"Ah, well," Gen laughed a little sheepishly, "I wouldn't say that. I hope you won't judge me too badly for teasing him into it, my friend. But it wasn't my intention to, I assure you!"

"Senku-chan was griping about the dance while enjoying dancing with me, saying at least at home we don't need to do formal balls. And I mentioned, in the future when we're larger and more established, we might - as formal countries and nations would be set up."

"He shot back that our friend Ryusui would be in charge by then - Senku-chan would prefer to stick with the science side of things. I'd still be the advisor, of course, and I would need to put in appearances to these balls. I joked that I'd be a hot commodity, with plenty of people wanting to dance with me, maybe even want to get a political marriage under their belt ..."

Gen finished with another sheepish laugh, "I was joking! I had no idea he'd see that as a challenge."