Two weeks had passed since the Money Festival.
In that short time, the once-quiet routine of Rin Sumeragi had become surprisingly busy.
Only one month remained before the opening of the Imperial Academy.
The acceptance letters had already arrived.
Naturally, Rin had been accepted.
But more importantly—
Harumi had also received admission.
She would attend the academy as a commoner student sponsored by the Sumeragi family.
Officially, she was listed as a sponsored retainer.
Unofficially—
It meant she would serve as Rin's personal attendant within the academy.
Among the five great dukedoms, it was common practice.
Each noble heir was permitted to bring one servant or aide to assist them during their academy years.
Since Harumi had grown up alongside Rin and was the same age as him, the arrangement was natural.
But beyond convenience—
It was strategically perfect.
With Harumi by his side, Rin could monitor the unfolding events of the novel far more effectively.
At least that part is going according to plan…
However, the past week had been far from peaceful.
Ever since returning from the festival, Rin had gained several… complicated relationships.
One was with Shinegori Akane.
His business partner.
Their joint project—the portable barrier device—was progressing rapidly.
Because of that, Rin had spent several afternoons traveling to the Shinegori territory to inspect prototypes and discuss production plans.
It was exhausting work.
But profitable.
Very profitable.
The other relationship—
Was far more unpredictable.
Chinen Suzuki.
His new friend.
Ever since their tea meeting two weeks ago, Suzuki had developed a habit.
Whenever Rin wasn't traveling for business—
She would visit the Sumeragi mansion in the afternoon.
The reason?
Magic lessons.
Specifically—
Gesture casting.
The first time Suzuki had arrived at the Sumeragi estate, the servants nearly panicked.
A royal consort casually visiting their young master was not something anyone expected.
However, after the initial shock passed, the mood gradually shifted into quiet pride.
Their young master had made connections with one of the most influential figures in the empire.
It was a sign of prestige.
Of course—
Those servants had no idea what truly happened during those visits.
Inside Rin's personal study, the atmosphere was far less formal.
Over the past two weeks, Rin and Suzuki had grown comfortable with one another.
Very comfortable.
The elegant, distant Azure Consort known throughout noble society—
Was nowhere to be found inside the study.
Instead—
There was only a wiggly, expressive girl experimenting with magic gestures.
And currently—
That girl was whining.
"Rin…"
Suzuki leaned forward dramatically from her cushion.
"What do you think of this gesture when I cast Wave?"
She demonstrated enthusiastically.
Her right hand scooped forward in a dramatic motion as if pulling water from the air.
Rin watched silently.
Then he sighed.
"Didn't you already develop a gesture for your Fire Bomb spell?"
Suzuki froze.
"That snap-finger gesture took you two weeks to stabilize."
Rin rubbed his temple.
"And now you want to learn another one already?"
Suzuki puffed her cheeks.
"But this one feels cool!"
Rin shook his head.
"Lady Suzuki."
"You should focus on making the first gesture a natural part of your spell."
"If you rush into another one, you might mix up the triggers."
He crossed his arms.
"Then you'll end up casting Fire Bomb when you mean to use Wave."
Suzuki imagined the scenario.
Her eyes widened.
"That would be bad…"
"Yes."
Rin nodded.
"Very bad."
Over the past two weeks, their manner of speaking had gradually changed.
Suzuki had completely dropped the "Sir" from Rin's name.
Now she simply called him—
"Rin."
Meanwhile, Rin still addressed her as "Lady Suzuki."
But his tone had become far more casual.
At first, he had been cautious.
Watching her behavior carefully.
Trying to determine whether Suzuki's friendliness carried deeper meaning.
Harumi had warned him before.
Suzuki's affection level had been extremely high.
But after two weeks of observing her behavior—
Rin had reached a conclusion.
This was simply how Suzuki treated someone she trusted.
She had grown up in a strict noble environment where genuine friendships were rare.
Within the Chinen family, she had trust.
Outside it—
Almost none.
Rin was the first outsider she had opened up to.
So naturally, her behavior leaned toward being overly comfortable.
Overly expressive.
Sometimes even clingy.
But it was the same type of closeness Rin shared with Harumi.
Something that could easily be misunderstood from the outside—
Yet carried no romantic meaning.
At least…
That was Rin's current assessment.
"Muuuu…"
Suzuki pouted again.
She crossed her arms and leaned back dramatically.
"I still want another gesture."
Rin sighed.
"Lady Suzuki."
"Please don't pout."
"Give it time."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Master the first gesture for your Fire Bomb spell."
"Once it becomes instinctive, we can work on the next one."
He pointed at her hand.
"Gesture casting replaces incantations."
"If the gesture isn't stable, the spell becomes unstable."
Suzuki groaned.
"But you already use gestures for all your spells!"
"That's because I've practiced for years."
Rin explained patiently.
"My Limitless Space Magic technique is built around it."
He shrugged.
"It took a very long time."
Suzuki slumped onto the table.
"Muuuuuuuu…"
Then she looked up at him with pleading eyes.
"Riiiiiiin…"
"Teach me moreeeee…"
Rin leaned back in his chair.
"Be good, Lady Suzuki."
"Please don't make this difficult for me."
Honestly—
He had already stopped thinking of her as the aloof Azure Consort.
Outside the public eye, she was something entirely different.
When she trusted someone—
She became expressive.
Playful.
Whiny.
And when she was happy—
She wiggled.
A lot.
She's basically a small animal…
Just as Rin was about to continue explaining—
The study door opened.
Harumi stepped inside.
She carried a tray with fresh tea.
Suzuki instantly turned toward her.
"Harumi-chaaaaan!"
She pointed dramatically at Rin.
"Rin is being cruel!"
Harumi blinked.
Over the past two weeks, she had also become familiar with Suzuki.
Initially she had been cautious.
But after observing Suzuki's behavior around Rin, she realized something important.
Suzuki trusted Rin completely.
Which meant—
By extension—
Suzuki began trusting Harumi as well.
Especially after Rin introduced her properly.
"She's my personal maid."
"We grew up together."
"I trust her completely."
Once Suzuki heard that, she stopped acting formally around Harumi.
Now she treated her almost like another friend.
Harumi placed the tea tray down calmly.
"Lady Suzuki."
Her tone was respectful.
But blunt.
"Please don't trouble young master too much."
Suzuki gasped dramatically.
"Cruel!"
She clutched her chest.
"You too, Harumi-chan?!"
Both Rin and Harumi sighed at the same time.
Suzuki puffed her cheeks again.
"Muuuuuu…"
Harumi quietly placed the tea cups in front of the two nobles.
The aroma of fresh leaves slowly filled the study room.
Across the table, Chinen Suzuki was still pouting.
Her cheeks were puffed.
Her arms were crossed.
And she looked extremely determined to continue sulking.
Harumi calmly reached into the tray.
Without saying a word, she placed a small sweet pastry beside Suzuki's cup.
It had become a habit over the past two weeks.
Every time Suzuki visited the Sumeragi mansion, Harumi would prepare a small treat she had discovered Suzuki liked.
It was technically an apology snack.
Suzuki noticed it immediately.
Her eyes lit up.
But—
"Muuuu…"
She still pouted.
Still sulking.
But her hands had already reached for the pastry.
She picked it up with both hands.
Then took a small bite.
"Nom…"
Another bite.
"Nom nom…"
She chewed slowly.
Her cheeks puffing adorably as she ate.
Honestly—
She looked less like a feared political figure and more like a small animal nibbling food.
Rin watched the scene quietly.
Remind me again…
This is supposed to be the Azure Consort.
Future villainess of the novel.
Harumi crossed her arms gently.
"Lady Suzuki."
"Please stop sulking."
"Muuuu…"
"Nom nom…"
Suzuki continued eating.
Still sulking.
Rin sighed.
Then he stood up.
Normally, he would avoid unnecessary closeness.
Especially with someone whose affection level was already dangerously high according to Harumi's mysterious "like meter."
But after two weeks of observation—
Both Rin and Harumi had reached the same conclusion.
Suzuki was oblivious.
Completely oblivious.
If someone liked her romantically, they would have to tell her directly.
Otherwise she simply interpreted everything as friendship.
So Rin sat down beside her.
Suzuki didn't react at all.
She simply continued eating her snack.
"Muu…"
"Nom."
See?
No reaction.
Rin placed a notebook onto the table.
It was a thick collection of handwritten pages.
His personal magic journal.
Records from the time he had first experimented with gesture casting for his Rin Sumeragi Limitless Space Magic technique.
Suzuki immediately leaned closer.
Her sulking paused.
"Notes?"
"Yes."
Rin flipped through several pages.
"These are records from when I first began connecting gestures to my spells."
He stopped at one page.
There was a date written at the top.
"This one took me three months."
Suzuki blinked.
"Three months?"
"To integrate the Oppose spell into the gun gesture."
Suzuki remembered instantly.
Her eyes sparkled.
"Bang bang!"
Rin covered his face briefly.
"…Yes."
"That one."
He pointed to the notes.
"At the beginning, I kept mixing it up with Attraction."
Suzuki tilted her head.
"Those two spells are similar?"
"Only slightly."
Rin explained patiently.
"Oppose pushes force outward."
"It's usually used to disrupt enemies."
He gestured lightly with his hand.
"A small Oppose bullet can interrupt a mage's casting."
"And when it hits something…"
"It explodes."
Suzuki nodded.
"Ooooh…"
Rin continued.
"Attraction is the opposite."
"It pulls objects toward a point."
He tapped the page.
"You can also fire it like a bullet."
"But instead of exploding…"
"It pierces."
"More like a high-speed pull force."
Suzuki leaned closer.
"So gestures decide what the spell does?"
"Partly."
Rin nodded.
"Gesture casting converts a spell into a specific utility."
"To show you what I mean—"
He pointed toward the scattered papers on the table.
Then he made a gesture.
The same one Suzuki had been practicing earlier.
A scooping motion.
Immediately—
The papers lifted into the air.
Suzuki gasped.
"Wah!"
They floated several inches above the table.
Held by an invisible upward force.
"Oppose."
Rin explained.
"I used the same motion you showed earlier."
"The force simply pushes upward instead of outward."
Suzuki stared.
"So gestures don't lock the spell to one direction?"
"Exactly."
Rin snapped his fingers lightly.
He then moved both hands in a circular motion.
"Now Attraction."
The floating papers suddenly began spinning.
Slowly at first.
Then faster.
They formed a small paper tornado above the table.
Suzuki leaned forward excitedly.
"Ooooo!"
With another controlled motion—
The spinning slowed.
The papers gently descended.
Stacking themselves neatly into a clean pile.
Suzuki clapped softly.
"That's amazing!"
Rin rested his hand on the table.
"So remember three things."
He raised one finger.
"First."
"A gesture is not just a trigger."
"It's a medium."
"A way to tell the spell what you want it to do."
He pointed at the stacked papers.
"You can use the same gesture for organization, utility, or combat."
"Gesture casting is not one-dimensional."
Suzuki nodded eagerly.
"Hmmm!"
Rin raised a second finger.
"Second."
"Mana control."
"The amount of mana you inject changes the output."
"If you use too much—"
He lightly flicked the stack of papers.
"They could explode instead of stacking neatly."
Suzuki blinked.
"That would ruin the purpose…"
"Exactly."
Rin raised a third finger.
"Third."
"A single gesture can produce multiple variations of a spell."
"That makes gesture casting more unpredictable than spoken incantations."
Suzuki leaned closer.
"Why?"
"Because the opponent must figure out three things."
Rin explained.
"What spell the gesture represents."
"How the caster will apply it."
"And how much mana they're using."
He moved his hand slightly.
"And if you hide your gestures well…"
"You can still cast spells without anyone noticing."
Suzuki stared at him.
Then—
Her eyes sparkled.
She understood immediately.
Which was not surprising.
Suzuki was a magic prodigy.
Her mind connected the concepts quickly.
Her earlier pout had completely vanished.
Now she looked excited.
Inspired.
Her brain was clearly racing with ideas.
Suddenly—
She raised her hand.
"Riiiiiin."
"Yes?"
"Can one gesture contain many types of spells?"
Rin paused.
He thought about it carefully.
"If you mean different elements but the same utility…"
Suzuki nodded rapidly.
"Hmmm! Hmmm! Hmmm!"
Rin crossed his arms.
"…In theory."
"It should work."
He looked at her thoughtfully.
"My magic only has one element."
"Space."
"But your Psychic Elemental technique uses four."
He counted them.
"Fire."
"Wind."
"Water."
"Earth."
Suzuki's eyes sparkled brighter.
"Then—!"
She jumped to her feet.
Her small fists clenched with determination.
"I will focus on the snapping gesture!"
She demonstrated dramatically.
Snap.
"My Fire Bomb!"
She pointed upward.
"Then I can change the elements!"
She looked incredibly excited.
"With the same gesture!"
Rin nodded slowly.
"That would be the logical next step."
Suzuki clasped her hands together happily.
"Thank you, Rin!"
She bowed slightly.
Her sleeves swaying.
"Your advice is very helpful!"
Rin smiled faintly.
"You're welcome."
Then Suzuki suddenly snapped her fingers again.
"Snap!"
She grinned proudly.
"This one will become my signature."
Rin sighed softly.
"…Just don't explode the mansion."
Suzuki giggled.
"No promises."
The quiet study room door slid open once again.
This time, the person entering carried an entirely different presence.
Elegant.
Graceful.
And yet somehow… dangerously affectionate.
It was Sumeragi Nao.
The moment she stepped inside and saw the peaceful atmosphere of the room, a warm smile appeared on her face.
Her eyes landed immediately on her son.
Rin Sumeragi.
Without hesitation—
She walked straight toward him.
And hugged him from behind.
"Tight."
"Rin, my dear son…"
Nao spoke in a dramatic tone while squeezing him affectionately.
"Don't make that expression in front of Lady Suzuki."
"It's bad manners to sigh like that."
"Mother—"
Rin protested weakly.
But Nao only hugged him tighter.
"Don't call me that."
She rested her chin lightly on his shoulder.
"Say it more lovingly."
"Mooooom please stawp…"
Rin whined helplessly.
Across the table, Chinen Suzuki watched the entire scene.
Then she giggled.
"Your mother really loves you, Rin."
"Yes…"
Rin answered while still being trapped in his mother's arms.
Fortunately, Nao finally released him.
Rin straightened his clothes.
Then sighed again.
"…Anyway."
"Mom, why are you here so suddenly?"
Nao tilted her head.
"I came to ask something important."
She clasped her hands together.
"What kind of celebration do you want for your birthday next week?"
Rin blinked.
Suzuki blinked too.
"Eh?"
"Birthday?"
Suzuki looked between them in surprise.
Nao slowly turned toward her son.
Then she squinted her eyes suspiciously.
"…Rin."
"You didn't tell Suzuki?"
Rin looked away.
"You know I don't like big celebrations."
"It's better not to make a huge scene."
"Nope."
Nao answered instantly.
"You are having a celebration no matter what."
She crossed her arms confidently.
"It's your coming-of-age ceremony too."
"We cannot allow something like that to be simple."
Then she turned toward Suzuki with a warm smile.
"Anyway, Suzuki-chan."
"You should come too."
Suzuki's eyes brightened immediately.
"I will absolutely come!"
Then she quickly straightened her posture.
"Although… I may need to behave a little differently."
She coughed lightly.
"In public I must maintain the proper image of the Azure Consort of the Crown Prince."
Nao nodded approvingly.
"That's perfectly fine, Suzuki-chan."
She pulled a folded invitation from her sleeve and handed it to her.
"And thank you for being friends with this son of mine."
Suzuki accepted it happily.
Then she paused.
A curious thought crossed her mind.
"Since Rin is coming of age…"
She tilted her head.
"Wouldn't it be natural for him to already have a fiancée?"
Rin visibly flinched.
Why is she asking that…
Suzuki continued casually.
"I heard rumors recently."
"There was a black masked woman you danced with during the Crown Prince celebration."
She leaned forward curiously.
"Some people are saying she might be the secret fiancée of Sumeragi Rin."
Behind them—
Harumi almost tripped.
The tea tray in her hands wobbled dangerously.
She barely managed to steady herself.
Meanwhile, Nao simply smiled.
"Oh?"
"Rin doesn't have such a thing."
She waved her hand lightly.
"He prefers being alone."
"And not having anyone tie him down."
She sighed dramatically.
"Such is the lonely life of a Sumeragi."
Then she looked at her son again.
"Oh right."
"I also heard you're very close with Princess Aya."
Rin choked.
"…What?"
Nao nodded.
"You danced with her during the Crown Prince celebration."
She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Normally someone from the imperial family wouldn't do that."
Rin immediately remembered.
Princess Aya.
And more importantly—
He remembered what Harumi had told him recently.
That Aya had started to like him.
Not just casually.
But romantically.
Fortunately, the two of them hadn't met again since the ball.
Still—
The thought alone made Rin uneasy.
Meanwhile, Suzuki simply listened with great interest.
During the past two weeks, she had also grown comfortable around Nao.
Much like Rin, she had discovered something interesting.
In public—
Nao behaved like a proper duchess.
Elegant.
Formal.
Aloof.
Surprisingly similar to Suzuki herself.
But in private—
She was warm.
Affectionate.
And incredibly doting toward Rin.
Because of that shared duality, Suzuki and Nao had quickly developed mutual understanding.
There had even been a moment where Suzuki herself started whining in front of Nao.
Instead of judging her—
Nao simply coaxed her gently to behave.
It was strangely comforting.
Back in the present conversation, Nao continued speaking mischievously.
"Even if Rin does have a fiancée someday…"
She smiled playfully.
"She'll need to pass the Nao test first."
Suzuki leaned forward.
"What kind of test?"
Nao placed a hand over her heart.
"She must love Rin dearly."
"And take very good care of him."
She nodded firmly.
"That's the only requirement."
Then she chuckled slightly.
"Actually…"
"There is one girl who already passed."
Rin stiffened.
Nao glanced at him teasingly.
"But Rin has to love her first."
"Suzuki."
"She was the black masked woman."
Suzuki gasped.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Who is sheeeee?"
Nao immediately shook her head.
"Nope."
She smiled mysteriously.
"I'm not telling."
"That girl is number one."
"And if Rin ever decides he wants her as his fiancée…"
"I will support it completely."
Then she shrugged.
"Unfortunately, the two of them are only friendly right now."
"Muuuuuu…"
Suzuki pouted dramatically.
"Well that's unfair."
She crossed her arms.
But of course—
She couldn't press further.
It was clearly a private matter of the Sumeragi family.
Then she suddenly noticed something odd.
"…Why is Harumi-chan struggling to stand up?"
Suzuki tilted her head.
Behind them—
Harumi was currently attempting to rise from a crouching position.
Very slowly.
Very carefully.
As if she were trying not to attract attention.
Her face was suspiciously red.
Of course—
No one in the room realized the truth.
The black masked woman.
The one closest to passing the Nao test.
Was Harumi herself.
Rin sighed.
"I'm not planning to have a fiancée yet."
"It sounds like too much trouble."
Nao waved dismissively.
"Anyway!"
"Back to your birthday celebration."
She smiled proudly.
"I already invited your business partner."
Rin looked up.
"…You invited Akane?"
"Yes."
Nao nodded.
"Shinegori Akane said her merchant group can provide supplies for the celebration at a good price."
Then she looked at Rin with clear pride.
"Seriously."
"You're connected to two royal consorts already."
"You're truly a genius, Rin."
She sighed happily.
"Your teachers always said that since you were little."
Rin rubbed his forehead.
"…Since it has come to this."
He looked at his mother.
"You can handle the birthday celebration."
"But please don't make it too grand."
He pointed seriously.
"Only invite members of our faction and important allies."
"I don't want to deal with rival factions."
Nao gave a confident thumbs-up.
"Alright!"
"I'll make the celebration so amazing that even the Crown Prince's celebration will look substandard compared to yours!"
"Mooooooooom!"
Rin whined again.
Suzuki burst into laughter.
Meanwhile—
Harumi quietly stood in the corner.
Trying her absolute best not to be exposed.
The black masked woman.
The one closest to becoming Rin's fiancée.
Honestly…
She didn't dislike the idea.
But for now—
It was safer if no one knew.
The sky above the Sumeragi estate had begun to turn orange.
Late afternoon sunlight stretched across the stone courtyard as the day slowly drifted toward evening.
As usual, Rin Sumeragi and Harumi escorted their guest toward the front gates of the mansion.
Waiting outside was the elegant carriage of the Chinen household.
Beside Rin—
Chinen Suzuki was talking enthusiastically.
"Well, Rin, I think I understand it now!"
She walked beside him while speaking quickly.
Her hands moved excitedly as she explained her idea.
"If I treat the utility of the spell as a 'bomb' instead of 'fire bomb', then I can change the element I input!"
She lifted her hand and made the snapping gesture she had practiced.
"Fire bomb!"
She snapped lightly.
"Wind bomb!"
Another snap.
"Water bomb!"
Snap.
"Earth bomb!"
She giggled happily.
"That means one gesture can do four different elemental spells!"
Suzuki bounced lightly on her feet as she walked.
Her body wiggled slightly with excitement.
She looked completely energized.
Harumi quietly watched the scene.
To anyone who didn't know her…
This cheerful, wiggling girl would never be mistaken for the feared Azure Consort.
Suzuki looked up at Rin expectantly.
"What do you think?"
Rin nodded.
"That's actually a very good approach."
Suzuki's eyes sparkled.
"Right?!"
She laughed happily.
Then suddenly—
The mansion gate opened.
Harumi was the one who slid the door open first.
But the moment it opened—
All three of them froze.
Standing outside was a woman dressed in elegant white.
Her silver hair shimmered under the evening light.
Rin flinched.
Why…
His mind screamed internally.
Why is she here…
Because the person standing there was none other than—
Shinegori Akane.
Beside her stood one of the Sumeragi servants.
The servant quickly bowed.
"Young Master Rin."
"I was about to inform the mansion about Lady Shinegori Akane's arrival."
Akane's eyes had already landed on the scene before her.
Specifically—
On Suzuki standing very close beside Rin.
Too close.
Rin immediately turned toward Suzuki.
And something incredible happened.
Suzuki transformed instantly.
The excited girl from moments ago vanished.
Her posture straightened.
Her expression cooled.
Her eyes became calm and distant.
Within a single second—
She had become the aloof Azure Consort once again.
Rin almost admired the speed of the transformation.
Meanwhile—
Akane stared quietly.
Her usual smug smile remained on her face.
But her eyes narrowed slightly.
She had clearly not expected to see another consort standing beside her business partner.
Rin quickly stepped forward.
"Lady Akane."
"What brings you here?"
He greeted her politely.
Akane lifted her fan, covering the lower half of her face.
She spoke calmly.
"I received the invitation for your birthday celebration."
Her eyes flicked briefly toward Suzuki.
"I also heard you were preparing for it."
She waved her fan lazily.
"So I decided to spare some time to visit the Sumeragi Dukedom."
Her voice carried her usual confident tone.
"I simply came to inform you personally that my merchant group will assist with preparations."
She paused.
Then her eyes slowly returned to Rin.
"But…"
Her eyes squinted slightly.
"Why is another consort of the Crown Prince here?"
Her gaze looked almost like that of a wife catching her husband with another woman.
Except—
That obviously wasn't the relationship.
Still…
To Akane, seeing another consort standing this close to her business partner was… uncomfortable.
Rin could feel it.
That silent accusation.
Suzuki stepped forward.
Her voice was calm.
Composed.
"Lady Akane."
"Please do not question Sir Rin too much."
She folded her hands politely.
"I came here for magic lessons."
Her gaze remained steady.
"He saved me previously using gesture casting."
"So I asked him to teach me."
Akane's eyes slowly moved toward Suzuki.
Her fan lowered slightly.
"Hm."
"Quite quick of you to learn such techniques."
Her voice held a teasing tone.
"You've always been that magic-obsessed, unemotional woman."
Suzuki replied without hesitation.
"And Lady Akane has always appeared wherever profit exists."
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"Are you perhaps planning to profit from the Sumeragi family's celebration?"
Akane's smile sharpened.
"Oh my."
"That accusation sounds rather bold coming from someone trespassing in another noble's mansion."
Suzuki replied smoothly.
"I was invited."
Akane tilted her head.
"How convenient."
Suzuki responded.
"Unlike merchants, I do not chase profit everywhere I go."
Akane chuckled.
"And unlike magic addicts, I know how to turn opportunities into wealth."
Suzuki replied coolly.
"At least I pursue knowledge."
Akane's eyes gleamed.
"And I pursue results."
Suzuki's gaze sharpened.
"Knowledge produces results."
Akane smirked.
"Money produces power."
Suzuki replied instantly.
"Power without understanding is fragile."
Akane answered back.
"And understanding without resources is useless."
Both consorts stared at each other.
The air between them became tense.
Completely silent.
A noble catfight.
And unfortunately—
Rin Sumeragi was extremely familiar with this situation.
He had already witnessed Akane verbally sparring with another noble before.
Rei…
And now—
It was Suzuki's turn.
Oh come on…
Rin sighed internally.
Behind him, Harumi already understood the situation.
Rin subtly glanced at her.
Then he made a small hand signal.
Harumi nodded.
Silently.
She slipped away to prepare the reception room for Akane.
Meanwhile—
Rin turned back toward the two consorts still staring each other down.
"…Ladies."
He stepped between them.
Before this verbal duel escalated into something worse.
Because if these two continued…
The Sumeragi mansion gate might become a battlefield.
The tension between the two consorts lingered in the air like the faint echo of a clash that never quite happened.
Rin Sumeragi stepped forward before another word could be exchanged.
He placed himself calmly between the two women.
"Ladies."
His tone wasn't loud.
But it carried authority.
This was the Sumeragi Dukedom.
And here, Rin had the final say.
Both consorts immediately fell silent.
Chinen Suzuki and Shinegori Akane were powerful women within the imperial court.
Yet neither of them would openly disrespect the heir of the Sumeragi family inside his own territory.
Rin exhaled quietly.
Then he spoke in a composed voice.
"Lady Suzuki has already spent several hours practicing magic earlier."
His gaze moved toward Suzuki.
"She must be tired."
He then looked toward Akane.
"Let's not give everyone unnecessary headaches today."
Suzuki immediately understood what he was doing.
Her posture straightened.
"Yes, Sir Rin."
Akane looked away slightly.
Her fan rose again to cover the lower half of her face.
She didn't protest.
But her eyes still carried that faint, smug gleam.
Rin continued.
"Lady Akane."
"It was unexpected for you to visit today."
His tone remained polite.
"But I would appreciate it if you could wait for a moment."
He gestured toward the mansion.
"I need to escort Lady Suzuki to her carriage first."
Akane's eyes rested on him for a moment.
Then she nodded.
A slow, knowing smile curved beneath her fan.
"Very well."
"Business partners should respect each other's priorities."
Rin bowed politely.
"Thank you for your understanding."
He then turned toward Suzuki.
"Lady Suzuki."
"Please."
Suzuki nodded and followed him toward the waiting carriage outside the Sumeragi gates.
Behind them, Akane remained where she stood.
The Sumeragi servant from earlier stepped forward respectfully.
"Lady Akane."
"Please allow us to escort you to the reception room while Young Master Rin sees Lady Suzuki off."
Akane nodded gracefully.
Harumi stepped forward quietly.
Harumi bowed politely.
"This way please, Lady Akane."
Akane glanced briefly at Harumi.
Then she walked inside the mansion with the smooth, confident steps of someone accustomed to noble estates.
Outside the gate, Suzuki's elegant carriage waited patiently.
The orange sunlight painted the courtyard in warm hues.
Rin stood beside the open carriage door as Suzuki prepared to step inside.
Once they were far enough from the servants and guards—
Suzuki's posture immediately changed.
Her aloof expression melted away like ice under sunlight.
"Riiiiiin!"
She grabbed his sleeve slightly.
"Lady Akane is scaryyyyy!"
Her voice dropped into a dramatic whisper.
"Please be carefulllll!"
Rin blinked.
Then sighed.
Of course.
This was the real Suzuki.
"She's not scary."
"She's simply… like that."
Suzuki pouted.
"Muuuuu…"
"But everyone says Lady Akane is a cruel woman!"
"That merchant queen ruined entire noble families before!"
Rin rubbed the back of his neck.
"That's mostly business politics."
He shrugged lightly.
"She's my business partner."
"So I can't exactly ignore her."
Suzuki looked worried.
"But still…"
Rin shook his head calmly.
"I know how to deal with her."
His tone was relaxed.
"Please be assured."
Suzuki puffed her cheeks.
"Muuuuuuuuu…"
She stomped her foot lightly.
"I wish I could stay and help you!"
Rin almost laughed.
Actually…
I would prefer you not to be near the other consorts…
He kept that thought to himself.
Instead, he simply smiled faintly.
"It's fine, Lady Suzuki."
"You practiced a lot earlier."
"You should rest."
Suzuki crossed her arms stubbornly.
"Muuuuuuu…"
Then suddenly—
Her mood brightened.
"Oh!"
"Anyway, Rin!"
She leaned closer with sparkling eyes.
"I'll get you a great birthday present!"
She wiggled happily.
"Please look forward to it!"
Rin sighed again.
"…Thank you."
Suzuki climbed into her carriage.
The door closed.
Moments later—
The carriage rolled forward.
Rin stood at the gate watching as it disappeared down the road.
The evening sky had deepened into a richer orange.
A soft breeze moved across the courtyard.
"…Alright."
Rin turned and walked back inside the mansion.
Time to deal with the next problem.
Lady Akane.
Inside the Sumeragi mansion, the reception room was already prepared.
When Rin slid the door open—
He paused.
Because he immediately noticed something unexpected.
Seated comfortably across the low tea table—
Was his mother.
Sumeragi Nao.
She looked perfectly at ease.
As if entertaining imperial consorts inside her home was the most natural thing in the world.
Across from her sat Akane.
Still holding her fan.
Still wearing that smug expression.
Standing beside them—
Harumi quietly poured tea.
Nao looked up immediately when Rin entered.
"Ah."
"There he is."
She smiled brightly.
"Rin, come here."
She patted the seat beside her.
"Sit down."
"Let's discuss your birthday celebration with Lady Akane."
Rin walked inside slowly.
Of course she's already here…
He sat beside his mother.
Across from them, Akane's golden eyes studied him with interest.
Her fan lowered slightly.
"So."
"You finally finished escorting Lady Suzuki."
Rin nodded calmly.
"Yes."
Akane sipped her tea.
"…Interesting."
Her voice carried faint amusement.
"To think the quiet Duke's son is close with two consorts."
Rin didn't react.
Nao chuckled.
"My son is surprisingly popular."
Harumi silently placed another cup of tea in front of Rin.
Then she stepped back.
Akane continued speaking.
"I already told the Duchess my reason for coming."
Her fan waved lightly.
"My merchant network can supply decorations, food, and festival items."
Nao nodded happily.
"Yes, yes."
"That would be extremely helpful."
Akane smiled.
"Of course."
"But business is business."
Her eyes shifted to Rin.
"I'll provide the best supplies."
"But in return…"
She tapped the table lightly with her fan.
"The Sumeragi family will owe me a favor."
Rin raised an eyebrow.
"Define 'favor'."
Akane laughed softly.
"Oh?"
"You're already negotiating?"
Nao watched the two with visible amusement.
Akane leaned forward slightly.
"Nothing unreasonable."
"Just future cooperation between the Sumeragi household and the Shinegori merchant guild."
Rin considered it briefly.
Then nodded.
"That's acceptable."
Akane's smile widened.
"Good."
She leaned back elegantly.
Harumi quietly refilled everyone's tea.
Nao clapped her hands together lightly.
"Wonderful!"
"Now we can begin planning properly."
She looked at Rin.
"You said earlier not to make it too grand."
Then she smiled mischievously.
"But I'm ignoring that."
"Mother."
Nao waved him off.
"It's your coming-of-age ceremony."
"That only happens once."
Akane chuckled.
"I agree with the Duchess."
She rested her chin on her hand.
"A Duke's heir turning of age is an event worth celebrating."
Rin sighed.
This was already becoming troublesome.
Nao leaned closer to Akane excitedly.
"We should prepare music."
"And fireworks."
"And perhaps a magical performance!"
Akane nodded thoughtfully.
"My guild can arrange performers from the capital."
"Excellent!"
Nao looked delighted.
Meanwhile—
Harumi stood quietly at the side of the room.
Her expression calm.
But her thoughts were… complicated.
Earlier today—
She had nearly been exposed as the mysterious black-masked woman.
And now—
Two imperial consorts were sitting inside the Sumeragi mansion discussing Rin's birthday.
Young master is becoming more and more troublesome…
She sighed quietly in her mind.
But still—
A small smile touched her lips.
Because despite all the chaos…
The Sumeragi mansion felt lively.
And for some reason—
That made her happy.