—Ray (Selesta)’s Perspective

  A few days ter.

  An afternoon during a gap in my duties, with my schedule specially adjusted.

  An unexpected invitation arrived. The content—a tea party. What's more, it was to be held in a secluded part of the Royal Castle.

  The moment I heard the name of the location, a violent restlessness stirred deep in my chest.

  —The Moonlight Chamber.

  A pce where ancient legends say dragons and humans once spoke of love. It is said to be used by the Queen for quiet tea times during the day, and as a pce for secret meetings where even subordinates do not tread at night.

  Me, in such a space—?

  (...Perhaps I should have declined.)

  For the past few days, I felt as if I were constantly suffocating. Kyle had been teasing me incessantly, saying things like "Only ○ days left until the fated day," until I instinctively threw a punch at him. However, he actually seemed strangely happy about it. It was maddening, feeling like I was the loser for being the one who struck him.

  —And now.

  I stood frozen in front of the archway of the Moonlight Chamber.

  No. In truth, I had already "stopped" there several times. I would move to step inside only to draw back, staring at the doorless entrance before turning my back once more.

  (What do I do... what should I say? Should I lie and say a mission came up to decline...? No, but—)

  Before I could make a decision, a voice echoed from within.

  "You're te. ...I wonder just where you could be."

  She spoke just loud enough for it to reach me, as if on purpose.

  (...I've been caught!)

  There was no longer any escape. Steeling my resolve, I stepped through the arch.

  It was a serene space based in white. A soft floral scent. The sound of water echoing from the distance.

  Azure Luminaria twined around the pilrs, swaying gently. Beside them stood a tea table and chairs, where Her Majesty was already seated.

  But at the sight of her—I was rendered speechless.

  She wasn't wearing her usual crimson military-style dress. Today, Her Majesty wore a dress of soft, pale rose. On her chest was delicate embroidery mimicking dragon scales.

  Butterflies of fme, released by one possessing the blessing of fire, fluttered softly from her fingertips. The azure of the Luminaria on the pilrs mingled with that fme.

  —The two colors overpped, turning into purple.

  "..."

  My chest tightened sharply.

  (...Why show yourself to me like this?)

  Not as a Queen, but as a woman—the atmosphere there made me think so.

  I hurriedly approached and knelt on one knee.

  "Y-Your Majesty...!"

  I couldn't raise my gaze. I felt as if something would overflow if I looked into her eyes.

  "You're te. ...Or did I mistake your hobby for standing at entrances?"

  "Ugh..."

  My heart leaped at that teasing voice.

  "Come now, raise your head. —Take a seat."

  "Y... Yes..."

  "Heh."

  A smile escaped her.

  It was a smile with a calm warmth, slightly different from her royal majesty.