Yes, she shouldn't look like that, nor should she act in such a rash manner. Yet in the end, did he not go along with the flow and attended to her every whim? Though he did not do it as extensively as the others, he still ended up doing so.

His thoughts broke off when he saw some broken tree branches not too far away. It did not look like a natural disaster, but a human-made one; somebody used quite a lot of strength. Tetsuo could only think of one person amongst his acquaintances that could do something like that.

This area is quite secured and has a lot of security too; only those with access can enter these grounds. He knew the others would not randomly invite anybody to without mentioning it. So that would mean that girl is here.

Tetsuo had to admit that he was never actually found alone with the brown hair girl. Maybe it's because Kou always clung to her. But even if they are left alone, there is always awkward silence.

After walking for a few minutes, he indeed found the intruder. But to his surprise, the girl wasn't alone. There was a man with black hair, green stripe kimono. Tetsuo immediately recognized him; is that not Aki? The leader of the underworld top organization Holy Knights? What is he doing here?

"Coming here so suddenly. Why?"

Aki sighed but smiled." I feel hurt. Why don't you think I came here just to see you?"

"I have heard that excuse before."

"Terashima knows about you and your fiance, huh? Otherwise, he would have at least made a move."

He watches the girl's expression change, but she brushes off her unease with laughter." Don't be a fool. It's not like what you're thinking; even now, Soujiro is still my fiance."

Tetsuo had to admit he was quite surprised to hear those words. After all, he was one of the only few people who knew the real circumstances behind her engagement to the third Prince. With arranged marriages, one does not have any choice but to marry the other person. Whoever they chose is the person they end up with.

He always believed that he didn't need to bother with romance because of that reason. He will marry the person his parents chose for him; that was why he didn't need it.

As far as romance went for him, there was a girl he was quite interested in that belonged to a noble family—the white hair Hikari attendant Setsura. The girl decided to attend a university in TOKYO so that he would meet up with her.

He has already introduced her to his parents and knew they would hold an engagement party soon. That's right, and he became interested in her because he saw she was the perfect lady type. Since she's everything, a Princess should be. So when she confessed her feelings to him, he saw no reason to reject her.

His thoughts broke once more when the black hair boy pulled her into a hug. "Is that so? It's a shame. There are plenty more people who would be more than honored to have your hand."

Sumire, however, pulled him away and, with weak laughter, shook her head. "Sorry, don't do that. I have somebody waiting for me at home who has sharp senses."

"Then maybe you should go."

At that, Tetsuo found himself walking away; that girl is too much of a mystery to him. But just now, he saw a flash of sadness and pain in her eyes.

.....

Whenever it concerns Ibuki Sumire, Tetsuo tried to maintain a distance. After all, she frightened him; what he feared was not her strength but her ability to change and influence those around her. He cared for her to a certain extent after last year's events, but he remained slightly detached.

Tetsuo accepts invitations to balls/gatherings whenever he found the time in his busy schedule as an idol. It was all for the sake of maintaining appearances, even though there was no need for such things anymore.

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he finally exited the stifling ballroom. For the last few hours, several people had approached him and would not let him leave. While he usually would not mind, he felt quite tired due to his job before he attended the ball.

Tetsuo approached the balcony area, knowing that nobody would be there. It looked quiet at first glance until he saw a small figure hunched up in a ball in the corner by a vase of roses.

Although it was difficult to see the person's face Tetsuo immediately recognized her. He awkwardly walked over and bent down. "Sumire-san? What are you doing?"

Sumire mumbled something. "Soujiro said he couldn't attend, so I have to represent him. But so many people started talking to me, so I ran away."

Tetsuo almost forgot how bad she is with dealing with other people since she is very bold most of the time.

"Are you crying? Should I call someone?"

Sumire lifted her face from her arms, and indeed he confirmed her tears. "I ended up tripping on this stupid heel." She pointed to the shoes right beside the vase.

From the looks of it, she just scrapped the vase, but it was enough of an impact to cause an injury. Since she sat down, he could not tell how hurt she was. What can he do? Tetsuo understood one thing about her personality, and she was very stubborn. He saw an example of this many times last year.

"May I see your injury?"

Sumire did not budge an inch.

"I shall remain with you today if you wish; we can even stay out here until the party ends."

Tetsuo did not see any need to return and interact with any more people. He was exhausted, and none of those people would benefit him in any way. Besides, he had a bad feeling about leaving her alone after what she said. It is unlikely for Makoto to leave her alone here, so in other words, somebody is holding the man up from coming here.

It is clear what their intention was, and that is to target this girl.