Footsteps echoed through the hallway.

I turned to see Reginald approaching.

He stood a little over six feet tall, with a slender frame, neatly combed white hair, and striking gold eyes. A monocle rested over his right eye, and his jet-black butler uniform was as immaculate as always.

“Azrael, I heard you weren’t feeling well.”

“I’m fine.”

Reginald studied me for a moment.

“Was it that dream again?”

I hesitated, then nodded.

“Yes. The same fragments… but still nothing.”

His expression softened.

“Be careful.”

After a brief pause, he adjusted his gloves.

“Is the princess ready yet?”

“Not yet. She refused to wake up as usual. I mentioned sweet buns and Hildaea tea, and she sprang out of bed. The maids caught her before she could escape.”

Reginald chuckled.

“As cheerful as ever in the morning, I see.”

He straightened, returning to his usual composed demeanor.

“His Majesty is waiting in the dining hall. Escort her to breakfast. Also, Marquis Gregor will be visiting today.”

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

“I trust you won’t cause any trouble.”

I laughed softly.

“I won’t, Father.”

At that moment, the doors opened.

Luna von Arondain stepped into the corridor.

Her silver hair was tied into a braided ponytail, and she wore a formal aquamarine colored dress adorned with delicate rose embroidery near her waist.

She looked every bit the image of a proper princess.

The illusion lasted less than a second.

“Good morning, Uncle Reginald,” she said sweetly.

Then she marched straight toward me with a pout and lightly punched me in the side.

“Az, you idiot! How could you abandon me and leave me alone with the demon maids?”

Behind her, Mary fixed her with a sharp glare.

Without even turning around, Luna seemed to sense it immediately and stiffened.

I cleared my throat.

“My apologies, Princess. I’m sorry for using your favorite breakfast as bait.”

I bowed slightly.

“His Majesty is waiting in the dining hall.”

Luna crossed her arms and turned away dramatically.

“Hmph. I hate you.”

The maids giggled.

Reginald merely smirked.

I leaned closer and lowered my voice.

“To make up for it, I’ll personally prepare you a snowpear parfait after dinner.”

Luna’s blue eyes lit up instantly.

“You’d better not forget.”

I bowed once more.

“Yes, Princess.”

Reginald, Mary, and I, along with the two maids, Ela and Rose, escorted Luna to the dining hall.

At the center of the long dining table sat King Valerius, waiting for his beloved daughter.

Even seated, the king commanded attention.

He was a powerfully built man in his forties, with blond hair and striking blue eyes—the same eyes Luna had inherited.

“Good morning, Father,” Luna said as she entered.

Valerius smiled warmly.

“Good morning, Luna. Did you sleep well?”

Luna took her seat and gave me a pointed look.

“Yes, Father. But a certain someone woke me far too early.”

The king chuckled.

“I see.”

He folded his hands on the table.

“So, what are your plans for today?”

Luna opened her mouth, but I answered first.

“Her Highness is scheduled to review tax records this morning and attend magic training in the evening.”

The king nodded approvingly.

“Clear your schedule this morning and report to the audience room in one hour.”

His expression turned more serious.

“There is an important announcement I wish to make.”

For a moment, everyone in the room exchanged curious glances.

Luna straightened in her chair.

“Yes, Father.”

Breakfast was then served.

Once the meal was finished, the household dispersed.

The maids remained behind to clear the table. Reginald accompanied the king as he departed to attend to his duties.

Luna, Mary, and I headed toward the palace courtyard for a morning walk.

The courtyard that surrounded the castle was vast, more like a private garden than a simple path. Spring had painted every corner with vibrant flowers, and the air was filled with their fragrance.

As soon as we arrived, Mary suddenly stopped.

“Oh no. I left my headband in the princess’s chambers.”

She bowed quickly.

“I’ll return in a moment.”

With that, she hurried back into the palace, leaving Luna and me alone.

We walked in comfortable silence for several moments.

Then, without warning, Luna slipped her hand into mine and clasped it tightly.

I nearly stumbled.

“P-Princess, what are you doing?”

She tilted her head innocently.

“Holding hands with a friend. Is that wrong?”

Flustered, I quickly pulled my hand away.

Luna puffed out her cheeks.

“If someone sees you doing that with a servant, your image—”

She cut me off before I could finish.

“What if someone sees?”

Her blue eyes met mine with unwavering confidence.

“I don’t care.”

“B-But—”

A voice suddenly called from the path ahead.

“Greetings, Your Highness…”