The morning air in the palace garden felt heavier now.
Lucas de Hein still held June Astral's wrist, his grip calm but firm.
Their faces were close.
Very close.
June didn't try to pull away.
Instead, she leaned slightly forward, her long brown hair brushing softly against Lucas's arm.
Her brown eyes looked directly into his silver ones.
"You're very bold," she said softly.
"Coming into the palace garden… grabbing a princess's wrist."
Lucas remained completely calm.
"You jumped from a balcony to meet me."
June smiled.
"That's different."
Lucas tilted his head slightly.
"How?"
June stepped closer again, reducing the distance between them until there was barely space left.
Her rose-colored lips curved playfully.
"Because I wanted to."
For a moment, neither of them moved.
The tension between them was sharp, almost like two swords crossing.
Lucas finally released her wrist slowly.
But instead of stepping back…
He moved even closer.
"You enjoy provoking people," he said quietly.
June laughed softly.
"Only interesting people."
Lucas's silver eyes darkened slightly.
"And am I interesting?"
June looked up at him.
Then she reached out and lightly adjusted the collar of his coat as if fixing it.
Her fingers brushed the fabric slowly.
"…Very."
Lucas watched her carefully.
Then he spoke in a calm voice.
"You are playing a dangerous game, June Astral."
June looked back at him with innocent eyes.
"But you came here willingly."
Her smile became slightly more mischievous.
"So maybe you like dangerous games too."
For a moment the two simply stared at each other in the quiet garden.
Neither backing down.
Neither losing interest.
The game between the Princess and the Master of the Magical Tower had only just begun.