The morning breeze moved gently through the palace gardens.
From the balcony, June Astral leaned slightly over the railing, her long brown hair falling forward like flowing silk.
Her sleepy eyes slowly focused on the garden paths below.
And then she saw him.
Standing near a tall tree at the edge of the garden.
Lucas de Hein.
His tall figure stood calmly in the morning light, his black hair shifting slightly in the wind. His silver eyes were already looking up toward the balcony.
Directly at her.
June blinked once.
Then she sighed softly.
"…You again."
Her voice was quiet but amused.
Lucas didn't look embarrassed at all.
Instead, he simply spoke calmly from below.
"Good morning."
June rested her chin on her hand while leaning over the balcony.
"You like standing in gardens now?"
Lucas answered simply.
"I was passing through."
June raised one eyebrow.
"The Master of the Magical Tower just casually passing through the palace garden?"
Lucas remained completely serious.
"Yes."
June stared at him for a moment.
Then she laughed softly.
"You're terrible at lying."
The wind moved between them as they looked at each other from the distance.
June's mischievous smile returned.
"So," she asked playfully,
"Were you watching me sleep too?"
Lucas didn't answer immediately.
His silver eyes remained calm.
"…No."
Then he added quietly,
"You woke up before I arrived."
June narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Hmm."
She pushed her hair back and straightened.
"Wait there."
Lucas didn't move.