The morning sun rose over the vast lands of the Sumeragi Dukedom, casting golden light across one of the most powerful noble estates in the empire.
Today was no ordinary day.
Today marked the coming of age of the heir of the Sumeragi family.
Rin Sumeragi.
And because of that—
The normally dignified and refined Sumeragi mansion had transformed into something truly spectacular.
From the outside, the already grand estate looked almost like a palace prepared for a royal festival.
Long silk banners bearing the Sumeragi crest hung from the tall white pillars of the manor entrance. Each banner fluttered gently in the spring breeze, displaying the elegant golden emblem that represented centuries of power and influence.
The wide stone pathway leading toward the mansion had been carefully lined with decorative lanterns crafted from enchanted crystal. Even in daylight they shimmered faintly with magical light, promising that once night arrived the entire estate would glow like a sea of stars.
Rows of flowers decorated the garden paths.
White lilies.
Blue irises.
Red roses.
Every arrangement had been carefully chosen to match the noble colors of the Sumeragi household.
Servants moved quickly but gracefully throughout the estate grounds.
Some were carrying trays of fine dishes toward the banquet hall.
Others adjusted decorations or arranged tables beneath the garden pavilion where noble guests would later gather.
Even the fountains had been enchanted with gentle water magic so that their streams curved beautifully through the air before falling back into the marble basins.
Musicians were already preparing their instruments near the outdoor stage.
Meanwhile, the kitchens of the mansion were in complete chaos.
Chefs shouted instructions.
Assistants ran back and forth carrying ingredients.
The smell of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet pastries drifted through the halls of the mansion.
Everything about the Sumeragi estate today screamed one thing:
A celebration worthy of a great noble house.
Or perhaps—
Even more than that.
Inside the mansion, the luxurious corridors were equally decorated.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above polished marble floors. Elegant tapestries depicting the long history of the Sumeragi family hung along the walls.
Every servant in the mansion wore freshly prepared uniforms.
Every detail had been perfected.
All because of one person.
Unfortunately for that person—
He was currently suffering.
Inside one of the private rooms of the mansion, Rin Sumeragi sat in front of a tall mirror.
And he looked absolutely miserable.
"...I specifically told mother that an extravagant celebration wasn't needed…"
His voice sounded close to despair.
Standing behind him was the famous imperial tailor and stylist.
Pierro.
Pierro was a well-known master of clothing design throughout the empire. Many nobles would wait months just to receive a single outfit crafted by his hands.
Today—
He was personally preparing Rin for his coming-of-age ceremony.
"Please hold still, young master."
Pierro's voice was calm and professional as he adjusted Rin's collar.
"And please do not cry."
"That will ruin the makeup."
Rin's expression froze.
"Guuuuuuuuhhhh…"
He held back his tears with visible effort.
"I told her…"
He clenched his fists dramatically.
"I told her I didn't want an extravagant party!"
Pierro carefully brushed a bit of powder along Rin's cheek.
"And yet here we are."
"NOOOOOOOO!"
Rin looked like he was about to collapse from despair.
"I said something simple!"
"Something quiet!"
"But nooooooo!"
Pierro calmly adjusted Rin's hairstyle with expert hands.
"Your mother seems to have interpreted your request differently."
Rin gritted his teeth.
"Making it equal to the Crown Prince's celebration is NOT simple!"
He nearly slumped in the chair.
"Seriously inviting the Imperial Family too?!"
"And the consorts?!"
"At least no enemy factions were invited…"
"But why are there so many people coming?!"
Behind Pierro stood his assistant for the morning.
Harumi.
She moved quickly, handing Pierro various tools and cosmetics whenever he requested them.
"Brush."
Harumi immediately passed it.
"Silver comb."
She handed it instantly.
"Hair wax."
Already in his hand.
Despite the frantic preparation, Harumi couldn't help giggling softly at Rin's misery.
"My my."
She leaned slightly closer to fix Rin's suit collar.
"That is simply the life of a noble with the name Sumeragi."
Her fingers smoothed the fabric of his jacket carefully.
The suit Rin wore was extraordinary.
Deep black fabric with subtle silver embroidery along the sleeves.
The design was elegant and refined without being overly flashy.
Yet the quality of the materials alone made it clear—
This outfit belonged to someone of immense status.
The heir of the Sumeragi family.
Still—
Rin looked annoyed.
"I still haven't forgiven you for earlier, Harumi."
His voice was flat.
Harumi blinked innocently.
"Oh?"
"What did I do?"
Rin turned his head slowly.
His stare was completely deadpan.
"Why did you wake me up like that?!"
Harumi smiled proudly.
Earlier that morning…
She had chosen a very creative method to wake her young master.
Instead of the usual knocking or curtain opening—
She had climbed onto Rin's bed and straddled over his waist.
Naturally—
The moment Rin opened his eyes and saw her above him—
He panicked.
"Oppose!"
The small spell he cast had pushed her off immediately.
Harumi had landed on the floor with a soft.
"Omph…"
She rubbed her head slightly while remembering it.
"Hehe."
"You are the most difficult person in the world to wake up, young master."
She crossed her arms proudly.
"Therefore drastic measures were necessary."
Rin looked ready to argue again.
But before he could—
Pierro clapped his hands lightly.
"Done."
Rin blinked.
"…Already?"
Pierro stepped aside.
"Please take a look."
Rin slowly turned toward the mirror.
Then he paused.
"…Oh."
He barely recognized himself.
His usual slightly messy hairstyle had been styled into something more refined and elegant.
His face looked sharper.
More mature.
More fitting for a noble heir.
Even Rin had to admit—
It looked good.
Behind him, Harumi stared quietly for a moment.
Then she nodded to herself.
"Yes."
She raised a thumb.
"Ten out of ten."
"Hmmm hmmm."
She looked very satisfied.
"It's such a shame though."
Rin raised an eyebrow.
"…What is?"
Harumi tilted her head.
"Your young master won't be announcing a fiancée later."
She tapped her chin playfully.
"And considering how handsome he looks today…"
"He will probably gain a lot of admirers from other noble families."
Rin slowly turned toward her.
His stare was completely expressionless.
"…What are you saying, Harumi?"
The room became quiet.
Harumi immediately raised her hands defensively.
"It's a joke!"
"A joke!"
"Please don't stare at me like that, young master!"
Rin crossed his arms.
"Hmph."
"I hate you for today."
Harumi gasped dramatically.
"Waaaaah!"
She looked genuinely hurt.
"That is a harsh punishment!"
Pierro laughed softly as he observed the two.
"You two truly are close."
He folded his arms with amusement.
"The rumors were not exaggerated."
"The personal maid of the Sumeragi heir is apparently his closest companion."
He smiled warmly.
"A rare relationship indeed."
Rin looked away stubbornly.
Still pretending to be angry.
Meanwhile Harumi sniffed sadly.
Though both of them knew perfectly well—
Neither of them would stay angry for long.
Rin was simply in a bad mood today.
And Harumi…
Well.
She secretly found it adorable.
Her young master usually carried a calm, noble-like composure.
But moments like this—
When he acted like a normal annoyed young man—
Made her smile.
"This young master truly is the best…"
She whispered to herself softly.
Outside the room, the mansion buzzed with activity as more preparations continued.
Guests would soon begin arriving.
The coming-of-age ceremony of the Sumeragi heir was about to begin.
And the day had only just started.
Pierro stepped back with a satisfied smile, admiring his completed work like an artist observing a finished masterpiece.
"Yes… yes… this is perfect."
He circled Rin once, adjusting a tiny wrinkle on the sleeve before nodding proudly.
"Young Master Rin, you now look exactly as the heir of the Sumeragi family should."
Rin stared at his reflection again.
The mirror showed a tall young man dressed in a refined noble suit, his hair neatly styled and his features sharpened by subtle makeup. His posture naturally carried a quiet dignity that came from years of noble training.
He looked…
Well.
Like a proper duke's son.
Rin sighed.
"I look like a sacrificial offering."
Harumi immediately burst into laughter.
"Pfft—!"
She quickly covered her mouth but it was too late.
"Young master, that is not the expression someone should use before greeting the imperial family."
Rin slumped in his chair.
"Exactly my point…"
He rubbed his temples.
"Why is the imperial family even coming? This is just my coming-of-age ceremony, not a national celebration."
Pierro chuckled softly as he packed away some of his tools.
"You underestimate your own importance, young master."
Rin raised an eyebrow.
Pierro continued while carefully placing his brushes into a velvet case.
"The Sumeragi family is one of the most powerful ducal houses in the empire. The coming-of-age of its heir is naturally a political event."
Harumi nodded in agreement.
"That's right. Many noble families will use this chance to build connections with you."
She gave Rin a teasing smile.
"Especially those with daughters around your age."
Rin immediately groaned.
"Don't remind me."
Harumi clasped her hands behind her back as she leaned slightly toward him.
"I wonder how many marriage proposals you'll receive today."
Rin gave her a flat stare.
"…Harumi."
"Yes?"
"If you say one more word about marriage today, I will assign you to clean the library archives for a month."
Harumi gasped dramatically.
"That is cruel!"
"The dust there is deadly!"
Pierro laughed quietly again while watching their exchange.
The two of them really behaved more like childhood friends than master and servant.
It was quite rare among noble households.
After finishing packing his tools, Pierro bowed politely.
"My work here is done."
Harumi immediately straightened.
"Thank you very much for your hard work today, Master Pierro."
Rin also stood up from his chair.
"Thank you. The outfit and styling are excellent."
Pierro smiled proudly.
"It was my honor."
He gave one final look at Rin.
"Try not to cry during the ceremony."
Rin frowned.
"I already said I won't cry!"
Pierro chuckled as he headed toward the door.
"Just making sure."
Once the door closed behind him, the room finally became quiet.
Rin walked over toward the large window and looked outside.
From his position on the second floor, he could see the massive garden of the Sumeragi estate.
Rows of tables were already arranged beneath elegant white pavilions.
Servants moved like ants as they prepared the area for the arriving guests.
Carriages had already begun appearing at the outer gates.
The celebration would begin soon.
Harumi walked over and stood beside him.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then Harumi gently fixed a tiny fold in Rin's sleeve.
"You look nervous."
"I'm not nervous."
"You are."
Rin sighed again.
"…Maybe a little."
Harumi smiled softly.
"That's normal."
She rested her hands behind her back.
"It is your coming-of-age ceremony after all."
Rin leaned slightly against the window frame.
"I just don't like large gatherings."
Harumi tilted her head.
"You say that, but you handle them quite well."
"That's because I have to."
Rin looked out toward the distant gate.
"I would rather spend the day reading."
Harumi laughed lightly.
"That sounds like you."
She paused for a moment before speaking again.
"But today is important."
Rin glanced at her.
Harumi's expression had softened slightly.
"This ceremony means you are officially recognized as the heir of the Sumeragi family."
Her voice carried a quiet seriousness.
"From today onward, many people will start seeing you not just as the duke's son… but as the future duke himself."
Rin was silent.
Harumi continued gently.
"That responsibility cannot be avoided."
Rin looked back toward the garden again.
"…I know."
For a moment the cheerful atmosphere faded slightly.
But Harumi quickly clapped her hands together.
"Alright!"
Her sudden energy broke the mood.
"No gloomy thoughts today!"
She walked behind Rin and lightly pushed his shoulders.
"Come on, young master!"
"It's time to head to the main hall."
Rin stumbled forward slightly.
"Hey—!"
"You'll wrinkle your suit!"
Harumi giggled.
"You worry too much."
She then straightened his collar again anyway.
"There. Perfect."
Rin looked down at her.
"…You just wrinkled it yourself."
Harumi pretended not to hear.
"Let's go."
She opened the door with practiced elegance.
Outside the hallway was already filled with quiet activity.
Servants bowed as Rin stepped out.
"Good morning, young master."
"Congratulations on your coming-of-age ceremony."
"Best wishes, young master."
Rin nodded politely to each of them as he walked.
Harumi followed half a step behind him as expected of a personal maid.
The two moved through the grand corridors of the mansion.
Decorations filled every corner.
Flower arrangements stood beside tall pillars.
Golden ribbons were draped along the stair railings.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead like hanging stars.
Even Rin had to admit the place looked incredible.
Unfortunately, that only reminded him of something.
"This is definitely mother's doing…"
Harumi giggled behind him.
"The Duchess worked very hard to organize everything."
Rin sighed again.
"She worked too hard."
As they descended the grand staircase, the sounds of music began drifting through the mansion.
A small orchestra had started playing in the reception hall.
Elegant classical music filled the air.
Harumi looked ahead toward the entrance hall.
"The first noble guests must have arrived already."
Rin straightened his posture slightly.
The casual mood from earlier slowly faded as his noble composure returned.
His steps became calmer.
More dignified.
Harumi watched him quietly.
Moments like this always reminded her of something.
No matter how much Rin complained or acted casually in private…
The moment he stepped into public view—
He truly looked like a noble heir.
The future duke of the Sumeragi family.
She smiled to herself.
"You really are amazing, young master."
Rin glanced slightly back at her.
"…Did you say something?"
Harumi immediately shook her head.
"Nope."
"Nothing at all."
They reached the large doors leading to the reception hall.
Two guards stood on either side.
Both bowed deeply.
"The young master has arrived."
The doors slowly opened.
Bright light and music spilled into the hallway.
Beyond the doors waited a grand hall filled with nobles, servants, and honored guests from across the empire.
Rin took a small breath.
Then stepped forward.
Harumi followed just behind him.
The coming-of-age celebration of Rin Sumeragi had officially begun.
The grand roads leading toward the Sumeragi Dukedom were unusually busy today.
Carriages bearing the crests of powerful noble families traveled in long lines, their polished wheels rolling smoothly across the stone roads as they made their way toward the estate of the Sumeragi family.
Among those carriages—
One stood above all the rest.
It was larger.
More luxurious.
And far more heavily guarded.
The carriage was pure white, decorated with elegant golden engravings that shimmered beneath the afternoon sunlight. At its center was the unmistakable emblem of the imperial household.
Anyone who saw it immediately lowered their heads in respect.
This was the Imperial Carriage.
Inside sat two of the royal children of the Hoshimi Empire.
Hoshimi AyaandHoshimi Izumi.
The interior of the carriage was quiet.
Well—
It should have been quiet.
Instead—
"Waaaaaaaaah!"
The elegant silence of the carriage was shattered by a panicked voice.
"Is my dress fine?!"
"Is the makeup ruined?!"
"Are my bangs straight?!"
The one panicking so dramatically was none other than the empire's so-called Perfect Princess.
Hoshimi Aya.
The eldest of the imperial siblings.
Normally she was known throughout the empire as the very image of elegance and dignity.
Graceful.
Wise.
Calm.
Refined.
A princess admired by nobles and commoners alike.
Right now though—
She looked like a young girl going on her first date.
Aya grabbed the small mirror in her hand for what was probably the tenth time already.
She turned her head left.
Then right.
Then leaned closer to inspect her face.
"Is my lipstick uneven?!"
"Maybe it smudged when the carriage moved—!"
Across from her sat her younger sister.
The youngest of the imperial children.
Izumi.
Hoshimi Izumi had her eyes closed.
Her fingers gently pressed against her temple.
Because she already had a headache.
"…Sister."
Her voice was calm.
But also slightly tired.
"You are fine."
Aya immediately leaned forward.
"Are you sure?!"
Izumi opened one eye slowly.
"Yes."
Aya leaned even closer.
"But what if Rin sees me and thinks I look strange—"
"You look the same as always."
Aya froze.
"…Is that good?"
Izumi sighed softly.
"Yes."
She then leaned her head back against the carriage seat.
Inside her mind she couldn't help recalling something.
That day.
At the Crown Prince's celebration.
The moment she had first seen the soul of one particular person.
Rin Sumeragi.
Izumi possessed a rare magical technique.
Soul Light.
It allowed her to see the nature of a person's soul.
Most people had souls that were dull.
Cloudy.
Sometimes twisted.
But Rin's soul…
Had been different.
Clear.
Bright.
Strong.
A soul that felt… good.
Even now Izumi could still remember the impression clearly.
Her sister had at least fallen in love with a good person.
That much Izumi could admit.
Still—
Right now her sister was acting like someone completely different from the famous perfect princess.
Aya suddenly gasped again.
"What if my dress wrinkles before we arrive?!"
Izumi slowly opened her eyes again.
"…Sister."
"Yes?!"
"Please calm down."
Aya froze again before suddenly sitting straight like a disciplined noble lady.
"Ah."
"You are correct."
She folded her hands on her lap.
Her posture immediately became perfect.
Her expression returned to its usual elegant smile.
A flawless imperial princess.
"…Thank you for reminding me, Izumi."
Izumi nodded.
Much better.
The carriage stayed quiet for a moment.
Then Izumi spoke casually.
"I wonder…"
Aya blinked.
"…What?"
Izumi tilted her head slightly.
"I wonder if there will be news today."
"What kind of news?"
Izumi looked out the carriage window.
"About the Sumeragi heir's fiancée."
Silence.
The air inside the carriage suddenly felt colder.
Aya slowly turned her head toward her sister.
Her smile remained perfectly elegant.
Perfectly composed.
But her eyes—
Were completely empty.
"My sister."
Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
"…Your ears seem to be quite attracted to rumors these days."
Izumi immediately felt a chill.
Scary.
Very scary.
"I mean… is it really that strange?" Izumi said quickly.
"Nobles often announce engagements during their coming-of-age ceremonies."
Her voice was slowly getting softer.
Because Aya was still staring at her.
With that same unsettling smile.
"…Sir Rin wouldn't do that."
Aya spoke gently.
Then she looked forward again.
Her hands folded neatly on her lap.
"He clearly wishes to be more than friends with me."
Izumi blinked.
Aya continued calmly.
"The first time we met, I wished to become friends with him."
"He repeatedly refused."
Izumi nodded slightly.
That part was true.
"But he was still kind and gentle toward me."
Aya placed a finger on her chin thoughtfully.
"He indirectly said that friendship between us would be difficult."
"But he also said it was fine if we were close."
Her eyes sparkled slightly.
"And he also mentioned that romance was not his priority."
Izumi was slowly beginning to feel nervous.
Because Aya was talking very quickly now.
"But after that he also became close business partners with Lady Shinegori Akane."
Aya's eyes narrowed slightly.
"And during the Crown Prince's celebration…"
Her cheeks turned faintly red.
"He danced with me."
Izumi quickly added something.
"You were one of only two people who danced with him."
Aya nodded.
"Yes."
Then her face darkened.
"But then…"
Her shoulders dropped dramatically.
"The kidnapping incident happened."
Izumi remembered that chaos well.
The Azure Consort had been kidnapped during the celebration.
The entire event had descended into panic.
Aya suddenly leaned forward with teary eyes.
"Because of that incident…"
"The impact of my dance with him disappeared!"
"Now everyone only remembers that black masked woman!"
She looked like she might cry.
Izumi panicked slightly.
"Sister!"
"Please keep your dignity!"
Aya sniffed softly before suddenly straightening again.
"Hmph."
Her expression turned determined.
"This time will be different."
Her eyes sparkled with resolve.
"This time I will make sure that Rin is clearly favored by me."
Izumi blinked.
Aya clenched her small fist proudly.
"I even brought a special gift for him."
Izumi hesitated before asking carefully.
"…What if the Sumeragi family announces his fiancée today?"
Aya froze.
Then she stood up halfway from her seat.
"I will object!"
Izumi nearly jumped.
"He is mine!"
Aya declared confidently.
Izumi leaned back slowly in defeat.
She pressed her fingers to her forehead again.
A girl in love was unstoppable.
Especially when that girl was an imperial princess with power and influence across the entire empire.
"Sister Aya…"
Izumi spoke weakly.
"Please… keep your dignity…"
Aya crossed her arms proudly.
"Hmph."
Her expression softened slightly though.
And a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
"I won't let anyone take Sir Rin away."
Her voice was soft.
Loving.
But somewhere inside it—
There was also a slightly darker tone.
Izumi closed her eyes again.
Yes.
This headache was definitely going to get worse today.
And they hadn't even arrived at the Sumeragi mansion yet.
Inside the grand ballroom of the Sumeragi Mansion, the celebration had already reached its peak of liveliness.
The vast hall glittered beneath dozens of crystal chandeliers hanging from the high arched ceiling. Their warm golden light reflected beautifully against the polished marble floors, making the entire ballroom glow like a palace of light.
Elegant orchestral music flowed through the air.
Noble guests moved gracefully across the hall, their expensive gowns and formal suits shimmering as they conversed in small groups.
Some nobles discussed politics.
Others spoke about trade.
A few young noble ladies whispered among themselves, their eyes occasionally glancing toward the entrance with excitement.
After all—
This was the coming-of-age celebration of the heir to the powerful Sumeragi family.
And that heir had yet to appear.
But the ballroom had already grown lively even before his arrival.
Because just moments ago—
Two very important guests had entered the hall.
Hoshimi AyaandHoshimi Izumi.
The moment the two imperial princesses arrived, the attention of the entire ballroom naturally shifted toward them.
It would have been strange if it hadn't.
They were members of the imperial family after all.
More importantly, their presence also symbolized something significant.
The Sumeragi Dukedom was known to hold influence over nearly half of the empire's administrative departments.
Their power within the empire was immense.
For the imperial family to attend the coming-of-age ceremony of the Sumeragi heir was both a formal gesture—and a confirmation of the strong alliance between the throne and the dukedom.
Of course.
That was the official reason.
But for one of the princesses—
There was another reason entirely.
Where is he where is he where is he where is he—
While maintaining her elegant posture and gentle smile, Hoshimi Aya carefully scanned the entire ballroom.
Her eyes moved subtly from one noble group to another.
Her perfect princess smile never once faltered.
But inside her mind—
Where is he?!
Aya stood gracefully beside her younger sister as several nobles approached them.
"Princess Aya, it is an honor to see you."
"Princess Izumi, you look lovely as always."
Both princesses handled the greetings with practiced elegance.
But while Izumi calmly responded to the nobles—
Aya's attention was still secretly searching the hall.
Still no sign of him.
Meanwhile, Hoshimi Izumi quietly observed her sister.
She already knew exactly what Aya was doing.
And it was giving her another headache.
Unlike the Crown Prince's birthday celebration before, this event had invited both young nobles and adult nobles.
The Crown Prince's celebration had been limited mostly to the younger generation due to the overwhelming number of noble families in the empire.
But this celebration was different.
Most of the nobles present were affiliated with the Sumeragi faction, or had strong business connections with the Sumeragi family.
Of course—
There were also a few interesting exceptions.
One of those exceptions was currently approaching the two princesses.
A woman with long white hair and an elegant presence walked toward them with confident steps.
Shinegori Akane.
Known throughout the empire by another title—
The Merchant Queen.
She stopped before the two princesses and gave a graceful bow.
"Hmmm hmmm."
Her tone was warm yet playful.
"I am glad to see that both Princess Aya and Princess Izumi are well."
"How are you enjoying the celebration so far?"
The two princesses responded politely.
"The Sumeragi family has prepared a wonderful celebration."
"The decorations are beautiful, and the service is excellent."
Akane listened with a pleased smile.
Then—
The corners of her lips lifted slightly.
A smug expression appeared.
The princesses immediately noticed it.
"I am glad you think so."
Akane covered part of her face with her elegant fan.
"It was worth the effort helping the Sumeragi family prepare everything."
Aya almost broke her perfect princess mask.
Helping?
Her mind immediately reacted.
What does she mean helping?!
Akane continued casually.
"I had a few business dealings with Duchess Sumeragi Nao regarding the preparations."
"As Sir Rin's business partner, I thought it would be appropriate to lend a hand."
Aya's brain instantly began working overtime.
Her magic technique Brilliant Light activated almost unconsciously.
It allowed her mind to process thoughts at incredible speed.
Which unfortunately—
Meant she could also overthink incredibly fast.
Business partner.
Helping the preparations.
Close enough to assist the family.
Saw him earlier?
Akane suddenly spoke again.
"Oh yes."
"I saw Sir Rin earlier."
Her eyes curved slightly.
"He looked quite handsome today."
She hid the lower half of her face behind her fan.
Her voice carried a faint hint of fondness.
Or perhaps…
It was just acting.
Aya slowly tilted her head.
"…Is that so."
A faint dark aura seemed to gather behind her elegant smile.
Beside her, Izumi quickly noticed.
"Sister…"
She gently tugged Aya's sleeve.
"Calm down."
Akane watched the subtle reaction with quiet amusement.
Then she sighed softly.
"Well."
"It may be inappropriate for someone who is the Crown Prince's consort to say this…"
"But let's just say…"
Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Sir Rin rivals even His Highness in appearance today."
Aya's smile twitched.
She was fuming internally.
Akane pretended not to notice.
"Anyway…"
She casually added another statement.
"There will be no fiancé announcement today."
Aya froze.
Akane continued lightly.
"That should be good news for the ladies attending tonight."
She waved her fan playfully.
"That black masked woman from the Crown Prince's celebration?"
"Just a cover to prevent other girls from approaching him."
Aya went silent.
Then—
Her mood instantly brightened.
Meanwhile Akane almost laughed inside.
It was very amusing watching the famous Perfect Princess subtly reveal her true emotions.
After all—
Akane had already noticed something back during the Crown Prince's celebration.
Aya had been the one who initiated the dance with Rin.
It had been obvious.
The princess liked him.
Akane found it interesting.
Would Rin like someone like Princess Aya?
After all—
If one judged purely by status and reputation—
Aya was practically the number one ideal fiancée in the empire.
A perfect princess.
Future empress candidate.
And Rin was the heir of a powerful dukedom.
Politically speaking—
It would make perfect sense.
But Akane herself had no intention of pushing any girl toward him.
Rin was someone who clearly valued his independence.
Forcing relationships onto him would only annoy him.
As his business partner—
Akane preferred to simply observe and keep overly aggressive nobles away from him.
She liked to think of herself as a very responsible partner.
She bowed slightly toward the princesses.
"Well then."
"Please enjoy the celebration."
"If either of you need anything in the future…"
Her eyes gleamed slightly.
"I will gladly offer my services."
"With a very good price, of course."
With that, Shinegori Akane gracefully walked away.
After she left, the two princesses stood quietly for a moment.
Izumi sighed.
"The White Consort truly lives up to her reputation."
Aya nodded slightly.
"She is impressive."
Shinegori Akane was widely known for her business ability.
Her nickname Merchant Queen was not given lightly.
She was also quite different from the typical members of the Shinegori family.
The Shinegori clan was known for being ruthless.
But Akane—
Despite her cunning—
Had a softer heart.
Which made her worthy of the title White Consort.
Meanwhile Aya crossed her arms slightly.
She looked annoyed.
"…She gets to see Rin often."
Izumi sighed again.
"They are business partners."
Aya pouted slightly.
"Still…"
She muttered quietly.
"They are close."
Her thoughts became complicated.
She wasn't even truly Rin's friend.
Yet somehow—
They also weren't strangers.
Their relationship felt…
Close.
Yet far.
Izumi rubbed her forehead again.
Yes.
Her headache was definitely getting worse.
And Rin hadn't even entered the ballroom yet.