The Martial Unity

She quickly moved on from them to the other guests, engaging them in conversations one by one. Rui was grateful that she didn't fixate on him too much, gracefully accepting his refusal and moving on.

She purposefully mentioned the fact that he had accepted being Prince Ruijan's tutor. It appeared that word had indeed spread, and it did impact how others looked at him. He heaved a sigh, relieved that he had gotten past this part without any issue.

Prince Ruijan had been correct to a certain extent, the other princes and princesses who weren't strictly associated with Martial Art in any way were not willing to go nearly as far as to change his mind and have him in their faction.

It was true that Prince Ruijan had tried much harder when he spoke to Rui.

"Now then…" He heaved a sigh. "I suppose I can just enjoy the rest of this reception without any trouble."

Yet he was wrong.

It wasn't long before an orchestra began playing music. Couples began dancing together center stage while asked each other out to dance.

Time slowed down in Rui's vision as he sensed the gaze of many ladies coming his direction. His mind flashed through his Mind Palace as he recalled a rule from the etiquette book that he had read.

It was considered highly rude for a man to refuse an offer to dance from a lady. 'Damn…' He cursed. 'I don't know how to dance.'

the movements of the couples that were dancing,

the time, the first lady walked over towards him, he had just

Minister of Martial Art," She smiled at him, performing a brief curtsy. "Would you care to join me

hand reached out to

her mid-twenties, a few years younger than him. Rui instantly understood that this particular offer was also a gesture of friendship from the Minister of Martial Art rather than purely personal interest from

her hand as he ignored the amused

managed to perfectly mimic the movements of the dance, carefully sashaying with the woman. "You dance

She commented as she pulled closer to him and their hips met. "It is an honor to make the acquaintance of the youngest Martial Senior

me with those

grew disapproving. "You are

"Not at a-"

not complimenting your modesty," She cut him off, much to his surprise. "For someone of your power, talent, stature, potential, and value…you are far too humble. People in this world should know their place, and it appears that you

it

status," She directly told him. "Yet you still act like you are an ordinary unremarkable Martial Artist. Your attitude reflects a lack of value for your power. Your humility is an insult to your power Anybody else in your position would have an ego that befits your current power and value because

in his entire life or lives. Not being egotistical about one's power was an insult to it? It was almost incomprehensible. He wasn't even sure how to dissect