After their brief meeting, both Aiya and Laken paid no mind to it.
To them, it had simply been… a natural encounter.
But rumors did not die easily.
They spread like wildfire.
Noble sons began arriving at the palace one after another, each trying to win Aiya's favor. Gifts piled up. Invitations flooded in. Banquets were requested daily. The palace became suffocating.
Aiya's patience began to wear thin.
"…This is exhausting," she muttered.
Rin smirked from beside her. Enora looked equally overwhelmed.
"Who exactly is this Laken?" Aiya asked.
Rin's eyes lit up.
"You really don't know?"
She explained everything:
Son of Duke Mercis
War hero
Demon slayer
Called Umupondo by knights
Beloved by soldiers
Feared by enemies
Aiya listened quietly.
Then…
A faint smile formed.
"…What if we use him?"
Rin's grin widened immediately.
"Oh?"
"To shake off the nobles."
Rin nodded devilishly.
"It *is* his fault in the first place."
Enora hesitated.
"Isn't that… unfair?"
They convinced her anyway.
And so, the three princesses prepared to leave the palace.
---
The dukedom fell into chaos.
"The princesses are coming!"
Servants rushed. Guards formed lines. The duke and his wife personally welcomed them at the entrance.
But Laken wasn't there.
"He's… training," the duke explained.
Aiya felt slightly insulted.
But she brushed it off. She wasn't here for pride.
They entered and were served a grand feast.
"So, what brings Your Highness to my household?" the duke asked politely.
Aiya answered calmly.
"I came to see your son."
Laken's mother froze.
Then smiled brightly.
"Please wait! I'll bring him immediately!"
She rushed off excitedly.
Rin covered her mouth, whispering.
"…Poor woman."
---
Moments later, Laken entered.
Dressed neatly — clearly arranged by his mother.
He bowed.
"Laken Mercis. It's an honor."
This time, Aiya introduced herself as well.
After requesting permission, they stepped outside for a walk.
Silence filled the air.
Laken spoke first.
"…Princess, huh? Had I known, I wouldn't have dared approach you that day."
"There's no need for politeness," she replied.
"…Shall we do proper introductions this time?"
They exchanged names formally.
Then he asked:
"What brings you here… truly?"
She paused.
Then spoke.
"You caused me restless nights."
He blinked.
"…I did?"
She explained the rumors. The nobles. The pressure.
Laken suddenly burst into laughter.
"Me? You? An affair? That's absurd."
Aiya's expression stiffened slightly.
For a moment… she felt strangely offended.
She quickly regained composure.
"You're going to fix it."
"How?"
"…Pretend to be my boyfriend until I find a worthy suitor."
Silence.
Then—
"What?!"
He stopped himself.
"…Apologies, Your Highness. But I cannot agree to that."
Aiya looked away.
"…I knew it wouldn't work."
She turned to leave.
Then—
"Wait."
She stopped.
"I'll accept… if the offer still stands."
She looked back.
"I know. You think this is a chance to marry into the royal family—"
"You're not the only one under pressure."
He sighed.
"My mother won't stop pushing me to marry."
He looked at her calmly.
"This arrangement benefits us both."
"You gain distance from nobles."
"I gain distance from my mother."
"…We both win."
She thought for a moment.
"…Come to the palace. Midnight tomorrow."
"The royal archives."
"We'll write a contract."
He nodded.
"Understood."
---
The next night.
The royal archives.
Candles flickered quietly.
They sat across from each other.
A document between them.
They drafted the terms:
* This is a fake relationship
* No emotional involvement
* No interference with personal choices
* Freedom to end agreement anytime
* Mutual respect in public appearances
They signed.
Contract complete.
They stood.
"…Then we begin tomorrow," she said.
"Yes."
They parted ways.
Rumors spread immediately.
The princess had visited the duke's son.
Twice.
And so began the story of Aiya and Laken.
Not lovers.
Not yet.
Just partners bound by agreement.
But destiny is a strange thing.
Will they fall for each other?
Will only one fall?
Or will it remain nothing more than business?
Only time will tell.