken with the way you look tonight."

Pasmo extended her hand elegantly. She smiled with her eyes as she spoke.

"May I ask you to escort me?"

"... Unfortunately, I already have a prior engagement."

"It isn't gentlemanly to refuse a lady's outstretched hand, you know."

Pasmo waved her hand slightly as she said this.

Luca's eyes fluttered.

As could be seen from the case with Milia, Luca was familiar with the ways of nobility.

But whether he could actually put them into practice was another matter entirely.

Especially since escorting a woman taller than himself right in front of him was quite a challenge.

"... Haaa. I ask for your understanding if I'm not a practiced escort."

In the end, Luca took the hand she offered.

And as if she realized something just from him holding her hand, Pasmo tilted her head with fascination.

"Oh my, even with that face, you're not used to escorting? How surprising."

"Then you escort me. Whoever is more used to it should do it."

"Ha ha, I've already graduated from playing with dolls, but that wouldn't be bad either."

Pasmo said this and pulled him closer.

"Wh-what are you trying to do?"

"If it's an escort, shouldn't we at least dance?"

The two of them quickly moved to the dance floor.

To the gentle music, a few couples danced elegantly.

Pasmo shook her head.

"The tempo is too slow."

"Should I ask them to change the song?"

"No, that would be so tacky. These days, you do it like this."

As Luca was about to approach the orchestra, Pasmo stopped him with a snap of her fingers.

Snap!

—Heteromorphic Alchemy, Ghost Orchestra

"?"

From a magic circle that formed in midair, transparent ghosts holding instruments appeared one after another.

Last to appear was a ghost in a tuxedo with a baton, who approached the conductor of the current orchestra.

"Uh, uh?!"

Though the conductor was startled, the ghost conductor bowed politely and waved the baton lightly.

Seeing this, the real conductor wore a strange expression for a moment, then nodded and stepped aside.

"What's going on?"

"Why did the music... Huh? What's that?"

"Don't tell me... Is she at this party?"

As whispers spread around them, Luca twisted his lips.

'She must be famous. There's a reason she's called eccentric.'

Ba-dum, tap!

At that moment, the performance began with the sound of drums.

A fast tempo, not loud but delightfully energizing, raising the heartbeat of everyone listening.

"Shall we?"

"Uh."

Pasmo wrapped her arms around Luca with a satisfied smile.

Squish.

"!"

Luca was briefly surprised by her softness, but soon responded instinctively to Pasmo's movements as she placed her hand on his waist and began the steps.

"Oh my? You're actually good at dancing."

"I'm confident in things that require the body."

"Oh~ I'm looking forward to that."

Pasmo grinned and began to move even more passionately.

The music tempo quickened and the steps grew more intense. Luca started having trouble following her pace, but he felt that letting go now would somehow be a defeat.

'I can't lose.'

'Why, why now...?'

Recalling the times in the past when Bella forced him to learn dancing, his inner Luca Traverse surfaced in a place like this and he barely managed to keep up with Pasmo's steps.

"Wow... That's impressive."

"Is that the dance of the Lamata Empire?"

"Pasmo Ti-e is Pasmo Ti-e, but does Luca Traverse also dance that well?"

Before they knew it, everyone in the ballroom was watching them.

The ghost orchestra's performance hit its climax, and so did their movements, becoming as fervent as possible.

Bam! Bam! Ba-aam!

The conductor's final movement signaled the end, and the music halted.

Simultaneously, Luca and Pasmo struck a finishing pose.

Though their gender roles were reversed, it wasn't bad at all.

"Huff... Huff... You really are as skilled as you claim."

"You weren't bad yourself."

"To be that arrogant while being escorted... You really are entertaining."

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

At that moment, someone began to applaud.

Cheers and shouts erupted around them.

"Bravo! Bravo!"

"Incredible! Luca Traverse!"

"Whoo! That was a wonderful dance, Pasmo Ti-e!"

In the midst of applause, Luca felt a heat rising within him, a sensation he'd never experienced in his life.

At the same time, as he met eyes with Pasmo, who was catching her breath while smiling at him, he was seized by an indescribable emotion.

Perhaps sensing this as well, Pasmo whispered to him.

"Luca, you're not going to end it like this, are you?"

"... What do you mean?"

"Mm, are you really going to make a lady say it outright?"

At her words, Luca unconsciously swallowed.

'F-finally, me too...?'

Feeling an inexpressible excitement, Luca straightened up.

"I do have a prior engagement, but after that I think I can make some time."

"Luca, women don't like hearing things like that."

"... I said I have a prior engagement, so wait until it's over and then follow me."

At this, Pasmo suddenly burst into laughter.

"Kuh... Hm. Well, not bad. It's not the perfect answer, but if Luca says it that way, it's fine."

"... Are you teasing me?"

"It's a compliment. By the way, what is your prior engagement?"

Before Luca could answer, someone approached them, clapping hands.

"Hahaha! Bravo! Little Traverse from Wylde's family! Unlike your brother, you're really something in a place like this! No, Wylde, you should learn a thing or two from your brother!"

"...."

Mika Welch, a handsome man with enticing blond hair and a lively grin.

And standing next to him was a man who wore the exact same color combination as Luca.

A black tuxedo, mysterious deep-green hair, and blue eyes shining transparently like a lake.But everything else about him was the exact opposite of Luca.

"Senior Mika... and elder brother."

The only person Luca called "elder brother" was Wylde Traverse.

His first impression was best described as 'rugged'.Sharp eyes, a chiseled jaw, a thick neck.And taller even than the tall Mika.Compared to Luca, he looked to be two heads taller.

His build was also unusual. Even though he wore what must have been a generously sized tuxedo, the outlines of his body were visible in places.

He looked as if masculinity flowed from him with every breath.

He couldn't be compared to Luca's beauty, but no one could deny being drawn to his wylde appearance.

"It's been a while, Luca."

"... It's been a while."

A low voice like the roar of a beast—some might feel weak in the knees just hearing him speak.

But Luca felt something different.

'So this is Willow—no, Wylde Traverse. The strongest man in this world...!'

He seemed rougher, heavier, and stronger than Luca had imagined.

It was moving.

Actually feeling the weight of this man was something text alone could never convey, and it filled Luca with emotion.

'Luca Traverse really isn't ordinary. To say he'd surpass someone like this...'

Luca realized just how much of an obstacle he aimed to overcome.

Just facing him, he could feel the strength of Wylde.

To have chased after such a man's back all his life.

'Well... Fine. I promised I'd surpass him, after all.'

A strong resolve shone in Luca's eyes.

Luca knew Wylde was strong.

Seeing him in person, he seemed even stronger, but it didn't matter.

Luca Traverse had promised to surpass Wylde. So no matter how high the wall, he had to overcome it.

"... Hmm."

Wylde regarded Luca with an inscrutable expression.

Mika slung an arm over Wylde's shoulder.

"Wow~ This is why you can't let your guard down~ Kids these days, I tell you!"

"... Is that your girlfriend?"

"Not yet."

"Wow, did you hear that? He says 'not yet'!"

"Hmm."

Wylde let out a small groan at Luca's confident reply, then turned away.

"Well then, I'll take my leave."

"Hey, Wylde. Where are you going? I finally got you to meet your brother... Huh? Hey. Are you really just going? Anyway, little Traverse! Let's go! Have a good time!"

"Goodbye."

Mika, grumbling, rushed after Wylde as he left. Mika hurried to say goodbye to Luca before following Wylde.

Left behind, Luca made a dissatisfied face.

"... Looks like my prior engagement has ended."

"Oh my, is it my turn now?"

Pasmo slyly leaned her body against him.

Luca swallowed and turned his head slightly.

"Shall we go get some fresh air?"

"Fufu, let's."

And with that, the two left the ballroom.

* * *

"Hey! Where are you going!"

Mika stopped Wylde as he left the ballroom.

But Wylde was obstinate.

"I won't disturb Luca when he's having a good time with a lovely lady."

"Come on, siblings are siblings, but we should have fun together too!"

"He probably doesn't like being around me that much."

"W-what are you talking about? I didn't sense any of that?"

"It's been that way since long ago. When we go to parties together, he's always quiet and leaves quietly. But see how well he's enjoying himself when I'm not there?"

Though there seemed to be a misunderstanding, Mika realized he couldn't persuade Wylde and just sighed.

"Okay, fine. Geez, I wasted a rare opportunity."

"But it's good. Luca seems much more reliable now."

"Reliable?"

At Mika's question, Wylde's lips curled up ever so slightly.

"Yes. Seems he's made a good friend."

* * *

Ding!

"?"

Right after leaving the ballroom, Luca staggered, feeling a strange sensation.

"What's wrong, Luca? Are you so excited that your stomach hurts?"

"D-don't talk nonsense. It's just...!"

He tried to act nonchalant, but then a sudden ringing in his ears left him unable to see properly.

'What the... is this...?'

—Beep!

At that moment, he heard the wail of a whistle. At the same time, a sensation of being drawn somewhere overtook him.

'No, F*ck, why does it have to be now...!'

Regardless of the reason, Luca felt so unjust that he wanted to cry at having a problem arise at such a time.

"Luca? Are you really okay?"

Seeing that something was off, Pasmo also looked puzzled.

Luca hesitated for a moment, then spoke with a choked expression.

"Pasmo Ti-e. I'll pay this debt back tenfold later."

"Huh?"

"Next time, I'll definitely play with you until you're satisfied."

Luca let out a heavy sigh, then ran off, shouting as he followed the pulling sensation.

"I'm heading in first! Have a great night!"

"Uh...?"

Once Luca left, Pasmo, left alone, wore a mixed expression—before suddenly bursting into laughter.

"How cute. Alright. Next time, let's definitely play again."

Finding his desperate appearance adorable, she decided to let it go just this once.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=I'm sensing something from Pasmo...Will she be a villain turned ally???Someone that Luca will save in the future???【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】

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