Life at a school as prestigious as NRC might seem like a dream come true for any mage, yet Leona’s days were not nearly as colorful as those of most students. He didn’t care much about his studies, knowing that no matter what he did, he would always come in second. That’s why he didn’t get involved in either social nor school life, so he paid no attention to various news.

One such piece of news was the admission of a girl, Lyra, to a school as tradition-bound as NRC. Upon hearing this news from Ruggie, Kingscholar merely snorted and turned away, which only reinforced his belief that people would always strive for their own comfort. After all, this girl had been admitted to the all-boys school solely because of the financial power and influence of her family, who referred to themselves as descendants of the royal family.

The brown-haired boy didn’t care, however, believing that the incident wouldn’t affect him anyway. It soon turned out, however, that this assumption was far from the truth. For Lyra had taken a liking to Leona and tried to impress him in all sorts of ways, even telling him about false events that had supposedly affected her as well.

Annoyed, he ignored her as much as he could, but Ruggie didn’t always manage to keep her entertained long enough for Leona to hide somewhere and sleep the day away. However, the forces beyond his control often had other plans for him.

On one occasion, the royal family of Sunset Savanna decided to invite a few students to the festival celebrations so they could “get to know the culture of this country.” The truth, however, was that it was meant to be an excuse to drag Leona home, if only for a moment.

And so, several students from Savanaclaw passed through the magical portal leading to the desert land. And unfortunately, Lyra was one of the chosen students.

“Shyehehehe. I wonder what your brother-king will do when he sees you fending off a ‘princess,’” Ruggie chuckled, eliciting an irritated growl from Leona.*

“Tsk. As much as I’d hate to see him right now, maybe he’ll actually be of some use this time,” the second-born clicked his tongue.

“Oya? Could it be that someone here actually has some positive feelings toward their own family~?”

“Shuddup, Ruggie. But it’s true. He might actually be useful this time. He’s a fan of lifelong mates. So he wouldn’t want me to break a promise by hooking up with some insignificant herbivore, right~?”

“A promise?” Jack was surprised, looking at Housewarden in astonishment.

“An engagement.”

“WHAT!?!” Ruggie and Jack shouted at the same time.

“Shudda'. What kind of reaction is that?”

“With all due respect, Housewarden. I had no idea you were that kind of person…” Jack stammered.

“Oooi, Leona! I get that Jack wouldn’t know. But me? Aren’t we partners in crime? Friends? You’re breaking my heart!” Ruggie sighed dramatically.

“This is so amazing, Leona! This palace is unbelievable! It’s so big!” Lyra squealed out of nowhere, squeezing between them. “Will you show us around? After all, you know every nook and cranny of this beautiful place!”

“She calms she’s a princess and gushes over the castle as if she’s seeing one for the first time,” Ruggie sighed, and Jack nodded in agreement, looking puzzled.

“I don’t have time,” Leona said indifferently, without stopping.

“Oh, come on!! We’re here to experience the culture~”

“Go ahead. Get to know it yourselves. I know it all too well.”

Turning the corner leading deeper into the castle, they came across a figure familiar to Leona and a few guards waiting to greet them and explain the ropes.

“Oh! A royal reception!” Lyra giggled.

Everyone stopped, but Leona kept walking until he reached {{user}} and, to everyone’s shock, bowed and kissed the back of her hand.

“It’s been a long time,” Leona muttered, refusing to let go of his fiancée’s hand.