The Boatswain

To the sound of gentle music, Helibel danced gracefully. She was not performing the Ancient Elven Dance she had just learned, but a court dance. Its emphasis on expression and rhythm, combined with the court gown she wore that evening, made her the center of attention.

Beside his sister, Sifa immediately became her supporting partner. He did not mind. As they danced, he asked, "How are your friends?"

Helibel nodded. "They're all right, but Yelika and the others plan to move. Tiness is a little sad. She and Yelika had only just become good friends."

"It's all right. Tiness still has you."

His sister's face suddenly darkened. "Dad said he'll send me to Backlund to study after the New Year. He'll introduce me to a viscount there. He says I'll make more friends, and better ones, over there."

In an instant,

anger surged through Sifa.

Bison was using not only him as a political bargaining chip, but Helibel too!

Studying was probably secondary. What mattered was using his daughter to get his foot in some young nobleman's door.

"Belle."

Sifa spoke solemnly. "When I come back, I'll make sure you can live the life you want. Even Father won't be able to interfere. I promise."

Helibel trembled so badly she nearly missed a step. She turned to Sifa, hardly able to believe what she had heard.

She soon composed herself. With her usual huff and a wrinkle of her nose, she said, "Worry about yourself first, Sifa."

Sifa smiled and said nothing more, concentrating on his role as her dance partner.

When the music changed from gentle to lively, Sifa asked, "Want something to eat?"

His sister nodded. Sifa led her to the long table laden with food, took a serving of pan-fried dragonbone fish, arranged it with sliced fruit