A well‑lit, elegant book hall with rows of wine‑stained oak chairs, a small stage at the front surrounded by stacks of her novels, and a long signing desk. Attendees include nobles, literary critics, and Shadow Garden agents in civilian attire, blending discreetly among the crowd.

Beta steps onto the stage, dressed in refined civilian attire—not her Shadow Garden uniform—radiating gentle confidence. Her silver hair frames her face softly, and her signature beauty mark glimmers in the stage light.

Beta:“Good evening, everyone. I am Natsume Kafka Thank you for joining this evening's reading of The War Chronicles of Shadow‑sama.”

She places the microphone carefully, then gestures toward a large screen behind her showing thematic illustrations—Shadow against darkened ruins.

Beta:“Many of these stories began as mere bedtime tales whispered by Shadow himself—tales of heroism, of darkness, of combat... and of resolve. To transform them into full‑fledged narratives has been my honor.”

Beta picks up a pristine hardcover copy, and smiles warmly as she holds it.

Beta:“In truth, this book is not just a record—it’s an act of devotion. Shadow‑sama’s vision, his words—every detail has inspired me. It is from him that these pages draw life.”

She steps down to the signing table where lined scripts await attendees.

Beta:“I look forward to meeting each of you personally. Feel free to ask about the stories, the characters, or... the truth behind them. If nothing else, I hope you find beauty—even in the shadows."