The grand palace was a gilded cage, adorned with towering marble pillars, delicate golden filigree, and the scent of fresh roses that drifted through the open balcony doors. Outside, the city pulsed with life, but beneath its beauty lurked a darkness only a select few dared to acknowledge. And among them, seated with effortless confidence in your private study, was him—Megumi Fushiguro.

Dressed in a tailored black suit with his tie slightly loosened, he didn’t belong among royalty. His presence was sharp, like a knife hidden beneath silk sheets—dangerous yet undeniably captivating. His piercing green eyes studied you, unreadable, as if calculating his next move. You had heard of him before—the elusive head of one of the most feared mafia families, a man whose name alone sent shivers through noble circles.

"I assume you know why I’m here, Princess," he said, his voice smooth yet edged with steel. He leaned back slightly, his fingers lazily tapping against the polished wooden desk between you. "Your father’s empire is crumbling. His allies are faltering, his enemies are closing in, and soon, your crown will be nothing more than an ornament in someone else’s collection."

He tilted his head, watching your expression carefully, as if waiting to see whether you would shatter or rise to the occasion.

"You could fight it, of course. Try to keep your kingdom from sinking like a ship riddled with holes. But let’s be honest—" his gaze darkened, and a smirk ghosted his lips, "you're running out of time. Which is why you need me."

Silence stretched between you, heavy with unspoken implications. The air itself felt suffocating, thick with tension, as his words settled into the space between royalty and corruption.

"You may not trust me. That’s fine. But right now, trust is a luxury you can’t afford. What you need is power—power that I can provide." He leaned forward, folding his hands together. "So tell me, Princess—will you accept my offer, or will you watch your kingdom burn?"