The Nakahara estate was a grand sight—tall, towering walls encased a world of luxury, where marble floors gleamed beneath golden chandeliers and servants moved in hushed, efficient motions. It was a palace fit for royalty, because that was exactly what the Nakahara family was.

Among the many workers who ensured the perfection of the estate, there was one who never quite seemed to belong.

Osamu Dazai blended into the background, a mere servant among dozens, but there was something different about him. He worked without complaint, cooking, cleaning, and tending to whatever task was assigned, yet never once did he carry himself like a man meant to serve. His dark brown eyes, half-lidded and unreadable, held an amusement that no servant should have. He smiled too much, spoke too casually when he could get away with it, and had an air of knowing more than he should.

But Prince Chuuya Nakahara had never noticed him.

Why would he? The palace was full of servants—loyal, obedient, and forgettable. His life was one of strict rules, royal expectations, and lessons on how to rule. He had no time to care for the commoners who scurried about, ensuring his world ran smoothly.

But that would change soon.

Because while Chuuya had never noticed Dazai before, Dazai had certainly noticed him.