In Miera Margaret's private room, the atmosphere felt warm and cozy. Deep blue wooden furniture and soft crystal lights filled the space. There, Prince Auleus, Miera, and Luna sat in a small circle as if discussing something important.
The prince leaned back in his chair with a wide smile.
"Oh right, I haven't even properly introduced myself yet. It's just… every time we meet, you end up fainting," he said with a light laugh.
Luna, sitting with both hands on her lap, immediately lowered her head. Her gloomy, slightly pitiful expression made her look like a drenched kitten.
"I–I'm sorry…" she whispered.
"It's fine, don't worry about it." The prince continued with a gentle smile. "My name is Prince Auleus Adnan."
Luna swallowed, trying to lift her head a little.
"M–my name is Lu… Luna…" she replied nervously, her gaze dropping to the floor again.
Miera leaned toward her with a soft smile.
"You don't need to be afraid, Luna. No one in the royal family will hurt you here."
Luna glanced briefly at Miera, her eyes trembling, but said nothing.
Miera then took a small scroll from the table. "I received a letter from Luis. He said you're a talented student, yes? Could you show us one of your magic types?"
"Um… I-I don't think I can," Luna murmured, almost too softly to hear.
"Come on, Luna. You can do it," the prince encouraged.
Luna took a slow breath. She lifted her hand slightly and opened her palm. In an instant, a gentle swirl of wind formed—tiny yet stable. From within the small vortex, a silver-blue butterfly emerged, glowing softly as it fluttered around before gently landing on Luna's fingertip.
Miera's eyes sparkled.
"That's beautiful… truly beautiful."
The prince fell silent for a moment, mesmerized by the elegance of the magic.
"So… this is the Meyer family's magic?" he murmured in awe.
But Luna lowered her gaze again.
"S-sorry… it's ugly. That's all I can do…"
Miera gave her a tender, almost motherly smile.
"No, Luna. It's not bad. It's… wonderful."
Miera stood up and walked toward a bookshelf in the corner of the room. Running her fingers along the neatly arranged spines, she spoke to the prince without looking back.
"Your Highness, could you step outside for a moment? There's something I want to discuss with Luna alone."
Prince Auleus nodded. "Alright. But… don't forget to tell her about that, okay?"
"Of course," Miera replied.
That sentence made Luna flinch. Her face paled, as if a bad premonition crawled up her spine. But the prince had already stepped out, closing the door gently behind him.
When the room fell quiet again, Miera took a dark-covered book with ancient letters carved on the front. She approached Luna and placed the book on her lap.
"Luna… do you recognize this book?"
Luna stared at the cover. Her fingers trembled as she traced the old letters. She read them slowly.
"Phantom Thunder, The Missing of Feed. Written by… Afthar Meyer."
Miera's eyes widened. "You can read ancient letters? That's amazing! Even I can't do that."
Luna shook her head faintly. "Father taught me… some of his books were written like this. But… they were all burned."
Her voice cracked, fading as dark memories of her parents consumed by flames resurfaced.
Seeing this, Miera knelt down and gently patted Luna's head.
"The Meyer family is rare and unique. That's why the king decided to bring you here—so he could protect the last remaining Meyer."
Luna slowly lifted her face, her eyes weary and uncertain.
"Luna," Miera said, her tone turning serious. "Your family's history… is dark. And it's time for you to know everything. But not now."
She looked at the window, watching the sunset.
"I'll tell you once tonight is over."
Luna stared in confusion and worry.
"Um… what's happening tonight?" she asked softly.
Miera smiled and sat beside her.
"Tonight, the Torres noble family is hosting a party. The king wants you to attend with Prince Auleus. Don't worry, it's just a dance party for kids your age. We're also celebrating Rey's birthday."
Luna froze on the spot. Her eyes went empty and her body stiffened.
"I… I'm doomed…" she muttered weakly, her face turning pale.
Miera tried not to laugh, then stood up and grabbed Luna's hand enthusiastically.
"Come on! Let's find you a pretty dress. The king already prepared some choices—you'll love them."
Before Luna could protest, Miera dragged her out.
"Nooo!!!" Luna screamed hysterically, her voice echoing in the room.
The room prepared by the king was spacious and empty, except for rows of beautiful dresses hanging elegantly. Several maids stood in a neat line, ready to assist. Luna stepped inside trembling, staring at the dresses as if they were monsters.
"U-um… Your Majesty…" Luna turned toward the king, her face tense and pale.
"Yes, Luna? What is it?" the king asked kindly.
"Well… I…" Luna tried to speak, but her voice vanished.
Before she could continue, Miera immediately pulled the king aside with a mischievous smile.
"Oh, Your Majesty! Luna is simply nervous because she wants to try all these dresses. Men aren't allowed in here," she said, clearly teasing Luna.
The king nodded and followed Miera out.
As soon as the door closed, Luna froze on the spot, pale and trembling.
"T-that's not what I meant… I wanted to refuse going…" she whispered to herself.
"You may choose any dress you like, Lady Meyer," one of the maids said politely.
Luna approached the row of dresses with shaky steps. Behind her, the maids began whispering softly.
"She's so pretty… the future Lady Auleus…"
"Yes, her blonde hair and blue eyes are so gentle…"
Luna stiffened instantly.
"F-future what!? Huh!?" she screamed internally.
P panicking, she grabbed one of the maids.
"U-um! C-can I refuse to go?" she asked in a trembling voice.
The maid shook her head innocently.
"We wouldn't know about that, Lady Meyer."
Another maid added innocently,
"Yes… besides, aren't you afraid of being executed for refusing a noble's invitation?"
Luna paled completely. In her mind, she imagined the king standing with a dark aura, shouting cruelly—although it looked unintentionally comical.
"Execute Lady Meyer for refusing a noble's invitation!"
"Noooo!!" Luna shrieked, almost ready to jump out the window.
In the throne hall, the king stood with Prince Auleus and Miera. They were waiting for Luna to finish preparing.
"Why is Luna taking so long?" the prince asked nervously.
"Be patient, my son," the king replied wisely. "Women need time to prepare. Isn't that right, Miera?"
Miera nodded with a smile. "Of course. Especially since you're taking a girl as pretty as Luna. She needs time to look… even prettier."
The king nodded as if he had learned an ancient secret about women.
Suddenly, the large doors opened. Two maids entered, guiding Luna, who walked stiffly. She wore an elegant long blue dress with a soft ribbon around her neck. Her blonde hair fell straight down to her back, and her signature bangs still covered part of her forehead.
The king, the prince, and Miera fell silent.
The prince looked like he forgot how to breathe. The king even stepped back in shock. Miera beamed brightly.
"Luna… you look absolutely beautiful!" Miera exclaimed.
Without hesitation, Miera ran and hugged Luna tightly.
Luna's eyes widened as she let out a tiny strangled sound. Miera's hug was so strong that Luna looked like a fragile doll being shaken by excessive affection.