*****

  Syrus National Academy, morning.

  Today was the day the institution opened its gates to visitors from around the world. The significant cultural festival was made even more significant thanks to the presence of handheld devices that allowed everyone to record and share video tapes.

  The opening ceremony was held inside the main gymnasium, which was a hybrid of a typical facility of that kind and a theater. Thus, it could comfortably accommodate thousands of guests at once.

  Of course, nobody was exactly enthusiastic during the principal's lengthy talk. It was early in the morning, and many had even fallen asleep. However, the atmosphere once again ignited the moment the music rolled out.

  One by one, the passion-filled performances came and went, slowly bringing the festive air back. Even if flawed, the audience still enjoyed them regardless.

  Among the countess observers were three girls—one younger than the other two.

  ''...''

  Lyra de Orleans sat between Penelope de Bourbon and Rachael de La Fayette, patiently waiting for her big sister's spotlight with a little dragon in her arms.

  Just as one couldn't say she was passionate about these performances, the other two weren't so excited either. After all, they both had to sit near their mortal enemy in an overly awkward manner, all because their crush asked them to watch over her little sister. Their rivalry had reached a tense point—so tense that the surrounding crowds could sense it despite them showing no explicit hatred.

  Perhaps that was why the seats were empty near where they sat.

  Nonetheless, the time for the final performance was rapidly approaching, and all three girls immediately locked in when the announcer's sentence ended.

  The lights were cut off, and in the total darkness, a gentle waltz began.

  Tap.

  Tap.

  As though someone was tapping on a chair's armrest, the beat subtly flowed. Then, the violin came in. Then, the piano. A gentle hum. Someone's breath.

  Within that almost surreal moment, a figure stepped out of the darkness, pulling along the spotlight and another figure's hand.

  ''W-Woah...''

  ''So pretty...!''

  This time, instead of mere murmurs, the audience let out exclamations in unison. They simply couldn't believe what they were seeing—a maiden whose beauty dwarfed that of even the most gorgeous flowers known to man.

  Her eyes were red as blood, sparkling like ruby, and her sky-blue hair soaked the air with vitality, matching the waves' exuberance. The maiden's dress took on that color yet faded into darkness the further it went down, only illuminated by the stars floating within.

  ''...Seeking trails of the dried sea,

  I draw up a shore I've yet to see.''

  The moment her voice—sultry, soft, and somewhere nasally—began to resonate through the space, all attention was wholefully captured.

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  ''...''

  ''...''

  ''...''

  The trio, who had been expecting the same woman, were now left stunned, unable to take their eyes off the princess gracing the stage. Even if they knew just how absurdly beautiful Cecilia could be, seeing this sort of persona directly was certainly an eye-opening experience.

  Her incredible dancing further elevated that ethereal visual. On every note, her body moved crisply and seamlessly, and her vivid expressions added the finishing touches—it was as if she had become one with the music.

  Yet, while the 'princess' stole the spotlight, many others noticed the elegant knightess accompanying her master at every step. In celebrations, she held the princess's hand to dance; in ordeals, she held the princess's hand through the battlefields...

  ...and in the end, after everything, she held the princess's hand and knelt on one knee.

  ''My princess. My moonlight.''

  With the cheers of the people, who had now found freedom and peace, the knightess proposed her love to the princess. She kissed the back of her hand and looked up with a smitten and utterly devoted face.

  ''Won't you let me accompany you for the rest of our lives?''

  When the music reached its climax and faint chimes rang in the distance, the princess finally nodded with a teary smile, thus concluding a wonderful fairy tale.

  Clap.

  As the audience finally snapped out of it, an applause quickly ensued. The light dimmed, the curtains slowly closed from either side, and they could see a glimpse of the two main characters' fate.

  The princess, now happier than ever, opened her arms wide for the knightess to embrace, yet...

  ''Oh, my...!''

  ''They're really kissing...?''

  The performance ended with a bit of chaos.

  *****

  Wow.

  Wow, wow, wow.

  Kiara kissed me... on her own accord. More than anything, it was on stage. On stage!

  This was no different than the royal princess making a statement—a statement in front of her rivals. By the way, the script said to hug when the curtains closed, not to kiss, which was why I and everybody else thought it was a big deal.

  ''Um... Your Highness.''

  ''Yes.''

  ''I... no. Your stage was perfect.''

  ''You did really well, too.''

  Somehow, the atmosphere between us became a bit awkward—not uncomfortably so, but enough that I noticed it. At times like these...

  ''...Do you want to explore the festival together?'' I asked. ''We can change our clothes and—''

  ''No.''

  Before I could even finish my sentence, an apathetic voice intervened. It was my beloved little sister who brought two ticking bombs with her. Amidst this impending disaster, I could only smile and stroke Lyra's head.

  ''Why, do you want to go with me?'' I softly asked.

  ''Mhm, but don't change your costume,'' Lyra replied. ''I like this.''

  ''Is that so? Is it pretty?''

  Receiving Lyra's rare interest was, in many ways, an honor. So, I excitedly twirled around once, fluttering the dress that came down slightly past my knees.

  Perhaps thanks to Cecilia's charms, not only Lyra but the other three also seemed captivated.

  ...Truthfully, I was a bit exhausted after performing, but I thought I should look the part if I were going to play the princess. What's more, I was relishing their reactions.

  ''Fufu... should we all enjoy the festival together, then?''

  As I took my little sister's hand, however, Rachael nudged at me from the side, her smile a tad menacing.

  ''You two go first.'' She said. ''I have something to say to Princess Kiara.''

  ''Same here.'' Penelope intervened. ''We will catch up later.''

  Sensing the absolute hatred oozing out of their gazes, I couldn't help but worry for Kiara's safety. Still, my resilient knightess seemed courageous despite all.

  ''Go.'' She hummed, softly beaming at me as if saying that she would be alright.

  ''Ah... okay. Please don't take too long.''

  With a slightly anxious heart, I pulled Lyra along and exited the gymnasium. Afterward, we went around the venues for a while, and right when my little sister began to feel hungry, the three came back... thankfully.

  At first glance, it didn't seem as though Kiara was hurt in any way. I mean, I knew Penelope and Rachael weren't ones to do such things, but...

  ''Let's go get lunch.'' The royal princess suggested, smiling calmly. ''I heard the other classes' food is really good.''

  ''Oh, yes... but... are you alright...?''

  ''Hm? What do you mean?''

  Even though Kiara was still being glared at by those two, she appeared totally unfazed. If anything, I thought she was the one who managed to fluster her rivals.

  Nonetheless, it was tense.

  ''Nn.''

  ''Lyra?''

  ''I want to eat stir-fry noodles.''

  Fortunately, there was an angel by my side. Thanks to Lyra, who acted as an unstoppable force of nature, we were able to unite somewhat and avoid any conflicts during our time around the campus.

  My trusty and adorable little sister... please hold on for the rest of today, at least...