Finally free from the overwhelming attention, June slipped quietly toward the far side of the ballroom.
Her eyes sparkled the moment she spotted it—
A long table filled with beautiful desserts.
Tiny fruit tarts, delicate pastries, sparkling jelly cups, and cakes decorated like little works of art.
The royal sweet counter.
June's serious expression melted instantly.
"So pretty…" she whispered softly, almost forgetting where she was.
After a small glance around to make sure no one was watching, she carefully picked up a strawberry pastry.
One bite—
And her whole face lit up.
Her lotus-petal eyes curved into happy crescents, cheeks puffing slightly as she enjoyed the sweetness. For a moment, the brave Master of the Magical Tower looked nothing like a legendary mage…
Just a cute girl enjoying desserts.
She tried another pastry.
Then another.
Her mood brightened with every bite, a tiny smile lingering on her lips.
"If Jenny were here, she would love these," she murmured softly, thinking of her friend.
She didn't notice—
Someone was watching from across the hall.
Lucas.
The cold prince who had dismissed her earlier now stared in disbelief.
Was this the same girl who had faced him so calmly?
Standing there, happily eating pastries like a child who had discovered treasure?
"…Unbelievable," he muttered under his breath.
For reasons he couldn't explain—
The sight made his chest feel strangely lighter.
He turned away immediately, annoyed with himself.
Ridiculous.
And yet…
He didn't stop glancing back.