Chat-Error/slightly-more-clean-ln · Datasets at Hugging Face

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A shocked murmur rolled through the crowd. Rishe, who hadnt recovered from seeing Arnolds beautiful face at close range, barely noticed the looks of utter loathing the assembled women were throwing her.
H-His Highness is smiling? At his hostage bride?
He called her his wife?! Hes never even looked at us!
They were whispers, but they carried.
A portly man stepped forward with his daughter in tow. Your Highness, do you mean to say that this lovely young woman is your fiance?
Every eye in the ballroom was on Rishe, alight with curiosity, envy, or schemes. None of them could hide their contempt. But Rishe didnt falter.
This is nothing compared to being publicly dumped in a banquet hall. And Ive done that seven times!
She offered a polite smile and an astoundingly correct curtsy. Left leg at a diagonal behind the right, back straight, head bowed. How do you do? My name is Rishe Irmgard Weitzner.
Even the most hostile guests could find nothing impolite in her greeting, no sign of rough manners from the rustic daughter of a backwater nation. Rishe had years of training in expectation of ascending to the throne. Occasionally, habits from her other lives slipped through, but Arnold appeared to be the only one who noticed.
Now he was looking at her with satisfaction. Lady Rishe has only just arrived, and her acquaintances are few and far between. I hope I can count on you all to hold me accountable should I prove an incompetent husband.
B-but of course, Your Highness.
Come, Rishe. Arnold guided her out of the ring of spectators. The stares continued to follow them as they walked away.
Rishe dropped her voice to a whisper. You sure know how to invite the ire of women.
Whatever do you mean?
The way you harped on about me. Everything you said was tailor-made to stoke their jealousy. Youve gained me enemies, so thanks for that.
Arnold snorted. Everything I said was to protect you from enemies. They need to know you arent just some trophy they can eliminate without recourse. We need to show them this to forestall any potential moves against you in the future.
Show them what, exactly?
That Ill protect you no matter what.
He said it with such nonchalance that it brought her up short. Protect me? Arnold Hein, protect me?
Such an ironic position to take. She couldnt tell him that, of course. Her response came out somewhat strangled. I doubt theyll be anything to worry about. In fact, the biggest threat facing me is you.
Oh? And why do you say that?
For many reasons, the most obvious being that Im no match for you with a blade. As much as it pained her to admit it.
Arnold looked pleased. Perhaps we should duel.
Yes, please! And if it wouldnt be an intrusionI would like to train with you. If she studied him, she could learn his strategies and his attack patterns. Shed never be a match in speed or raw power, but any insight would be invaluable.
Sure. Arnold shrugged. I dont mind.
Truly? Her eyes glittered with anticipation.
He chuckled. Your answers never disappoint me.
Whats that supposed to mean? Oh, it looks like theyre playing a new song.
A soft melody drifted across the hall. The crowd divided, heading toward the center of the floor or against the wall. The next dance was starting, and everyone was waiting to see what the crown prince and his new fiance would do.
We dont have to dance if you dont want to, Arnold said.
Oh? As it happens, I like dancing. Plus, she couldnt resist a blatant challenge. She offered him her hand.
Very well, then. Arnold only hesitated for a moment before taking it and steering her gently to an empty spot on the floor. He didnt seem like the dancing type, but his movements were slick and effortless. Facing one another, they joined hands. Arnold wrapped his other arm around her waist.
Ooh. His hand felt huge against her back. She realized she was breathing a little faster. Theyd never been this close before.
No, that isnt quite true. This is the second time. Rishes final memories from her last life flashed vividly through her mind.
This was indeed the second time they had been this closethe first had ended with a sword through her chest.
Emperor Arnold Hein had single-handedly decimated the knights in the castle. Rishe stood in the midst of the carnage, breath ragged as she gripped the hilt of her sword, slick with her own blood. She was the last line of defense. The chamber behind her housed the royal family.
If they could reach the hidden passageways, the young prince and his party could find shelter with their allies across the border. Rishe and the other knights were prepared to sacrifice their lives to allow the royal family to survive. Their escape meant victory.
Bells tolled out, urging flight. All is lost. Run. Rishe managed to graze Arnolds cheek with her blade before she looked down to find his jet-black sword blooming out of her chest.
She remembered how it burned, as if the blade was made of fire. It was heat, not pain, but her breathing grew labored, and when Emperor Arnold Hein withdrew his sword, Rishe crumpled.
He knelt by her side and whispered something.
The words were seared into her memory. Rishe squeezed Arnolds hand as they danced.
Ill be the bully this time.
Rishe shifted her weight back, slipping out of the hold on her waist. She broke Arnolds lead and spun, drifting on the harmony of the dance. She took him by surprise; his eyes went wide.
I wonder what youll do when youre no longer on top, Your Highness. Her smile was a declaration of war. Watching him attempt to follow her lead would be delightful. She pulled his hand toward her, attempting to move them into a spin.
But Arnold held fast. He planted his hand on her waist and turned them in a different direction, using her inertia against her. Hey! As a result, Rishe twirled by herself on the spot.
She didnt miss a step. She turned elegantly, the hem of her dress whispering across the ballroom floor. She heard appreciative murmurs from the wallflowers lined up watching.
Despite that, Rishe took it as a defeat. Round one to Arnold.
Soyou can think on your feet. How about this?
Arnold remained unruffled, evading her next scheme like it was nothing. He grinned down at her, his eyes shining with a dare.
He thinks I cant beat him. His ease vexed her, but it was his smugness that made her angry.
She let out a hard breath, attempting a maneuver to lure him in while turning. He leaned back, not falling for it at all.
Hes just too good at changing his center of gravity! She kept her astonishment under wraps, but she felt it. Despite how close were dancing, I cant throw off his timing at all. Hes sidestepped all my attempts, and he takes back the lead the second I let down my guard!
It made her increasingly angry. She twirled and stepped as the dance dictated, all the while feeling out for moments of weakness. Arnold played along with her game, completely unruffled.
Every single time. Im doing my utmost to trip him up, but he doesnt even seem annoyed! At this point shed just settle for any reaction at all.
Their unusual dance style had gathered a crowd. Rishe paid them no mind, focused only on her goal. Then something occurred to her, and her breath caught in her throat.
Wait a minute, he has left an opening. Its the same one from before. She thought back to their fight to the death, to that moment when she had managed to draw blood. That may indeed have been his only weakness.
If I strike the same wayhuh? Before she could try, Arnold appeared to lose patience, wrapping his arm around her waist. He bent her back into a dip so deep it felt like hed pulled a carpet from under her feet. She yelped, grabbing at him reflexively, clinging tight. His big hands gripped her securely enough to mitigate the sensation of falling. Relief flooded through her, and she felt a laugh rumble against her ear.
The music came to an end with one last ringing note. She blinked. The dance is over?
A hush fell over the ballroom. Then cheers broke out, followed by a round of applause.
That was incredible!
The watching nobles crowded in.
You two moved in such perfect harmony!
I was on the edge of my seat. I felt like I was watching a sword duel!
Is this a dance from Hermity? Ive never seen such steps before.
Uh, well Rishe floundered. She glanced up at Arnold, who appeared to be enjoying her struggle. Shed get no help from him.
Rishe dealt with the barrage of questions as best she could, letting the crowd sweep them into the dining room, which was set up for a buffet-style meal. She made sure to greet every guest, riveting their faces into her memory.
She must have been acting peculiar, because Arnold eventually said, Rishe, I think the wine is getting to you. Shall we get some fresh air?
Rishe hadnt touched a single drop. In fact, shed been caught up in so many conversations that she hadnt even had the chance to eat, but she had experience working on an empty stomach. She accepted Arnolds encouragement as the escape it was.
Just when I least expect it, hell act the gentleman. Maybe hed remembered her demand for a carefree life of doing nothing.
Rishe cast a charming look across the crowd. Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. Forgive me. She gave a polite bow before quietly slipping away.
She didnt head straight to the balcony but rather slowly walked around the hall. There was only so much she could find out glued to Arnolds side all night.
I need information. Galkheins political landscape was a mystery to me through all my past lives. I only know the rumors that made it abroad.
Although she knew of Arnolds eventual patricide, she had no concept of the circumstances leading up to it. She needed a better picture of the factions and power balance inside the court. The lives these people led.
I know better than to believe wartime gossip. This Arnold Hein is a lot different from what Id heard he was like at nineteen. Hes not as diabolical as the rumors led me to believe. He likes to push, but he isnt unkind. The thought drifted across her mind, leaving her conflicted. Well, hes not unkind now. But I still dont like not knowing his motives. And hes a bit of a jerk, to be honest.
She tried to settle her mind and just observe. Gathering intelligence was necessary to lead a long, carefree life lazing around the palace.
If I recall correctly, thats Lord Hannawald. He seems to be on good terms with Count Gayle. Duke Hudemann and Duke Teinitz are having a friendly enough conversation, yet they dont seem close. Rishe ticked off the names of people shed met, committing them to memory.
A wave of sweet perfume wafted over her. A pretty girl with soft blonde hair had appeared at her side. How do you do, Lady Rishe? Im Cornelia Thea Toona.
Duke Toonas family was the thirty-first house shed met tonight.
Rishe smiled graciously. Rishe Irmgard Weitzner. A pleasure to meet you.
The pleasure is all mine. Cornelia smiled sweetly. Her eyes were big and bright, her lips full. She held a glass in each hand and offered one to Rishe. Wine? I see youre empty-handed.
A gaggle of other ladies nearby began giggling among themselves.
How dare she act so haughty when shes a captive. Its time for her learn just what she is. A pawn to be played and discarded.
She should enjoy her time on Prince Arnolds arm while she can.
She is from a minor nation, after all.
As Rishe took note of their whispers, Cornelia gazed at her with doe eyes. Does my offering offend you in some way?
If I remember correctly, House Toona holds a vast territory in southern Galkhein.
Rishe held out a hand to accept the glass. How could it? Thank you, Lady Cornelia.
Before Rishe could touch the glass, Cornelia gave a dramatic shout. Oh dear! My hand slipped! She dropped it, quite obviously on purpose. Without thinking, Rishe grabbed her skirts and leaned back, plucking the glass out of the air with the other hand.
Cornelia let out a cry of surprise as Rishe caught the wine before any could spill. She swirled the glass and brought it to her nose to breathe in the bouquet.
Hmm Thats mashed capsicum. Where did she even get that? What a waste of perfectly good wine. And why bother spicing it enough to singe the tongue if she just planned to ruin my dress? Pick a plan, my dear.
Hiding her exasperation, Rishe smiled brightly. Ive never had a wine quite like this. What an unusual scent.
Cornelia bit her lip in frustration. Rishe beamed at her. Youve got such a pretty face, Lady Toona. Why dont you smile?
Rishe leaned in close to Cornelia. This vintage isnt available where Im from. Im ever so anxious to learn more. Should I perhaps invite Prince Arnold over to enjoy a glass? Which tray did you get this from?
What? Oh, um Rishe had a policy of never backing down from a fight, but it seemed Cornelia didnt share it. S-sorry, but I dont remember. Such a large hall, you see.
A shame. Ill just give His Highness this one, then. Ill be sure to let him know who its from.
Uh, wait! Cornelia rapidly shook her head. I-I got that glass for you, so I think you shouldyou know what? Never mind! Maybe I should just take thatoh no!
Rishe ignored the ashen-faced Cornelia, raising the glass and swallowing down a gulp.
I-I cant believe
Such a spicy flavor, just as I imagined. Rishe smiled again to the assembled groups astonishment. What a warm welcome. I do hope the two of us can spend more time together. Perhapsa tea party?
Th-the two of us? Cornelia stammered.

A shocked murmur rolled through the crowd. Rishe, who hadnt recovered from seeing Arnolds beautiful face at close range, barely noticed the looks of utter loathing the assembled women were throwing her.

H-His Highness is smiling? At his hostage bride?

He called her his wife?! Hes never even looked at us!

They were whispers, but they carried.

A portly man stepped forward with his daughter in tow. Your Highness, do you mean to say that this lovely young woman is your fiance?

Every eye in the ballroom was on Rishe, alight with curiosity, envy, or schemes. None of them could hide their contempt. But Rishe didnt falter.

This is nothing compared to being publicly dumped in a banquet hall. And Ive done that seven times!

She offered a polite smile and an astoundingly correct curtsy. Left leg at a diagonal behind the right, back straight, head bowed. How do you do? My name is Rishe Irmgard Weitzner.

Even the most hostile guests could find nothing impolite in her greeting, no sign of rough manners from the rustic daughter of a backwater nation. Rishe had years of training in expectation of ascending to the throne. Occasionally, habits from her other lives slipped through, but Arnold appeared to be the only one who noticed.

Now he was looking at her with satisfaction. Lady Rishe has only just arrived, and her acquaintances are few and far between. I hope I can count on you all to hold me accountable should I prove an incompetent husband.

B-but of course, Your Highness.

Come, Rishe. Arnold guided her out of the ring of spectators. The stares continued to follow them as they walked away.

Rishe dropped her voice to a whisper. You sure know how to invite the ire of women.

Whatever do you mean?

The way you harped on about me. Everything you said was tailor-made to stoke their jealousy. Youve gained me enemies, so thanks for that.

Arnold snorted. Everything I said was to protect you from enemies. They need to know you arent just some trophy they can eliminate without recourse. We need to show them this to forestall any potential moves against you in the future.

Show them what, exactly?

That Ill protect you no matter what.

He said it with such nonchalance that it brought her up short. Protect me? Arnold Hein, protect me?

Such an ironic position to take. She couldnt tell him that, of course. Her response came out somewhat strangled. I doubt theyll be anything to worry about. In fact, the biggest threat facing me is you.

Oh? And why do you say that?

For many reasons, the most obvious being that Im no match for you with a blade. As much as it pained her to admit it.

Arnold looked pleased. Perhaps we should duel.

Yes, please! And if it wouldnt be an intrusionI would like to train with you. If she studied him, she could learn his strategies and his attack patterns. Shed never be a match in speed or raw power, but any insight would be invaluable.

Sure. Arnold shrugged. I dont mind.

Truly? Her eyes glittered with anticipation.

He chuckled. Your answers never disappoint me.

Whats that supposed to mean? Oh, it looks like theyre playing a new song.

A soft melody drifted across the hall. The crowd divided, heading toward the center of the floor or against the wall. The next dance was starting, and everyone was waiting to see what the crown prince and his new fiance would do.

We dont have to dance if you dont want to, Arnold said.

Oh? As it happens, I like dancing. Plus, she couldnt resist a blatant challenge. She offered him her hand.

Very well, then. Arnold only hesitated for a moment before taking it and steering her gently to an empty spot on the floor. He didnt seem like the dancing type, but his movements were slick and effortless. Facing one another, they joined hands. Arnold wrapped his other arm around her waist.

Ooh. His hand felt huge against her back. She realized she was breathing a little faster. Theyd never been this close before.

No, that isnt quite true. This is the second time. Rishes final memories from her last life flashed vividly through her mind.

This was indeed the second time they had been this closethe first had ended with a sword through her chest.

Emperor Arnold Hein had single-handedly decimated the knights in the castle. Rishe stood in the midst of the carnage, breath ragged as she gripped the hilt of her sword, slick with her own blood. She was the last line of defense. The chamber behind her housed the royal family.

If they could reach the hidden passageways, the young prince and his party could find shelter with their allies across the border. Rishe and the other knights were prepared to sacrifice their lives to allow the royal family to survive. Their escape meant victory.

Bells tolled out, urging flight. All is lost. Run. Rishe managed to graze Arnolds cheek with her blade before she looked down to find his jet-black sword blooming out of her chest.

She remembered how it burned, as if the blade was made of fire. It was heat, not pain, but her breathing grew labored, and when Emperor Arnold Hein withdrew his sword, Rishe crumpled.

He knelt by her side and whispered something.

The words were seared into her memory. Rishe squeezed Arnolds hand as they danced.

Ill be the bully this time.

Rishe shifted her weight back, slipping out of the hold on her waist. She broke Arnolds lead and spun, drifting on the harmony of the dance. She took him by surprise; his eyes went wide.

I wonder what youll do when youre no longer on top, Your Highness. Her smile was a declaration of war. Watching him attempt to follow her lead would be delightful. She pulled his hand toward her, attempting to move them into a spin.

But Arnold held fast. He planted his hand on her waist and turned them in a different direction, using her inertia against her. Hey! As a result, Rishe twirled by herself on the spot.

She didnt miss a step. She turned elegantly, the hem of her dress whispering across the ballroom floor. She heard appreciative murmurs from the wallflowers lined up watching.

Despite that, Rishe took it as a defeat. Round one to Arnold.

Soyou can think on your feet. How about this?

Arnold remained unruffled, evading her next scheme like it was nothing. He grinned down at her, his eyes shining with a dare.

He thinks I cant beat him. His ease vexed her, but it was his smugness that made her angry.

She let out a hard breath, attempting a maneuver to lure him in while turning. He leaned back, not falling for it at all.

Hes just too good at changing his center of gravity! She kept her astonishment under wraps, but she felt it. Despite how close were dancing, I cant throw off his timing at all. Hes sidestepped all my attempts, and he takes back the lead the second I let down my guard!

It made her increasingly angry. She twirled and stepped as the dance dictated, all the while feeling out for moments of weakness. Arnold played along with her game, completely unruffled.

Every single time. Im doing my utmost to trip him up, but he doesnt even seem annoyed! At this point shed just settle for any reaction at all.

Their unusual dance style had gathered a crowd. Rishe paid them no mind, focused only on her goal. Then something occurred to her, and her breath caught in her throat.

Wait a minute, he has left an opening. Its the same one from before. She thought back to their fight to the death, to that moment when she had managed to draw blood. That may indeed have been his only weakness.

If I strike the same wayhuh? Before she could try, Arnold appeared to lose patience, wrapping his arm around her waist. He bent her back into a dip so deep it felt like hed pulled a carpet from under her feet. She yelped, grabbing at him reflexively, clinging tight. His big hands gripped her securely enough to mitigate the sensation of falling. Relief flooded through her, and she felt a laugh rumble against her ear.

The music came to an end with one last ringing note. She blinked. The dance is over?

A hush fell over the ballroom. Then cheers broke out, followed by a round of applause.

That was incredible!

The watching nobles crowded in.

You two moved in such perfect harmony!

I was on the edge of my seat. I felt like I was watching a sword duel!

Is this a dance from Hermity? Ive never seen such steps before.

Uh, well Rishe floundered. She glanced up at Arnold, who appeared to be enjoying her struggle. Shed get no help from him.

Rishe dealt with the barrage of questions as best she could, letting the crowd sweep them into the dining room, which was set up for a buffet-style meal. She made sure to greet every guest, riveting their faces into her memory.

She must have been acting peculiar, because Arnold eventually said, Rishe, I think the wine is getting to you. Shall we get some fresh air?

Rishe hadnt touched a single drop. In fact, shed been caught up in so many conversations that she hadnt even had the chance to eat, but she had experience working on an empty stomach. She accepted Arnolds encouragement as the escape it was.

Just when I least expect it, hell act the gentleman. Maybe hed remembered her demand for a carefree life of doing nothing.

Rishe cast a charming look across the crowd. Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. Forgive me. She gave a polite bow before quietly slipping away.

She didnt head straight to the balcony but rather slowly walked around the hall. There was only so much she could find out glued to Arnolds side all night.

I need information. Galkheins political landscape was a mystery to me through all my past lives. I only know the rumors that made it abroad.

Although she knew of Arnolds eventual patricide, she had no concept of the circumstances leading up to it. She needed a better picture of the factions and power balance inside the court. The lives these people led.

I know better than to believe wartime gossip. This Arnold Hein is a lot different from what Id heard he was like at nineteen. Hes not as diabolical as the rumors led me to believe. He likes to push, but he isnt unkind. The thought drifted across her mind, leaving her conflicted. Well, hes not unkind now. But I still dont like not knowing his motives. And hes a bit of a jerk, to be honest.

She tried to settle her mind and just observe. Gathering intelligence was necessary to lead a long, carefree life lazing around the palace.

If I recall correctly, thats Lord Hannawald. He seems to be on good terms with Count Gayle. Duke Hudemann and Duke Teinitz are having a friendly enough conversation, yet they dont seem close. Rishe ticked off the names of people shed met, committing them to memory.

A wave of sweet perfume wafted over her. A pretty girl with soft blonde hair had appeared at her side. How do you do, Lady Rishe? Im Cornelia Thea Toona.

Duke Toonas family was the thirty-first house shed met tonight.

Rishe smiled graciously. Rishe Irmgard Weitzner. A pleasure to meet you.

The pleasure is all mine. Cornelia smiled sweetly. Her eyes were big and bright, her lips full. She held a glass in each hand and offered one to Rishe. Wine? I see youre empty-handed.

A gaggle of other ladies nearby began giggling among themselves.

How dare she act so haughty when shes a captive. Its time for her learn just what she is. A pawn to be played and discarded.

She should enjoy her time on Prince Arnolds arm while she can.

She is from a minor nation, after all.

As Rishe took note of their whispers, Cornelia gazed at her with doe eyes. Does my offering offend you in some way?

If I remember correctly, House Toona holds a vast territory in southern Galkhein.

Rishe held out a hand to accept the glass. How could it? Thank you, Lady Cornelia.

Before Rishe could touch the glass, Cornelia gave a dramatic shout. Oh dear! My hand slipped! She dropped it, quite obviously on purpose. Without thinking, Rishe grabbed her skirts and leaned back, plucking the glass out of the air with the other hand.

Cornelia let out a cry of surprise as Rishe caught the wine before any could spill. She swirled the glass and brought it to her nose to breathe in the bouquet.

Hmm Thats mashed capsicum. Where did she even get that? What a waste of perfectly good wine. And why bother spicing it enough to singe the tongue if she just planned to ruin my dress? Pick a plan, my dear.

Hiding her exasperation, Rishe smiled brightly. Ive never had a wine quite like this. What an unusual scent.

Cornelia bit her lip in frustration. Rishe beamed at her. Youve got such a pretty face, Lady Toona. Why dont you smile?

Rishe leaned in close to Cornelia. This vintage isnt available where Im from. Im ever so anxious to learn more. Should I perhaps invite Prince Arnold over to enjoy a glass? Which tray did you get this from?

What? Oh, um Rishe had a policy of never backing down from a fight, but it seemed Cornelia didnt share it. S-sorry, but I dont remember. Such a large hall, you see.

A shame. Ill just give His Highness this one, then. Ill be sure to let him know who its from.

Uh, wait! Cornelia rapidly shook her head. I-I got that glass for you, so I think you shouldyou know what? Never mind! Maybe I should just take thatoh no!

Rishe ignored the ashen-faced Cornelia, raising the glass and swallowing down a gulp.

I-I cant believe

Such a spicy flavor, just as I imagined. Rishe smiled again to the assembled groups astonishment. What a warm welcome. I do hope the two of us can spend more time together. Perhapsa tea party?

Th-the two of us? Cornelia stammered.