The carriage rolled smoothly along the stone-paved road, its wheels clicking in a steady rhythm beneath the lantern-lit night. Outside, rows of glowing lights passed by like drifting stars, their reflections sliding across polished glass.

  Inside the carriage, Akitsu Shouga sat stiffly across from Kaoru and her parents, his back straight and his hands folded neatly on his lap. He still wasn’t used to riding in such luxury. The velvet seats were impossibly soft, the faint scent of perfume and polished wood lingering in the air. Even the gentle sway of the carriage made everything feel unreal—like he might wake up at any moment.

  Kaoru sat beside the window, staring out into the night. Her reflection flickered faintly in the glass, her expression unreadable.

  “You’re mature for your age, Akitsu-kun,” Kaoru’s father said calmly, breaking the silence.

  Akitsu straightened instinctively.

  “Thank you for the compliment,” he replied politely.

  Kaoru’s mother smiled warmly and folded her hands together.

  “Kaoru, Akitsu-kun… we’re going to a royal ball, so you two should be on your best behavior. Try not to stir up any trouble, alright?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Akitsu answered immediately, without hesitation.

  “Akitsu-kun,” she added gently, “I thought I told you to call me Rikuya-san.”

  “S-sorry, Rikuya-san.”

  “It makes me happy to hear you call me that,” she said, her smile softening.

  Renjiro chuckled quietly.

  “Rikuya, let the boy get comfortable with us. He’s only stayed with us for three days. It would take at least two months before anyone could truly relax.”

  Akitsu glanced toward Kaoru.

  She still hadn’t said a word.

  “Why are you so quiet?” he asked. “Is something wrong?”

  “No reason,” she replied quickly, her eyes never leaving the window. “Why do you care?”

  “You said we’re friends,” Akitsu said simply.

  “Friends take care of each other.”

  “…Yeah. I know.”

  Renjiro nodded thoughtfully.

  “Akitsu-kun, I’m glad you’re friends with my daughter. You see… most of the girls in the neighborhood don’t like her. Her temper, her attitude—it tends to push people away.”

  “What do you mean by that?” Kaoru said coldly, finally turning to face him.

  “N-nothing,” Renjiro replied quickly, chuckling awkwardly.

  Akitsu watched Kaoru from the corner of his eye.

  So she really is lonely…

  I guess it makes sense. With her personality, most people wouldn’t try to understand her.

  The carriage slowed.

  Beyond the window rose a massive iron gate, ornate and towering, opening toward an enormous royal mansion bathed in light.

  “Looks like we’re here,” Rikuya said.

  “Alright,” Renjiro said firmly. “Remember—best behavior.”

  The moment Akitsu stepped inside the mansion, he froze.

  Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like stars trapped in glass. Marble pillars stretched endlessly down the hall, and nobles in extravagant gowns and perfectly tailored suits filled the space with quiet laughter, conversation, and music.

  “This place is fancy…” Akitsu muttered, his eyes drifting everywhere at once.

  Eventually, he slipped away from the others and made his way toward the food table.

  His eyes widened.

  Sweet tarts.

  Cream-filled pastries.

  Sugared fruits shimmering under candlelight.

  He piled his plate high and took a bite.

  His shoulders relaxed instantly.

  “Heaven…” he whispered.

  I wouldn’t have tasted something like this if Renjiro-san hadn’t taken me in…

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  I really am lucky.

  I wonder how long this perfect life will last before it all falls apart.

  I should enjoy every second of it while I can.

  Suddenly, someone tugged on his sleeve.

  He turned around.

  A girl stood before him—long blonde hair cascading down her back, emerald-green eyes, and a crimson ball gown that commanded attention.

  “Oh?” Akitsu blinked. “Aren’t you the Princess?”

  “Yes, I am,” she replied calmly. “I’m surprised you’re not bowing. You’re rather strange.”

  Holding his plate in one hand, Akitsu gave an exaggerated bow.

  “Princess, I didn’t expect you to speak to me—a mere commoner.”

  She laughed softly.

  “So you are a commoner. I saw you at the parade. Why were you there?”

  “I was there to see the king,” he answered bluntly.

  She puffed out her cheeks.

  “Aww… so you weren’t there to see me?”

  “Even if I were,” he said casually, “it’s not like you’d fall for a commoner like me.”

  She turned away sharply.

  “I thought you were there to see me…” she whispered.

  “What was that?” Akitsu asked. “I couldn’t quite hear you.”

  “Nothing.”

  “…Are you mad at me?”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “You are mad,” he said. “Oh well. Not my problem. I’ll go now—bye-bye.”

  “Wait!”

  “What do you need, Your Royal Highness?”

  “Tell me your name.”

  “Could you say please?”

  “…Tell me your name, please?”

  “My name is Akitsu Shouga. You may call me whatever you desire.”

  “I see,” she said, smiling. “I am Mizuki Ashen. It’s nice to meet you, Akitsu-kun.”

  “It’s an honor for Your Highness to call me that,” he said dramatically.

  “I can rest in peace now.”

  “Eh?!” Mizuki blinked. “What do you mean by that?”

  “Nothing,” he replied innocently.

  She laughed softly.

  “You’re pretty funny, Akitsu-kun.”

  That wasn’t even funny, he thought.

  She’s like Kaoru… but friendlier. And cuter.

  Suddenly, a hand grabbed his shoulder.

  “Shouga-kun, what are you doing here?”

  Kaoru stood behind him, arms crossed.

  “I’m eating sweets,” he replied. “Obviously.”

  “You’ll get a cavity.”

  “I have self-control—unlike you, Thorn Princess!”

  “Oh?” Mizuki tilted her head. “Is she your sister?”

  “No,” Akitsu replied instantly. “Never in hell.”

  “Who’s this?” Kaoru asked.

  “She’s the Princess.”

  Mizuki smiled.

  “I’m Mizuki Ashen, daughter of Souta Ashen.”

  Kaoru immediately curtsied.

  “I’m very sorry for my behavior earlier. I didn’t know you’d be here, Princess.”

  “It’s alright,” Mizuki said warmly. “You don’t need to be formal. We’re all friends.”

  “OI! Shouga-kun!” Kaoru snapped, hitting his head.

  “Why are you talking to a princess?!”

  “Ow! She approached me first!”

  Mizuki giggled.

  “You two are close, aren’t you?”

  “No,” Akitsu said. “We only met three days ago. She also made me her punching bag.”

  “Shut up,” Kaoru muttered—without hitting him.

  “Oh?” Akitsu smirked. “You didn’t hit me this time. I didn’t know you had self-control.”

  Kaoru glared.

  “S-sorry,” he said quickly.

  “May I ask,” Mizuki said gently, “what your relationship is?”

  “She says we’re friends.”

  “Yes,” Kaoru said firmly. “We are friends.”

  “…Is that so?” Mizuki whispered.

  “Then I still have a chance.”

  “Hm?” Akitsu tilted his head. “What was that?”

  “Nothing,” she said quickly. “I’ll be on my way now.”

  “Alright,” Akitsu replied, waving. “See you later.”