The arrangements for the "dance floor" had yet to be completed. Amid the splashing of seawater, on the right side of the Radiance Messenger, a circular wooden platform rose from the seabed. The Mermaid Girls, whose tails had transformed into human legs, sat upon the flat platform as an orchestra, each holding a musical instrument.
Then, to the accompaniment of the music, hundreds of Mermaid Girls began singing mermaid ballads together beneath the sea. Sivie watched the scene with satisfaction, while Claire had to admit, "What a grand gesture. It really is nice to have people working under you."
Sivie then invited Shade, "Shade, would you like to dance the First Dance with me?"
"Usually, men are supposed to ask women that. But never mind, of course I would."
He took Sivie's hand and leaped down from the deck. The black evening gown worn by the Great Witch of Light spread through the air like a butterfly's wings. After Shade caught her and landed upon the sea surface, he reached out and adjusted the starlight and moonlight, finally making the Silver Moon shine like a spotlight upon the glowing patch of sea.
Everyone had a wonderful time that night. Besides taking turns dancing with Shade, Emilia shyly took the initiative to kiss him during their dance. It was something none of the Witches had done.
The Pointy-eared Elf had always been the sort of girl who enjoyed adventure and challenges.
However, Emilia still had to return to the Academy, so the group set sail back toward the town at half past ten. Illustrious Miss, the last person to dance with Shade, controlled the ship while everyone else continued enjoying the sea breeze on the deck.
"Shade, what did you call Stella just now?"
Claire suddenly asked. Sivie immediately laughed, while