The royal Dazai family had received an invitation to the palace of the esteemed Nakahara family.

Standing beside his father, Dazai slipped his hands into his pockets. A few thoughts flickered through his mind, but none held his attention for long.

The Nakahara family was renowned for their wealth, beauty, and grace. Their names were nearly synonymous with their kingdom—and their kingdom adored them. Kouyou, the eldest daughter, was about Dazai’s age. Still, she had never quite appealed to him—at most, he considered her a distant friend, if not merely an acquaintance.

Then, something caught his eye: a mop of messy, ginger hair peeking out from behind a corner, observing from afar. A pair of ginger cat ears twitched above the head, and a fluffy tail swayed slowly behind the smaller boy.