Years passed by and winter approached again in Auvrovaria. The trees had lost all their beautiful green and orange leaves, and the sky that was once blue and sunny gave way to gray clouds.

The empire had become the safest place in the world thanks to the Imperial Army that was doing everything it could to preserve peace and serenity.

The guards took care of daily tasks, such as the surveillance of the city's borders, merchandises and the safety of the citizens.

As for the Imperial Knights, they took care of difficult missions, such as chasing and killing the monsters and demons that remained, or hunting down the s-rank criminals and getting rid of them.

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At the palace, in the courtyard and near the stables, the head butler, Roger Gardner, patiently awaited the return of the princess from her horse ride in the forest, which was a part of her royal lessons.

Roger was one of the palace's oldest servants. He was a very loyal man that was diligent in his work while having a nice and friendly personality. He even served the late emperor and empress, Arthur's parents.

After a few minutes of waiting, he saw, in the distance, the silhouette of a galloping horse. The princess was back.

He got up from his bench to join her and help her get off the horse.

he greeted, bowing to her.

she replied, smiling softly.

Looking at her, the butler couldn't help but notice the blatant resemblance she had with her mother, the late empress Isadora.

She had the same smile, the same porcelain white skin, pretty big chocolate brown eyes and long black hair, slightly wavy at the ends, that was pulled back into a high ponytail.

The young girl had truly inherited the beauty of her parents.

She was dressed in a pretty riding outfit, consisting of a sky blue sweater with white pants and a pair of black boots.

she asked in surprise.

she said, smiling.

he replied, bowing before leaving.

Luana took the reins of her horse to bring it back to the stables.

she said, giving some sugar cubes to the animal and patting its head.

After that, she went up to her room to take a quick bath and change her clothes.

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Once entering the salon, the young princess was welcomed in the arms of her best friend who threw herself on her.

exclaimed the young girl, hugging her friend tightly.

she replied, hugging her back.

she offered.

replied the princess, embarrassed.

Azusa Lobelia was the youngest daughter of Angus Lobelia and his wife, Rachel Adalena. The eldest child was Eric, who was one of the Imperial Army's knights.

Azusa was the same age as Luana. She was a very beautiful girl with a pretty beige complexion, brown eyes and shoulder length hair of the same color.

said the princess happily.

she replied enthusiastically.

she laughed.

she said with stars in her eyes.

Luana replied anxiously.

the girl exclaimed.

she finished.

A long moment of silence settled between the two girls. It was Azusa who broke it with a long sigh.

she said determinedly.

replied the princess, a pained expression on her face.

said Azusa enthusiastically.

she remarked with a small laugh.

she said before standing up.

She took out of her bag a pretty package wrapped with a small ribbon and gave it to Luana. It was slightly heavy.

she said with a big smile.

she replied, hugging her tightly.

Luana put the package on the table in front of her and opened it.

she exclaimed with stars in her eyes.

The packet contained a series of six books of different size and colors.

she said, hugging her best friend again.

she expressed, a little bit embarrassed.

she chuckled.

replied the young princess, laughing.

The two friends continued to talk about their favorite novels for hours and hours while tasting the delicious tea that was brewed.

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When the evening came, Azusa decided it was time for her to go back home.

Luana said.

she expressed, sadness clear in her eyes.

asked Luana in surprise.

Luana said.

she exclaimed, pouting.

asked the princess in a teasing manner.

Azusa asked back, her cheeks turning red with surprise.

she stammered, blushing very hard.

Luana asked, teasing her more.

Luana laughed softly at her friend's adorable reaction.

she said, smiling.

Azusa stayed silent, her eyes focused on the floor.

" she admitted, completely flushed.

she asked her, pretending to be sad.

she answered, her face becoming as red as a tomato.

she answered sadly.

she said anxiously.

Luana said determinedly.

she added, encouraging her.

Azusa replied, hugging her.

she said, smiling affectionately.

Azusa stood up from the sofa and straightened up her dress.

she added.

Luana teased her.

she smiled while blushing as she walked away hurriedly.

Luana laughed out loud as she followed her bestfriend.

she called out, chuckling.