Princess Arc
"Yuna, your fashion sense is improving."
Princess Oria's voice carried both elegance and warmth as she examined her fashion designer and makeup artist, who had just finished arranging her attire for the evening court.
Yuna blinked in surprise at the unexpected praise. A faint blush dusted her cheeks, her thoughts drifting—if only for a moment—to someone she dared not mention. Tilting her head, she fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve and murmured softly,"Ye-ah… maybe."
Oria arched a brow, her sharp eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Oh, Yuna, are you hiding something from me?" she teased, her tone carrying that uncanny edge of seeing through people with ease.
Yuna waved her hands frantically, her words tumbling out. "No, no, Princess! What could I possibly hide from you? I… I wouldn't dare."
Oria leaned back gracefully in her chair, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. A quiet, amused chuckle slipped out, as if she already knew the truth but delighted in watching Yuna squirm."Tell me, Yuna," she said, her voice smooth and enticing, "if your secret is truly worth my attention… I may reward you handsomely."
Yuna froze, her heart skipping a beat. She looked down, lips pressed tightly together, as the air between them thickened with playful tension and unspoken secrets.
Arwen Kingdom – Capital City, Keon
Meanwhile, in the bustling heart of Arwen's capital, a young man in his early twenties drifted aimlessly through the crowded streets. His messy dark hair and sharp eyes gave him a striking presence, though the slight slump of his shoulders betrayed his weariness.
"I came here to uncover something about the Starlight Society…" he muttered under his breath, kicking a pebble across the cobblestones. "And now I've ended up a mere wanderer."
He sighed, patting the nearly empty pouch at his side. "Tch. If I ask for more funds, they'll grow suspicious. To hell with the Vaelros treasury…"
Then, with a dramatic hand over his chest, he suddenly exclaimed loud enough for the crowd to hear:"A duke's son who cannot even afford a commoner's meal! A true tragedy—a cruel twist of fate!"
With theatrical flair, he raised his hand skyward, as if appealing to the heavens themselves. Passersby paused, laughter bubbling among them, before breaking into applause.
Adrian smirked inwardly. With a mock-gracious bow, he accepted their clapping like a stage actor soaking in adoration. Then, dropping his facade, he snarled,"I am not a performer, you morons!"
The bystanders scattered at once, like startled birds. Adrian clicked his tongue, muttering,"Damn you, Trisen…"
Just then, a soft voice cut through the noise."Oh, there you are. Found you."
A young woman with golden-blonde hair, her hood drawn just enough to shadow her face, stepped forward. Adrian blinked at her sudden approach.
"Lovely miss," he said with a puzzled frown, "do I know you?"
"Lov…ly… miss." She repeated his words before a laugh escaped her lips. "Pfft. Fine. For you, I'll be 'lovely miss.'"
"That doesn't explain anything," Adrian deadpanned.
Her eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction. "Haha… you're interesting."
"…," Adrian stared blankly.
"Alright, business then," she said suddenly, her voice taking on a crisp edge. "I want a makeup artist and fashion designer—exclusively for myself."
"Mea…" Adrian's eyes widened slightly as if a thought struck him, but the realization slipped away just as quickly.
"Join me."
"Refuse," Adrian shot back immediately. "You're weird, and I'm not about to accept some stranger's offer, desperate or not."
He spun on his heel, intent on leaving. But as he rounded the next corner, his path was blocked—several knights in full armor advancing toward him with heavy steps.