The Imperial Family's members were led by an attendant to the main hall.
This exceptionally talented prince, coming to the Shinomiya Residence to propose, had naturally done his homework beforehand… things like photographs, life experiences, etc.
Kaguya's looks couldn't be called peerlessly beautiful, but her pure aura and noble, untainted-by-the-world quality made him utterly captivated.
The first time he saw her photo, this prince understood: this girl had already occupied his thoughts to the exclusion of all else.
For this prince, who had gone over twenty years without liking anyone, whether for the benefit of the Imperial Family or his own heart's desire, he wanted to win this young girl's heart.
So, when he heard that Kaguya requested their presence, this prince practically wore his joy on his face.
A few people followed the attendant to the main hall. When the prince saw Kaguya in that flawless white dress, he felt his heart pounding.
Before he could even figure out how to phrase his words later, he noticed the young man in a suit standing beside Kaguya, talking and laughing with her.
Instantly, the prince's expression became serious as he assessed the young man's identity.
'An attendant?... Doesn't look like it. Could he be a relative of the Shinomiya Family? A cousin of Shinomiya Kaguya?'
This guess was possible. Although he hadn't received any information about Kaguya having cousins, at this moment, the prince already believed it to be so.
Noticing the Imperial Family's group, Kaguya's eyebrows slightly furrowed. She didn't want to waste her time with Yusei entertaining these people, but etiquette was etiquette and what needed to be done still had to be done.
Watching the approaching group, Kaguya's face showed no particular expression, only a slight nod.
"Your Highness."
Given the Shinomiya Family's influence, there was no need to act as a subordinate, and they could even act as the superior party.
Japan today was not the Japan of decades past. The times had long since changed.
The prince showed a smile, "Hello, Kaguya-san-"
Hearing the other party's form of address, Kaguya frowned slightly. Her tone was flat, "I would prefer you address me as Shinomiya-san. We are not that familiar."
Yusei secretly gave a thumbs up beside her. Well done. As expected of my (fake) girlfriend.
The prince was also taken aback, then became somewhat flustered. This was the first time he had encountered a girl who was indifferent to him, so he didn't know what to do.
At this moment, an elder from his family lightly coughed and stepped forward to break the awkwardness.
"Shinomiya-san, where is your grandfather? It seems Koken-sama is outside?"
"Grandfather is at home. He assigned me to receive everyone," Kaguya replied.
The elder from the Imperial Family slightly frowned.
In fact, having Kaguya receive them was acceptable, after all, Kaguya was the next head of the Shinomiya Family. In terms of status, it wasn't a slight.
But the problem was, the key issue today was the marriage proposal. To whom was the proposal made?
Although the marriage partner was Kaguya, the proposal should be made to the current head of the Shinomiya family, which is Koken.
Having the elders decide the younger generation's marriage was the norm.
He couldn't very well say to Kaguya, 'Today we are here to propose an engagement between you and His Highness the Prince.'
That wouldn't conform to propriety.
For a moment, this Imperial Family's elder was unsure of the Shinomiya Family's intentions.
Seeing the conflicted Imperial Family's elder, Kaguya smiled lightly, "I know the purpose of the Imperial Family's visit today. It's to propose a marriage alliance with the Shinomiya Family, correct?"
The Imperial Family's elder looked somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, but still nodded, "Since Shinomiya-san already knows, please invite Koken-sama out so we may discuss the specific matters."
Kaguya chuckled and shook her head, "It seems you still don't understand my meaning. Grandfather has already given me full authority to handle this matter. Therefore, my own marriage is for me to decide."
"This..." The Imperial Family's elders looked at each other. This was the first time they had encountered such a situation.
'Deciding her own marriage?'
Should they say the Shinomiya Family was too liberal, or that Shinomiya was too strong-willed?
But regardless, this was now the Shinomiya Family's stance. The marriage proposal still had to be discussed.
After all, they were people who had lived for decades. So the Imperial Family's elders didn't become overly embarrassed.
Clearing his throat lightly, the middle-aged elder smiled amiably at Kaguya.
"Shinomiya-san, you're born into a prestigious, distinguished family. While our Imperial Family may not hold much power nowadays, we are, after all, a family of noble lineage."
"Our visit to the Shinomiya Residence today is regarding a union between the Imperial Family and the Shinomiya Family. You are likely already aware of this."
"Regarding His Highness the Prince, his credentials are all here. Though lacking in talent, he is older than you, but he does possess ability. Furthermore, regarding matters of the heart, he is rather innocent and inexperienced."
"It stands to reason that if His Highness the Prince and Shinomiya-san were to form a wonderful match, it would be most excellent. Our Imperial Family and the Shinomiya Family could walk hand in hand for decades to come."
Listening to the other party's lengthy speech, Kaguya's expression remained unchanged. Only after the other finished speaking and looked at her expectantly did she finally speak calmly.
"The Imperial Family's intentions are understood by the Shinomiya Family. However, the Shinomiya Family does not agree to this marriage."
The prince, who had been intently focused on the young lady, immediately became anxious. Forgetting etiquette, he quickly asked,
"Why? I... I have never been in a relationship before. I will definitely treat you well. And my academic record is also outstanding."
The Imperial Family's elders, having been rejected, also felt their faces somewhat burning.
Hearing the prince's words, they also wanted to hear why the young lady was refusing.
'She said it was the Shinomiya Family's decision... but since the Shinomiya Family had tossed this matter to her, this decision was essentially her own will.'
'Was His Highness the Prince truly unworthy of Shinomiya young lady?'
Kaguya looked at them, her expression as calm and cool as ever, "A refusal is a refusal. If you must have a reason, it is that I already have a boyfriend. You are a devoted person, and I am the same."
As she spoke, Kaguya linked her arm with Yusei's, acting very intimate.
Only then did everyone turn their attention to this seemingly unremarkable young man.
Seeing them look at him, Yusei raised his hand, waved, and smiled.
"Hello, everyone."