Morning arrived far too quickly for Sumeragi Rin.
The sunlight filtering through the curtains of his room felt almost aggressive, as if the day itself was demanding that he wake up and continue functioning like a responsible noble heir.
Rin stared at the ceiling for a long moment.
Then he sighed.
"…I survived a battlefield yesterday."
Not a literal battlefield.
But mentally?
Absolutely.
Later that evening, when Harumi returned after settling the Sumeragi entourage using the money Rin had entrusted to her, she had stopped by his room as usual.
And what she saw there had nearly made her laugh.
Rin was lying on the couch like a man who had survived a war.
His hair slightly messy.
His expression hollow.
Harumi tilted her head.
"Young master… did something happen?"
Rin slowly turned his head toward her.
Then he began complaining.
For nearly twenty minutes.
"How does the Crown Prince deal with them?"
"I was stuck between the Vermillion Consort and the White Consort all day."
"One is like a blazing flame and the other is a smiling snake."
"I tried to make them talk normally but every sentence turned into a duel."
Harumi had simply stood there quietly while he vented.
Occasionally nodding.
Occasionally suppressing laughter.
Because to her—
Watching her normally composed young master so thoroughly defeated by social warfare was honestly a little amusing.
But she also felt a little sympathy.
So today—
Rin dragged her to the festival.
"I am enjoying the festival again," he declared.
"Without ticking bombs beside me."
Harumi of course did not refuse.
After all, accompanying Rin everywhere was her natural position.
More than that—
She was genuinely happy he was going out to relax.
Rin rarely allowed himself leisure unless someone pushed him toward it.
And usually that someone was her.
So now the two of them sat together at a noble seating area near the festival stands.
The space was filled with refined tables and shaded canopies where nobles could sit and eat comfortably while watching the festivities below.
At one of those tables—
Harumi leaned forward.
And poked Rin's cheek.
"…Young master."
Poke.
"…please stop pouting."
Poke.
"You survived yesterday."
Poke.
"You must enjoy the day."
Rin groaned while eating ice cream.
"…I almost died socially."
Harumi smiled sweetly.
Technically, a maid poking her master's cheek like this would be considered highly disrespectful.
But the surrounding nobles didn't even react.
They all knew one thing.
The Sumeragi household had very strange internal dynamics.
And considering the Sumeragi family controlled nearly half of the empire's administrative departments—
No one wanted to question their habits in public.
So Rin simply allowed Harumi to continue poking his cheek while he ate.
"…This is mango flavor," he muttered after finishing the first scoop.
Harumi nodded.
"You finished it."
"Of course I finished it."
"Would you like another one?"
Rin sighed.
"…Mango again."
Harumi happily ordered another ice cream from the attendant stall nearby.
A few minutes later she returned and placed it in front of him like a reward.
Rin ate it while looking mildly annoyed.
Harumi simply watched him with a gentle smile.
Seeing her young master slowly recovering from yesterday's emotional exhaustion was strangely satisfying.
Eventually Rin finished sulking.
After a while the two stood up and began walking through the festival again.
Harumi walked slightly behind him with her hands clasped behind her back, humming softly.
Rin had already returned to his usual calm self.
Their conversations drifted occasionally toward the future.
Sometimes about the novel Harumi had read in her past life.
But there was little urgency right now.
The main story hadn't even started yet.
The Academy Arc was still far away.
That arc would mark the true beginning of the story.
Where the protagonist—
Miharu—
would enter the academy and accidentally capture the attention of the Crown Prince.
Everything happening now—
The consort announcements.
The Crown Prince's birthday.
These were merely events mentioned in side stories written after the novel ended.
Harumi had already shared most of the relevant information with Rin.
So for now—
They could simply enjoy the festival.
Eventually they wandered into a section of stalls offering challenge games.
Harumi suddenly stopped.
Her eyes sparkled.
She pointed toward a prize hanging behind one of the stalls.
It was a large plush toy.
A round cat with oversized ears and soft fluffy fur.
"Young master."
Rin followed her finger.
"…You already have twenty-four plush toys."
Harumi clasped her hands.
"But one cannot have too many."
She looked at him with exaggerated pleading eyes.
"Pleaaaase, young master."
"…Get it for me."
Rin stared at her.
Then sighed deeply.
Of course.
The challenge stall was simple.
A bow and arrow test.
Targets placed at three distances.
Ten meters.
Twenty meters.
Forty meters.
Hit three targets out of five arrows and win the prize.
The stall owner smiled when Rin approached.
"One silver coin for five arrows."
Rin handed over the coin.
The merchant's smile widened slightly.
Harumi watched eagerly from the side.
Rin lifted the bow and nocked the first arrow.
He took aim.
Released.
The arrow flew straight—
And missed the bullseye.
Rin blinked.
"…Ah."
He lowered the bow slightly.
I forgot to consider wind direction.
He often relied on his magic technique spell Oppose, which traveled in perfectly straight trajectories.
Because of that—
He sometimes forgot the physical variables of ordinary projectiles.
Harumi was watching him expectantly.
Her eyes practically sparkling.
Rin sighed internally.
Now I definitely can't miss.
He took another arrow.
Adjusted slightly for wind drift.
Released.
Bullseye.
Third arrow.
Bullseye.
Fourth arrow.
Bullseye.
Three hits.
Challenge complete.
The merchant looked slightly disappointed but still handed over the large plush cat.
Harumi immediately accepted it with both arms.
"Another one for my collection!"
She hugged the plush happily.
Rin rubbed his temple.
"…Twenty-five now."
They began walking away from the stall.
But suddenly—
Rin noticed faint murmurs behind him.
A few nearby nobles whispering quietly.
He turned slightly.
Then he heard it.
A soft voice.
Gentle.
And familiar.
"Sir Rin?"
Rin turned fully toward the voice—
And froze slightly.
Because standing there was someone he absolutely hadn't expected to meet today.
The festival had suddenly become interesting again.
The voice that called out to him belonged to Chinen Suzuki.
The Azure Consort.
And the very same girl he had pulled away from kidnappers during the Crown Prince's birthday celebration and consort announcement.
Rin turned.
There she stood exactly as the novel had described her—calm, distant, and composed like a figure carved from pale porcelain. Her long azure travel coat fluttered lightly in the breeze, attendants from the Chinen entourage forming an orderly line behind her.
To anyone watching, she was the perfect image of aloof nobility.
But Rin noticed something most people would never catch.
Her eyes.
For a brief moment, something flickered there.
Ah…
He remembered.
Back when he had been recovering in the Imperial Palace after the incident, she had visited him once. That time… she hadn't been this composed noble lady. Instead, she had been an emotionally unstable girl who looked as if she might cry at any moment.
It was such a stark difference from the cold beauty in front of him now.
Why did she show me that side of her back then…?
Saving her life could explain gratitude… perhaps trust.
But still, that level of vulnerability had been strange.
And now she had returned to being the aloof Azure Consort everyone knew.
Yet even now, Rin noticed something subtle.
The corner of her lips twitched—like she was holding back a smile.
But she kept her expression steady.
Right… we're still in public.
Beside him, Harumi immediately snapped into proper maid posture.
She clutched the plush toy with both hands respectfully and stepped half a pace behind Rin.
Outwardly, she looked calm and professional.
Inside her head however—
WAAAAAH! WHY IS THE AZURE CONSORT HERE?!
Harumi screamed internally.
This wasn't in the side stories! The Money Festival was barely mentioned in the novel! There was only a small chance of meeting major characters here and yet—
The Azure Consort herself?!
Why today of all days?!
Rin meanwhile gave a polite bow.
"Lady Suzuki… this is quite the pleasant surprise."
Suzuki returned the bow quickly—almost too quickly for someone of her rank.
Then she stepped closer.
Her attendants followed quietly behind her.
Meanwhile Rin's own entourage remained at a respectful distance, watching but not approaching. Only Harumi stood close to him.
Suzuki's presence was… overwhelming.
Not because she acted domineering—but because her entourage clearly showed her status.
High-ranking attendants, guards, and noble ladies stood behind her like a small procession.
And yet—
Suzuki herself simply stared at Rin.
Silently.
Five seconds passed.
Then eight.
Then ten.
She looked like she wanted to say something.
But nothing came out.
Rin blinked.
…Is she buffering?
Her eyes moved slightly as if rehearsing words internally.
Should I say it…? No… that sounds strange…
What if he refuses…?
No, I must ask…
But how do I phrase it…
Her expression stayed perfectly aloof the entire time.
Finally Rin cleared his throat lightly.
"Well… Lady Suzuki," he said with a gentle smile, "the festival is quite lively today. I should not take more of your time."
He gave a small bow.
"I wish you a pleasant evening."
He began to turn.
"W–wait a moment, Sir Rin!"
Suzuki called out quickly.
Rin stopped mid-step.
He turned back, tilting his head slightly with a calm smile.
"Yes? Is something the matter, Lady Suzuki?"
Suzuki froze again for a split second.
Then she gathered herself.
"…If it would not trouble you… would you accompany me for a while?"
Her voice sounded calm.
Aloof.
Controlled.
But Rin could hear the hidden layer beneath it.
Please don't refuse.
Please don't refuse.
Please don't refuse…
She continued quickly.
"Consider it… a small repayment for saving me that day."
Harumi's brain exploded behind Rin.
WHAT.
THE AZURE CONSORT IS ASKING HIM TO WALK WITH HER?!
THIS IS PUBLIC!
PEOPLE ARE WATCHING!
THIS IS A SOCIAL EARTHQUAKE!
Rin also understood the situation immediately.
The public already knew he had saved her.
If the Azure Consort invited her savior as thanks and he refused…
It could easily be interpreted as him saving her for selfish motives.
Or worse—
That he was insulting her.
Yeah… refusing isn't really an option.
Rin smiled politely.
"Well… if Lady Suzuki does not mind my company."
He gave a small nod.
"I would be honored to accompany you."
For the briefest moment—
Suzuki perked up.
It was subtle.
So subtle most people wouldn't notice.
But Rin saw it clearly.
Her shoulders lifted slightly.
Her posture relaxed a fraction.
Even though her face remained calm and aloof.
She raised her sleeve slightly, covering half her mouth in a noble gesture.
"Thank you… Sir Rin."
Under the sleeve though—
Her lips curved upward.
Behind the sleeve her attendants could faintly see her quietly celebrating.
Yes!
Victory!
Under her azure coat, her hands clenched slightly in excitement.
To the outside world she remained the elegant and distant Azure Consort.
But inside—
She looked like a girl who had just won a very important battle.
Rin noticed the tiny shifting movements under her coat and sighed internally.
…Yeah.
She's definitely celebrating.
Harumi meanwhile stood behind him completely frozen.
I feel like I just witnessed the start of a political incident…
Suzuki turned slightly and gestured toward the lantern-lit festival path.
"Shall we?"
Rin chuckled softly.
"After you, Lady Suzuki."
And just like that—
The Duke's son and the Azure Consort began walking through the festival together.
While half the people nearby pretended not to stare.
And the other half absolutely stared.
The two walked side by side through the lantern-lit festival path.
Between them was a quiet, comfortable distance befitting nobles in public.
Behind them followed the attendants of the Chinen household.
Harumi joined their line naturally, though she positioned herself slightly closer to Rin than the others—just one step behind him like a proper personal maid.
In her arms she still held the newly won plush cat.
Her expression was calm.
Professional.
Inside her head though—
What is happening right now…
Her young master.
Walking with the Azure Consort.
Alone.
In a festival.
This was NOT in the novel!
Up ahead, Chinen Suzuki turned her head slightly toward Rin.
"I am glad to have met you coincidentally here, Sir Rin."
Her gaze carried something soft.
Trust.
"I had actually been planning to visit the Sumeragi Dukedom to properly give my thanks," she continued.
"But it seems fate allowed me to meet you earlier than expected."
Her eyes drifted briefly toward his shoulder.
"How is your shoulder currently?"
"…Does it still hurt?"
Rin smiled faintly.
"There is no need for you to repay what I did, Lady Suzuki."
"My shoulder is perfectly fine."
He casually rotated it once.
"Thanks to my magic technique, I possess a rather… generous recovery cycle."
Suzuki nodded slowly.
"I see."
"That is fortunate."
Then she went quiet.
Very quiet.
And she kept staring at him.
Rin felt it immediately.
Ah.
This is awkward.
Her eyes were extremely focused.
Like she was studying him.
Or maybe gathering courage.
"…Um…"
Suzuki suddenly spoke.
Then stopped.
She blinked.
Rin tilted his head slightly.
"Yes?"
Suzuki visibly trembled a little.
Her sleeve rose instinctively, covering half her face again.
Silence returned.
Five seconds.
Seven seconds.
Finally she spoke again.
"…Is there… perhaps something you would like me to do?"
Rin blinked.
Suzuki continued quickly.
"I mean… you saved my life."
"I must repay that debt properly."
Her voice remained composed.
But there was a hint of nervous determination under it.
Rin shook his head gently.
"I truly have nothing to ask of you, Lady Suzuki."
"Please believe me when I say I did not save you to gain your favor."
"It was simply my duty."
Suzuki stopped walking for a moment.
Her gaze lowered slightly.
"It is not your duty to dive into danger recklessly, Sir Rin."
Her tone carried a quiet firmness.
Then she suddenly looked toward a nearby stall.
"Would you like to eat something?"
She turned back to him.
"Please consider it a small repayment."
Rin paused.
Technically he could refuse.
But refusing small gestures like this could also become awkward.
"…Very well."
"I would be grateful."
Suzuki nodded once.
Her attendants quickly purchased a small dessert snack from the stall.
Suzuki personally handed it to him.
"This one is quite delicious."
She said it in the same aloof tone.
Then—
She began eating one herself.
Very calmly.
Very elegantly.
Rin followed suit.
Harumi, from behind, watched the sight with widened eyes.
The Azure Consort…
Bought food…
For my young master…
And they are eating together…
She glanced around cautiously.
Luckily Suzuki's expression remained the classic aloof noble look.
Good.
Very good.
That meant rumors wouldn't explode too violently.
The group continued walking afterward.
Suzuki tried several times to start conversations.
Small topics at first.
Then eventually—
Magic.
"You cast extremely fast," she said quietly.
"You were able to interrupt the kidnappers' spellcasting that day."
"That precision saved me."
Rin nodded slightly.
"I trained casting through gestures."
"Consider them replacements for chant words."
Suzuki's eyes brightened slightly.
"The gestures hold the structure of your magic?"
"Correct."
"My magic technique is called Limitless Space."
"The gestures act as anchors for the spell framework."
"I practiced them repeatedly."
"I started with low-output spells."
"For example… one called Oppose."
Suzuki listened attentively.
Very attentively.
Too attentively.
Rin noticed something.
Her sleeve still covered half her face.
But beneath that sleeve—
Her shoulders were moving slightly.
She was wiggling.
Tiny excited movements.
Like a cat hearing a favorite toy shake.
…She really likes magic topics.
Eventually after a long walk through the festival, the two settled into a quiet dessert stall.
Lanterns hung above the wooden tables.
Sweet aromas filled the air.
Rin leaned back slightly.
Man…
I really ate a lot today.
Between Harumi's ice cream requests and Suzuki's food invitations…
It had been nonstop.
Though technically it didn't matter.
His magic technique absorbed excess energy easily.
Limitless is convenient like that.
Across the table, Suzuki sat gracefully.
For a moment Rin looked at her properly.
And then—
He realized something.
She wasn't looking aloof anymore.
Her sleeve had lowered.
And she was smiling faintly.
A small, genuine smile.
The kind she had never shown in public before.
Meanwhile—
At a nearby table—
Harumi sat with the Chinen attendants.
The two groups of retainers had naturally separated to give their masters privacy.
Harumi quietly sipped tea while watching the scene.
Her mind raced.
Wait.
WAIT.
The Azure Consort is smiling.
At my young master.
In a dessert stall.
WITHOUT the aloof mask.
Harumi slowly covered her mouth with the plush toy.
…This is a major event.
Across the stall, Suzuki looked genuinely relaxed for the first time that evening.
And she spoke softly.
"…This is much nicer than the palace."
Her eyes lifted toward Rin.
"It is peaceful talking like this."
Rin soon realized something strange was happening around their table.
The air itself felt… distorted.
Not dangerously so—but carefully controlled.
Small flickers of heat shimmered around the stall like faint summer haze, while soft currents of wind gently circulated through the space. To anyone further away, the subtle magical interference blurred facial details just enough to obscure clear expressions.
A privacy screen.
A clever one.
Chinen Suzuki had quietly cast a layered spell—light manipulation using fire's heat distortion, combined with wind to redirect sightlines.
From a distance, observers would only see the two nobles sitting calmly and speaking politely.
But anyone sitting nearby could see them clearly.
Including Rin.
And Harumi.
Suzuki lowered her sleeve slightly.
The aloof mask was gone.
Her shoulders relaxed, and the faint smile she had earlier returned—more natural now.
"I apologize, Sir Rin."
Her voice was softer than before.
"For looking so… unemotional earlier."
She fiddled lightly with the edge of her sleeve.
"I cannot really show this side of myself in public."
Her eyes lifted to meet his.
"Could you… keep it a secret?"
Across the table—
Rin was buffering.
Completely.
His brain was attempting to process the situation.
Wait.
Why did she suddenly drop the noble mask?
Why me specifically?
Suzuki tilted her head slightly.
"…Are you surprised?"
She quickly lifted her sleeve again, half-covering her face.
Her shoulders wiggled a little.
The movement reminded Rin of a small animal bracing for rejection.
"…I am surprised," Rin admitted honestly.
"You acted very differently from what I had heard."
He paused.
"Especially when I was still recovering."
Suzuki froze.
Rin continued.
"You cried in front of me."
"You kept apologizing for my shoulder injury."
"You were quite… emotional."
Suzuki's face instantly turned red.
"Please forget about that time!"
She leaned forward abruptly, her sleeve now covering almost her entire face.
"I was… not myself back then!"
Her voice became flustered.
"You risked your life to save me and when I saw you injured…"
Her fingers clenched the table edge slightly.
"I became a little too emotional."
She slowly peeked up at him.
Her eyes looked watery.
"Please keep it a secret…"
Her voice dropped into a soft, almost pleading tone.
"Please."
Rin nodded calmly.
"I will not say a word."
Suzuki visibly relaxed.
Her shoulders loosened and she leaned back in her seat.
Then—
She wiggled happily.
A small giggle escaped her lips.
"Hehe…"
She looked genuinely relieved.
"…Thank you."
After a moment she spoke again, quieter this time.
"Umm…"
"You can call me Suzuki actually."
"There is no need for the formal 'Lady' title."
Rin shook his head immediately.
"I cannot disrespect the Azure Consort by addressing her so casually."
Suzuki puffed her cheeks.
"Muuuuuuuu…"
She leaned forward slightly and stared straight into his eyes with full pout mode activated.
Her expression looked adorably disappointed.
Rin immediately looked away.
Nope.
I refuse to engage with this.
Why is she acting like this?
He rubbed his temple internally.
She's supposed to be the aloof consort.
Why is she behaving like a sulking hamster?
But then again—
He had seen this side before.
Back in the palace when she visited his recovery room.
Still.
He never expected to encounter this emotional side again.
Especially not here.
At the Money Festival.
I was planning to keep my distance from all major characters…
Fate apparently disagrees.
Suzuki poked her fingers together shyly.
"Sir Rin…"
"I heard from some stall merchants earlier…"
"You were with the Vermillion Consort and White Consort yesterday."
She peeked at him carefully.
"Are you… close with them?"
Rin's face remained calm.
Inside his mind—
DON'T REMIND ME.
PLEASE.
I SURVIVED A SOCIAL WAR YESTERDAY.
Externally he answered smoothly.
"Lady Akane and I are business partners."
"She invited me to the Money Festival here in the Shinegori Dukedom."
"As for Lady Rei…"
"That was simply coincidence."
"We met during the tour Lady Akane was hosting."
Suzuki's shoulders trembled slightly.
"I see…"
She hesitated.
Then asked quietly—
"…Did you enjoy it?"
Rin blinked.
What kind of question is that?
His expression stayed composed.
"…Not particularly."
"They are both very talkative on many matters."
He took a sip of tea calmly.
Inside his head though—
They fought with words the entire day.
I spent hours extinguishing verbal fires.
I deserve a medal.
Suzuki seemed to notice the subtle tension in his expression.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"…I apologize."
Rin blinked.
He waved a hand gently.
"There is no need to apologize, Lady Suzuki."
"Yesterday was simply… exhausting."
"I was mentally tired."
Suzuki looked at him carefully.
Then she straightened slightly.
Determination appeared on her face.
"Um…"
She fiddled with her sleeve nervously.
"Would you… perhaps like to have tea with me later?"
Her voice became shy again.
"I could help you relax."
She peeked up at him.
"At the place where I am staying."
"I would like to invite you."
Rin froze.
Inside his mind—
NO.
NO MORE FOOD.
I HAVE EATEN LIKE TEN MEALS TODAY.
PLEASE.
MY STOMACH IS FULL.
ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE.
But then—
Suzuki looked up at him again.
Her eyes shimmered slightly.
Those watery pleading eyes.
Rin felt an extremely familiar sense of danger.
Harumi does that exact same look…
And every time—
He lost.
Rin sighed quietly.
"…I can spare some time."
He spoke reluctantly.
At this point he had simply given up resisting.
Refusing someone who was showing such vulnerable sincerity felt… wrong.
Suzuki blinked once.
Then—
Her entire body perked up.
Her shoulders wiggled excitedly.
Her eyes brightened.
And a delighted smile spread across her face.
"Hehe…"
She looked extremely happy.
Meanwhile at the nearby table—
Harumi slowly lowered her teacup.
Her eyes widened.
Young master…
You just accepted a private tea invitation…
From the Azure Consort.
This story is definitely going off-script.
The sun had begun its slow descent across the sky of the Shinegori Dukedom.
Golden light spilled over the festival streets, tinting the rows of noble stalls in warm orange hues. Silk banners fluttered gently in the late afternoon breeze while distant laughter, music, and merchant calls blended into the lively rhythm of the Money Festival.
Moments ago, Rin had separated from Chinen Suzuki.
Before leaving, Suzuki had carefully written an address on a small folded slip of parchment and handed it to him with both hands.
Her fingers had trembled slightly when their hands brushed.
"Please come later… for tea."
Her voice had been soft.
Her cheeks faintly pink.
Then—almost instantly after stepping away from Rin and Harumi—her demeanor changed.
Her shoulders straightened.
Her expression returned to its usual calm indifference.
The aloof mask.
Nobles who passed her bowed respectfully, and she acknowledged them with nothing more than a composed nod.
Not a trace of the shy girl from earlier remained.
Rin watched her retreating figure disappear into the crowd.
"…That switch is terrifying."
Behind him—
Harumi gently tugged at the sleeve of his coat.
"Young master…"
She leaned closer so only he could hear.
"…I know."
Rin sighed deeply, running a hand down his face.
"I know what you're about to say."
He glanced down at the folded paper in his hand.
"…Lady Suzuki's attitude is very different from the novel."
Harumi bit her lip.
Her brows furrowed slightly as she looked toward the direction Suzuki had gone.
"Yes… but she still acts like the aloof consort."
Her fingers tightened slightly on Rin's sleeve.
"I believe she only behaves like that… around people she trusts."
Rin's shoulders slumped.
He tilted his head back slightly and stared at the sky.
Why…
Why is this happening…
I just wanted to survive this story quietly.
A long groan escaped him.
"I want to sleep."
Harumi couldn't help but smile faintly at the dramatic exhaustion in his voice.
But her expression quickly turned serious again.
"Young master…"
She stepped closer.
"While this may be fine… she seemed grateful today."
Her voice lowered.
"But…"
Rin blinked and looked at her.
"But?"
Harumi hesitated.
Her fingers fidgeted nervously.
"Please make sure she does not become too attached to you."
Rin raised an eyebrow.
"Attached?"
Harumi nodded slowly.
"Lady Suzuki can be emotional to a certain extent."
She glanced around carefully before continuing.
"Because she must act aloof in public, she suppresses many of her feelings."
Her gaze returned to Rin.
"That means when she finds someone she trusts… those emotions may become stronger than expected."
Rin rubbed his temple.
"…I still don't see the problem."
Harumi stared at him.
Then she spoke very slowly.
"Absolutely never… ever…"
Her voice turned deadly serious.
"Allow her like meter to become full."
Rin blinked.
"…Like meter?"
Harumi nodded firmly.
"If her affection for you becomes too strong…"
She took a breath.
"…she may stop trying to hinder the protagonist."
Rin's brain paused.
"…Wait."
"…What?"
Harumi spoke carefully.
"In the original novel, Lady Suzuki is one of the major villainesses."
"She actively obstructs the heroine."
The heroine being—
Miharu.
"Because she sees Miharu as a threat to the Crown Prince."
Rin groaned loudly.
"Ugh…"
He ran both hands through his hair.
"I don't think she would fall that far."
"She is the Azure Consort."
He crossed his arms.
"She should understand her position."
"The Crown Prince comes before anything else."
Harumi remained silent.
But her expression had not relaxed.
Rin noticed immediately.
"…What?"
She looked… worried.
Very worried.
"What is it?" Rin asked slowly.
Harumi hesitated.
Then she asked—
"Young master… do you remember Princess Aya?"
Rin blinked.
"…Of course I do."
He shrugged casually.
Hoshimi Aya.
"The perfect princess."
"She has been kinder to me lately, yes."
"But she still keeps some distance."
Rin shrugged again.
"Which is good."
"In the novel, her first real friend should be Miharu."
Harumi nodded slowly.
"Yes…"
Then she said something that made Rin freeze.
"I can tell she likes you too much now."
Rin stared at her.
"…Huh?"
Harumi clasped her hands nervously.
"I mean… she does not look at you as a potential friend."
She took a breath.
"That part is still safe for the plot."
"But…"
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
"…it seems she wants more."
Rin's eye twitched.
"Harumi."
"Don't tell me…"
He pointed weakly at himself.
"She…?"
Harumi stepped forward and grabbed his shoulders firmly.
Her expression was deadly serious.
"Yes."
"It is exactly what you think."
She leaned closer.
"She like likes you."
Rin's soul nearly left his body.
"…Like… likes?"
Harumi nodded gravely.
"She fell for you."
"Hard."
Rin's vision went white.
If I didn't know this world was a novel…
I would actually be happy right now.
But he did know.
And that made this situation terrifying.
Because Princess Aya was not just any character.
She was a major figure in the future story.
Her friendship with Miharu was important.
If her feelings shifted toward Rin instead—
The story could derail.
"This isn't true…"
Rin whispered.
He grabbed Harumi's shoulders now.
"Please tell me this is not true."
Harumi sighed softly.
"Please trust this maid of yours."
She placed a hand on her chest proudly.
"I am a girl too."
"I know the signs."
She began counting on her fingers.
"She asked you for a dance during the celebration."
"She constantly seeks chances to speak with you."
"She blushes when you compliment her."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"And you are extremely dense, young master."
Rin winced.
"You failed to notice any of it."
Harumi sighed.
Then she clapped her hands lightly in front of his face.
"Focus."
Rin blinked.
His consciousness slowly returned to his body.
"Anyway."
Harumi folded her arms.
"This situation with Princess Aya will not affect the plot."
"You are not close friends."
"Her destined friendship with Miharu can still happen."
She raised a finger.
"But Lady Suzuki…"
Her voice lowered ominously.
"That is a different matter."
Rin swallowed.
"If she falls for you as well…"
Harumi looked genuinely stressed now.
"She already has a high like meter for you."
"If it becomes love…"
"That would completely change the story."
Her voice rose slightly.
"It may affect the entire plot!"
Several nearby nobles glanced toward them.
But at that exact moment—
A faint ripple of magic surrounded Rin.
An isolation spell.
The sound around them warped slightly as Rin manipulated the wind element.
Their conversation became muffled to anyone nearby.
Only they could hear each other clearly.
Rin sighed.
"…Good thing I prepared that spell."
Harumi nodded gratefully.
Then she pointed directly at him.
"So you must be careful."
"Very careful."
Rin stared at the paper in his hand again.
The address Suzuki had given him.
"…Too late for that, isn't it?"
Harumi's eye twitched.
"Yes."
"Yes it is."
Rin groaned again.
He could already imagine the disaster.
If the Azure Consort—
One of the main villainesses—
Fell in love with someone outside the Crown Prince's circle.
The balance of the story would collapse.
The conflicts around Miharu might disappear.
Or worse—
Entire new conflicts could appear.
Rin looked up at the festival sky.
"Why me…"
He muttered weakly.
Harumi patted his shoulder sympathetically.
"Because you are kind."
"That is exactly the problem."
Rin sighed again.
"…So the mission now is simple."
Harumi nodded.
"Yes."
Rin raised a finger.
"Step one."
"Make sure Lady Suzuki does not fall in love with me."
Harumi nodded firmly.
"Correct."
Rin raised another finger.
"Step two."
"Survive this tea meeting without raising her affection."
Harumi hesitated.
"…That might already be difficult."
Rin groaned loudly.
"Don't say that!"
He stared at the address one last time.
The words felt heavy in his hand.
Tonight—
He would be visiting the residence of the Azure Consort.
And somehow…
He had to make sure her like meter stopped rising.
Rin looked up at the heavens with a silent prayer.
Dear gods…
Please let this tea meeting be normal.
Harumi watched him.
Then quietly muttered—
"…Young master, you just triggered another heroine route."