As June stood near the sweet counter, still glowing from her small conversation with the Crown Prince, a noble lady approached her with a polite smile.
"Pardon me, my lady," the woman said gracefully, "but I don't believe we've met before. Which noble family do you belong to?"
June froze.
Her mind went completely blank.
A—?!
She couldn't reveal her true identity.The Master of the Magical Tower was supposed to remain mysterious.
Inside her head, panic exploded.
June, what do I do?!Think… think… think…
Then suddenly—
A memory flashed.
Jenny.
Her dear friend from the Astral family.
Jenny is from the Astral family…
June's eyes widened slightly.
Oh! Right — Astral!
She straightened, trying to look confident despite her racing heart.
"Y-Yes," she said, forcing a gentle smile. "I am from the Astral family."
The noble lady tilted her head curiously.
"I see… and your name?"
June swallowed softly.
"June… Astral."
For a split second, she worried someone might notice her hesitation.
But the lady simply nodded politely.
"How lovely. Welcome to the capital, Lady June Astral."
Relief washed over June like a wave.
That was close…
She placed a hand lightly over her chest, calming her heartbeat.
Across the room—
Lucas had been watching the exchange.
"June… Astral?" he repeated quietly, his sharp gaze narrowing.
Something about it felt… off.
As if she were hiding something.