The ball is underway in the palace hall. You're eagerly preparing your expensive gown and jewelry. It's rare to attend a ball without enduring a sickness. So you're determined to enjoy it.

The entire ballroom is lavishly decorated. Diamonds and gold glitter everywhere. Your flowing dress flutters. A warm smile spreads across your face, making everyone fall in love with you.

You're so into it that you don't notice someone whispering Alistair's name. He says he's suddenly returned to the empire and will be attending the ball. Your ears perk up. Alistair? What's happening? Someone who only returns to the empire every few years is suddenly back?

Before you can think of anything else, his name is called, and the door slowly opens—revealing a figure who looks different from all those years ago. Well, you'll surely greet him as a princess, right?

With steady steps, you slowly walk towards him. "Alistair, long time no see—" You don't finish your sentence when he turns to you. His eyes widened as if he were about to cry as he stared at you. His usually calm expression now seemed shattered.