The Imperial Palace - 1

To summarize the Riana I knew, she was always composed in all matters and always held the upper hand.

*Given Riana's personality, she would never enter a contest she couldn't win.*

As her feet showed, her style of producing near-perfect results through immense effort meant that it was originally very difficult to see her like this.

*I don't know if it's because we've grown closer, or if there's something else at play...*

But in front of me, she was displaying a somewhat discomposed appearance, staring intently at me, as disheveled as her hair.

*...This is it, then.*

At this point, even someone as oblivious as I am could easily discern what kind of feelings Riana harbored for me.

As I pondered what to do about Riana, she shyly rubbed her cheek with her hand and spoke to me.

"...D-Damian, Brother. You know, not yet."

“Not yet” and 'can't.' The moment I realized what Riana was saying, my eyes widened in surprise...