In a magnificent palace.
Classical music echoed through the grand hall. From the hors d'oeuvres to the decor, everything had been prepared with the utmost care. People in dazzling attire conversed with one another, all wearing smiling masks.
Even the humblest person present was, at the very least, a count.
Those of higher status included members of royalty from other kingdoms.
Orphans sat in the seat of honor, his face filled with pride. After all, this gathering was also proof of the strength of the Magic Kingdom.
Though deep down, he knew it had little to do with him — all the credit belonged to Leon.
"It's almost time for me to retire..."
He muttered quietly to himself.
His gaze drifted toward the center of the banquet, where Leon was effortlessly mingling with dignitaries.
At the same time...
(Ahhh~ So boring, so boring... Why do these formal parties always have to be so dull?)
Leon wore a flawless smile on the outside, but his mind was filled with complaints.
(Would be great if a bomb went off right now... Hmm, or if a group of assassins showed up. That would make this tedious banquet a lot more fun.)
"Thank you for your support of Palettia. I believe that by working together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous kingdom."
Leon was saying the exact opposite of what he truly felt. If he could, he would have already escaped.
Immediately, the nobles around him rushed to surround him.
"You are truly worthy of being the prince our kingdom is proud of."
"Yes, yes. With Your Highness here, the Kingdom of Palettia is surely safe and secure for the future."
"You defeated an evil dragon, brought down a kingdom by yourself, achieved greatness in both magic and science... And the territories that adopted your policies have grown richer and more prosperous."
A group of elegantly dressed old aristocrats surrounded him with praise and flattery. But behind their half-lidded eyes, hidden motives lingered.
All of them were thinking about how to get closer to Leon — and how to gain a piece of his power and authority.
And the most direct, effective method was obvious.
"I heard Your Highness still doesn't have a fiancée. That's simply unacceptable! Someone so remarkable and noble must leave behind descendants as soon as possible. As it happens, I have a daughter around your age..."
There had been no rehearsal, yet the old nobles spoke as if they had practiced, nearly in unison. Then, exchanging glances, they called over their daughters.
And without ceremony, they pushed them into Leon's arms.
These young aristocrats — and even some foreign princesses — weren't shy at all. Some clung to Leon's arm, others nestled against his chest, and a few tried to strike up direct conversation.
Even if Leon didn't know their names, that didn't seem to matter to them.
"Your Highness Leon, I've admired you for a long time!"
"Excuse me, will you have some time after tonight's party?"
"Your Highness, there's a quiet forest behind the palace. Would you like to go there for a private conversation?"
Leon's eyes visibly twitched.
Despite being surrounded by a bouquet of "flowers," he wasn't the least bit happy.
That's when a savior arrived.
Sylphine approached and, with complete composure, pulled Leon away from the girls. She embraced him like a sister and said with a smile:
"Ara~ As expected of my Leon. Still so popular with the ladies, I see."
"Thanks..."
"You're welcome. As if these vulgar fangirls could ever be worthy of my Leon. Ah! You're wearing the suit I picked out. That makes me so happy!"
Sylphine helped him adjust the wrinkled suit and nodded in satisfaction.
She was genuinely proud of her work. Though she had learned embroidery, this was the first time she'd made clothes for someone — not even the king or her own children had received such treatment.
It showed just how much she cared for Leon.
"Come, I want you to meet someone."
"Ahh..."
Leon sighed in resignation.
He knew a peaceful evening was impossible, but given the choice between being harassed by a pack of nymphomaniacs or spending time with a reserved and well-mannered girl, he preferred the latter.
Sylphine had already chosen a match for him.
"This is the first princess of the Kingdom of Belfast, Yumina Urnea Belfast. They have a close alliance with our kingdom."
"This is my first time meeting Prince Leon. My name is Yumina Urnea Belfast. I've heard much about Your Highness and your many achievements. Please, grant me your guidance."
"Well, please take care of me as well. If you don't mind, may I call you Princess Yumina?"
Leon gently shook the hand of the princess before him.
It was a polite gesture, but what truly caught his attention was her appearance — more specifically, her eyes.
She had one blue eye and one green, with sleek golden hair and a spotless white dress.
Her posture was modest, yet her presence was striking.
(She really does look like a princess...)
Images of Anis, Alexia, Iris, Rose, and others flashed through Leon's mind. (I think she's the one who most looks like a real princess.)
The Kingdom of Belfast had good relations with Palettia. While not particularly powerful, it held vast lands. From time to time, it asked for aid — but it also sent generous gifts every year.
"It's quite crowded here. Would you care to find a quieter place to talk?"
"Of course, it would be an honor."
Leon took Yumina's hand and led her to a more secluded corner of the palace.
"Your Highness seems bored," said the blonde princess with heterochromatic eyes, suddenly.
"...You noticed?" Leon raised an eyebrow, surprised.
He was very good at hiding his true feelings.
Thanks to his "Absolute Genius" skill, his performances were on par with Oscar-winning actors. He didn't expect the princess to see through him.
Yumina smiled softly, gazing into his eyes.
"My eyes are... magical."
"Magical eyes?"
"Yes. I can perceive people's nature... and even glimpse certain emotions."
The princess smiled serenely.
It wasn't about acting — she could see into someone's essence.
"Eh~ That's actually quite interesting."
Leon's boredom faded a bit.
He looked more closely into Yumina's eyes, as beautiful as sapphires and emeralds. They truly gave off a magical aura.
"Your Highness... you're very, very close."
"Really? Sorry. Your eyes are so beautiful I think I fell for them a little."
"Th-thank you..."
Yumina's cheeks turned pink. She was a pure princess with no romantic experience, now being stared at by a handsome and powerful prince.
She felt like a deer caught in a carriage's headlights.
[...Don't get captured so easily.]
Leon's lips curved into a subtle smile, genuinely hoping the princess wouldn't fall for his charms too quickly.
---
(End of chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."