Night had long fallen over the imperial palace, yet Princess Hoshimi Aya was anything but asleep.
She rolled across her bed for what felt like the hundredth time, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest before tossing it aside—only to snatch it back again moments later.
"…Why won't my mind stop?" she muttered.
For nearly an hour now, her thoughts had been circling the same person.
Sumeragi Rin.
No matter how hard she tried to distract herself, every conversation she'd had with him replayed vividly in her mind, as if carved there.
He had been polite—immaculately so. Kind, gentle, refined in the way expected of a well-raised noble child. And yet… there was something unmistakably different about him.
Most nobles spoke to her.
Rin spoke with her.
When he looked at her, he looked straight into her eyes—not with reverence, not with calculation, not with fear or ambition. He looked as though he were truly speaking to the person standing in front of him.
Not the First Princess of the Hoshimi Empire.
Just Aya.
That alone had unsettled her more than she cared to admit.
"He didn't even once hesitate…" she whispered into the pillow. "He didn't flatter me excessively. He didn't lower his gaze either…"
She rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling.
"And he's talented. Ridiculously so. Kind, intelligent, creative… and—"
Her face heated instantly.
"H-Handsome… and probably fit too, judging by his figure…"
She clutched the pillow tighter.
"Ah! What am I doing?!"
Aya buried her face and let out a completely undignified laugh.
"Guehehehe… hehehe… w-wehehehehe…"
Her laughter echoed faintly through the room as she rolled again, legs kicking slightly like a girl half her composure had finally escaped.
Then—inevitably—her thoughts returned to that conversation.
The last one.
I just don't want to be friends with you…
Her chest tightened.
"…Not friends," she murmured.
But he hadn't rejected her completely. He hadn't said he disliked her. He hadn't even said he didn't want to talk to her.
No.
He'd said her existence was difficult for him.
That he couldn't stand being around her too much.
Aya squeezed her eyes shut.
"That's it," she whispered with sudden conviction. "That has to be it."
She sat up abruptly, eyes shining.
"Friendship isn't enough for him," she declared to the empty room. "That's why he rejected it!"
Her heart began racing.
"And he's uncomfortable around me because he likes me too much," she continued, voice growing more animated. "He's afraid he'll lose control of his noble composure!"
Her face flared red.
"Ah! That must be it! That has to be it!"
Aya flopped back onto the bed, rolling wildly from side to side.
"Wahaha—hehe—guehhehehehe!"
She kicked her legs again, hugging the pillow like it was a treasured secret.
Hoshimi Aya. First Princess of the Hoshimi Empire.
To the world, she was flawless. Elegant. Poised. Perfect.
But beyond the pages of history—and beyond the novel she unknowingly lived within—she was simply a girl.
A girl who, from a young age, loved romance novels.
She used to read them secretly beneath her blankets, imagining impossible love stories. As she grew older, she understood reality better. As a princess, romance was complicated—often impossible.
And friendships?
Those were difficult too.
Most people didn't see her.
They saw her status.
Her role.
Her crown.
Then, one day, during a briefing with her father…
"The son of Duke Sumeragi Arata will be coming to the capital," Emperor Hoshimi Masaki had said casually. "He will present an invention of his."
Aya had nodded at the time, uninterested.
Another noble heir, she'd thought. Another person to entertain with my perfect princess persona.
But her father had looked at her with an unusually serious expression.
"Sumeragi Rin is someone our family must get along with," the Emperor continued. "He will inherit the Sumeragi Dukedom someday."
Aya remembered tilting her head.
"So I should charm him?" she'd asked innocently.
Masaki had laughed, then rubbed her head affectionately.
"Knowing Duke Arata, you may do as you like," he'd said. "Just don't embarrass yourself badly."
"…That's oddly specific," Aya had replied.
Masaki chuckled. "If it's that man's son, then he will be himself."
"Himself?" Aya had echoed.
"They live humbly," her father had explained. "They don't act arrogant. They don't see themselves as invincible. They are kind—but territorial. Like gentle predators."
Aya had listened carefully.
"If you provoke them badly," Masaki had added calmly, "they will consider you an enemy."
He'd gone on to explain what their informants knew.
That Rin avoided trouble.
That he was gentle by nature.
But during a bandit attack, witnesses had seen him use the Sumeragi family's magic technique with frightening precision and restraint.
"He understands magic deeply," Masaki had concluded. "His invention is no coincidence."
Back then, Aya had nodded politely.
Now?
Now she rolled on her bed again.
"…Cannot be friends…" she mumbled. "But that just means he wants something more…"
"Hauuuuuu… Rin is so indirect… hehehe…"
At that moment—
The door suddenly opened.
"Ayaaaaaa—!"
"Wah?!"
Aya shot upright just as someone slammed into her from behind, arms wrapping tightly around her.
"Sister Ayaaaaa!"
"Izumi!" Aya cried. "At least knock!"
Princess Izumi, the youngest of the imperial family, only laughed as she nuzzled her face into Aya's back.
"I missed you!"
Aya sighed, but her hand instinctively reached up to pat Izumi's head.
"You've returned then," Aya said. "That means Mother and Brother Kazuo are back too?"
"Yes!" Izumi chirped. "We visited the Takigawa Dukedom! Well—mostly Mother and I. Brother Kazuo was busy spending time with his chosen consort."
Aya nodded. "The birthday celebration will announce the four consorts officially, then."
"Mhmm!"
Izumi tilted her head, studying Aya closely.
"…Huh."
"What is it?" Aya asked.
"You seem relaxed," Izumi said slowly.
"I am?"
Izumi grabbed Aya's shoulders and gently pushed them down.
"Your posture," Izumi declared seriously. "It's lower. Normally you're this high." She raised her hands dramatically. "Perfect princess aura."
Aya gasped. "Hyaaa!"
Izumi grinned mischievously and began poking her sister.
"You're relaxed. Comfortable. Almost like you've been enjoying yourself."
Aya froze.
"I heard you escorted the Sumeragi heir," Izumi continued. "Did something happen?"
"Eh?! N-No!" Aya said quickly. "Nothing really happened! It's just—well—um—"
"Ooooooh!" Izumi sang. "So something happened!"
Aya covered her face.
"There wasn't!" she insisted. "It's just that—he—he indirectly told me he likes me!"
Izumi blinked.
Aya realized what she'd said.
"Aaaaaaaaaah!"
Izumi's eyes sparkled. "What did he say?! Tell me!"
After much resistance—and pillow wrestling—Aya finally spilled everything.
The conversations.
The refusal of friendship.
His words.
When she finished, she grabbed Izumi's hands desperately.
"Tell me," Aya pleaded. "Am I misunderstanding?! He doesn't want to be friends because friendship isn't enough, right?! He avoids me because he likes me too much, right?!"
Izumi nodded solemnly.
"Yes."
Aya froze.
"Yes?"
"He definitely likes you."
Aya collapsed onto the bed, rolling again.
"I don't know what to do!" she wailed. "We just met! I don't want to be an easy woman!"
Izumi sighed softly, watching her sister with fond amusement.
"…Spring has come," she murmured.
And somewhere in the capital, completely unaware of the storm he'd created—
Rin slept peacefully.
A full week had passed since Rin's return from the imperial capital.
Life in the Sumeragi Dukedom had resumed its familiar rhythm—quiet, efficient, and deceptively peaceful.
At the moment, however, peace was being tested.
......................
Rin stood inside his workshop with his arms crossed, looking down at a very familiar sight.
Harumi.
Hands raised above her head, shoulders drooping, eyes cast downward in exaggerated shame.
"I, Harumi, sincerely apologize for losing my young master's seal pen," she recited solemnly.
Rin stared at her.
The silence stretched.
Harumi repeated it again, even more dramatically.
"I, Harumi, am deeply sorry for losing my young master's very important seal pen…"
Rin sighed.
That pen had been resting on his desk while he worked. Harumi, as usual, had been hovering nearby, touching things she absolutely should not touch. At some point she'd begun twirling the pen between her fingers.
It slipped.
And—by an almost cosmic coincidence—flew straight into the furnace.
The pen that bore his official seal.
The pen required for issuing formal orders.
Gone.
"You know," Rin said calmly, "that pen was important."
"I know…" Harumi whimpered. "That's why I'm repenting!"
She peeked up at him, eyes sparkling with a hint of hope.
"Yoooung maaasteeer… pleaaase forgive me…"
Rin exhaled, his irritation long gone.
"Alright, alright," he said. "Just be more careful next time. I'll request a replacement."
He reached out and pinched her cheeks.
Hard.
"Wou—Young Mwaster! It hwurts!"
Rin narrowed his eyes. "Have you gotten fat?"
"No I have not!"
Harumi immediately checked her stomach, pinching it—
—and froze.
"…Aaaaaaaaaah!"
She rounded on him, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him violently.
"This is your fault! You keep feeding me sweets!"
"This is not how a maid treats her master," Rin said flatly.
"You deserve it!"
Despite himself, Rin smiled faintly.
"It's good that you're back to normal."
He flicked her forehead.
"Ow! Rude!"
Harumi puffed her cheeks, then straightened.
"Anyway," she said, returning to business, "there's still a month before the consorts are officially announced. That coincides with Crown Prince Kazuo's sixteenth birthday."
In this world, sixteen marked the threshold into adulthood. It was also the final year before eligibility for enrollment into the Imperial Academy.
Rin would turn sixteen himself in a few months. He'd already told his parents he didn't want a grand celebration—just something small.
Harumi clasped her hands behind her back.
"So," she asked, "what are we doing today, Young Master? Your schedule's clear."
Rin considered it.
Sneaking out.
Eating street food.
Buying Harumi snacks.
The usual.
"Harumi," he said.
She narrowed her eyes. "You're thinking about food again."
"I'll buy you your favorite parfait."
"…Okay, let's go!"
She spun on her heel instantly. "I'll get the disguises!"
Rin watched her go.
She folded without resistance.
By the time they arrived at their usual dessert shop, Rin and Harumi were no longer Rin and Harumi.
Rin now had brown hair, his sharp noble features softened by illusion magic. He wore a tailored but modest merchant's coat—expensive enough to imply wealth, simple enough to avoid attention.
Here, he was Ritsu—the son of a prosperous merchant family.
Harumi wore a light pastel dress, elegant yet practical, paired with a shawl and neatly styled hair. She looked like a well-raised merchant's daughter.
Here, she was Rumi.
They had been using these identities for over a year now.
And in this identity…
They were a couple.
"Say ah, Ritsu-kun!"
Rumi held out her spoon.
Rin opened his mouth without protest.
She fed him the parfait.
"…Good."
Rumi grinned.
It was practice, Rin told himself. Practice for future social interactions. For dates. For a hypothetical fiancée.
Still, Harumi was clearly enjoying this far too much.
"I feel like you're indulging yourself," Rin said.
Rumi tilted her head innocently. "Whatever do you mean?"
She took a bite with the same spoon he'd just used, completely unconcerned.
"I am indulging," she said cheerfully. "I read romance novels. This world is a romance fantasy novel. Of course I'd dream of going on a date with a young master."
Rin sighed. "Using me, then?"
"Yup."
She suddenly leaned forward, her expression turning serious.
"Now that we're here… let's talk about the plot."
Rin glanced around the shop.
Then—
He raised a finger and rotated it gently.
"Limitless Space," he murmured."Third Technique: Isolation."
The space around them subtly shifted.
Sound vanished.
The world continued as normal—but only Rin and Harumi could hear one another now.
Rumi smiled brightly. "Always decisive. You're the best, Ritsu-kun."
Rin sighed. "Go on."
She nodded.
"You successfully avoided befriending Princess Aya," she said. "That's good."
"But?" Rin asked.
"…We'll deal with that later."
Rin didn't like the way she said that.
"But for now," Rumi continued brightly, "we move toward the next major event."
"And that would be?" Rin asked.
Her smile widened.
"The coming-of-age birthday of Crown Prince Kazuo, of course!"
Rin's expression twisted instantly.
A rare, genuine look of displeasure crossed his face.
"…I hate being pushed toward the front lines of the novel," he muttered.
And somewhere deep down, he knew—
This was only the beginning.
"Alright, Ritsu-kun," Rumi began, resting her chin on her palm. "Let's organize what we know first."
Ritsu nodded, spoon paused midway to his mouth. "Alright. What's confirmed?"
"For the upcoming event," she said, ticking points off on her fingers, "there will be no Miharu. Just the formal introduction of the consorts, the Crown Prince himself, and possibly the two princesses of the Hoshimi Empire."
Ritsu hummed in acknowledgment.
"And what exactly am I supposed to do there?" he asked.
Rumi waved it off lightly. "Nothing too dramatic. Mostly observation. Confirm personalities, check if they match the novel's descriptions, and watch for anomalies."
She leaned forward slightly, voice lowering.
"You'll still greet them, of course. Congratulate the consorts on their appointments, and formally congratulate Crown Prince Kazuo."
Ritsu sighed already, sensing where this was going.
"As the future Duke of Sumeragi," Rumi continued, "you'll be responsible for managing nearly half of the empire's internal functions. You need to establish rapport with the crown prince."
Ritsu slumped back in his chair.
"Great," he muttered. "More work I don't want."
Rumi smiled sweetly and pushed another parfait toward him.
"Eat. You think better when you're fed."
He didn't argue. The spoon went into his mouth.
"First," Rumi said, returning to business, "we confirm the consorts."
She raised one finger.
"Chinen Suzuki. Quiet. Reserved. Mysterious."
Ritsu's eyes sharpened slightly.
"She's a magical genius," Rumi continued. "Possesses a dual magic technique—an absurd rarity. Psychic–Elemental."
She shook her head.
"Full access to fire, wind, water, and lightning spells, enhanced by psychic computation. Completely unfair."
Ritsu swallowed. "…That's dangerous."
"Very."
She raised a second finger.
"Takigawa Rei. Straightforward. Innocent. Sheltered."
"A good girl," Ritsu said.
"Too good," Rumi agreed. "Raised on ideals of righteousness. Her technique is Aura Fire—all fire-element spells plus aura reinforcement. Combat-focused. She's basically a walking righteous blaze."
Third finger.
"Sarada Himeko. Silent. Unnoticeable. Kind… yet alluring."
Rumi's eyes narrowed.
"A shinobi-type. Assassin class. Her magic technique is Alluring Shadow—shadow-element spells infused with a charm trait. Seductive presence. Deadly efficiency."
Ritsu grimaced. "That combination should be illegal."
"And finally," Rumi said, lifting her fourth finger slowly, "Shinegori Akane."
Ritsu stiffened slightly.
"A smug, beautiful snob," Rumi said flatly. "Power-hungry. Ambitious. The type who'd gladly step on others—including allies—to climb higher."
She exhaled softly.
"She desires power so much that even a fragment would be enough to justify cruelty."
Silence settled between them.
Rumi lowered her hand.
"All four are beauties," she concluded. "And each is a force in her own right. They weren't chosen lightly. They're competing for the title of Empress… and for Crown Prince Kazuo's heart."
Ritsu leaned back, rubbing his temple.
"So my job is to confirm that their personalities align with the novel."
"Yes."
"And watch for anomalies."
"Yes."
"And stop anything bad before it happens."
"…Yes."
Ritsu stared at the ceiling.
"This is already too much work."
Rumi wasn't finished.
He groaned quietly as another parfait was placed into his hands.
"…Go on," he said, defeated.
"One more thing," Rumi said brightly. "Since we're going anyway—let's dance."
Ritsu froze.
"…What?"
Rumi twirled a strand of hair around her finger, suddenly shy.
"Well, I'll be attending the party with you. And since guests are allowed one companion… I thought…"
Her voice softened.
"I'm still a girl, you know. I dream about things like that too."
Ritsu blinked.
Then sighed.
"…I suppose it's fine."
He thought it through quickly.
"Only those formally invited will be unmasked. Guests must wear masks. No one will know I danced with my maid."
Rumi's eyes sparkled.
"Yay! I'm looking forward to it, Young Master!"
Another parfait.
He ate it.
They left the dessert shop side by side, strolling through the streets of the town toward the Sumeragi mansion.
That was when they noticed the crowd.
A carriage stood halted on the roadside, its wheel cracked, attendants scrambling in panic.
Ritsu and Rumi slowed.
Then—
A young woman stepped out.
White hair, long and pristine.Amethyst eyes, sharp and unmistakable.
Even from a distance, she was recognizable.
"…"
"…No way," Rumi whispered.
Shinegori Akane.
She examined the damaged carriage with visible irritation, lips pressed thin. For a moment, she snapped at the attendants—voice sharp, cutting—but then stopped herself.
She inhaled.
Calmed down.
And began assessing the damage herself, clearly forming a plan.
Ritsu and Rumi exchanged looks.
What is she doing here?
One of the future consorts of the Crown Prince—here, in the Sumeragi Dukedom?
There was no reason.
Rumi stiffened.
"Young master," she said quietly—using his real title.
Rin's eyes narrowed.
That tone meant danger.
He sighed.
"…What is it?"
Rumi swallowed.
"Please make contact. Probe her. Confirm her current condition—her personality, her behavior. Everything."
Rin frowned.
He didn't like it.
But this was exactly why he existed in the shadows.
"…Understood."
He stepped forward.
Fortunately, he was Ritsu now.And Harumi was Rumi.
Perfect disguises to gather information.
And so—
Reluctantly, Rin moved to make contact with Shinegori Akane, the most dangerous variable of them all.
Ritsu and Rumi approached the stalled carriage at a measured pace.
Ritsu made sure his posture was relaxed—shoulders loose, steps unhurried, the demeanor of a young merchant who knew how to read people but never looked threatening.
As soon as they were within earshot, he smiled warmly.
"Oh, to be blessed by fate," Ritsu said with a light chuckle, placing a hand over his chest, "to encounter the daughter of the illustrious Shinegori family. The merchant queen herself—Lady Shinegori Akane."
The effect was immediate.
Akane turned.
Amethyst eyes locked onto him, sharp and assessing, like a blade half-drawn from its sheath.
Ritsu bowed deeply.Rumi followed a heartbeat later, her movements practiced and graceful.
For a moment, Akane said nothing.
Her gaze moved—slowly, deliberately—from Ritsu's brown hair and merchant attire, to Rumi at his side, dressed similarly but softer in presence. A pair. Not guards. Not nobles.
Merchants.
"…Who are you?" Akane asked.
Her tone wasn't hostile.It was worse—cool, detached, evaluating.
Ritsu straightened slightly, still respectful.
"My name is Ritsu," he said smoothly. "A merchant operating primarily within the Sumeragi Dukedom. And this is my partner, Rumi."
Rumi dipped her head again. "An honor to meet you, Lady Shinegori."
Akane's lashes fluttered once.
Ritsu saw it.
In the merchant world, names traveled faster than goods. The Shinegori family—political giants and commercial titans—kept extensive records. And she had done her research before coming here.
"…Ritsu," she repeated.
Her lips curved into a polite, restrained smile as she gave a brief, noble bow in return.
"So you are that Ritsu."
Bingo, Rin thought.
Her eyes lingered on him just a little too long. He could feel the pressure of her scrutiny—cold, invasive, methodical.
She holds herself well, Rin noted. No wasted movements. No unnecessary emotion. A born noble… and a dangerous one.
"The personal merchant of Rin Sumeragi," Akane continued calmly. "I did not expect to encounter you here."
Not if.Why.
She already assumed intent.
Ritsu laughed softly, as if amused by the implication.
"Coincidences do happen, Lady Shinegori," he said. "Though I understand why you'd doubt that."
Akane's smile didn't waver.
This man… she thought. How much does he know?
"And may I ask," she continued, "why the personal merchant of the Sumeragi heir happens to be strolling near my carriage?"
Ritsu didn't hesitate.
"I was on a date," he said easily.
He turned, pinched Rumi's cheek playfully, and grinned.
"With my lovely partner."
"Eh—!" Rumi yelped softly, cheeks reddening as she swatted his hand weakly. "Y-Young—Ritsu!"
Akane's eyes flicked to Rumi.
A genuine reaction.No hesitation.No concealment.
Interesting.
"We were enjoying dessert just down the road," Ritsu continued. "Then we saw a carriage in trouble. I simply didn't expect it to belong to Lady Shinegori herself."
Akane watched him closely.
His explanation was clean. Too clean. Yet nothing about it contradicted reality.
Still…
Her gaze sharpened.
"You noticed my carriage," she said slowly. "And yet you addressed me by name."
Ritsu smiled. "White hair. Amethyst eyes. And an aura that makes even gold hesitate before shining brighter."
Flattery.
Intentional. Controlled.
Akane felt a flicker of irritation—and interest.
"Well-spoken," she said. "For a merchant."
Ritsu inclined his head. "I take that as praise."
A brief silence followed.
Then—casually, deliberately—Ritsu shifted the topic.
"I couldn't help but wonder," he said, tilting his head slightly, "whether Lady Shinegori's visit might be connected to the barrier device recently unveiled by the young lord."
For the first time—
Akane took a half-step back.
It was subtle. Almost imperceptible.
But Rin saw it.
There it is.
Her cheek twitched—just once.
This man is sharp, she realized.
"…Is it strange," Akane replied after a brief pause, "to be interested in such an invention?"
Her eyes met his directly now.
"For something capable of resisting Star Five magic… I would be foolish not to be curious."
"Not strange at all," Ritsu replied smoothly. "In fact, it speaks to the brilliance of Young Lord Rin that even the merchant queen herself wishes to discuss his work."
Akane studied him anew.
Flattery again—but layered with implication.
Then Ritsu added, gently but firmly—
"There is one thing that does strike me as unusual, Lady Shinegori."
Her brows lifted slightly.
"Oh?"
"Have you informed the Sumeragi family of your visit?"
Silence.
The attendants froze.
Akane exhaled slowly, then smiled.
"Not yet," she admitted. "I planned to remain incognito today and visit formally tomorrow afternoon."
She stepped closer.
"Since you are here… would you inform them on my behalf?"
Ritsu nodded politely.
"Of course."
Akane reached into her sleeve and placed a gold coin into his palm.
Heavy. Pure.
Rin's eyes narrowed internally.
That's not a tip. That's leverage.
"And do tell the young heir," Akane continued softly, her voice smooth as silk, "that refusing my proposal will not be an option."
Her smile sharpened.
"I believe he will find my deal… irresistible."
Ritsu closed his fingers around the coin.
"As you wish."
Then, as if offering friendly advice—
"If you require lodging for the night," he added, "the Venture Inn would suit your tastes."
His other hideout.
Akane nodded. "I appreciate the recommendation."
She bowed once more.
"Thank you, Sir Ritsu."
Ritsu turned.
"Let's go, Rumi."
Rumi hurried to his side, clutching his arm tightly, playing the part of a couple—though her grip trembled.
As they walked away, Rin thought grimly:
She came for me.
Later—within the safety of the Sumeragi mansion—
"Y-young master…" Harumi's voice cracked, tears welling in her eyes.
The disguises faded.
Ritsu became Rin.Rumi became Harumi.
Rin sighed heavily, rubbing his face.
"Well," he muttered, "so much for subtlety."
Harumi sniffed. "She definitely came for you."
Rin glanced at her. "Your verdict?"
Harumi straightened, serious now.
"She believes you are a power source," she said. "The barrier device confirmed it. In her eyes, you're someone she needs—not wants."
Then—
Her expression shifted.
"…Also," she added teasingly, "you were very manly back there. Calling me your partner. If I didn't know better, I might have fallen for you."
Rin slumped.
"I hate this world."
Harumi laughed softly and patted his back.
"Too bad. Tomorrow, Shinegori Akane arrives."
Her smile faded slightly.
"And the real game begins."