“…closer than friends; lifetime pals. We’re deeply connected by a strong friendship. They all agreed to help with my performance.”

“That’s great. You do have good friends.”

“Yes, but His Majesty seems hesitant to assist with my performance. So, would you…”

Delrina looked at Grace with an earnest expression. She needed those with abilities to make the performance flawless. If Ashud would help, it would be perfect.

The Emperor of the Helium Empire’s birthday celebration.

It was one of the most noteworthy events in the empire. The imperial palace’s banquet hall was filled with a heated atmosphere. Not only the nobles from the empire but also dignitaries from various countries entered the hall with excited faces.

“Gideon, Gideon!”

Among the crowd in the banquet hall, someone called out to Gideon. When he turned, he saw Eilie’s face.

“What is it?”

“Oh, long time no see, first of all.”

Being long-time friends with Delrina, Eilie and Gideon knew each other well. However, upon seeing Gideon, Eilie looked around restlessly as if searching for someone else.

“Where’s Delrina?”

“…”

“Oh right, she’s visiting countryside relatives, isn’t she? So, she’s not coming at all?”

“Why are you looking for her?”

“Because!”

Eilie couldn’t contain her excitement as she spoke.

“Haven’t you heard? Maybe not, it’s been buzzing among the youngsters, so you might not know.”

“What news?”

“Delrina was invited to the Rosehip Earl’s social gathering, and there…”

Eilie passionately shared the gossip that had spread among the youngsters. Gideon’s facial expressions changed as he listened.

“…so, those five took Delrina with them? Right in the middle of the social gathering?”

“Yes! His Highness the Crown Prince and those famous young nobles just took her! It was chaos!”

Frustrated at not being there, Eilie’s voice rose. Gideon’s face turned serious.

“If they took her out of there suddenly, then it must mean…”

“Exactly, it can only mean one thing.”

Then both blurted out their thoughts simultaneously.

“Is it some kind of threat?”

“It’s love!”
Of course, their thoughts were vastly different. Gideon’s face crumpled endlessly at the words of Ailee’s love.

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Why is it nonsense? It’s possible!”

“Do you think the imperial nobles are so easy to please? It’s more likely that I’m being threatened by five of them at the same time.”

“Funny. So, you have high standards too?”

“At least higher than yours?”

“You’re talking nonsense. My standards are way higher than yours!”

A conversation that started with Delrina turned into a fight over who had higher standards. After bickering for a while, Ailee asked again.

“So, what’s the real story with Delrina? Is she coming to today’s banquet? Do you even know if Delrina is coming?”

“……”

“What’s the matter, suddenly lost for words? Is it true?”

Ailee narrowed her eyes as she looked at Gideon, who had suddenly clamped his mouth shut. Just as Ailee was about to press Gideon further, the lights in the banquet hall went out, plunging the room into darkness.

“……What’s going on? Did the lights go out?”

Confused by the sudden darkness, Ailee and Gideon began to look around. The other nobles also started to murmur.

“What on earth is this……”

Before Gideon could finish his sentence, a light gathered in the center of the banquet hall, illuminating someone. And Ailee and Gideon could see her. A girl standing in the middle of the light.