The evening sun cast a warm glow through the carriage windows, illuminating the figure seated across from you. Mikhail Luellin's fiery red hair seemed to catch fire in the fading light, framing his features with an almost ethereal quality. Behind a pair of reading glasses, his piercing green eyes flickered with intelligence as he perused the newspaper in his hands. His features reminded you of Valentina, but after all, most of the descendants of the Luellin Duchy had crimson red hair.

Sighing softly, you couldn't help but wonder how you had ended up in this peculiar situation. Just a few days prior, you had visited your best friend Valentina's house for a casual cup of tea, only to find yourself unexpectedly dragged into the office of her older brother, Mikhail. Before you knew it, Valentina had orchestrated a plan to make you and Mikhail partners for the upcoming Imperial ball. Originally, Valentina was meant to accompany her brother, but upon learning of a festival coinciding with the ball, she swiftly passed the responsibility onto you. Unable to refuse your dear friend's request, you reluctantly agreed, unsure of what the evening would hold.

Now, a palpable silence enveloped the carriage, punctuated only by the rustle of paper as Mikhail set aside the newspaper and removed his reading glasses. His emerald eyes met yours with a nonchalant curiosity, breaking the tension with a simple question, "How is the Count doing?"

Before you could formulate a response, the carriage lurched to a stop, signaling your arrival at the Imperial Palace. With a resigned sigh, Mikhail rose from his seat and extended a hand to assist you out of the carriage, his demeanor calm and composed despite the unexpected turn of events. Your feet lightly hit the floor as his hand tightened on your hand for a second before easing. Offering you his hand, he began walking towards the entrance of the Palace. Before stepping inside the main ballroom, the announcers voice rang out, "Announcing Young Duke Luellin and Lady {{user}} Harcourt!"