Prince Nariwa, lacking in subtlety, immediately questioned Yusei.
"Who are you?!"
Yusei raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Didn't Kaguya just say? I'm her boyfriend."
Originally, he had planned to leave it to Kaguya to handle the rejection, but since the other party was practically asking for it, there was nothing more to say.
'Who am I? I can only be Kaguya's boyfriend.'
Hearing Kaguya and Yusei's statements align, Prince Nariwa felt somewhat dazed. He hadn't expected his proposal journey to end like this.
The Imperial Family's elder's expression also turned somewhat unpleasant. He mentally scanned the upper social circles but couldn't place Yusei, which basically confirmed the other party was just a commoner.
This matter would definitely spread. With many people and loose lips, it couldn't be contained.
But once it spread, things would become complicated.
The Imperial Family's proposal was rejected? The reason being the Shinomiya young lady fancied a commoner boy? Could this be interpreted as the Imperial Family being so inferior that the young lady would rather choose a commoner?
That would be a massive loss of dignity.
If Kaguya's marriage partner was a scion of one of the other major families, that would still be acceptable. The Imperial Family would be on the same starting line, so losing the competition wouldn't be shameful.
But now, losing would definitely be shameful.
The Imperial Family's elder's mind raced, searching for a solution.
Suddenly, he had a brainwave and looked at Kaguya.
"Shinomiya-san, may I ask if Koken-sama is aware of your relationship with this young man? Are your parents aware?"
Kaguya frowned, puzzled, "What does that have to do with my grandfather and parents?"
"It's like this. The Shinomiya Family is also a noble family. Associating with a commoner... is somewhat inappropriate. So, your elders must be unaware, right?"
The Imperial middle-aged elder spoke leisurely.
He knew this was a matter related to family lineage and succession.
The Shinomiya Family was a top-tier family in Japan, so would they allow their heir to choose a commoner? How exceptionally outstanding would this commoner have to be?
But judging from appearances, this young man was about the same age as Kaguya. Clearly, he couldn't have any significant achievements yet.
Thus, with a little judgment, one could deduce that the young lady's elders must be unaware of her relationship with this young man.
Sure enough, he observed Kaguya frown upon hearing this, as if pondering something.
Clearly, she hadn't told her parents and elders.
And that was indeed the case.
Kaguya thought carefully and realized she truly hadn't spoken to her parents or grandfather about her and Yusei.
'Wait, weren't we actually not a couple? We were just a temporary couple for today.'
Seeing Kaguya's reaction, the Imperial Family's elder pressed on gently.
"Shinomiya-san, you see, the Shinomiya Family has only you as its heir. Continuing the family line is a very important matter."
"Let's take a step back. Even for this young man's sake, can he gain your elders' approval? Can he inherit the Shinomiya Family? If I'm not mistaken, he's also your classmate, right?"
"A family with a millennium of heritage relies not on impulsive emotions but on long-term, rational consideration. The Shinomiya Family has only you as its heir. For your own sake, for the family's sake, and for this young man's sake, you should consider this carefully."
Hearing this, Prince Nariwa also snapped out of his dejection and began to feel hopeful again.
'Yes, based on the fundamental issues of status and family succession, the young lady's choice should definitely be me, not this commoner.'
Regarding commoners and nobility, it's not emphasized as much in modern times.
But for families with long histories, this mindset is still quite serious.
Either you are outstanding enough to surpass all other family scions, or you need a powerful family background yourself.
In alliances between great families, these two points are generally considered.
At this level, it's no longer about personal feelings but the entire family's fate.
However, Kaguya remained completely unmoved by these words.
She merely looked playfully at Prince Nariwa and said calmly, "Why do you assume he is necessarily more outstanding than my boyfriend?"
The Imperial members were stunned, glanced at each other, then chuckled. "Isn't that obvious? Prince Nariwa is already a graduate of an internationally top-tier university and holds a PhD."
"Apart from his academic degrees, his etiquette, martial arts, emotional maturity, family background, and various other skills are all at a commendable level. He is an outstanding talent cultivated by a great family."
"I don't mean to look down on commoners. But as for this young man..."
The Imperial Family's elder didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.
Kaguya ignored them and looked at Yusei.
"They're saying you're not as good as that guy, you know."
"Other people's mouths are on their own bodies. I can't very well stop them from talking, can I?" Yusei smiled faintly.
"Hmph." Kaguya glared at Yusei, somewhat annoyed.
She had been hoping to see this guy get worked up for her, 'enraged for his girlfriend's sake', but his reaction was so calm.
Yusei glanced at Kaguya, 'Did she think her little scheme could fool me? The normal Kaguya wouldn't even bother wasting words on them, right? And there were signs she was provoking them, which obviously meant she was planning to involve me.'
But he knew that always teasing Kaguya wasn't good either. Yusei affectionately pinched her cheek and stepped forward, looking at the guests from the Imperial Family.
"I'm not one to show off. But since it's for Kaguya, I have no choice but to step up."
Yusei looked at Prince Nariwa and smiled, "This gentleman believes he is more outstanding than me. Then let's have a contest. Who is more outstanding? Wouldn't it be clear if we compete?"
Seeing Yusei so intimately pinch Kaguya's cheek had already infuriated Prince Nariwa.
Now, hearing Yusei propose a contest, he immediately agreed.
"Fine! Then let's compete! Whoever wins gets Kaguya!"
Yusei gave him an unfriendly look, "Kaguya is already my girlfriend. Why would I bet her?"
"Moreover, Kaguya is not an object. How she chooses is her own matter... Please mind your tone."