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.'

quickly analyzed the movements of the couples that were

the time, the first lady walked over towards him,

daughter of the Minister of Martial Art," She smiled at him, performing a brief curtsy. "Would you care

hand reached

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 the young

Varnika," Rui smiled, accepting her hand as he ignored

with the woman. "You dance well for your first

but your unfamiliarity and discomfort are quite visible," 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 in

flatter me with those

grew disapproving. "You are far too

"Not at a-"

but I was 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

told him to know his place right to his face. It was actually refreshing, but it contradicted the rules of etiquette book that he memorized

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

to it? It was almost incomprehensible. He wasn't even sure how to dissect that, especially when he needed to maintain a perfunctory smile while also calculating his next movements for the dance since he had no muscle