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Chapter 66: Operation Ballroom Masquerade: Bowties in the Shadows
しおりを挟む
The time in Evendelle was now 8:50 PM.
Ryo’s group moved steadily toward the castle, until it finally rose into view: an immense Baroque-style fortress shimmering above the lake under the deepening twilight. Pale stone walls glowed softly in the evening light, while a tall front gate and bridge led to a wide carriage path that curved around a grand marble fountain.
Beyond it, sweeping marble stairs climbed toward towering halls and gilded windows—grander than any storybook dream Ryo had ever seen.
But the group could not reach the gate just yet. The entrance was packed with nobles and commoners alike, all waiting impatiently for it to open in ten minutes’ time. Carriages from distant kingdoms kept arriving, unloading dukes and duchesses—some hoping to gain Prince Vaelric’s favor now that Cinderella was forgotten, others pushing forward their daughters in hopes of catching his notice.
Noble ladies tried to show off their own charms, while even commoner girls dreamed of the impossible—that the prince might look their way.
Ryo took it all in, whistling under his breath.
“Man… now this large crowd reminds me of all the anime and gaming conventions Fantasy-chan had stubbornly dragged me to.”
Madam Rosalind tilted her head. “What is a Fantasy-chan, Mr. Sherlock Holmes?”
“Oh, it’s nothing, Madam,” Ryo shrugged. “Picture one of those nerdy, chatterbox friends who won’t shut up about wanting to be isekai’d into some weird world like this.”
Rosalind frowned slightly, still confused.
Ryo’s gaze swept across the castle. It looked nothing like any Cinderella storybook he had read, especially compared to the musical featuring the cheese-loving rat. The lake surrounding it added to its otherworldly majesty. But guards stood alert, weapons in hand, and Ryo immediately realized his animal agents could not simply stroll in unnoticed.
The only way in without detection: Cross the lake.
He turned to the Cu Sith. “Hey, Jaymez Boom… you and the other agents can’t just stroll in there since, you know… you guys aren’t human.”
Jaymez Boom grinned. “Don’t worry, Commander Bro. I’ll temporarily enlarge myself and carry the other agents on my back to cross the lake.”
Clarisse stepped closer. “Don’t worry, honey. The lake isn’t deep.”
Ryo rubbed his chin. “I see.”
Since the stepfamily had visited this castle before, leaving Cinderella behind, Ryo asked them to explain the layout.
They didn’t hesitate in giving him the details:
Ballroom
Audience Chamber
Royal Chapel
King & Queen’s chambers
Princess’s Suite (Cinderella’s room)
Guest Chambers
Library
Portrait Hall
Kitchens
Servants’ Quarters
Laundry Rooms
Stables
Dungeon
Treasury Room
Outdoor garden
Conservatory.
Ryo assumed there were hidden passageways, which meant he would have to rely on his animal agents to slip through shadows and secret corridors, searching for any clue to Cinderella’s whereabouts—a “high, dark place” certainly not inside the castle. He already knew she had been dragged out while unconscious, floating under the cursed perfume’s effect, and was now somewhere beyond the castle, or perhaps even outside the kingdom.
Meanwhile, what Ryo didn’t know was that somewhere in an unlit room, Petyr Pann and Carabosse were watching. From a tall, narrow window, their eyes gleamed in the dim candlelight. Sinister, calculating smiles curved their lips. Ready to strike, ready to sabotage Ryo’s investigation… to end his life. Then they engulfed themselves in black miasma and vanished like fading mist.
However, as a detective with years of police experience, Ryo knew he had to anticipate an ambush—from the Petyr Pann kid, Kaj (Cinderella’s father), a certain villainous fairy… and likely anyone connected to them. The evidence screamed Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, and Snow Queen—all tied to what Fairy Greatmother’s family had explained earlier today in Lunaveth.
The time in Evendelle was now 8:55 PM.
Before the gates were opened, Ryo took out multiple earpieces from his bag and handed them out. These were the very ones he had used during his police days for surveillance operations and routine patrols, tools that had carried countless private intels across invisible lines.
Fairy Greatmother tilted her head, curious. Ryo, not bothering to explain the technology in earthly terms, simply called them ‘magical talking items’ that could carry voices across great distances. That alone was enough to impress the group.
Each animal agent received one as well. Titania asked why, pointing out that animals could not respond in human language. Ryo explained that their observations still mattered, and that Jaymez Boom—a talking Cu Sith who could communicate with animals—would serve as their translator.
One by one, they slipped the earpieces on under Ryo’s guidance. His calm, serious expression while helping made Titania, Vesmyra, Clarisse, and Seraphine blush faintly, though Elise and Sophie remained composed, still seeing Ryo as their temporary master and simply following instructions.
The animal agents were equipped as well—though for Agent McPecker and Agent McDrama, the doves, the devices were too large. Ryo improvised, placing the earpieces in a clear evidence bag with air holes. With Fairy Greatmother’s help, she used her magic to shrink the bag and tied it around the doves’ necks with fine string, like a necklace.
Ryo tapped the earpiece. “Testing. Channel secure. Over.”
His voice crackled through their earpieces, and everyone froze, eyes wide—half-convinced he was wizard.
With everyone ready, Ryo laid out the mission. Jaymez Boom would enlarge himself and ferry the animal agents across the lake, but only once the crowd had crossed the bridge, ensuring no eyes glanced downward.
Each agent had a role:
Captain Nutso would infiltrate the ballroom to gather evidence, while Ryo and the women moved undercover among the guests.
Agent McPecker would fly toward the Princess’s Suite—Cinderella’s room—and scan for any overlooked details.
Agent Whiskers was tasked with the King and Queen’s chambers, searching for proof of guilt—or memory lost.
Agent Barkzilla would investigate the Audience Chamber and Royal Chapel.
Agent McDrama would circle above the stables, gardens, and conservatory, eyes scanning every corner for clues.
Agent Barkface was assigned to the kitchen, servants’ quarters, and laundry rooms, since they were all close to one another.
Jaymez Boom himself would sweep the remaining areas—Guest Chambers, Library, Portrait Hall, Treasury, and Dungeon.
The dungeon, in particular, might hold witnesses—criminals or innocents, especially those unfairly locked up, who still remembered Cinderella.
Ryo stressed caution. If danger struck, they must evade, hide, or fight only as a last resort. The agents, fired up, saluted as one, their determination shining in their eyes.
He gave Sophie and Elise simpler orders: keep watch in the ballroom, seated near the buffet tables so they wouldn’t draw attention. The two servants nearly drooled at the chance to eat noble cuisine under the guise of vigilance.
Fairy Greatmother and Madam Rosalind, dressed in fine aristocratic gowns, would mingle with the guests, both nobles and commoners. For Rosalind, already of noble standing, conversing with nobles would come effortlessly.
Ryo would circled the ballroom freely, investigating. But Vesmyra, seizing the moment, slipped her hand through his arm and declared herself his dance partner. Ryo flushed at the suggestion—only for Titania, Seraphine, and Clarisse to immediately voice their protests, each insisting they should be his partner instead. After a flurry of bickering, Ryo sighed in defeat, resigning himself to dance with all four.
The plan was complete.
THE MISSION WAS SET.
The time in Evendelle was now 9 PM.
A lone guard galloped from the castle’s entrance, crossing the bridge to the gate, his horse’s hooves sparking against the cobblestones. He delivered the order, and the gatekeeper raised his hand, booming.
“Hear ye! Hear ye! By royal decree, the gates to the castle are officially open! All guests are to make their way to the ballroom!”
The massive gates creaked wide, and the crowd of nobles and commoners surged forward in excitement as they began their slow crossing of the bridge.
Ryo stood with his arms crossed, then suddenly swept one arm toward the castle in a dramatic gesture.
“Team, take your positions. Operation ‘Cinderella Rescue’ is live. Find every secret, leave nothing behind. Move like ghosts. Roll out!”
All the animals fired up at the epic order and saluted in unison—even Jaymez Boom, since this was his first official spy mission. The team raced to the left side and reached a metal fence hidden from view. Using his powerful teeth, Jaymez Boom bent the fence, allowing all the agents to slip through the gap and dash under the bridge into the shadows.
Then he expanded into his towering Cu Sith form, lowering himself so Captain Nutso, Barkface, Barkzilla, and Whiskers could climb onto his back. The massive hound moved steadily through the lake, like a Black Ops ferry.
McPecker and McDrama spread their wings, taking flight. They circled upward before heading toward their assigned destinations.
Ryo’s gaze sharpened as he adjusted his silver coat. “Alright, ladies… let’s go.”
But suddenly, Vesmyra and Seraphine seized his arms, pressing close.
“Hey! We can just enter normally!” he whispered, panic in his voice.
Before he could wriggle free, Clarisse and Titania leaned against his back, their beauty capturing every gaze as they made their way toward the bridge.
The crowd noticed them and glanced their way, then erupted in murmurs of jealousy as Ryo and his radiant harem entourage passed by.
“Who is that foreigner, parading with all four goddesses?”
“It’s that strange foreign man who’s been wandering the village with Ms. Roselia… how in Evendelle does he now have all these otherworldly, jaw-droppingly gorgeous women clinging to him?!!”
“I’ve spent years wooing Lady Clarisse, and she never spared me a glance!”
“By the gods! How dare he stroll into the castle with them all clinging to him?”
“Is he some secret prince from a far-off land… or a walking charm spell?”
“No man deserves this many perfect companions! It’s physically unfair!”
“If I had even one of them on my arm, I’d die happy—and probably cry a little!”
“Curse him! Curse that blasted silver coat of his!”
Others—Seraphine’s fan club—cried out in despair, their hearts shattering to pieces at the sight of her clinging to the strange foreign man.
“Seraphine…!!! My sweet!! I prayed every night—under the moonlight!! Even practiced solo waltzes at dawn! Why him, and not meeee?!”
“NOOOO! That foreigner—he has stolen her away! My soul… my SOUL IS SHATTERING INTO TEN-THOUSAND PIECES!!”
“I SPENT 1000 LIVRES ON HER PORTRAIT! I WORSHIPED IT DAILY—MORNING! NOON! AND NIGHT! And still… she chose him?! UNFAIR!!”
“Five years… five years of sword training! I CUT THE AIR ITSELF SCREAMING YOUR NAME, SERAPHIIINE!!”
“This was my night! MINE! She was supposed to notice ME! This ball was DESTINED for our love!!”
“IS THIS… DESTINY’S CRUEL JOKE?! Even the heavens mock me!!”
“I… I can’t go on… Without her smile… I am but a broken shell of a man… the world has lost its color… its MEANING…”
“I already knew my dear Seraphine was married to him… BUT THIS IS NOT FAIR!!”
Fairy Greatmother and Madam Rosalind moved ahead, shooing people aside with commanding gestures.
Madam Rosalind swept her hand like a royal conductor.
“Out of the way, peasants and nobles alike! My son-in-law marches forth with my daughters—his future wives! Clear the path, or face my wrath!”
Fairy Greatmother nodded vigorously, sweeping her hands as if parting the sea.
“Yes, exactly! My two daughters and my son-in-law are here to show Prince Vaelric what true wives look like—now make way, make way!”
Ryo narrowed his eyes in disbelief, groaning under his breath with heavy sarcasm.
“Oh joy! Son-in-law status achieved… complete with two mother-in-laws, four future wives, and a lifetime subscription to family drama. Truly the highlight of my royal-ball evening.”
The four women giggled sweetly, dragging their unwilling prize forward. Sophie and Elise trailed behind, carrying themselves primly, though they couldn’t hide their amused giggles as they watched Ryo’s harem chaos.
The group crossed the bridge.
On the other side, noblewomen whispered and gasped, their envy boiling over, yet secretly relieved—their beloved Prince Vaelric remained safe from Ryo’s companions.
“Thank the stars… they’re not after him… or I might collapse into the nearest fountain!”
“Look at them… so dazzling I feel my wig might fall off!”
“No man in the kingdom could even glance their way without instant devastation!”
“Three hours on my hair, and I look like a scarecrow compared to them!”
“If those four danced together… the ballroom would practically evacuate in despair.”
“Well… at least the prince’s gaze is safe… if that strange foreign man doesn’t eat them for dinner tonight.”
“I pity the rest of us tonight… we’ve been humiliated before even stepping through the doors!”
They reached the base of the marble staircase. Ryo stopped briefly, staring down at the pristine white steps glowing in lanternlight.
“Holy moly…” he whispered, excitement bubbling up despite himself. “I’m actually on the marble steps where Cinderella lost her slipper… just like in the stories!”
Of course, the ladies tugged him forward before he could geek out about the marble steps where Cinderella had lost her slipper—something they clearly didn’t understand—cutting short his fanboy moment as they led him into the castle.
Meanwhile, the animal agents touched down on dry ground below the bridge, near the castle. Jaymez Boom gave himself a violent shake, sending droplets of water scattering across the grass, then shrank back into his dog-like form.
Captain Nutso stood tall, turning to his squad.
“Alright Elite Team, layout secured from Madam Rosalind. From here, we operate separately. Keep low, move fast, and remember—no clues get past us tonight.”
Barkface puffed his chest proudly. “Understood. Mission Cinderella is locked—failure is off the table!”
Whiskers bounced eagerly, his sharp eyes glowing. “Ready for action, Captain! No clues will escape us in Operation Save-Mommy!”
Barkzilla let out a low growl, teeth flashing. “I’ll crush any enemy that stands between us and the mission!”
Jaymez Boom’s tail wagged wildly. “OOOOOOHHHH!! This is JUST like that movie Bro told me about—‘Mission: Beyond Possible’ with Agent Thomas Crews! I’m living the spy life! I’m LIVING IT!!”
A sharp salute to Captain Nutso, then they disappeared into the shadows, each land agent slipping toward their assigned sector of the castle like ghosts on a mission.
While strolling through the castle’s hallway, Ryo asked. “By the way, what are the names of the rulers of Evendelle?”
Madam Rosalind answered. “Their Highnesses’ names are King Malric and Queen Velina—Prince Vaelric’s parents. They have ruled over Evendelle for 30 years, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.”
Ryo thought to himself. “They actually have names too, huh.”
In the original tale, none of the royal family had names—just King and Queen. The same went for every other Cinderella character Ryo had met so far. Then, suddenly, they all have proper names, even Prince Vaelric—whose name Fairy Greatmother had revealed to Ryo back in his detective office in his own world.
But as they strolled with the crowd, Ryo’s sharp detective eyes caught something strange. Many of the castle staff didn’t look alive—they moved mechanically, their eyes blank, almost lifeless, yet subtle enough that most guests wouldn’t notice. Only someone trained as a detective, or a formally trained policeman, could spot it.
Ryo immediately knew he had to tread carefully. The stepsisters had once been possessed by the Grootslang Vrakul. The moment they laid eyes on him, they became violent, their eyes nearly bloodshot. Now, though he had swapped his T-shirt and trench coat for a royal suit and styled his hair differently, he still looked unmistakably Japanese. Perhaps the staff had orders from the culprit not to attack him yet or perhaps they were simply hollow-eyed and mindless.
Either way, Ryo knew caution was essential. Each staff member might be pierced by one of those black shards that erased memory of Cinderella and allowed manipulation. And within each shard, a monster could be trapped, waiting for the right moment.
At last, they reached the Ballroom double doors. The doors had not yet been opened, but two doormen stood on either side, bowing at all the guests before pushing the massive doors wide.
What Ryo’s group saw made them all catch their breath—except the stepfamily, of course, who had seen this before. The ballroom gleamed in gold, almost blinding in its grandeur.
The crowd entered, murmuring in awe. Gentle whispers of admiration floated through the air. Noble men and women straightened in surprise, even gasping softly at the shimmering chandeliers above. Every head turned toward the center of the ballroom, where the light danced like liquid gold across the polished floors.
Ryo’s jaw dropped. He was standing in the very same ballroom where Cinderella had once danced beneath the glittering chandeliers and met her prince for the first time, all thanks to her Fairy Godmother’s magic, just like the stories… well, Fairy Greatmother’s magic in this Fairytale world.
He was here—in the iconic heart of her story, in the place that had defined a legend.
Then Titania noticed Captain Nutso perched on a high balcony to the left and alerted Ryo, pointing at the squirrel. The squirrel squeaked over the earpiece like a miniature radio. Somewhere else, Jaymez Boomed translated the message through his own earpiece: Captain Nutso had spotted the king and queen on another high balcony across to the right.
The group turned, and there they were—King Malric and Queen Velina—staring down at the crowd with ice-cold, unreadable gazes that seemed to pierce right through anyone who met them. A few nobles greeted them, and the king and queen only raised a hand in acknowledgment.
Ryo’s voice came over the radio. “Alright, Captain. Make your way to the king and queen, check their condition, and try to sneak behind them. Look for any clues.”
Captain Nutso saluted and slipped back into the shadows, disappearing into the balcony entrance. His plan was to reach the opposite balcony without being seen.
Since the dance hadn’t started and Prince Vaelric’s wife-selection was still a ways off, Ryo’s group drifted toward one of the big round tables near the grand buffet and settled down. While Ryo remained seated, the others went to pick out food. Before long, plates were filled, and Sophie returned with a small selection for him: a jam sandwich, banana, fried egg, and a glass of orange juice.
Ryo blinked at the sight. The meal looked identical to the breakfasts he used to have back on Earth—before his departure into the Fairytale world inside the banana carriage.
Grinning, he dug into his backpack, pulled out four clear evidence bags, and carefully sealed each item inside before slipping them back into his bag.
Sophie tilted her head at the odd little thing he did but said nothing. Instead, she returned to the buffet, loaded a plate with roasted beef, vegetables, and a glass of water, and set it in front of him. Ryo smiled and thanked her for her thoughtfulness.
The other guests—mostly women eager to be first in line for Prince Vaelric—claimed the tables near the stairs, hoping to be in his direct line of sight when he descended to choose his future princess.
Those closer seats were prized territory for hopefuls, while Ryo and his team had already secured a table at the back near the buffet with both a clear vantage and reliable cover—they could reach for meals without much effort, of course, because a good view is nothing without snacks at the ready.
Meanwhile, in Cinderella’s room…
Agent McPecker landed silently on the windowsill of the unlit room, his eyes scanning the space. A flicker of emotion passed over him—the very spot where Cinderella had vanished just over a month ago. He remembered watching over her from the attic window at the Ravenswood Manor and, for a fleeting moment, wished he could do the same here.
But there was no time for sentimentality. Cinderella had been kidnapped, and she needed to be found—fast. Before McPecker began his sweep of the room, he recalled Commander Ryo’s lessons: always expect the unexpected, and never underestimate any threat—words etched into the minds of him and the entire animal team.
With caution, he flew toward the top cupboard where Cinderella’s dresses and belongings were stored. From this vantage, the entire room stretched out below, allowing the dove to scan for any movement or unusual sound.
Then he heard it—a soft, deliberate sound of breathing behind a mirrored table. Someone was there, and they knew McPecker had entered.
What McPecker didn’t yet realize was that a man crouched behind the mirror, knife in hand, breathing heavily, ready to strike. The dove’s eyes narrowed. He needed to act—but who was this man, and why was he here?
Then McPecker remembered Ryo’s rule again: always expect the unexpected. An ambush was likely, and any enemy could be armed—that’s what the dove had to assume. Now he had to figure out how to neutralize the threat—something even a small dove like him could manage.
Then the dove came up with a risky plan—one that could go wrong in a heartbeat. McPecker landed lightly on the blanket-covered bed, turning his back to the mirrored table, pretending to look around, cooing casually as if completely unaware.
A low, whispered chuckle came from the shadow. “Hehehe… foolish bird, turning away? That was a mistake.”
The man crept out from behind the mirror table, tiptoeing silently, knife gleaming in his hand. As he neared the bed, a deadly grin spread across his face. Then, with a sudden strike, the knife lunged toward the dove—
WHOOOOOOSHHHH!
McPecker’s wings spread in a blur. He arced gracefully upward, swiftly dodging the knife as the knife sank into the bed with a thud. The man gasped, fury flashing in his eyes, and slashed again, trying to catch the evasive dove midair. McPecker zipped and spun around him, teasing, weaving just out of reach.
“STOP DODGING AND REMAIN STILL SO I CAN TURN YOU INTO ROAST DOVE, YOU STUPID BIRD!” the man growled, spinning himself dizzy with wild slashes.
The moment the man threatened to turn him into a meal, McPecker’s eyes glinted with fury. It was time to go all out.
The dove’s speed doubled, circling tighter and faster, forcing the man to spin and stumble. His foot caught the edge of the bed, and he tumbled hard to the floor, landing on his back with a sickening thunk as his head struck.
“OUCH!” he groaned, clutching his skull. The knife clattered away.
“YOU’LL BE MY DINNER—I SWEAR IT!” he screamed, eyes wild.
McPecker didn’t hesitate. He soared high above, feathers glinting like steel in the moonlight streaming through the window. Letting out a fierce cry in his own bird language, he unleashed his ultimate move.
“TORNADO SPIN HEAD SMASHER!!!”
The dove plummeted in a furious, spinning vortex, beak aimed like a spear. Impact—sharp, precise, unstoppable. The man’s eyes rolled back, his forehead bleeding, as consciousness fled him.
McPecker landed victoriously on the fallen man’s forehead, chest puffed out with pride. For the first time, under Commander Ryo’s training, he had defeated a human—and he had done it spectacularly.
Then McPecker examined the attacker more closely, his sharp eyes scanning the man’s face—and shock struck him cold. It was the Royal servant who had once visited Ravenswood Manor, the one who had slipped Cinderella’s glass slipper as a test before whisking her away to the castle during the days of the stepfamily’s cruelty.
McPecker swooped toward the bed and, with a precise tug of his beak, yanked the blankets open. The bed is still frozen in ice. The dove darted around the room, wings slicing through the cold air as he searched for hidden clues. Finally, he checked beneath the bed—and his eyes widened.
It was a glass slipper—but for the left foot. McPecker remembered what Aurelia had said: Cinderella might still have her left slipper. But now, it seemed that was no longer the case.
Quickly, he transmitted the finding over the earpiece. Jaymez Boom translated instantly, and Ryo and the ladies received the report. Ryo and Fairy Greatmother’s faces drained of color, while the others looked on, puzzled.
Ryo and Fairy Greatmother rose from their seats and moved toward the entrance, keeping their voices low, careful that the stepfamily did not overhear anything about Cinderella’s ice powers.
Fairy Greatmother’s whisper trembled with panic. “Mr. Detective! Cinderella doesn’t have the left slipper either… this is bad!!!!!!!!”
Ryo rubbed his temple, his voice grim. “Yeah. At this rate, Cinderella’s Frostreavers power could spiral out of control… and if she’s beyond despair, it might end her life if she hits her limit during captivity.”
He had hoped that if Cinderella still had her other slipper, her ice powers would remain partially under control. But now… if she lost all hope, her magic could consume her entirely. And that was exactly what was happening.
In the high, dark place of her prison…
Cinderella leaned against the wall, face down, hair falling over her face. Ice began forming on her right index finger, but she didn’t care—she had given up all hope of rescue and was ready to end herself, letting her magic spiral out of control and slowly consume her.
Ryo’s mind raced, hunting for ways to gather more information—secretly, within the ballroom itself, and specifically about Cinderella’s captive location.
Suddenly, King Malric and Queen Velina commanded the Master of Ceremonies to change the music. The MC, standing poised by the musicians, nodded and instructed them to begin the ‘Minuet.’ The musicians, eager to showcase their skills, lifted their instruments and began to play.
The MC swept his arm toward the crowd, voice resonant and regal.
“Ladies and gentlemen, do not let the dance wait! Step lightly, spin with grace, and let the music carry you across the ballroom.”
Couples, old and young, married or not, rose with excitement and made their way to the center of the ballroom. Bowing and curtsying to their partners, they joined hands and glided across the polished floor, dancing the waltz. The ladies tugged at their skirts with elegance as they spun in perfect rhythm.
The single ladies, waiting for Prince Vaelric’s arrival, pouted in silent jealousy.
“Seriously?! Why am I stuck waiting while they twirl around?!”
“Where is the prince? Can’t he notice me yet? I need to dance!”
“Always someone else… why not me? It’s like the first royal ball, when the prince danced with Cinderella and I was left without a partner!”
“Ughhh! If the prince doesn’t notice me soon, I’m grabbing some lonely man at random and dancing circles around him—just to make sure he sees me first!”
“Why am I always left sitting here? Hmmm… I might just dance with that strange foreign man sitting with those four beautiful ladies—then the prince will be jealous!” (Bad idea)
“I swear, next time, I’m barging onto the dance floor and twirling—let the prince watch me and regret ever ignoring me!”
Meanwhile, the ladies at Ryo’s table challenged each other to rock-paper-scissors to determine who would dance with him first. Seraphine won.
With a graceful smile, she approached Ryo. “My dear husband~ will you grant your true wife the honor of a dance?”
Vesmyra, Clarisse, and Titania sighed, patience stretched thin—they would have to wait.
Ryo squinted at Seraphine. “Ummm, Seraphine, we’re here to investigat—”
Before he could finish, she grabbed his hand and dragged him to the center of the ballroom.
Ryo panicked slightly. “Hey! Is this really the time?”
Seraphine giggled, a sweet lilt in her voice. “Oh, no can do, darling~ We’re here to dance so boldly that every gaze in this ballroom follows our every step.”
And just like that, an idea sparked in Ryo’s mind. He and Seraphine would dance openly, drawing attention while Fairy Greatmother and Madam Rosalind subtly questioned the guests about Cinderella, without revealing too much. Ryo relayed the orders over the radio. Both women nodded, slipping into the crowd to start their inquiries.
Ryo instructed McPecker to deliver the slipper to Vesmyra outside the ballroom. With a nod, the dove grasped it in his talons and took flight, exiting Cinderella’s room. Vesmyra casually left the ballroom, exchanging polite greetings with the guards, and waited at an open window.
McPecker landed gracefully on her arm, presenting the slipper, which she quickly tucked into her dress. She then slipped back into the ballroom, unnoticed by the other guests, and placed the slipper inside Ryo’s bag resting on the table before returning to her seat, pretending to know nothing. Meanwhile, McPecker hid in a corner of the hallway, patiently awaiting further orders from Commander Ryo.
Meanwhile, Fairy Greatmother moved gracefully through the ballroom, approaching the commoners with careful, subtle questions:
“Has anyone mentioned seeing a certain young lady lately? It’s been so long since she’s appeared.”
“I wonder… has anyone noticed a familiar face missing from our gatherings these past months?”
“Some people leave a small absence that’s felt by all… have you noticed anyone like that?”
“Has anyone overheard whispers or rumors of where someone might have gone?”
“Sometimes those we care for vanish quietly… has anyone noticed anything unusual?”
Madam Rosalind, meanwhile, circulated among the tables of nobles, offering warm greetings and polite conversation:
“Good evening, my lords and ladies. I wonder, have you observed anyone who has not attended our gatherings lately?”
“Has it come to your attention if a certain young lady seems to have been otherwise engaged these past weeks?”
“Sometimes one notices when a familiar face is absent… have you felt such a void recently?”
“Pray, have you heard any whispers or rumors concerning the ladies of our court in recent weeks?”
“Occasionally, a missing presence can speak volumes—have you detected anything unusual among our young guests?”
“Have you, perchance, noticed anyone avoiding the events or certain establishments lately?”
“Might you recall seeing a young lady who seems to have taken leave from our dances longer than expected?”
Back at the center of the ballroom, Ryo and Seraphine began their waltz. Seraphine curtsied and Ryo bowed. Soft smiles crossed their faces. Still a bit bashful, Ryo placed one hand on Seraphine’s waist while the other held her hand. At first, he stumbled slightly, making a minor misstep, but following her lead, they soon moved with fluid grace, guided by the rhythm of the minuet. Seraphine gently tugged at her skirt, spinning elegantly.
Seraphine whispered, her eyes twinkling with joy. “Ahhh~ I’ve been waiting to dance with my one true love all my life.”
Ryo chuckled, a sheepish smile on his lips. “Let’s just hope we don’t turn this waltz into a disaster.”
Seraphine giggled, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, I’m sure we’ll survive… as long as you follow my lead, darling~.”
Meanwhile, Agent Barkface found the entrance to the kitchen. The place was bustling with staff—the head cook barking orders, chefs busy at the stoves, waiters hurrying trays toward the ballroom, and maids weaving between them with practiced rhythm.
Though he was drooling over the mouthwatering smells, the puppy reminded himself of the mission: find any clue related to Cinderella, and above all, don’t get caught.
Then fate gave him an opening. A waiter, too rushed, tipped a tray—one meat pie slipped and fell to the floor.
Barkface’s eyes sharpened. He ducked low, moving unnoticed into the kitchen, snatched the pie, and gobbled it up.
A chef’s ears perked at the sound of munching. He turned his head sharply toward the floor—only to find nothing there. Barkface had already vanished, hidden behind a woodpile. The chef blinked, shrugged, and went back to stirring his pot.
The puppy wasted no time. He darted from hiding spot to hiding spot—behind barrels, under benches—slipping past a maid’s footsteps and weaving through the chaos, always moving, always sniffing.
But no matter how hard he searched, he found nothing—no hint, no trace, nothing pointing to Cinderella.
Disappointed but not defeated, Barkface slipped out of the kitchen and peeked through the doorway into the castle hallway, where armored guards patrolled steadily. He waited, tense, as one approached—then slid across the hall the moment the guard passed, paws silent on the floor.
Across from the kitchen lay the servants’ quarters. Barkface slipped inside. It was like a shared dormitory: rows of beds, scattered work tools, folded uniforms, tables stacked with items.
Thankfully, it was empty—every servant was busy. Barkface snooped and sniffed every corner, but again found nothing. He sighed softly. Still no clue.
Only one place left—the laundry room.
It was right beside the servants’ quarters. Barkface crouched low as a maid walked by, waited for her steps to fade, then padded quietly toward the laundry room’s door. Inside, three laundresses worked, scrubbing clothes on wooden washboards, rinsing buckets, and stretching garments across drying racks.
Barkface slipped in while their backs were turned. He searched swiftly—empty wash tubs, buckets of water, even the big paddles stacked in the corner.
Then one of the women paused, frowning at a faint sound. Barkface froze under a long wooden workbench, holding his breath. After a blink, she shook her head and turned back to work.
That was his moment to move again. The puppy’s gaze fell on a basket of clothes. He pawed through it—and his breath caught.
A Golden Locket.
His heart thudded. It looked exactly like the one from Seraphine’s jewelry store. Carefully, Barkface pressed it open with his paw.
What he saw inside… stunned him.
A tiny painted picture of Cinderella. She smiled, surrounded by her animal friends—their little team—and hugged them with a warmth that seemed to spill right out of the canvas. Barkface recognized it immediately. She had painted this in the attic last year, during the cruelest days under her stepfamily, finding comfort in capturing her love for them on such a small piece of art.
Barkface’s chest tightened. His eyes blurred. Tears welled at the corners. The memory of her kindness, her laughter, her way of finding light in darkness—it overwhelmed him. For a moment, the brave agent was just a puppy, missing his precious friend.
He wanted to cry.
But he stopped himself. The mission mattered more. Cinderella needed him.
Sniffling, he steadied his breath and whispered into his earpiece. Jaymez Boom translated the soft barked words.
Every animal agent froze. Their chests ached as the same emotion hit them. Even in silence, the bond between them was undeniable.
At the ballroom, Ryo—now dancing with Vesmyra and drawing envious stares from every man watching—caught the report after finishing his dances with Clarisse and Seraphine, who were now back at the table, looking thoroughly pleased. With calm resolve, he issued his next order: Barkface was to deliver the locket to Titania outside the ballroom.
Barkface nodded firmly, clamping the locket’s chain between his teeth, and slipped out of the laundry room, tail low but determination high. Titania then exited the ballroom and met Barkface, who was hiding in the corner of the hallway alongside McPecker. She gently took the locket from his teeth and gave him a soft headpat, praising him sweetly for being a good boy.
After dancing with three different girls, Ryo was exhausted. His feet ached, his lungs burned, and he craved rest more than another waltz. With Vesmyra at his side, he returned to their table and sank into his chair, grateful for the pause.
Ryo grabbed a glass of water and gulped it down like a man stranded in a desert. He set it down with a heavy exhale, as if that drink had saved his life.
Just then, Madam Rosalind and Fairy Greatmother returned to the table, ready to share what they had gathered from their subtle questioning of both commoners and nobles alike.
Clarisse handed Ryo his backpack. He unzipped it, pulled out his notebook and pen, and began jotting notes as Madam Rosalind and Fairy Greatmother spoke—line after line filling with valuable leads.
Titania soon arrived, the locket clutched in her hand. She plopped down beside him with a pout, clearly disappointed.
She grumbled. “I wanted my turn to dance with you, yet here you are resting.”
With a soft chuckle, Ryo reassured her. “You’ll have your turn next, promise.”
Titania’s mood softened only slightly. With a small huff, she handed him the locket. Ryo opened it carefully—inside was indeed the picture of Cinderella surrounded by her animal friends. Then his eyes shifted to the glass slipper waiting inside his bag. Unlike the cracked right one he already carried, this slipper was whole.
Quietly, he tucked both treasures away, a silent vow echoing in his heart: We’ll return these to Cinderella when we find her.
Suddenly, a commanding voice rang out across the ballroom. The Master of Ceremonies had taken his place beside the grand staircase.
Ryo blinked, looking toward the man. “What’s about to happen next?”
The Master of Ceremonies raised a hand, his voice rich and booming.
“Your attention, gentlemen and ladies—still your steps and lend your ears to this most solemn proclamation.”
At once, the music ceased. The dancing stilled. Guests shuffled into seats, murmurs fading into silence.
Clarisse leaned close and whispered. “I remember this! Months ago, before he approached Cinderella… it’s when Prince Vaelric made his appearance and ignored every other woman.”
Ryo straightened in his chair, a thought sharpening in his mind.
“This is it. The moment I finally see him for myself. Will he truly look as elegant as the storybooks claim?”
The Master of Ceremonies spread his arms wide, voice thunderous with ceremony.
“For in this hour of celebration we are honored with the presence of one whose name is written in the glory of Evendelle, whose station none may rival, and whose birthright gleams as the crown of our kingdom: heir to the throne, son of Their Most Gracious Majesties King Malric and Queen Velina, noble in bearing, steadfast in duty, and beloved of the people—I bid you rise in respect and welcome His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Vaelric!”
The crowd erupted in applause as Prince Vaelric stepped from the left-side curtain and onto the staircase, his every stride deliberate, carrying him toward the center.
Ladies’ voices rose with excitement, like doves taking flight:
“There he is—radiant as the morning sun…”
“Oh, may he choose me tonight!”
“By the stars, he’s even more handsome than the stories!”
“If only his eyes would meet mine…”
“One smile from him, and I would lose myself forever…”
“A prince, a true prince!”
“Fate will bind him to me!”
“Tonight, destiny will make me his bride, and the crown is mine!”
Ryo’s gaze followed the prince from boots to shoulders. The attire was everything storybooks promised: embroidered coat, jeweled sash, gleaming sword at his hip. Regal. Perfect.
And then Ryo’s eyes reached Vaelric’s face.
He froze. His pupils shrank. His eye twitched.
The prince’s bangs hung long—just enough to shadow his eyes in a way far too familiar.
Ryo’s thoughts imploded. “No. No. Oh no. Not this. Not here!”
His face twisted in horror and with a muffled groan, he buried his face in his palms.
“WHY… WHY… WHY… WHY… WHY DOES HE LOOK LIKE A FREAKING 18+ PROTAGONIST!!!”
His shoulders shook. He couldn’t unsee it. Every angle of Vaelric’s face screamed THAT kind of “anime” lead—the ones who belonged nowhere near a family-friendly ballroom.
Fairy Greatmother blinked at his sudden cringe. “Mr. Detective… what’s wrong? Are you quite alright?”
Ryo didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His face was hidden, his soul shattering, his inner voice exploding into a long, silent scream.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”
Fairy Greatmother tilted her head, concern deepening. “Oh dear… should I fetch some herbs for you?”
From behind the curtain, Petyr Pann peeked out and caught the detective burying his face in his palm. He nearly burst out laughing, whispering.
“Hihihihihi! I know right? That hair? Full-on ‘R-rated anime protagonist’ starter pack. Man looks one line away from saying ‘This power… it’s finally mine,’ bro.”
Prince Vaelric smiled and began speaking, his voice carrying proudly through the grandeur of Evendelle’s royal ballroom.
“My lords and ladies, I bid you welcome within the grandeur of Evendelle’s royal ballroom. Your presence this night brings honor to my family and joy to this court. Yet I confess, this evening holds a purpose beyond celebration—for I seek a bride, a true companion to share in both my life and my crown.”
At once, the ladies in attendance gasped, their fans fluttering as voices rose in tones both hopeful and scheming whispers:
“Oh, it must be me! I just know it!”
“His eyes lingered this way, I swear it!”
“I’ve dreamed of this moment my entire life!”
"At last, fortune smiles upon my kingdom, for the prince’s strength shall serve as the keystone of my power."
“Tonight, I will sit where queens are meant to sit—above them all.”
Prince Vaelric paused, his smile shifting as his tone dropped low and deliberate.
“However…”
Ryo raised a brow. “However?” he muttered.
Suddenly, the prince threw both hands high in the air, his voice booming with unrestrained joy.
“IT WOULD SEEM I HAVE NO FURTHER NEED TO SEEK A BRIDE!”
The ballroom fell into utter silence.
Every guest froze, confusion rippling across the ballroom like a shockwave. All of Evendelle—nobles and commoners alike, even rulers from beyond—had gathered for the promise of a bride. They had turned Cinderella’s absence into their advantage.
And now… the prince claimed he needed no bride at all?”
The silence broke into chaos as betrayed cries erupted from the ladies.
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!”
“YOU DECEIVED US ALL!”
“WE LEFT OUR HOMES FOR NOTHING?!”
“A CRUEL TRICK! A SHAME UPON THE CROWN!”
“HOW DARE YOU PLAY WITH OUR HOPES, YOUR HIGHNESS!”
“THIS IS HUMILIATION—MOCKERY OF OUR HONOR!”
“LIES! ALL LIES!”
Their accusations thundered through the ballroom, but Prince Vaelric ignored every word. His chest heaved with emotion, his eyes bright with tears as he gestured dramatically to his left.
“Allow me to introduce you… to my lovely wife… the future queen of Evendelle!”
Confusion deepened into disbelief. A wife? already? After summoning all of Evendelle, and kingdoms beyond, to a ball in search of one?
With trembling joy, the prince cried. “PRINCESS… CARABOSSE!”
Ryo’s breath caught.
Carabosse? He knew that name.
From behind the curtain, a figure emerged—slow, deliberate—each step carrying a quiet menace. Carabosse strode into the light, stopping at the center, facing the crowd with her chin high, eyes narrowed, her very presence a curse clothed in silk.
Across the ballroom, Fairy Greatmother and Vesmyra froze. Their faces darkened as recognition struck. And then, silently—helplessly—tears began to stream down their cheeks.
Ryo noticed and asked. “Ma’am, Vesmyra… what’s wrong?”
Madam Rosalind, unsettled by their grief, whispered. “That’s right, you two… why are you crying?”
Carabosse’s lips curved into a cruel smirk, her gaze falling squarely upon the detective, as if she already knew who he was.
Vesmyra’s entire body trembled. Her voice cracked as she whispered the words that shattered the air like glass.
“Thalirea… my… daughter.”
THE TIME IS NOW 11 PM!
An hour remained before the Clock Strikes Midnight…
…When the ballroom would erupt as the stage for Ryo’s Grand Revelation.
But until then… every remaining agent moves like lightning, hunting for the final vital clues.
Ryo’s group moved steadily toward the castle, until it finally rose into view: an immense Baroque-style fortress shimmering above the lake under the deepening twilight. Pale stone walls glowed softly in the evening light, while a tall front gate and bridge led to a wide carriage path that curved around a grand marble fountain.
Beyond it, sweeping marble stairs climbed toward towering halls and gilded windows—grander than any storybook dream Ryo had ever seen.
But the group could not reach the gate just yet. The entrance was packed with nobles and commoners alike, all waiting impatiently for it to open in ten minutes’ time. Carriages from distant kingdoms kept arriving, unloading dukes and duchesses—some hoping to gain Prince Vaelric’s favor now that Cinderella was forgotten, others pushing forward their daughters in hopes of catching his notice.
Noble ladies tried to show off their own charms, while even commoner girls dreamed of the impossible—that the prince might look their way.
Ryo took it all in, whistling under his breath.
“Man… now this large crowd reminds me of all the anime and gaming conventions Fantasy-chan had stubbornly dragged me to.”
Madam Rosalind tilted her head. “What is a Fantasy-chan, Mr. Sherlock Holmes?”
“Oh, it’s nothing, Madam,” Ryo shrugged. “Picture one of those nerdy, chatterbox friends who won’t shut up about wanting to be isekai’d into some weird world like this.”
Rosalind frowned slightly, still confused.
Ryo’s gaze swept across the castle. It looked nothing like any Cinderella storybook he had read, especially compared to the musical featuring the cheese-loving rat. The lake surrounding it added to its otherworldly majesty. But guards stood alert, weapons in hand, and Ryo immediately realized his animal agents could not simply stroll in unnoticed.
The only way in without detection: Cross the lake.
He turned to the Cu Sith. “Hey, Jaymez Boom… you and the other agents can’t just stroll in there since, you know… you guys aren’t human.”
Jaymez Boom grinned. “Don’t worry, Commander Bro. I’ll temporarily enlarge myself and carry the other agents on my back to cross the lake.”
Clarisse stepped closer. “Don’t worry, honey. The lake isn’t deep.”
Ryo rubbed his chin. “I see.”
Since the stepfamily had visited this castle before, leaving Cinderella behind, Ryo asked them to explain the layout.
They didn’t hesitate in giving him the details:
Ballroom
Audience Chamber
Royal Chapel
King & Queen’s chambers
Princess’s Suite (Cinderella’s room)
Guest Chambers
Library
Portrait Hall
Kitchens
Servants’ Quarters
Laundry Rooms
Stables
Dungeon
Treasury Room
Outdoor garden
Conservatory.
Ryo assumed there were hidden passageways, which meant he would have to rely on his animal agents to slip through shadows and secret corridors, searching for any clue to Cinderella’s whereabouts—a “high, dark place” certainly not inside the castle. He already knew she had been dragged out while unconscious, floating under the cursed perfume’s effect, and was now somewhere beyond the castle, or perhaps even outside the kingdom.
Meanwhile, what Ryo didn’t know was that somewhere in an unlit room, Petyr Pann and Carabosse were watching. From a tall, narrow window, their eyes gleamed in the dim candlelight. Sinister, calculating smiles curved their lips. Ready to strike, ready to sabotage Ryo’s investigation… to end his life. Then they engulfed themselves in black miasma and vanished like fading mist.
However, as a detective with years of police experience, Ryo knew he had to anticipate an ambush—from the Petyr Pann kid, Kaj (Cinderella’s father), a certain villainous fairy… and likely anyone connected to them. The evidence screamed Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, and Snow Queen—all tied to what Fairy Greatmother’s family had explained earlier today in Lunaveth.
The time in Evendelle was now 8:55 PM.
Before the gates were opened, Ryo took out multiple earpieces from his bag and handed them out. These were the very ones he had used during his police days for surveillance operations and routine patrols, tools that had carried countless private intels across invisible lines.
Fairy Greatmother tilted her head, curious. Ryo, not bothering to explain the technology in earthly terms, simply called them ‘magical talking items’ that could carry voices across great distances. That alone was enough to impress the group.
Each animal agent received one as well. Titania asked why, pointing out that animals could not respond in human language. Ryo explained that their observations still mattered, and that Jaymez Boom—a talking Cu Sith who could communicate with animals—would serve as their translator.
One by one, they slipped the earpieces on under Ryo’s guidance. His calm, serious expression while helping made Titania, Vesmyra, Clarisse, and Seraphine blush faintly, though Elise and Sophie remained composed, still seeing Ryo as their temporary master and simply following instructions.
The animal agents were equipped as well—though for Agent McPecker and Agent McDrama, the doves, the devices were too large. Ryo improvised, placing the earpieces in a clear evidence bag with air holes. With Fairy Greatmother’s help, she used her magic to shrink the bag and tied it around the doves’ necks with fine string, like a necklace.
Ryo tapped the earpiece. “Testing. Channel secure. Over.”
His voice crackled through their earpieces, and everyone froze, eyes wide—half-convinced he was wizard.
With everyone ready, Ryo laid out the mission. Jaymez Boom would enlarge himself and ferry the animal agents across the lake, but only once the crowd had crossed the bridge, ensuring no eyes glanced downward.
Each agent had a role:
Captain Nutso would infiltrate the ballroom to gather evidence, while Ryo and the women moved undercover among the guests.
Agent McPecker would fly toward the Princess’s Suite—Cinderella’s room—and scan for any overlooked details.
Agent Whiskers was tasked with the King and Queen’s chambers, searching for proof of guilt—or memory lost.
Agent Barkzilla would investigate the Audience Chamber and Royal Chapel.
Agent McDrama would circle above the stables, gardens, and conservatory, eyes scanning every corner for clues.
Agent Barkface was assigned to the kitchen, servants’ quarters, and laundry rooms, since they were all close to one another.
Jaymez Boom himself would sweep the remaining areas—Guest Chambers, Library, Portrait Hall, Treasury, and Dungeon.
The dungeon, in particular, might hold witnesses—criminals or innocents, especially those unfairly locked up, who still remembered Cinderella.
Ryo stressed caution. If danger struck, they must evade, hide, or fight only as a last resort. The agents, fired up, saluted as one, their determination shining in their eyes.
He gave Sophie and Elise simpler orders: keep watch in the ballroom, seated near the buffet tables so they wouldn’t draw attention. The two servants nearly drooled at the chance to eat noble cuisine under the guise of vigilance.
Fairy Greatmother and Madam Rosalind, dressed in fine aristocratic gowns, would mingle with the guests, both nobles and commoners. For Rosalind, already of noble standing, conversing with nobles would come effortlessly.
Ryo would circled the ballroom freely, investigating. But Vesmyra, seizing the moment, slipped her hand through his arm and declared herself his dance partner. Ryo flushed at the suggestion—only for Titania, Seraphine, and Clarisse to immediately voice their protests, each insisting they should be his partner instead. After a flurry of bickering, Ryo sighed in defeat, resigning himself to dance with all four.
The plan was complete.
THE MISSION WAS SET.
The time in Evendelle was now 9 PM.
A lone guard galloped from the castle’s entrance, crossing the bridge to the gate, his horse’s hooves sparking against the cobblestones. He delivered the order, and the gatekeeper raised his hand, booming.
“Hear ye! Hear ye! By royal decree, the gates to the castle are officially open! All guests are to make their way to the ballroom!”
The massive gates creaked wide, and the crowd of nobles and commoners surged forward in excitement as they began their slow crossing of the bridge.
Ryo stood with his arms crossed, then suddenly swept one arm toward the castle in a dramatic gesture.
“Team, take your positions. Operation ‘Cinderella Rescue’ is live. Find every secret, leave nothing behind. Move like ghosts. Roll out!”
All the animals fired up at the epic order and saluted in unison—even Jaymez Boom, since this was his first official spy mission. The team raced to the left side and reached a metal fence hidden from view. Using his powerful teeth, Jaymez Boom bent the fence, allowing all the agents to slip through the gap and dash under the bridge into the shadows.
Then he expanded into his towering Cu Sith form, lowering himself so Captain Nutso, Barkface, Barkzilla, and Whiskers could climb onto his back. The massive hound moved steadily through the lake, like a Black Ops ferry.
McPecker and McDrama spread their wings, taking flight. They circled upward before heading toward their assigned destinations.
Ryo’s gaze sharpened as he adjusted his silver coat. “Alright, ladies… let’s go.”
But suddenly, Vesmyra and Seraphine seized his arms, pressing close.
“Hey! We can just enter normally!” he whispered, panic in his voice.
Before he could wriggle free, Clarisse and Titania leaned against his back, their beauty capturing every gaze as they made their way toward the bridge.
The crowd noticed them and glanced their way, then erupted in murmurs of jealousy as Ryo and his radiant harem entourage passed by.
“Who is that foreigner, parading with all four goddesses?”
“It’s that strange foreign man who’s been wandering the village with Ms. Roselia… how in Evendelle does he now have all these otherworldly, jaw-droppingly gorgeous women clinging to him?!!”
“I’ve spent years wooing Lady Clarisse, and she never spared me a glance!”
“By the gods! How dare he stroll into the castle with them all clinging to him?”
“Is he some secret prince from a far-off land… or a walking charm spell?”
“No man deserves this many perfect companions! It’s physically unfair!”
“If I had even one of them on my arm, I’d die happy—and probably cry a little!”
“Curse him! Curse that blasted silver coat of his!”
Others—Seraphine’s fan club—cried out in despair, their hearts shattering to pieces at the sight of her clinging to the strange foreign man.
“Seraphine…!!! My sweet!! I prayed every night—under the moonlight!! Even practiced solo waltzes at dawn! Why him, and not meeee?!”
“NOOOO! That foreigner—he has stolen her away! My soul… my SOUL IS SHATTERING INTO TEN-THOUSAND PIECES!!”
“I SPENT 1000 LIVRES ON HER PORTRAIT! I WORSHIPED IT DAILY—MORNING! NOON! AND NIGHT! And still… she chose him?! UNFAIR!!”
“Five years… five years of sword training! I CUT THE AIR ITSELF SCREAMING YOUR NAME, SERAPHIIINE!!”
“This was my night! MINE! She was supposed to notice ME! This ball was DESTINED for our love!!”
“IS THIS… DESTINY’S CRUEL JOKE?! Even the heavens mock me!!”
“I… I can’t go on… Without her smile… I am but a broken shell of a man… the world has lost its color… its MEANING…”
“I already knew my dear Seraphine was married to him… BUT THIS IS NOT FAIR!!”
Fairy Greatmother and Madam Rosalind moved ahead, shooing people aside with commanding gestures.
Madam Rosalind swept her hand like a royal conductor.
“Out of the way, peasants and nobles alike! My son-in-law marches forth with my daughters—his future wives! Clear the path, or face my wrath!”
Fairy Greatmother nodded vigorously, sweeping her hands as if parting the sea.
“Yes, exactly! My two daughters and my son-in-law are here to show Prince Vaelric what true wives look like—now make way, make way!”
Ryo narrowed his eyes in disbelief, groaning under his breath with heavy sarcasm.
“Oh joy! Son-in-law status achieved… complete with two mother-in-laws, four future wives, and a lifetime subscription to family drama. Truly the highlight of my royal-ball evening.”
The four women giggled sweetly, dragging their unwilling prize forward. Sophie and Elise trailed behind, carrying themselves primly, though they couldn’t hide their amused giggles as they watched Ryo’s harem chaos.
The group crossed the bridge.
On the other side, noblewomen whispered and gasped, their envy boiling over, yet secretly relieved—their beloved Prince Vaelric remained safe from Ryo’s companions.
“Thank the stars… they’re not after him… or I might collapse into the nearest fountain!”
“Look at them… so dazzling I feel my wig might fall off!”
“No man in the kingdom could even glance their way without instant devastation!”
“Three hours on my hair, and I look like a scarecrow compared to them!”
“If those four danced together… the ballroom would practically evacuate in despair.”
“Well… at least the prince’s gaze is safe… if that strange foreign man doesn’t eat them for dinner tonight.”
“I pity the rest of us tonight… we’ve been humiliated before even stepping through the doors!”
They reached the base of the marble staircase. Ryo stopped briefly, staring down at the pristine white steps glowing in lanternlight.
“Holy moly…” he whispered, excitement bubbling up despite himself. “I’m actually on the marble steps where Cinderella lost her slipper… just like in the stories!”
Of course, the ladies tugged him forward before he could geek out about the marble steps where Cinderella had lost her slipper—something they clearly didn’t understand—cutting short his fanboy moment as they led him into the castle.
Meanwhile, the animal agents touched down on dry ground below the bridge, near the castle. Jaymez Boom gave himself a violent shake, sending droplets of water scattering across the grass, then shrank back into his dog-like form.
Captain Nutso stood tall, turning to his squad.
“Alright Elite Team, layout secured from Madam Rosalind. From here, we operate separately. Keep low, move fast, and remember—no clues get past us tonight.”
Barkface puffed his chest proudly. “Understood. Mission Cinderella is locked—failure is off the table!”
Whiskers bounced eagerly, his sharp eyes glowing. “Ready for action, Captain! No clues will escape us in Operation Save-Mommy!”
Barkzilla let out a low growl, teeth flashing. “I’ll crush any enemy that stands between us and the mission!”
Jaymez Boom’s tail wagged wildly. “OOOOOOHHHH!! This is JUST like that movie Bro told me about—‘Mission: Beyond Possible’ with Agent Thomas Crews! I’m living the spy life! I’m LIVING IT!!”
A sharp salute to Captain Nutso, then they disappeared into the shadows, each land agent slipping toward their assigned sector of the castle like ghosts on a mission.
While strolling through the castle’s hallway, Ryo asked. “By the way, what are the names of the rulers of Evendelle?”
Madam Rosalind answered. “Their Highnesses’ names are King Malric and Queen Velina—Prince Vaelric’s parents. They have ruled over Evendelle for 30 years, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.”
Ryo thought to himself. “They actually have names too, huh.”
In the original tale, none of the royal family had names—just King and Queen. The same went for every other Cinderella character Ryo had met so far. Then, suddenly, they all have proper names, even Prince Vaelric—whose name Fairy Greatmother had revealed to Ryo back in his detective office in his own world.
But as they strolled with the crowd, Ryo’s sharp detective eyes caught something strange. Many of the castle staff didn’t look alive—they moved mechanically, their eyes blank, almost lifeless, yet subtle enough that most guests wouldn’t notice. Only someone trained as a detective, or a formally trained policeman, could spot it.
Ryo immediately knew he had to tread carefully. The stepsisters had once been possessed by the Grootslang Vrakul. The moment they laid eyes on him, they became violent, their eyes nearly bloodshot. Now, though he had swapped his T-shirt and trench coat for a royal suit and styled his hair differently, he still looked unmistakably Japanese. Perhaps the staff had orders from the culprit not to attack him yet or perhaps they were simply hollow-eyed and mindless.
Either way, Ryo knew caution was essential. Each staff member might be pierced by one of those black shards that erased memory of Cinderella and allowed manipulation. And within each shard, a monster could be trapped, waiting for the right moment.
At last, they reached the Ballroom double doors. The doors had not yet been opened, but two doormen stood on either side, bowing at all the guests before pushing the massive doors wide.
What Ryo’s group saw made them all catch their breath—except the stepfamily, of course, who had seen this before. The ballroom gleamed in gold, almost blinding in its grandeur.
The crowd entered, murmuring in awe. Gentle whispers of admiration floated through the air. Noble men and women straightened in surprise, even gasping softly at the shimmering chandeliers above. Every head turned toward the center of the ballroom, where the light danced like liquid gold across the polished floors.
Ryo’s jaw dropped. He was standing in the very same ballroom where Cinderella had once danced beneath the glittering chandeliers and met her prince for the first time, all thanks to her Fairy Godmother’s magic, just like the stories… well, Fairy Greatmother’s magic in this Fairytale world.
He was here—in the iconic heart of her story, in the place that had defined a legend.
Then Titania noticed Captain Nutso perched on a high balcony to the left and alerted Ryo, pointing at the squirrel. The squirrel squeaked over the earpiece like a miniature radio. Somewhere else, Jaymez Boomed translated the message through his own earpiece: Captain Nutso had spotted the king and queen on another high balcony across to the right.
The group turned, and there they were—King Malric and Queen Velina—staring down at the crowd with ice-cold, unreadable gazes that seemed to pierce right through anyone who met them. A few nobles greeted them, and the king and queen only raised a hand in acknowledgment.
Ryo’s voice came over the radio. “Alright, Captain. Make your way to the king and queen, check their condition, and try to sneak behind them. Look for any clues.”
Captain Nutso saluted and slipped back into the shadows, disappearing into the balcony entrance. His plan was to reach the opposite balcony without being seen.
Since the dance hadn’t started and Prince Vaelric’s wife-selection was still a ways off, Ryo’s group drifted toward one of the big round tables near the grand buffet and settled down. While Ryo remained seated, the others went to pick out food. Before long, plates were filled, and Sophie returned with a small selection for him: a jam sandwich, banana, fried egg, and a glass of orange juice.
Ryo blinked at the sight. The meal looked identical to the breakfasts he used to have back on Earth—before his departure into the Fairytale world inside the banana carriage.
Grinning, he dug into his backpack, pulled out four clear evidence bags, and carefully sealed each item inside before slipping them back into his bag.
Sophie tilted her head at the odd little thing he did but said nothing. Instead, she returned to the buffet, loaded a plate with roasted beef, vegetables, and a glass of water, and set it in front of him. Ryo smiled and thanked her for her thoughtfulness.
The other guests—mostly women eager to be first in line for Prince Vaelric—claimed the tables near the stairs, hoping to be in his direct line of sight when he descended to choose his future princess.
Those closer seats were prized territory for hopefuls, while Ryo and his team had already secured a table at the back near the buffet with both a clear vantage and reliable cover—they could reach for meals without much effort, of course, because a good view is nothing without snacks at the ready.
Meanwhile, in Cinderella’s room…
Agent McPecker landed silently on the windowsill of the unlit room, his eyes scanning the space. A flicker of emotion passed over him—the very spot where Cinderella had vanished just over a month ago. He remembered watching over her from the attic window at the Ravenswood Manor and, for a fleeting moment, wished he could do the same here.
But there was no time for sentimentality. Cinderella had been kidnapped, and she needed to be found—fast. Before McPecker began his sweep of the room, he recalled Commander Ryo’s lessons: always expect the unexpected, and never underestimate any threat—words etched into the minds of him and the entire animal team.
With caution, he flew toward the top cupboard where Cinderella’s dresses and belongings were stored. From this vantage, the entire room stretched out below, allowing the dove to scan for any movement or unusual sound.
Then he heard it—a soft, deliberate sound of breathing behind a mirrored table. Someone was there, and they knew McPecker had entered.
What McPecker didn’t yet realize was that a man crouched behind the mirror, knife in hand, breathing heavily, ready to strike. The dove’s eyes narrowed. He needed to act—but who was this man, and why was he here?
Then McPecker remembered Ryo’s rule again: always expect the unexpected. An ambush was likely, and any enemy could be armed—that’s what the dove had to assume. Now he had to figure out how to neutralize the threat—something even a small dove like him could manage.
Then the dove came up with a risky plan—one that could go wrong in a heartbeat. McPecker landed lightly on the blanket-covered bed, turning his back to the mirrored table, pretending to look around, cooing casually as if completely unaware.
A low, whispered chuckle came from the shadow. “Hehehe… foolish bird, turning away? That was a mistake.”
The man crept out from behind the mirror table, tiptoeing silently, knife gleaming in his hand. As he neared the bed, a deadly grin spread across his face. Then, with a sudden strike, the knife lunged toward the dove—
WHOOOOOOSHHHH!
McPecker’s wings spread in a blur. He arced gracefully upward, swiftly dodging the knife as the knife sank into the bed with a thud. The man gasped, fury flashing in his eyes, and slashed again, trying to catch the evasive dove midair. McPecker zipped and spun around him, teasing, weaving just out of reach.
“STOP DODGING AND REMAIN STILL SO I CAN TURN YOU INTO ROAST DOVE, YOU STUPID BIRD!” the man growled, spinning himself dizzy with wild slashes.
The moment the man threatened to turn him into a meal, McPecker’s eyes glinted with fury. It was time to go all out.
The dove’s speed doubled, circling tighter and faster, forcing the man to spin and stumble. His foot caught the edge of the bed, and he tumbled hard to the floor, landing on his back with a sickening thunk as his head struck.
“OUCH!” he groaned, clutching his skull. The knife clattered away.
“YOU’LL BE MY DINNER—I SWEAR IT!” he screamed, eyes wild.
McPecker didn’t hesitate. He soared high above, feathers glinting like steel in the moonlight streaming through the window. Letting out a fierce cry in his own bird language, he unleashed his ultimate move.
“TORNADO SPIN HEAD SMASHER!!!”
The dove plummeted in a furious, spinning vortex, beak aimed like a spear. Impact—sharp, precise, unstoppable. The man’s eyes rolled back, his forehead bleeding, as consciousness fled him.
McPecker landed victoriously on the fallen man’s forehead, chest puffed out with pride. For the first time, under Commander Ryo’s training, he had defeated a human—and he had done it spectacularly.
Then McPecker examined the attacker more closely, his sharp eyes scanning the man’s face—and shock struck him cold. It was the Royal servant who had once visited Ravenswood Manor, the one who had slipped Cinderella’s glass slipper as a test before whisking her away to the castle during the days of the stepfamily’s cruelty.
McPecker swooped toward the bed and, with a precise tug of his beak, yanked the blankets open. The bed is still frozen in ice. The dove darted around the room, wings slicing through the cold air as he searched for hidden clues. Finally, he checked beneath the bed—and his eyes widened.
It was a glass slipper—but for the left foot. McPecker remembered what Aurelia had said: Cinderella might still have her left slipper. But now, it seemed that was no longer the case.
Quickly, he transmitted the finding over the earpiece. Jaymez Boom translated instantly, and Ryo and the ladies received the report. Ryo and Fairy Greatmother’s faces drained of color, while the others looked on, puzzled.
Ryo and Fairy Greatmother rose from their seats and moved toward the entrance, keeping their voices low, careful that the stepfamily did not overhear anything about Cinderella’s ice powers.
Fairy Greatmother’s whisper trembled with panic. “Mr. Detective! Cinderella doesn’t have the left slipper either… this is bad!!!!!!!!”
Ryo rubbed his temple, his voice grim. “Yeah. At this rate, Cinderella’s Frostreavers power could spiral out of control… and if she’s beyond despair, it might end her life if she hits her limit during captivity.”
He had hoped that if Cinderella still had her other slipper, her ice powers would remain partially under control. But now… if she lost all hope, her magic could consume her entirely. And that was exactly what was happening.
In the high, dark place of her prison…
Cinderella leaned against the wall, face down, hair falling over her face. Ice began forming on her right index finger, but she didn’t care—she had given up all hope of rescue and was ready to end herself, letting her magic spiral out of control and slowly consume her.
Ryo’s mind raced, hunting for ways to gather more information—secretly, within the ballroom itself, and specifically about Cinderella’s captive location.
Suddenly, King Malric and Queen Velina commanded the Master of Ceremonies to change the music. The MC, standing poised by the musicians, nodded and instructed them to begin the ‘Minuet.’ The musicians, eager to showcase their skills, lifted their instruments and began to play.
The MC swept his arm toward the crowd, voice resonant and regal.
“Ladies and gentlemen, do not let the dance wait! Step lightly, spin with grace, and let the music carry you across the ballroom.”
Couples, old and young, married or not, rose with excitement and made their way to the center of the ballroom. Bowing and curtsying to their partners, they joined hands and glided across the polished floor, dancing the waltz. The ladies tugged at their skirts with elegance as they spun in perfect rhythm.
The single ladies, waiting for Prince Vaelric’s arrival, pouted in silent jealousy.
“Seriously?! Why am I stuck waiting while they twirl around?!”
“Where is the prince? Can’t he notice me yet? I need to dance!”
“Always someone else… why not me? It’s like the first royal ball, when the prince danced with Cinderella and I was left without a partner!”
“Ughhh! If the prince doesn’t notice me soon, I’m grabbing some lonely man at random and dancing circles around him—just to make sure he sees me first!”
“Why am I always left sitting here? Hmmm… I might just dance with that strange foreign man sitting with those four beautiful ladies—then the prince will be jealous!” (Bad idea)
“I swear, next time, I’m barging onto the dance floor and twirling—let the prince watch me and regret ever ignoring me!”
Meanwhile, the ladies at Ryo’s table challenged each other to rock-paper-scissors to determine who would dance with him first. Seraphine won.
With a graceful smile, she approached Ryo. “My dear husband~ will you grant your true wife the honor of a dance?”
Vesmyra, Clarisse, and Titania sighed, patience stretched thin—they would have to wait.
Ryo squinted at Seraphine. “Ummm, Seraphine, we’re here to investigat—”
Before he could finish, she grabbed his hand and dragged him to the center of the ballroom.
Ryo panicked slightly. “Hey! Is this really the time?”
Seraphine giggled, a sweet lilt in her voice. “Oh, no can do, darling~ We’re here to dance so boldly that every gaze in this ballroom follows our every step.”
And just like that, an idea sparked in Ryo’s mind. He and Seraphine would dance openly, drawing attention while Fairy Greatmother and Madam Rosalind subtly questioned the guests about Cinderella, without revealing too much. Ryo relayed the orders over the radio. Both women nodded, slipping into the crowd to start their inquiries.
Ryo instructed McPecker to deliver the slipper to Vesmyra outside the ballroom. With a nod, the dove grasped it in his talons and took flight, exiting Cinderella’s room. Vesmyra casually left the ballroom, exchanging polite greetings with the guards, and waited at an open window.
McPecker landed gracefully on her arm, presenting the slipper, which she quickly tucked into her dress. She then slipped back into the ballroom, unnoticed by the other guests, and placed the slipper inside Ryo’s bag resting on the table before returning to her seat, pretending to know nothing. Meanwhile, McPecker hid in a corner of the hallway, patiently awaiting further orders from Commander Ryo.
Meanwhile, Fairy Greatmother moved gracefully through the ballroom, approaching the commoners with careful, subtle questions:
“Has anyone mentioned seeing a certain young lady lately? It’s been so long since she’s appeared.”
“I wonder… has anyone noticed a familiar face missing from our gatherings these past months?”
“Some people leave a small absence that’s felt by all… have you noticed anyone like that?”
“Has anyone overheard whispers or rumors of where someone might have gone?”
“Sometimes those we care for vanish quietly… has anyone noticed anything unusual?”
Madam Rosalind, meanwhile, circulated among the tables of nobles, offering warm greetings and polite conversation:
“Good evening, my lords and ladies. I wonder, have you observed anyone who has not attended our gatherings lately?”
“Has it come to your attention if a certain young lady seems to have been otherwise engaged these past weeks?”
“Sometimes one notices when a familiar face is absent… have you felt such a void recently?”
“Pray, have you heard any whispers or rumors concerning the ladies of our court in recent weeks?”
“Occasionally, a missing presence can speak volumes—have you detected anything unusual among our young guests?”
“Have you, perchance, noticed anyone avoiding the events or certain establishments lately?”
“Might you recall seeing a young lady who seems to have taken leave from our dances longer than expected?”
Back at the center of the ballroom, Ryo and Seraphine began their waltz. Seraphine curtsied and Ryo bowed. Soft smiles crossed their faces. Still a bit bashful, Ryo placed one hand on Seraphine’s waist while the other held her hand. At first, he stumbled slightly, making a minor misstep, but following her lead, they soon moved with fluid grace, guided by the rhythm of the minuet. Seraphine gently tugged at her skirt, spinning elegantly.
Seraphine whispered, her eyes twinkling with joy. “Ahhh~ I’ve been waiting to dance with my one true love all my life.”
Ryo chuckled, a sheepish smile on his lips. “Let’s just hope we don’t turn this waltz into a disaster.”
Seraphine giggled, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, I’m sure we’ll survive… as long as you follow my lead, darling~.”
Meanwhile, Agent Barkface found the entrance to the kitchen. The place was bustling with staff—the head cook barking orders, chefs busy at the stoves, waiters hurrying trays toward the ballroom, and maids weaving between them with practiced rhythm.
Though he was drooling over the mouthwatering smells, the puppy reminded himself of the mission: find any clue related to Cinderella, and above all, don’t get caught.
Then fate gave him an opening. A waiter, too rushed, tipped a tray—one meat pie slipped and fell to the floor.
Barkface’s eyes sharpened. He ducked low, moving unnoticed into the kitchen, snatched the pie, and gobbled it up.
A chef’s ears perked at the sound of munching. He turned his head sharply toward the floor—only to find nothing there. Barkface had already vanished, hidden behind a woodpile. The chef blinked, shrugged, and went back to stirring his pot.
The puppy wasted no time. He darted from hiding spot to hiding spot—behind barrels, under benches—slipping past a maid’s footsteps and weaving through the chaos, always moving, always sniffing.
But no matter how hard he searched, he found nothing—no hint, no trace, nothing pointing to Cinderella.
Disappointed but not defeated, Barkface slipped out of the kitchen and peeked through the doorway into the castle hallway, where armored guards patrolled steadily. He waited, tense, as one approached—then slid across the hall the moment the guard passed, paws silent on the floor.
Across from the kitchen lay the servants’ quarters. Barkface slipped inside. It was like a shared dormitory: rows of beds, scattered work tools, folded uniforms, tables stacked with items.
Thankfully, it was empty—every servant was busy. Barkface snooped and sniffed every corner, but again found nothing. He sighed softly. Still no clue.
Only one place left—the laundry room.
It was right beside the servants’ quarters. Barkface crouched low as a maid walked by, waited for her steps to fade, then padded quietly toward the laundry room’s door. Inside, three laundresses worked, scrubbing clothes on wooden washboards, rinsing buckets, and stretching garments across drying racks.
Barkface slipped in while their backs were turned. He searched swiftly—empty wash tubs, buckets of water, even the big paddles stacked in the corner.
Then one of the women paused, frowning at a faint sound. Barkface froze under a long wooden workbench, holding his breath. After a blink, she shook her head and turned back to work.
That was his moment to move again. The puppy’s gaze fell on a basket of clothes. He pawed through it—and his breath caught.
A Golden Locket.
His heart thudded. It looked exactly like the one from Seraphine’s jewelry store. Carefully, Barkface pressed it open with his paw.
What he saw inside… stunned him.
A tiny painted picture of Cinderella. She smiled, surrounded by her animal friends—their little team—and hugged them with a warmth that seemed to spill right out of the canvas. Barkface recognized it immediately. She had painted this in the attic last year, during the cruelest days under her stepfamily, finding comfort in capturing her love for them on such a small piece of art.
Barkface’s chest tightened. His eyes blurred. Tears welled at the corners. The memory of her kindness, her laughter, her way of finding light in darkness—it overwhelmed him. For a moment, the brave agent was just a puppy, missing his precious friend.
He wanted to cry.
But he stopped himself. The mission mattered more. Cinderella needed him.
Sniffling, he steadied his breath and whispered into his earpiece. Jaymez Boom translated the soft barked words.
Every animal agent froze. Their chests ached as the same emotion hit them. Even in silence, the bond between them was undeniable.
At the ballroom, Ryo—now dancing with Vesmyra and drawing envious stares from every man watching—caught the report after finishing his dances with Clarisse and Seraphine, who were now back at the table, looking thoroughly pleased. With calm resolve, he issued his next order: Barkface was to deliver the locket to Titania outside the ballroom.
Barkface nodded firmly, clamping the locket’s chain between his teeth, and slipped out of the laundry room, tail low but determination high. Titania then exited the ballroom and met Barkface, who was hiding in the corner of the hallway alongside McPecker. She gently took the locket from his teeth and gave him a soft headpat, praising him sweetly for being a good boy.
After dancing with three different girls, Ryo was exhausted. His feet ached, his lungs burned, and he craved rest more than another waltz. With Vesmyra at his side, he returned to their table and sank into his chair, grateful for the pause.
Ryo grabbed a glass of water and gulped it down like a man stranded in a desert. He set it down with a heavy exhale, as if that drink had saved his life.
Just then, Madam Rosalind and Fairy Greatmother returned to the table, ready to share what they had gathered from their subtle questioning of both commoners and nobles alike.
Clarisse handed Ryo his backpack. He unzipped it, pulled out his notebook and pen, and began jotting notes as Madam Rosalind and Fairy Greatmother spoke—line after line filling with valuable leads.
Titania soon arrived, the locket clutched in her hand. She plopped down beside him with a pout, clearly disappointed.
She grumbled. “I wanted my turn to dance with you, yet here you are resting.”
With a soft chuckle, Ryo reassured her. “You’ll have your turn next, promise.”
Titania’s mood softened only slightly. With a small huff, she handed him the locket. Ryo opened it carefully—inside was indeed the picture of Cinderella surrounded by her animal friends. Then his eyes shifted to the glass slipper waiting inside his bag. Unlike the cracked right one he already carried, this slipper was whole.
Quietly, he tucked both treasures away, a silent vow echoing in his heart: We’ll return these to Cinderella when we find her.
Suddenly, a commanding voice rang out across the ballroom. The Master of Ceremonies had taken his place beside the grand staircase.
Ryo blinked, looking toward the man. “What’s about to happen next?”
The Master of Ceremonies raised a hand, his voice rich and booming.
“Your attention, gentlemen and ladies—still your steps and lend your ears to this most solemn proclamation.”
At once, the music ceased. The dancing stilled. Guests shuffled into seats, murmurs fading into silence.
Clarisse leaned close and whispered. “I remember this! Months ago, before he approached Cinderella… it’s when Prince Vaelric made his appearance and ignored every other woman.”
Ryo straightened in his chair, a thought sharpening in his mind.
“This is it. The moment I finally see him for myself. Will he truly look as elegant as the storybooks claim?”
The Master of Ceremonies spread his arms wide, voice thunderous with ceremony.
“For in this hour of celebration we are honored with the presence of one whose name is written in the glory of Evendelle, whose station none may rival, and whose birthright gleams as the crown of our kingdom: heir to the throne, son of Their Most Gracious Majesties King Malric and Queen Velina, noble in bearing, steadfast in duty, and beloved of the people—I bid you rise in respect and welcome His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Vaelric!”
The crowd erupted in applause as Prince Vaelric stepped from the left-side curtain and onto the staircase, his every stride deliberate, carrying him toward the center.
Ladies’ voices rose with excitement, like doves taking flight:
“There he is—radiant as the morning sun…”
“Oh, may he choose me tonight!”
“By the stars, he’s even more handsome than the stories!”
“If only his eyes would meet mine…”
“One smile from him, and I would lose myself forever…”
“A prince, a true prince!”
“Fate will bind him to me!”
“Tonight, destiny will make me his bride, and the crown is mine!”
Ryo’s gaze followed the prince from boots to shoulders. The attire was everything storybooks promised: embroidered coat, jeweled sash, gleaming sword at his hip. Regal. Perfect.
And then Ryo’s eyes reached Vaelric’s face.
He froze. His pupils shrank. His eye twitched.
The prince’s bangs hung long—just enough to shadow his eyes in a way far too familiar.
Ryo’s thoughts imploded. “No. No. Oh no. Not this. Not here!”
His face twisted in horror and with a muffled groan, he buried his face in his palms.
“WHY… WHY… WHY… WHY… WHY DOES HE LOOK LIKE A FREAKING 18+ PROTAGONIST!!!”
His shoulders shook. He couldn’t unsee it. Every angle of Vaelric’s face screamed THAT kind of “anime” lead—the ones who belonged nowhere near a family-friendly ballroom.
Fairy Greatmother blinked at his sudden cringe. “Mr. Detective… what’s wrong? Are you quite alright?”
Ryo didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His face was hidden, his soul shattering, his inner voice exploding into a long, silent scream.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”
Fairy Greatmother tilted her head, concern deepening. “Oh dear… should I fetch some herbs for you?”
From behind the curtain, Petyr Pann peeked out and caught the detective burying his face in his palm. He nearly burst out laughing, whispering.
“Hihihihihi! I know right? That hair? Full-on ‘R-rated anime protagonist’ starter pack. Man looks one line away from saying ‘This power… it’s finally mine,’ bro.”
Prince Vaelric smiled and began speaking, his voice carrying proudly through the grandeur of Evendelle’s royal ballroom.
“My lords and ladies, I bid you welcome within the grandeur of Evendelle’s royal ballroom. Your presence this night brings honor to my family and joy to this court. Yet I confess, this evening holds a purpose beyond celebration—for I seek a bride, a true companion to share in both my life and my crown.”
At once, the ladies in attendance gasped, their fans fluttering as voices rose in tones both hopeful and scheming whispers:
“Oh, it must be me! I just know it!”
“His eyes lingered this way, I swear it!”
“I’ve dreamed of this moment my entire life!”
"At last, fortune smiles upon my kingdom, for the prince’s strength shall serve as the keystone of my power."
“Tonight, I will sit where queens are meant to sit—above them all.”
Prince Vaelric paused, his smile shifting as his tone dropped low and deliberate.
“However…”
Ryo raised a brow. “However?” he muttered.
Suddenly, the prince threw both hands high in the air, his voice booming with unrestrained joy.
“IT WOULD SEEM I HAVE NO FURTHER NEED TO SEEK A BRIDE!”
The ballroom fell into utter silence.
Every guest froze, confusion rippling across the ballroom like a shockwave. All of Evendelle—nobles and commoners alike, even rulers from beyond—had gathered for the promise of a bride. They had turned Cinderella’s absence into their advantage.
And now… the prince claimed he needed no bride at all?”
The silence broke into chaos as betrayed cries erupted from the ladies.
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!”
“YOU DECEIVED US ALL!”
“WE LEFT OUR HOMES FOR NOTHING?!”
“A CRUEL TRICK! A SHAME UPON THE CROWN!”
“HOW DARE YOU PLAY WITH OUR HOPES, YOUR HIGHNESS!”
“THIS IS HUMILIATION—MOCKERY OF OUR HONOR!”
“LIES! ALL LIES!”
Their accusations thundered through the ballroom, but Prince Vaelric ignored every word. His chest heaved with emotion, his eyes bright with tears as he gestured dramatically to his left.
“Allow me to introduce you… to my lovely wife… the future queen of Evendelle!”
Confusion deepened into disbelief. A wife? already? After summoning all of Evendelle, and kingdoms beyond, to a ball in search of one?
With trembling joy, the prince cried. “PRINCESS… CARABOSSE!”
Ryo’s breath caught.
Carabosse? He knew that name.
From behind the curtain, a figure emerged—slow, deliberate—each step carrying a quiet menace. Carabosse strode into the light, stopping at the center, facing the crowd with her chin high, eyes narrowed, her very presence a curse clothed in silk.
Across the ballroom, Fairy Greatmother and Vesmyra froze. Their faces darkened as recognition struck. And then, silently—helplessly—tears began to stream down their cheeks.
Ryo noticed and asked. “Ma’am, Vesmyra… what’s wrong?”
Madam Rosalind, unsettled by their grief, whispered. “That’s right, you two… why are you crying?”
Carabosse’s lips curved into a cruel smirk, her gaze falling squarely upon the detective, as if she already knew who he was.
Vesmyra’s entire body trembled. Her voice cracked as she whispered the words that shattered the air like glass.
“Thalirea… my… daughter.”
THE TIME IS NOW 11 PM!
An hour remained before the Clock Strikes Midnight…
…When the ballroom would erupt as the stage for Ryo’s Grand Revelation.
But until then… every remaining agent moves like lightning, hunting for the final vital clues.
0
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名家の御曹司として何不自由ない生活を送りながらも、内気で陰気な性格のせいで孤独に生きてきた裕貴真一郎（ゆうき しんいちろう）。
かつてのいじめが原因で、彼は1年間も学校から遠ざかっていた。
しかし、久しぶりに登校したその日――彼は運命の出会いを果たす。
現れたのは、まるで絵から飛び出してきたかのような美少女。
その瞳にはどこかミステリアスな輝きが宿り、真一郎の心をかき乱していく。
「今日から私、あなたのメイドになります！」
なんと彼女は、突然メイドとして彼の家で働くことに！？
謎めいた美少女と陰キャ御曹司の、予測不能な主従ラブコメが幕を開ける！
カクヨム、小説家になろうの方でも連載しています！
隣に住んでいる後輩の『彼女』面がガチすぎて、オレの知ってるラブコメとはかなり違う気がする
夕姫
青春
【『白石夏帆』こいつには何を言っても無駄なようだ……】
主人公の神原秋人は、高校二年生。特別なことなど何もない、静かな一人暮らしを愛する少年だった。東京の私立高校に通い、誰とも深く関わらずただ平凡に過ごす日々。
そんな彼の日常は、ある春の日、突如現れた隣人によって塗り替えられる。後輩の白石夏帆。そしてとんでもないことを言い出したのだ。
「え？私たち、付き合ってますよね？」
なぜ？どうして？全く身に覚えのない主張に秋人は混乱し激しく否定する。だが、夏帆はまるで聞いていないかのように、秋人に猛烈に迫ってくる。何を言っても、どんな態度をとっても、その鋼のような意思は揺るがない。
「付き合っている」という謎の確信を持つ夏帆と、彼女に振り回されながらも憎めない（？）と思ってしまう秋人。これは、一人の後輩による一方的な「好き」が、平凡な先輩の日常を侵略する、予測不能な押しかけラブコメディ。
春の雨はあたたかいー家出JKがオッサンの嫁になって女子大生になるまでのお話
登夢
恋愛
春の雨の夜に出会った訳あり家出JKと真面目な独身サラリーマンの1年間の同居生活を綴ったラブストーリーです。私は家出JKで春の雨の日の夜に駅前にいたところオッサンに拾われて家に連れ帰ってもらった。家出の訳を聞いたオッサンは、自分と同じに境遇に同情して私を同居させてくれた。同居の代わりに私は家事を引き受けることにしたが、真面目なオッサンは私を抱こうとしなかった。18歳になったときオッサンにプロポーズされる。
ママと中学生の僕
キムラエス
大衆娯楽
「ママと僕」は、中学生編、高校生編、大学生編の3部作で、本編は中学生編になります。ママは子供の時に両親を事故で亡くしており、結婚後に夫を病気で失い、身内として残された僕に精神的に依存をするようになる。幼少期の「僕」はそのママの依存が嬉しく、素敵なママに甘える閉鎖的な生活を当たり前のことと考える。成長し、性に目覚め始めた中学生の「僕」は自分の性もママとの日常の中で処理すべきものと疑わず、ママも戸惑いながらもママに甘える「僕」に満足する。ママも僕もそうした行為が少なからず社会規範に反していることは理解しているが、ママとの甘美な繋がりは解消できずに戸惑いながらも続く「ママと中学生の僕」の営みを描いてみました。
〈社会人百合〉アキとハル
みなはらつかさ
恋愛
女の子拾いました――。
ある朝起きたら、隣にネイキッドな女の子が寝ていた！？
主人公・紅（くれない）アキは、どういったことかと問いただすと、酔っ払った勢いで、彼女・葵（あおい）ハルと一夜をともにしたらしい。
しかも、ハルは失踪中の大企業令嬢で……？
絵：Novel AI
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