The day of Princess Lyra's birthday finally arrived.
When Joon-Woo opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the silence.
Prince Leon was not there.
For a brief moment, confusion flickered through his thoughts—then realization followed.
Ah… right.
Today is Princess Lyra's birthday.
Leon must have been occupied since dawn, overseeing the endless preparations.
Joon-Woo padded quietly toward the window and peered outside.
The sight stole his breath.
The castle had completely transformed.
Crimson-and-gold banners bearing the royal phoenix emblem draped every tower and balcony, fluttering proudly in the morning breeze. Long silken ribbons stretched between marble pillars, while enchanted lanterns floated gracefully in the air, glowing softly even beneath the daylight.
The palace felt alive—awake in a way it hadn't been before.
At that moment—
[System Notification]
Side Mission Triggered
Objective: Protect Princess Lyra
Failure: Unknown
Reward: Fire Element + 200 System Points
Joon-Woo's ears twitched.
Fire element…?
So something will happen today.
The warmth lingering in his chest sharpened into alertness.
Before he could think further, a soft knock sounded at the door. A maid entered with a gentle smile.
"Good morning," she said. "It's time for your bath."
Afterward, breakfast was prepared especially for him—warm pastries fresh from the oven, honey-glazed fruit, and milk infused with light mana. Once he finished, Joon-Woo wandered through the castle, observing the preparations firsthand.
The corridors buzzed with life.
Servants polished marble floors until they gleamed like mirrors. Walls were adorned with purple and blue blossoms, their enchanted petals shimmering faintly with magic. Floral arches rose in every major hallway, while ribbons of light traced elegant patterns across the ceilings.
The air smelled clean, sweet, and full of anticipation.
Excitement pulsed through every corner of the palace.
Eventually, Joon-Woo reached the grand ballroom.
He stopped.
It was breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers towered overhead, scattering light like falling stars. The vast floor gleamed as if made of glass. Along the walls, long tables were being arranged—layered cakes, crystal bowls of candies, and trays of traditional royal desserts, each glowing softly with enchantment.
So this is where the celebration will be held…
Just then—
Prince Leon entered.
He was surrounded by officials and attendants, calmly discussing the final details of the evening's ceremony. The moment Leon noticed Joon-Woo—
His expression softened.
A gentle smile curved his lips.
The officials noticed.
And froze.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
The Crown Prince… smiling like that?
Joon-Woo walked toward him without hesitation.
Leon stopped mid-conversation. Without a word, he bent down and lifted Joon-Woo into his arms, holding him securely against his chest.
The room fell silent.
Officials, servants, and even the attendants standing beside the prince stared in shock, their expressions filled with disbelief.
Leon's expression remained calm—protective, almost fond.
"Good morning," he said softly, brushing a hand through Joon-Woo's fur. "Did you sleep well?"
Joon-Woo relaxed instinctively in his arms.
To an outsider, it looked like a simple gesture of affection.
But to those watching—
It was unthinkable.
The Crown Prince of the kingdom, holding a fox with such care?
Joon-Woo felt the weight of countless gazes pressing down on him.
Something about today felt different.
As evening approached, the castle changed once again.
Golden light poured through tall windows as the sun dipped toward the horizon, blending with hues of violet and amber. A faint chill crept into the air—September had arrived, carrying the first whisper of winter.
Outside the palace gates, carriages arrived one after another.
Nobles from every corner of the kingdom stepped onto the marble grounds, their presence heavy with power.
Duke Rowan Ashfeld of the Eastern Territories arrived first, broad shoulders draped in a deep navy coat embroidered with silver protective runes. His sharp eyes missed nothing.
Next came Marquis Elric Vane, the royal treasurer, his gold-threaded attire gleaming beneath lantern light. His smile was polite—his gaze calculating.
Countess Mirabel Frostwyn followed, cloaked in pale lavender fur. Mistress of northern trade, she moved with quiet confidence, whispers trailing in her wake.
Counts, barons, knights, and diplomats filled the ballroom, their voices blending into a low hum of ambition.
Soft music began to play.
Inside Prince Leon's chambers, preparations were underway.
Attendants moved with practiced precision as Leon stood calmly while his formal attire was adjusted—a black-and-gold royal ensemble bearing the kingdom's crest. His cloak shimmered faintly, enchanted threads catching the light with every movement.
Nearby, Joon-Woo sat quietly.
Maids gathered around him, hands gentle and careful.
A deep purple ribbon—rich as a gemstone—was tied around his neck, its ends resting against his white fur. Another maid combed through his fur until it gleamed like silk.
Joon-Woo remained still, ears twitching faintly.
When he glanced up—
Leon was already watching him.
Warmth filled the prince's gaze.
Affection.
Something unspoken.
When the attendants finally stepped back, Leon approached. Without speaking, he knelt and lifted Joon-Woo into his arms, holding him close.
"You look beautiful," Leon murmured.
Joon-Woo's heart fluttered.
As Leon carried him into the ballroom, every conversation stopped.
All eyes turned toward them.
The Crown Prince looked striking—commanding, composed, every inch a future king. And yet—
He held the fox as though he were the most precious thing in the room.
Joon-Woo felt the stares.
The whispers.
But more than that—
He felt something stirring deep within his chest.
A strange warmth.
An unfamiliar pull.
Watching Leon like this made his heart ache in a way he didn't understand.
Then—
The music softened.
The lights dimmed.
A hush swept through the ballroom.
At the far end, massive golden doors began to open—slowly, silently.
Leon straightened instinctively, Joon-Woo still secure in his arms.
The air itself seemed to pause.
Princess Lyra stepped inside.
Sixteen years old.
No longer a child.
Her gown flowed in royal purple fading into soft white, layered like blooming petals. The fabric shimmered with gentle, flame-like enchantment. At her waist rested a phoenix emblem of crystal and gold.
Her brown hair flowed freely, adorned with delicate snowflake-shaped jewels—a quiet omen of winter's approach.
She walked forward with grace.
With confidence.
Not a girl anymore—
But a young woman stepping into her future.
Soft magic activated above her, scattering glowing petals that drifted like falling stars.
For a heartbeat, no one breathed.
Then the hall erupted.
"Princess Lyra!"
"Happy Birthday!"
"Sixteen already…"
Thunderous applause filled the ballroom. Nobles bowed deeply—some with sincere admiration, others with careful calculation.
From Leon's arms, Joon-Woo watched her closely.
So this is the princess everyone must protect…
Lyra smiled brightly and waved to the crowd. Beneath that smile was a new awareness—a maturity she had never carried before.
King Aldric rose from his throne.
"My beloved daughter," his voice echoed through the hall, warm yet commanding.
"Today, you step into your sixteenth year. From this day forward, you stand not only as a princess—but as a future pillar of this kingdom."