Night had fallen over the Shinegori Dukedom.
The bright chaos of the Money Festival had softened into a calmer glow. Lanterns floated along the main streets like rows of small stars, their golden light reflecting against polished stone roads and the silk banners that still fluttered lazily in the cool evening breeze.
Far from the bustling festival center stood the temporary residence of Shinegori Akane.
The mansion was elegant but not overly ostentatious—true to Akane's personal taste. Pale marble walls reflected the lantern light softly, while white lilies decorated the courtyard pathways. The entire estate carried a quiet, dignified atmosphere.
Inside the entrance hall—
Rin had just finished preparing to leave.
His coat had been changed into a more formal evening attire, though still modest by noble standards. The deep navy fabric contrasted against the silver Sumeragi emblem stitched neatly on the chest.
He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve calmly.
Just as he finished—
The sound of soft footsteps approached.
Rin did not even need to turn around.
"…Lady Akane."
Behind him, Shinegori Akane leaned casually against the doorframe with her arms crossed.
Her long white hair cascaded over one shoulder like flowing silk, and her amethyst eyes glimmered faintly with curiosity.
She tilted her head slightly.
"Sir Rin."
Her tone carried a playful sweetness.
"I heard something interesting."
Rin sighed internally.
Of course she did.
In a mansion filled with servants and attendants, nothing remained secret for long.
Akane slowly walked toward him, her heels making soft clicks across the polished floor.
She stopped just in front of him.
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"I was told that you are going out tonight."
She paused.
"To meet the Azure Consort."
Her lips curved into a small, teasing smile.
"Care to explain your intentions?"
Rin looked at her with a blank expression.
Completely unbothered.
"I am simply having tea."
He spoke calmly.
"With Chinen Suzuki."
"She wishes to thank me for saving her."
"That is all."
Akane studied his face closely.
Her amethyst eyes scanned him like a merchant examining a rare jewel for flaws.
Rin didn't flinch.
Didn't avert his gaze.
Didn't show the slightest nervousness.
After several seconds—
Akane nodded slowly.
"Hm."
She seemed satisfied.
After all, Rin was not someone who made careless promises.
And more importantly—
He was her business partner.
Akane suddenly smirked.
"Well."
She lifted a hand and lightly tapped his chest with one finger.
"At least you are not planning to cheat on me with another consort."
Her tone was clearly teasing.
Her smile smug.
Rin stared at her blankly.
"…Lady Akane."
Akane burst into quiet laughter.
"I'm joking."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Relax."
But even while joking, there had been a hint of genuine curiosity in her earlier question.
In noble society, alliances were delicate things.
Rin was her partner in business ventures.
If he suddenly became too closely tied to another consort, it could create complications.
Still—
Akane knew Rin's character well enough.
He would keep his word.
She turned toward the doorway again.
"Alright."
She said lightly.
"Have fun, Sir Rin."
Then she added with a small smile—
"Do come back at a proper time."
"I should at least welcome you back."
Rin blinked.
"You don't need to do that, Lady Akane."
Akane simply crossed her arms again.
"Hmph."
"I'll be waiting."
Her expression looked oddly similar to a wife seeing her husband off to work.
Except—
Both of them clearly knew that was not their relationship.
For Akane, it was simply amusing to act this way.
A rare moment where she could drop her noble caution and tease someone she trusted.
Rin sighed quietly.
"…Good night, Lady Akane."
He turned and left.
Behind him, Akane watched his departing figure with a faint smile.
Then she muttered softly to herself—
"Just tea, huh…"
—
Outside the mansion gates, Rin's carriage was already prepared.
Harumi stood nearby with several Sumeragi attendants.
However—
When Rin stepped forward, Harumi shook her head gently.
"Young master."
"I will remain here tonight."
Rin paused.
He understood immediately.
If Harumi accompanied him into the Chinen residence, it could complicate matters.
So instead—
Several official Sumeragi attendants would accompany him for formality and security.
Even if Rin personally didn't need protection.
It would look strange for a duke's heir to visit another noble residence completely alone.
The carriage door closed.
The horses began moving.
And the journey through the lantern-lit streets began.
—
Time passed.
Eventually—
The carriage slowed to a stop.
Rin stepped out.
The moment his shoes touched the ground, he looked up.
"…That's excessive."
Before him stood an extremely luxurious inn.
A building that could easily rival a noble residence.
Polished dark wood pillars supported a grand entrance balcony, while rows of glowing lanterns illuminated elegant carvings along the roofline.
And judging by the number of guards—
The entire place had been reserved.
For the Chinen family.
The Chinen Dukedom was known for its immense wealth.
Even so—
Renting an entire luxury inn during a festival still required enormous resources.
Rin folded his arms slightly.
Well…
Technically I could do the same.
But the Sumeragi family operated differently.
Half of the empire's administrative departments were handled by them.
Which meant—
The Sumeragi family rarely had time to travel together outside their own territory.
Most family gatherings happened within the Sumeragi Dukedom itself.
And Rin personally rarely left his home territory for leisure.
So accommodations like this simply weren't necessary.
While Rin was observing the building—
The Chinen attendants had already noticed the Sumeragi emblem on his carriage.
Suddenly—
Dozens of attendants moved into position.
They lined up neatly along the entrance path.
When Rin stepped forward—
They all bowed simultaneously.
"Welcome, Sir Rin of the Sumeragi family."
The synchronized greeting echoed across the courtyard.
Even Rin's own attendants stiffened slightly at the display.
Their posture remained composed—
But their eyes revealed a hint of nervousness.
This level of ceremony was… intense.
Rin walked forward slowly.
His footsteps echoed faintly against the stone path.
Inside his mind—
Why is this so grand?
I'm just here for tea.
The long line of attendants created an aisle leading toward the entrance.
At the end of that aisle stood an elderly man in a perfectly pressed black suit.
His posture was straight despite his age.
Sharp eyes observed Rin carefully.
A butler.
And judging from his position—
The head butler.
As Rin approached, the man bowed deeply.
"Sir Sumeragi Rin."
"It is an honor to be blessed by your presence."
Rin immediately raised a hand.
"Please."
His tone remained calm but firm.
"Do not give me such praise."
"I have done nothing worthy of it."
The old butler chuckled warmly.
"On the contrary."
"Saving our Lady Chinen Suzuki is more than worthy of praise."
He straightened again.
"My name is Ito."
"I have served the Chinen family my entire life."
Rin nodded politely.
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
Ito gestured toward the entrance hall.
"I will personally escort you."
"To meet Young Master Kaito and Lady Chinen."
Rin paused mid-step.
"…Young Master Kaito?"
Inside his mind—
Wait.
That's the heir.
Chinen Kaito.
He was the next head of the Chinen family.
Rin frowned slightly.
"I thought Lady Suzuki invited me."
Ito nodded politely.
"That is correct."
"But after hearing the news…"
"Young Master Kaito expressed interest in meeting you as well."
"He mentioned having something he wished to discuss."
Rin sighed internally.
Of course.
If the heir of the Sumeragi Dukedom appeared within Chinen territory—
It was only natural for their heir to want a meeting.
Even if tonight's purpose was supposed to be tea.
"Well…"
Rin straightened his coat slightly.
"At least I won't be alone with Lady Suzuki."
That thought actually relieved him slightly.
Ito gestured toward the entrance.
"Please follow me, Sir Rin."
The grand doors opened quietly.
Warm light spilled from inside the luxurious inn.
And with a calm expression—
Rin stepped forward.
Ready to meet the heir of the Chinen family.
The room Rin was led into was quiet, warm, and carefully arranged for a private gathering.
Soft lantern light illuminated the tatami floor, casting gentle gold tones across the wooden walls and lacquered furniture. A low tea table rested in the center of the room, decorated with delicate porcelain cups and a steaming kettle that released faint curls of fragrant vapor.
The scent of tea leaves lingered in the air.
The moment Rin stepped inside—
A familiar figure immediately caught his eye.
Seated on a cushion near the table was Chinen Suzuki.
Her posture instantly straightened when she saw him.
Her eyes sparkled.
And then—
She began wiggling happily in place.
Her sleeves lifted slightly as she covered her mouth in excitement, though the movement of her shoulders made her delight extremely obvious.
It was a small, adorable motion—almost like a squirrel trying to contain its excitement.
The contrast between this and the cold, aloof Azure Consort known throughout the empire was… astonishing.
This girl really is the same character from the novel, right…?
Rin wondered silently.
Beside Suzuki sat another person.
A young man with composed posture and sharp features.
Chinen Kaito.
He was clearly older than Rin.
From Rin's own studies and records regarding noble families, Kaito was two years his senior.
Which meant—
Next year at the academy, Kaito would technically be Rin's senior.
Rin observed him carefully as he approached the table.
Kaito's posture was calm and disciplined. His dark hair was neatly tied behind his head, and his clothes were elegant but practical—clearly the attire of someone trained to lead a major ducal household.
His gaze was sharp.
Measured.
Even while sitting casually, the aura around him clearly marked him as an heir.
So this is the future Duke of Chinen.
Rin assessed calmly.
Handsome. Composed. Observant.
Definitely someone capable.
Which also meant—
He didn't come here for tea.
There's a reason he joined this meeting.
Before Rin could think further—
Suzuki suddenly spoke.
"Sir Rin!"
Her voice carried unmistakable joy.
She lifted one sleeve slightly and gestured enthusiastically toward the cushion across from them.
"Please sit down!"
Her movements were lively and completely unrestrained.
The privacy of the room had clearly removed the restraints she normally kept in public.
Rin hesitated for a moment.
Just slightly.
But before he could respond—
Kaito spoke calmly.
"My apologies."
His voice was smooth and composed.
"My sister tends to become… expressive when she is comfortable."
He glanced briefly toward Suzuki, who was still visibly excited.
"She suppresses her emotions greatly in public."
He turned back to Rin with a polite smile.
"So when she finds someone she trusts, she behaves like this."
Inside Rin's mind—
A scream echoed.
I DON'T WANT TO BE TRUSTED.
PLEASE TAKE IT BACK.
Unfortunately—
The damage had already been done.
Suzuki clearly trusted him quite a lot.
Which meant he had no choice but to accept the situation.
Rin politely sat down on the cushion.
"I am unworthy of such trust."
He spoke calmly.
Kaito suddenly laughed softly.
"Sir Rin."
"You are quite good at joking."
Rin blinked.
Kaito leaned forward slightly, resting one elbow casually on the table.
"Who would not trust the person who saved their life?"
His gaze briefly shifted toward Suzuki.
"My sister's life, no less."
"That kind of act naturally earns trust."
Rin remained silent.
His eyes drifted toward Suzuki.
She had already begun preparing the tea.
Her movements were careful but enthusiastic.
She poured hot water into the teapot and waited a moment before filling three cups.
Her expression was soft.
Happy.
She looked like someone enjoying a peaceful moment with friends rather than a powerful noble consort.
Kaito watched her quietly for a second before speaking again.
"I truly am grateful."
He looked back at Rin.
"For saving my little sister."
His tone was sincere.
But then his voice lowered slightly.
"That said… I would appreciate it if you kept this side of her a secret."
He nodded toward Suzuki.
"In public, the Azure Consort must maintain her image."
Rin nodded calmly.
"You need not worry."
"I have no interest in defaming Lady Suzuki."
Inside his mind though—
I'm more worried about the novel plot collapsing.
Because if Suzuki stopped acting as one of the antagonistic noblewomen toward the protagonist—
The story could derail completely.
Still—
Kaito seemed satisfied with Rin's answer.
"That is good."
Suzuki finished pouring the tea.
She carefully slid one cup toward Rin and another toward her brother.
Then she picked up her own cup.
All three took their first sip.
The tea was smooth and fragrant.
The flavor was gentle but rich.
Rin raised his eyebrows slightly.
This is actually excellent.
Suzuki immediately leaned forward slightly.
Her eyes shined with anticipation.
"Sir Rin… do you like the tea?"
Rin nodded.
"It is good."
"The flavor is very balanced."
"It's quite relaxing."
Suzuki's shoulders immediately began wiggling again.
Her happiness was impossible to hide.
"Hehe…"
Meanwhile—
Kaito sighed.
"Suzuki."
His tone carried mild reprimand.
"Your manners."
Suzuki puffed her cheeks.
"Muuuu…"
She pouted visibly.
Kaito rubbed his temple.
"I know you trust Sir Rin."
"But try not to behave like such an emotional child."
Suzuki crossed her arms and pouted even harder.
"Muuuuuu…"
She glanced toward Rin.
"Sir Rin doesn't mind."
Rin quietly lifted his tea cup and took another sip.
His expression remained calm.
But inside—
Why am I here…
The warm glow of the lanterns flickered gently across the tea room as the conversation slowly shifted.
Chinen Kaito placed his tea cup down with a soft clink against the porcelain saucer.
The sound was quiet, but it subtly signaled that he was about to speak more seriously.
Rin noticed it immediately.
Ah.
Here it comes.
Kaito leaned slightly forward, resting one arm casually on the low table.
"Since you will be attending the academy next year, Sir Rin…"
He glanced briefly toward his sister.
"And Suzuki as well."
His tone remained relaxed, but there was a clear intention behind his words.
"This seems like a good opportunity to discuss the Imperial Academy."
Across the table, Rin calmly lifted his cup and took another sip of tea.
The steam curled lightly around his face as he listened.
Externally he looked completely relaxed.
Internally—
Finally.
Something productive.
Kaito began explaining in an easy, conversational tone.
"The Imperial Academy operates on a three-year structure."
"Each year has three sections."
He casually gestured with his fingers as he spoke.
"Lessons in the academy are divided into several major categories."
"Academic studies, political theory, economics, magic theory, and practical training."
Rin nodded slightly as he listened.
Kaito continued.
"There are also practical exercises."
"Magic combat drills, strategic exercises, negotiation simulations…"
He shrugged faintly.
"And of course exams."
Rin silently acknowledged the information.
But while Kaito was speaking—
Another presence at the table was behaving very differently.
Chinen Suzuki was still visibly excited.
She sat upright on her cushion.
Her shoulders gently wiggling every now and then.
Her eyes kept drifting toward Rin.
Then—
She quietly pushed a small plate of sweets toward him.
Tiny honey pastries arranged neatly.
Her eyes met his.
And they said very clearly—
Please eat them.
Rin froze internally.
Why are you feeding me again…
But outwardly he maintained perfect composure.
He picked up one pastry.
Took a small bite.
Then smiled politely.
"It is delicious."
Suzuki's shoulders wiggled even more happily.
Meanwhile Kaito continued speaking, completely used to this behavior.
"The academy primarily consists of nobles."
"However…"
He raised one finger.
"Some commoners are accepted each year."
"Those with exceptional talent."
"Magic aptitude, intellectual ability, special skills."
Rin nodded slowly.
This matched what he already knew from the novel.
Kaito's tone grew slightly more serious.
"I wanted to share this information because you are an heir."
He looked directly at Rin.
"And one who will certainly become influential within the academy."
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"From one heir to another…"
"We must always be aware of our position."
Rin inclined his head politely.
"Thank you for the guidance."
The two heirs exchanged a brief look.
No hostility.
No competition.
Just quiet understanding.
This conversation was not a test.
It was simply a senior giving advice to a junior.
Kaito nodded once.
Satisfied.
Then he continued.
"There are also… factions within the academy."
Rin listened attentively.
"Students naturally gravitate toward groups that match their beliefs."
He raised four fingers.
"Currently there are four major groups."
Rin leaned slightly forward.
Kaito began with the first.
"The High Nobles."
"These are mostly influential noble heirs."
"Families with strong political power."
"They understand the necessity of having commoners within the academy."
"They often act as mediators when conflicts arise."
His lips curved slightly.
"The core of this group is the Student Council."
"And the current student leader…"
He paused briefly.
"…is Hoshimi Aya."
Rin felt a small twitch in his eyebrow.
Ah.
That princess.
Kaito continued.
"She is known for her kindness."
"And for maintaining neutrality between nobles and commoners."
"A very capable princess."
Rin simply nodded calmly.
Kaito raised a second finger.
"The second group…"
His expression became slightly amused.
"I personally call them the AG-Nobles."
Rin tilted his head slightly.
"AG?"
"Arrogant."
Kaito replied dryly.
"These are nobles who dislike the presence of commoners in the academy."
"They insist on traditional hierarchy."
"They believe noble blood makes them superior."
He shrugged.
"They tend to cause trouble."
Then he looked directly at Rin.
"I hope you do not become someone like that."
But then he smiled faintly.
"Though knowing the reputation of the Sumeragi family…"
"You should be fine."
"Sumeragi territory is known for treating commoners fairly."
Rin gave a small polite nod.
Kaito raised a third finger.
"The third group is simply the Commoners."
"Students admitted for their talent."
"The Imperial Family maintains strict rules protecting them."
"There is a decree against nobles abusing their position."
Rin already knew what came next.
Kaito sighed slightly.
"Of course…"
"Rules can always be… interpreted."
"Some nobles find clever ways to cause trouble while remaining technically within the law."
Finally—
Kaito raised his fourth finger.
"The Rebels."
His tone turned slightly tired.
"These are problematic commoners."
"They act aggressively in defense of other commoners."
"They frequently clash with the AG-Nobles."
"And sometimes they even challenge the High Nobles."
He rubbed his temple.
"To them…"
"A noble is simply a noble."
Rin quietly absorbed the information.
This matched the novel almost perfectly.
Kaito leaned back slightly.
"So."
He looked between Rin and Suzuki.
"I suggest both of you position yourselves wisely."
His gaze landed on his sister.
"Suzuki."
"Do not cause unnecessary trouble."
Suzuki nodded obediently.
"Okay, Brother Kaito."
Then—
Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
She suddenly leaned forward and waved her sleeve toward him.
"If you are done talking to Sir Rin…"
She made a shooing motion.
"It is my turn now."
Kaito blinked.
Then he chuckled softly.
"You impatient child."
He stood up slowly.
Straightening his robe.
"Very well."
He glanced once more at Rin.
"It was a pleasure speaking with you."
Rin nodded politely.
"The pleasure was mine."
Kaito then walked toward the door.
As he left the room—
Suzuki watched carefully.
Waiting.
The door slid shut.
Silence filled the tea room.
Suzuki held her breath dramatically.
Three seconds passed.
Then—
She threw her arms slightly into the air.
"Finaaaally!"
Her shoulders wiggled energetically.
Rin calmly sipped his tea.
Steam rose gently from the cup.
His expression remained perfectly composed.
But inside his mind—
She really is a completely different person.
The tea room had grown quieter after the departure of Chinen Kaito.
The faint sound of the sliding door closing behind him lingered for a moment, followed by silence broken only by the soft crackle of the lantern flame and the occasional clink of porcelain.
For the first time since Rin arrived—
He was alone with Chinen Suzuki.
And Suzuki looked extremely pleased about it.
The moment the door shut, she leaned forward slightly on her cushion, her hands resting on her knees.
Then she rocked forward.
Then backward.
Then forward again.
Her sleeves swayed with the motion like small white clouds.
She looked like someone trying to decide which exciting story to tell first.
Rin quietly sipped his tea while watching the scene.
This girl…
She really does act like a completely different person in private.
Suzuki clasped her hands together suddenly.
"Oh!"
She straightened, as if finally remembering something important.
"Sir Rin!"
Her eyes sparkled brightly.
"I have not properly thanked you yet."
She bowed her head slightly, her long sleeves sliding forward over her hands.
"Thank you for saving me from those kidnappers."
Her voice was soft but sincere.
"I truly owe you my life."
Rin placed his cup down gently.
"You do not owe me anything, Lady Suzuki."
"I simply acted because the situation required it."
Suzuki shook her head firmly.
"No."
Her expression became determined.
"I still want to repay you properly."
She reached into the wide sleeve of her robe.
For a moment, Rin thought she might be pulling out a letter or perhaps some decorative charm.
Instead—
She carefully placed a small object on the table.
A polished emblem.
Azure blue metal shaped into an elegant crest.
The moment Rin saw it—
He choked on his tea.
"Cough—!"
He quickly covered his mouth.
"Is that…?"
Suzuki smiled brightly.
"Yes."
She pushed the emblem slightly toward him.
"It is my official emblem."
"The emblem of the Azure Consort."
Rin stared at it.
His mind instantly began racing.
Within noble society, these emblems were not simple decorations.
They were symbols of favor.
Influence.
Connection.
If someone carried the emblem of a royal consort—
It meant they were personally favored by that consort.
It meant they carried a portion of that consort's influence.
And more importantly—
It meant that person was publicly recognized as someone close to them.
Suzuki explained happily.
"If someone sees you carrying this…"
"They will know that you are someone I trust."
She tilted her head slightly.
"You could say…"
Her smile softened.
"That you are my friendly companion."
Rin stared at the emblem again.
Even I haven't received one from…
Shinegori Akane.
Though he knew his relationship with Akane was different.
They were business partners.
Confidants.
He was even the only person who knew about her becoming a consort before the official announcement.
But still—
She had never given him something this symbolic.
Which meant—
What Suzuki was offering right now carried significant meaning.
Rin slowly lifted his gaze.
"Lady Suzuki…"
He spoke carefully.
"Do you really need to give me such a precious symbol?"
"I did save your life."
"But this level of favor…"
He pushed the emblem gently back toward her.
"…is too much."
Suzuki froze.
Her cheeks puffed slightly.
Then—
"Muuuu…"
She pouted.
Her lips curved downward in a small but dramatic frown.
"You are so distant, Sir Rin."
She leaned slightly closer to him.
"Won't you consider it a token of our friendship?"
Her eyes widened slightly as she looked at him.
The expression was undeniably cute.
The type of face that would make most men instantly surrender.
Rin resisted.
"I still believe I do not deserve such a thing."
Suzuki puffed her cheeks more.
"Muuuuuu."
Rin tried again.
"It would be improper for me to accept—"
"Muuuuuuuuuu."
Her pout intensified.
Her shoulders slumped dramatically as if deeply wounded.
Rin tried once more.
"Lady Suzuki, please underst—"
"Muuuuuuuuuuuuuu."
The pout reached maximum level.
This went on for several minutes.
Every time Rin refused—
Suzuki's pout grew stronger.
Her cheeks puffed further.
Her eyes became more disappointed.
Eventually Rin sighed.
"…Very well."
He picked up the emblem.
Suzuki's eyes instantly lit up.
"You accept it?!"
"Yes."
Rin nodded.
"I will accept it."
Suzuki suddenly began wiggling happily again.
Her sleeves bounced slightly as she clapped her hands together.
"Hehe!"
"That means we are friends now!"
Rin nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Friends.
Good.
Friends is safe.
Suzuki leaned forward excitedly.
"Of course, I cannot speak like this to you in public."
Her voice lowered conspiratorially.
"But in private…"
She pointed at him playfully.
"You should talk freely with me."
Rin gave a small smile.
"I will try."
Suzuki nodded approvingly.
Then suddenly—
Her expression became curious.
"Ah!"
She leaned closer.
"There is something I wanted to ask."
Rin blinked.
"Yes?"
Suzuki lifted her hand.
Her fingers extended.
Then—
She made a small gesture.
Her hand formed a shape like a tiny pistol.
Then she pointed it toward an imaginary target.
"Bang."
Rin froze.
Suzuki looked delighted.
"That spell you used!"
Her eyes sparkled.
"When you saved me!"
She mimicked the gesture again.
"Like this!"
"Bang! Bang!"
Rin slowly covered his face with both hands.
"…Please stop."
Suzuki tilted her head.
"Why?"
Rin sighed deeply behind his hands.
Why did she remember that part…
Suzuki continued excitedly.
"It looked very cool!"
"When you pointed your fingers like that—"
She aimed her finger gun again.
"Bang!"
"Then the spell flew out!"
She giggled.
"And the kidnapper flew backward!"
Rin's shoulders slumped.
"Yes…"
"That was the idea."
Suzuki leaned closer.
"Can you teach me gesture casting?"
Her eyes shined with curiosity.
"I want to learn that method."
Rin slowly lowered his hands from his face.
He looked at her.
Suzuki waited eagerly.
At this point—
There was no denying it.
The aloof Azure Consort.
The feared noblewoman of the novel.
Had become—
His friend.
Rin sighed quietly.
"…I suppose I can explain the basics."
Suzuki gasped happily.
"Really?!"
"Yes."
Rin nodded.
"But first—"
He looked at her finger gun again.
"…please stop saying 'bang.'"
Suzuki giggled.
"…Bang."
Rin buried his face in his hands again.