It was always difficult talking about personal love with Hanako.

  If Hina brought up stuff from anime or manga, her best friend would easily engage, bringing up knowledge on whatever piece of fiction Hina had read or looked at recently. This allowed Hina to express her interests in a stress free, judgement free way and she became less embarrassed about her hobbies and was able to openly mention them.

  However, when the topic of actual romance was brought up, Hanako became uncharacteristically silent.

  She was normally a quiet young woman, so Hina hadn’t minded it at first when they were younger, but as they grew older and their high school days were coming to their end, Hina thought it was odd. Sure, her standoffish attitude and cool demeanour was not everyone’s cup of tea, but considering the online circles Hina ran in, there was definitely a market for a cool beauty. Even if nobody at their school was interested (or brave) enough to approach her, there was surely someone out there.

  Hina found out why it was not a happy subject for Hanako.

  “Eh? An arranged marriage?” Hina was so surprised, but when she thought about it, she really shouldn’t be.

  “Mm. When I graduate high school, I will meet my future fiancé,” Hanako answered, unbothered.

  Hina was apoplectic on behalf of her friend. “Wait, so you haven’t even met him yet? How do you know if you’ll like him? How do they know if you’ll like him?”

  “I obviously don’t,” Hanako said, sourly. “And my parents don’t care if I like him or not, just that it’ll be good for the future of our business. They’re in control of my future, after all.”

  “But that’s–”

  “It’s how old families still operate. I’ve known for a long time this was going to happen.”

  To Hina, who thought finding the one you loved the most was the best thing ever, this was horrible. To have the choice taken away just because you had no power over your own life was awful. Her face grew hot, thinking about how Hanako would miss out. Stupid as the idea was, she always imagined getting married at the same time as Hanako, enjoying having kids the same age, supporting each other as mom friends, while living happy lives with their beloved families.

  Hot tears actually rolled down her cheeks, just thinking of Hanako being miserable with someone she may dislike – no, that she definitely would come to hate and resent. Although her knowledge was based on fictional situations, those stereotypes were rooted in some kind of reality – a business-minded arranged marriage was surely doomed. She could just imagine Hanako, a wife stuck at home with her child and never seeing ehr cold, cheating husband, off in Hawaii with his mistress.

  Hanako gently wiped away Hina’s tears with her thumb, face gentle.

  “I don’t plan on going through with it, so don’t cry,” Hanako reassured her in a soft voice.

  “But Han-chan! Y-you s-s-said your parents would f-f-force you,” Hina hiccupped. Goodness, she was such an emotional mess, she was messing up her words through tears and snot. She was moved that much by her friend’s predicament.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it too much. I plan to make such a ruckus at the official omiai that the other family will see me as this deranged psychopath unworthy of marriage to their perfect son.” The way she said it confidently made Hina feel better, but also have a healthy amount of fear and respect. Goodness, Hanako could be devious when she wanted to be. A devil with an angel’s smile.

  “Will your parents not be mad about that?”

  “What would they even do? Disown me? Good. Then I can be free to be with whoever I want to be and live the life I want.”

  “Han-chan…”

  Hanako pulled her close in a one-armed hug, squeezing enough to make the tears stop. Hina was only sniffling occasionally now, no longer a crying mess. Though, concern still filled her heart.

  “Will you really be okay?” she asked, just wanting to be sure everything will be okay.

  There was a strange, worrying pause. A silence that stretched for so long, Hina began to worry again. However, Hanako soon hugged her once more, giving the girl a kiss on the cheek, shocking Hina.

  “Eh?! What was that for?”

  “Just a thanks, Hina-chan. Thank you for worrying about me. But I will be fine. I already have someone I like very much. And I plan to be with that person forever.”

  Another startling revelation! So there was someone already in her heart! No wonder she never showed any interest in anyone at school, or allowed people to get too close, in that sense. But then, why did Hanako never mention this supposed love of her life in front of Hina. Did she not trust her? That hurt, actually. Hina was always the one talking about herself or her likes, but Hanako…she always kept so many things close to her chest.

  “How come I never met this person. Huh? I thought I was your best friend,” Hina said, sulking now.

  Hanako laughed, ruffling Hina’s hair. “Oh, you’ve already met.”

  That was another surprise. “I have? Who? Who is it, Hanako-chan – it’s not Ren, is it?!”

  “Oi, what kind of tastes do you think I have?” Hanako returned, face holding no small amount of disgust. The very idea seemed like she wanted to honestly hurl just thinking about it.

  “Haha, sorry, sorry. But still…who is it?”

  At that moment, Hanako’s expression changed from disdain to something utterly beautiful. They often said a woman in love was a beautiful thing and she always thought that it was some pretty, literary device to describe a character in a positive light. However, the transformation in front of Hina made her think otherwise. The way Hanako’s lips curled, her cheeks flushed a light pink and her eyes just lit up like lights during Christmas…it was actually breathtaking.

  And she didn’t know why, but it also made her feel a little sad.

  “Well, Han-chan? Who is it?”

  Hanako tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, smiling to herself, while gazing directly at Hina.

  “Hmm…I’ll tell you soon enough.”

  Soleil was confused as all hell.

  That person she had met at the bookstore was truly the female lead of the Saint’s Thorny Road. She resembled the descriptions of her from the book and had the name to match. And yet…what was she doing in the capital already in this timeline? Without having paid a visit to the palace? It was such a mystery, but since Soleil had been so stunned by meeting the main character of her favourite novel, she lost her chance to gather some crucial information. Soleil mentally beat herself up for basically reacting like a star-struck fangirl meeting an idol on the street.

  By the time she thought to try and follow after Alperene, her father had arrived to take her back to the Rose Villa. Regretfully, her day was cut short at the bookstore, too, so Soleil had to make do with the books she had already chosen (a paltry fifteen books, Soleil whined in her mind). And worse yet, she would not have a chance to go out the next day as her father had some meetings with fellow territory leaders to make reports to the Emperor. She had argued that Marianne could go with her, but her father had said the capital was a dangerous place for young women currently, as the Saint trials were looming. Her father would be going with their own personal guard that came with them from Lorainne to the meeting, so Soleil and Marianne would essentially be going alone. So of course, for the day, they were stuck on the palace grounds.

  I suppose it’s not like I don’t have something to do, Soleil thought.

  There were quite a few books for her to go through; she could spend her time reading. The suite had a balcony with a little tea table and the day was turning out to be a fine, sunny one. Not a hint of chill, though Marianne had pressed upon her a cardigan in case Soleil caught cold. It was comfortable.

  All of her purchased books were in her room, as many of them were rather large and heavy to boot. There was not enough room on the tea table for more than one book at a time, especially if Marianne kept serving her tea. As she read her teacup was never empty for long. On the same table, there was also a blank journal that Soleil had bought as well, scrawled with fresh notes that she decided to take of everything going on, so she could have an easier time remembering what needed to be done.

  Right now she was looking into the myths that were intertwined with the Aurea Empire. The gods of this world were intertwined into everyday lives in both mundane and important ways, according to the mythos of the world. For instance, instead of a Gregorian style calendar with 12 months named ‘July’, ‘August’, ‘September’, etc., this world followed a different system altogether.

  For one, their years were 13 months long, as their land never developed the superstition that the number 13 was unlucky in any way. Each month was 28 days, 7 days to a week. And each month was linked to one of the gods in this world. The only exception to the rule was the 13th month, dedicated to the God of Time, that had one additional day. Most fans figured out real life birthdays of the characters based on where each day fell in the Aurea calendar, before the author gave out canon Gregorian birthdays.

  For instance, Soleil was born on the 10th day of the God of Nature, but in Japan her birthday would have been translated to March 7. The Emperor who had just had his birthday, had been born on the 23rd day of the God of Wisdom (May 15). Alperene’s birthday was coming up next, in the month of the God of Art.

  It was said that those born to those months would be favoured by the corresponding gods, but if that were true, then Soleil had no clue as to why the God of Time would listen to Alperene’s pleas. So maybe there was more going on there. Might even help Soleil figure out what she didn’t have prior knowledge to, like the plot and story of the second book. Honestly, she was probably lucky just knowing part one of this two part story.

  In the book Soleil was reading, it detailed how all the gods were of neutral gender, but the people could perceive them as they liked. Each region had their own personal depictions of the gods and that had caused no small amount of squabbles in the past, because everyone always wanted to be ‘right’. The reasoning for this is that no matter how the gods were depicted (neutral, feminine, masculine or somewhere else on the spectrum) the gods were considered to be paired off, with the exception of the God of Time. For instance, the God of War and the God of Love were considered a pair. There were many tales talking about how they came together, or simply came to be together. Some regions believed they were siblings, while others believed them to be lovers. And even a few historians who helped write this book believed that each pair were simply partners who worked in tandem, no familial bond or romantic one needed. But all agreed on one element in the myths:

  “According to this, the God of Time yearned for the God of Art and would do anything for them, which caused no small amount of trouble, in the past. Maybe it’s this connection that helps Alperene? Would that be enough? Hmm…”

  Marianne was returning to her with a tray on hand and Soleil was about to beg her to stop it with the tea (she had drank so much for the last few hours thanks to Marianne’s extreme attentiveness), but then saw the letter sitting on the tray. The golden seal on the back told her the origin of the letter; only imperial missives came with a golden wax seal. Just what could the imperial family want with her?

  After reading the missive, Soleil had to pack up her books and notes; she had been summoned by the Empress.

  A carriage came to pick Soleil up and bring her to the Lily Palace, where the Empress would be hosting them for tea. Considering the wording of the invite, the young lady assumed that it would be a salon type of situation, where a bunch of ladies would sit together, eat snacks and drink tea while chatting and gossiping. That was normally the kind of thing one expected when invited to an audience with her Imperial Majesty.

  However, she felt very much out of her depth.

  Soleil had been the only noble girl among all the people on the palace grounds (probably the whole capital, too) being asked to visit the Empress. And on top of this…

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “You needn’t feel embarrassed. Please, this used to be your home once upon a time,” the Emperor, Roman, told Soleil kindly.

  Easy for you to say, Mr Emperor, you actually live here.

  “Yes! I consider you more like a niece, than a subject of the kingdom. You’re practically family, Soleil,” the Empress, Lucretia, added with a gentle pat on the younger woman’s shoulder.

  But I don’t remember any of that! I was a literal toddler.

  “Mother, father…I think you’re making the young lady more uncomfortable. Though, I do feel a little sad that my childhood playmate treats me like a stranger.”

  …And the most egregious person award goes to the Crown Prince.

  The four of them were all sitting at a parlour table in the private greenhouse connected to the palace, where no one could possibly walk in on them. Guards stood at each exit, making Soleil feel more like a prisoner than a guest. Roman and Lucretia were sitting on one side together, hands intertwined on top of the table (and continuing those couple goals Soleil was actually in awe of), while the Crown Prince, Darius, was just an arm’s length away next to her.

  The Crown Prince was a beautiful cross between his parents that no artwork could do justice. He had already gotten the pretty boy vibe from the manga style pages of her book, but it was a pale comparison to seeing the real thing, just as it was with Alperene. With stylish pale hair, comparable to platinum, gorgeous sky blue eyes, a physique carefully crafted throughout his life as future ruler and attractive dimples in his cheeks when he smiled, it was reasonable how he garnered such jealousy among all the non-related women in his life. No wonder Nicolette lost her mind (though it was still no excuse for being such a rude and haughty woman). Even Soleil was not immune to the little heartskip she had on seeing him – how could she not. Her bias was sitting elegantly right next to her like it was the most natural thing in the world!

  And he had noticed how she looked at him, for he gave her one of those million dollar smiles of amusement. Soleil could die right there, she was so mortified. It had taken her everything to follow through with decorum as was expected of her.

  Of course, in the privacy of the greenhouse, none of them expected her to act so stiffly, acting casually. It was no different than an old family friend visiting…except it wasn’t, this was the Imperial family, how did some lowly noble from the country earn the right to speak with them like they were long time friends?

  “I must apologize. I really was too young to remember…” Soleil said carefully.

  “Really, it is a shame that you do not recall at all,” Lucretia said with great regret, “but that isn’t the only reason why we called you here, of course.”

  “O-oh?” Considering their environment and how pleasant the imperial couple seemed, Soleil assumed it shouldn’t be too bad, whatever it was they wished to discuss. And if they were well acquainted in the past, then she really shouldn’t be worried at all. And yet, she couldn’t help the sinking feeling in her stomach.

  Soleil was taken aback when Darius got out of his seat and actually kneeled next to her, making her heart jump in a million ways.

  “I actually wanted to apologize on behalf of my ex-fiancée, Lady Soleil,” the prince said sincerely.

  Taken aback, Soleil had no idea how to respond. However, one thing stood out and she had to hold back from shouting.

  Wait, his ex?!

  “It has been a long time coming, however, I could no longer support her bad habits in abusing innocent people. And so…I have broken things off with her,” explained Darius, giving further details to the situation.

  “Well, I don’t know why you would have to apologize to me…” Soleil tried, unable to look Darius right in the face. How could she look at that shining, glorious visage as he so cheerfully mentioned breaking up with someone he was engaged to for years? What could she say in this situation? Both the rulers of the Empire also looked way too happy with the situation.

  “As I said, it was a pattern of unacceptable behaviour, however, you are a dear friend to our family, one I was excited to see again after being parted for so long,” Darius admitted, face tender with old childhood memories. His hands reached out and held hers as he looked up from where he was kneeling. Soleil was a mix of mortified and fangirling, though she kept a good poker face during the whole exchange.

  “I see. Please get up your Highness–”

  “Darius.”

  “Your highness.”

  “Darius.”

  “...Prince Darius.”

  Why did she just get a feeling of deja vu? Hadn’t she gone through something similar recently with someone else of power?

  “Please listen,” Soleil began again, helping Darius back up to his feet. When he stood tall, he certainly towered over her; there were the unbidden thoughts of size difference to which she quickly fanned away mentally. “I am grateful for your kindness, but it is wholly undeserved. I don’t remember anything from when I lived here, so I feel it has been wasted on me. However, I can see the wisdom in removing Lady Nicolette from her previous position.”

  Yeah, because Nicolette was an amazingly big witch. Nobody liked her. Why did you guys even consider it in the first place? Or was it the author’s inability to use any idea, other than the overused evil bully fiancée trope? All these thoughts (read: complaints) were - wisely - all shouted to the heavens with her inner monologue.

  “I am wholly unharmed and unbothered, so there’s no need to worry.”

  Though he seemed glad, the Crown Prince looked disappointed. His face reminded her of a kicked puppy with his sad baby blues looking as if they drooped as much as his mood had. It was actually very endearing. No wonder he could win the hearts of many. His face could be weaponized. Aurea would probably never see war ever again if they used that instead of magical weapons.

  “I mean, if you would like to be friends now, I would not mind it,” she said, trying to mend his hurt feelings.

  He did perk up, a smile spreading slowly, though he carried a sense of melancholy still. Darius nodded, following this up by a bow.

  “Very well, then…Allow me to introduce myself to you once more, I am Darius Alaric Aurea, Crown Prince of the Empire of Aurea. A pleasure to make your acquaintance again.”

  Soleil got up and curtsied in return.

  “My greetings to the minor star, I am Soleil Lorraine, daughter of Count Orion Lorainne. I am happy to meet you, your Highness.”

  “Darius,” the prince corrected good-naturedly.

  “Prince Darius,” Soleil countered.

  “Oh, my, look at them get along so well,” murmured Lucretia to the Emperor, not at all subtle. It was embarrassing to hear.

  “You’re right, my love. A shame they moved all the way to Lorainne, it would have been nice to see them grow up together,” Roman added with a chuckle to his wife. And now a soft pink flush was creeping up her ears.

  You’d have to be some kind of oblivious to not understand what they were talking about.

  Considering the history the Empress had with her mother, and the fact that the union between Nicolette’s house was born of a political need, it was certain that had the entire Lorainne family had not relocated that an arrangement might have been made between their families instead concerning the marriage of their children. Though their standing wasn’t that high, the personal ties between the imperial family and her own could not be denied. Knowing the romantic sides of both women, they probably dreamt of having their kids marry and becoming one big happy family.

  Soleil pretended she heard nothing, though. As it was, for her who barely knew them, this felt more like pressure than small talk between a couple.

  After all, Nicolette was chosen based off of social standing and not one important key quality: her inability to participate in the Saint trials. While it wasn’t wholly needed for the next Empress to be the Saint of the Empire, it was a great preference for the male heirs to take a bride from the candidate pool as it guaranteed the next generation to be stronger. Another reason for why the engagement could be so easily dissolved without fuss from the Emperor and a second reason why so many vied for the role.

  Not for me, though. That kind of life seems like one great big hassle, Soleil thought. Having helped her father before she found the work of a Count was quite manageable, especially when one found and employed capable employees willing to do the work.

  Running an Empire, even as an Empress, just sounded like more work and socializing than Soleil was willing to do. There was so much to keep up in terms of image and standing when you are at the top. She’ll leave that to someone capable of doing that.

  Of course, there was a chance this was all innocent, but Soleil was going to nip things in the bud.

  “How about a walk to stretch our legs, my dear?” the Empress said, getting up from her seat. The Emperor followed suite with a laugh, already knowing what his wife was planning. Honestly, it was so transparent, Soleil thought she was looking at glass.

  “Let’s us go,” he said. To Soleil and the prince, he nodded. “We shall be back soon. Enjoy the refreshments Lady Soleil, and if my son does anything untoward, you have my permission to smack him without worry of invoking lese-majesty.” There was a small wink he gave, before Roman followed after Lucretia to another part of the green house.

  And now, here Soleil was, alone with the male lead.

  In any other time and place, this was where the character who had been transmigrated into this world would charm the male lead against all odds, despite there being the original female lead. That was the usual flow of these stories, the usual path taken. The new female lead would remain where she was, get into some kind of compromising shenanigans and win the hearts of others.

  Soleil did not want to go down that path. Not because she believed that was how the story must go (and some part of her did believe that), nor because she believed herself beneath this man. That was silly. Handsome as he was, amazing as he was, and as much as he was her bias, Soleil had lived two lives as the quiet type who was pragmatic. Hanako would be proud that she wasn’t entirely blind to the tempting ideas of romance with a handsome prince who was just her type.

  “Perhaps I have overstayed my welcome. I should head back to the Rose Villa,” Soleil stated, shifting her body so that it began facing the exit. Body language was important even when one came from the boonies; her mannerisms were polite, but dismissive. She wished to leave.

  Yet, this golden retriever of a prince, eager to impress and to make the lady happy, would not just leave things at that.

  “I can escort you back,” he offered.

  Soleil placed a hand over her mouth and giggled demurely.

  “Oh, no, Prince Darius, I couldn’t presume to take your time.” Translation: Kindly leave me alone.

  “It’s fine, I’m not busy today.” All said with an angelic smile that stabbed her right in the heart.

  Translation: there’s no getting rid of me. That was what that smile said.

  Seriously, the feeling of deja vu was very strong. Was she having a repeat day?

  Be strong, Soleil. Don’t get sucked into that pouty face he’s making. Even though it’s super cute. You must not give in to your bias and his super handsome face.

  She knew what to do, had a whole plan set in her mind. Even made the resolution not to be involved further for her own sake.

  And yet…

  Not five minutes later, he was leading her through the palace hallways towards the main foyer, where he would continue to lead her all the way back to the Rose Villa.

  It wasn’t a bad feeling, but it just felt dangerous walking side by side with this ‘villainess magnet’.

  After all, all she had to do during the birthday gala to garner any ill will was just talking to his parents, imagine the curses she could receive being near him now. Since the gala was still going on, many people were visiting the areas open to nobles, so Soleil could feel many judging eyes stabbing her in the back with invisible daggers. The air was heavy for her and made it hard to breathe; they couldn’t get to the courtyard fast enough for her.

  Despite how unpleasant everything around her felt, Darius was actually decent conversation. He must have realized that Soleil had a low social battery, so he never spoke of heavy topics and merely made mention of safe subjects, such as the history of some of the hanging artworks scattered throughout the halls. They stopped in front of a painting or two of his ancestors and he explained who they were and the era they came from and how that affected the style of painting and the materials used. It was actually quite interesting, handsome guide notwithstanding. Soleil thought if the Empire were ever in dire straights and needed money, they could probably put their prince to work leading everyone through the palace, giving tours.

  Of course, they would have to work on Darius’ sense of timing, because was it her, or did this trip to the foyer seem longer than it should?

  “You know, Prince Darius, but I could have sworn that it took me only ten minutes, perhaps fifteen minutes at most, to reach the greenhouse from the foyer. So why do I feel as if you’re dragging this out?” Soleil asked.

  Darius gave a nervous little laugh, clearly caught.

  “My apologies, Lady Soleil. I just wanted to talk to you a little longer,” he said, bowing in apology. “I know you do not remember me, but for me, those times had been very much cherished memories. I simply wished to see if I could reignite them.”

  His expression was so tender, so gentle. The way his eyes looked down at her could not be mistaken for anything, but adoration tinged with nostalgia.

  “You’ve grown well, Lady Soleil,” the prince said, out of the blue. The compliment made Soleil feel a bit odd; really she should be happy, but something felt odd about being told this by him. “Truly, I am glad you reached adulthood safely.”

  “Well, my parents raised me very well. Country living can do wonders for a body. My mother is a good example of that,” Soleil stated, trying to sound friendly. “However…”

  She stepped away, putting some more proper distance between the two of them, the action surprising Darius.

  Picking up her skirts, she gave the prince a curtsy.

  “I must apologize as I truly do not recall. And I think prolonging this will only cause you agony,” she stated simply.

  “But–”

  “Your Highness! Your presence is being requested!”

  A voice belonging to a servant interrupted the two of them. Soleil cheered at the timing, while Darius remained silent as he stared at the servant. Soleil had no idea what had been going through his mind, but his silence was drawn out. The man who had come to fetch the Crown Prince looked rather nervous as nothing was said.

  After a very pregnant pause, Darius let out a sigh. “All right. I shall be along, then. Lady Soleil…”

  “Oh, yes?” Soleil squeaked out, suddenly on edge.

  Darius considered her a bit quietly, before bowing to her. “Until next time. I hope you will come to the festivities tonight.”

  And with that, he followed behind the servant.

  She watched him leave, just as she had watched Alperene the other time, stunned and so very confused. But unlike with Alperene, there was a key difference.

  Soleil grasped at her chest.

  “Why am I….relieved that he left?” she asked herself.