Shirone's heart was pounding as he ran through the grand hallways of the palace, his shoes slapping against the shiny floor. He was trying to follow Zion, but the older boy had vanished like a ghost. A bad feeling was growing in Shirone's chest, so he decided to run to Zion's room.
Shirone (to himself): "Why did I chase after him like that?"
Shirone (thinking): My feelings are all mixed up. My thoughts are a tangled mess. Nothing makes sense right now.
When he finally reached the big, fancy door to Zion's room, Shirone froze. His hand hovered over the golden doorknob. A scary picture popped into his head: he imagined his friend Amy, dancing and laughing with Zion.
Shirone (whispering): "Why did she avoid me at the party?"
The Amy he knew wouldn't just ignore him without a reason. He shook his head, trying to shake the bad thoughts away. He knew that thinking such things about his friend was wrong.
Taking a deep breath, Shirone turned the knob and pushed the door open.
The room was bright with light from magical lamps, but it was super quiet. Zion was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a girl named Wuorin was there, walking calmly toward a table and stroking a fluffy cat in her arms.
Shirone (surprised): "Wuorin? Why are you here…?"
Wuorin sat down in a soft chair like she owned the place. She acted like she hadn't even noticed Shirone come in. But Shirone was learning that with royal people, what you see isn't always the whole story.
Shirone (firmly): "Wuorin. Where is Zion?"
Wuorin (commanding): "Sit down."
Her voice was strong and left no room for arguing. She pointed to the chair across from her. Shirone felt nervous, but he sat down.
Shirone (confused): "Why are you in Zion's room? You weren't at the big party."
Wuorin: "I thought you might come here. That's why I waited."
So, she knew he would come. Shirone's suspicion was right—Wuorin seemed to know everything that happened in the palace.
Shirone (insisting): "Where is Zion?"
Wuorin (uncaring): "He's... somewhere, I guess."
She looked away, and Shirone felt a flash of frustration. He knew getting angry wouldn't help. He needed to be smart.
After a long silence, Wuorin spoke again.
Wuorin (seriously): "Why did you do it? Why did you show off all your power today? You know that's like declaring war on some very powerful people. That's why Zion is so angry with you."
Shirone (calmly): "If I did it half-heartedly, you wouldn't have helped me."
Wuorin's eyebrow lifted, pretending to be puzzled. But Shirone saw a flicker in her eyes. She understood him perfectly.
Shirone (continuing): "You're not like Zion. You're going to be the next Empress. Whatever is happening here is just one step on your path to the throne."
A small, knowing smile appeared on Wuorin's lips.
Wuorin: "Is that so? Well, you and I both want power, Shirone-nii. You're no different."
Shirone (nodding): "That might be true. But my special power, Ataraxia... it must mean something more to you than just being strong."
For the first time, Wuorin looked genuinely interested.
Wuorin: "What do you mean?"
Shirone (leaning forward): "The Emperor isn't just a ruler. They also command the mighty Valkyries. And Ataraxia is the most respected power the Valkyries have. For a future Empress like you, it's not just useful—it's necessary."
Wuorin thought about it and then nodded slowly. She couldn't deny it. If Shirone's power hadn't been so amazing today, she wouldn't even be talking to him.
Wuorin: "You're right. Watching you today... I changed my mind. Your power could be a great help to me when I become Empress."
Shirone (eyes steady): "Then help me. I'll graduate from magic school and stand by your side. Just promise you won't hurt my family or my friends."
Wuorin laughed, but it wasn't a mean laugh. It was a laugh of disbelief.
Wuorin: "You're a little naive, aren't you?"
Shirone (frowning): "What?"
Wuorin: "You think I would build my future on one magic student?" she said, shaking her head. "Hundreds of super-powerful mages ask to serve me every year. They have years of experience. Your power is impressive, Shirone, but you are still just a student."
Shirone (quietly): "So you can't accept me?"
Wuorin scratched her cheek, looking a little sorry.
Wuorin: "I'd like to help, really. But I have many sisters, and they are all my rivals. I am still very young. I can't make big moves and become a target for them yet. It's just too risky for me right now."
Shirone felt a dull ache in his chest. Wuorin was only fourteen years old, but she was planning her life like a grown-up general.
He stood up from his chair.
Shirone: "...Alright. If we can't make a deal, then I'll leave. I need to find Amy."
He turned to go. He would just walk away and deal with whatever happened next.
Wuorin (softly): "Good luck."
Her words stung, but Shirone didn't look back. He grabbed the doorknob. But something tugged at his heart. Was he really giving up his best chance?
Just as the door creaked open, her voice stopped him.
Wuorin: "...But what if..."
Shirone stopped moving.
Wuorin: "What if I looked at this... as an investment in my brother's future?"
He slowly turned around. Wuorin was looking right at him.
Wuorin: "In that case, I could offer you a seat at my table. As the daughter of the Terraze family, that's all I can promise."
Shirone (confused): "A chance to negotiate?"
So, even if he gave everything, all he got was the right to talk?
Wuorin (coolly): "Yes. I can't help you for free. But if you agree to one simple condition, I will support you."
Shirone (crossing his arms): "Go ahead. What is it?"
Wuorin looked him straight in the eyes.
Wuorin: "Spend the night with me."
Shirone's eyes went wide. His mouth fell open.
Shirone (shocked): "What?!"
After all their serious talking, this was her condition?
Seeing his horrified face, Wuorin quickly explained.
Wuorin: "Don't worry, not in that way. I just want you to stay with me tonight. Of course... if you change your mind later, you can try."
Shirone (angry and confused): "What are you talking about? You're my half-sister!"
Wuorin (shrugging): "That's not confirmed yet. And even if it is true, it doesn't matter to my family. Royal families do things differently for power."
Shirone was completely baffled. This made no sense!
Shirone: "Why? What does this have to do with helping me?"
Wuorin let out a sigh and finally told him the truth.
Wuorin: "The Terraze family has always been ruled by empresses. To us, men are tools. Useful, but disposable. A daughter of Terraze won't keep a man by her side if he loves another woman. If my brother Zion is chasing after Amy, then I can't accept him."
Finally, Shirone understood her twisted logic.
Shirone (softly): "I get it. But you're wrong. I don't love Amy like that. She is a dear friend, that's all."
Wuorin (smirking): "Still, I think Brother Zion is interested in her."
A hot wave of worry rushed through Shirone.
Wuorin: "Of course, if she says no, he will leave her alone. My brother is too proud to force a girl. He only wants those who want him back."
That was a small relief, but Shirone's worry didn't go away.
Then Wuorin clapped her hands together.
Wuorin: "Okay, let's do this. I want to see how you truly feel. From this moment, I will keep Amy safe. I'll send someone right now to give the order—but only if you stay with me tonight."
Shirone's breath caught in his throat. This was it! This could save Amy, and his other friends Reina and their families.
Shirone (urgently): "...Where is Amy?"
Wuorin: "I can't tell you. Not yet. You just have to trust me. Choose me, before her."
Shirone began to tremble. His hands shook. Everything was going his way, but he couldn't make the choice. What if Wuorin was lying? He had no proof.
Wuorin (voice hardening): "Why are you hesitating? I am Teraze Wuorin. I don't lie. This is what you wanted! Prove you don't love anyone else, and I will make you the greatest magician in the world!"
It was an incredible offer, like a dream come true.
But Shirone, thinking of Amy's face, made his choice.
Shirone (firmly): "...I'm going to Amy. I won't accept your offer."
Wuorin let out a frustrated sigh.
Wuorin (disbelieving): "You're going to throw away this chance? A connection with the most powerful family? Protection for everyone you love? You're giving it all up… for a woman?"
Shirone (standing strong): "Yes, that's exactly what I'm doing."
Wuorin was stunned into silence. Shirone's face did not waver.
Shirone: "But Wuorin, that's what it means to be human. The only real world is what we can see and feel. Even if you say you will save Amy, if I can't see it for myself, your promise is empty to me. I will not leave my friend behind for an invisible promise."
Wuorin's face grew dark.
Wuorin: "You make life so hard for yourself… when the easy path is right in front of you…"
Shirone gave a sad smile.
Shirone: "Yeah, I know. But once you understand what's right, you can't pretend you don't know. That's the burden I have to carry."
Shirone (sincerely): "I understand how important this opportunity was. And I know you went out of your way to offer it to me. I don't think you were lying. But I still have to go."
Wuorin walked over to him, wrapped her arms around him in a quick hug, and whispered in his ear.
Wuorin (whispering): "You're such a fool. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything for you. I really did like you."
She stepped back, her expression softer now.
Wuorin: "Go to the gallery. It's a quiet place where no one will see you. It's where my brother takes girls when he wants to be alone with them."
A new fire ignited inside Shirone. As he turned to leave, Wuorin pulled something from her pocket.
Wuorin: "Wait. Take this."
She tossed him a small object. Shirone caught it and opened his palm. A tiny, glowing red bead, like a ruby, sat in his hand. It was warm.
Shirone (curious): "What is this?"
Wuorin: "It's the price of a very expensive doll. It's worth at least 100 million."
Shirone: "I didn't ask for a payment—"
Wuorin (cutting him off): "I know. But the deal is off. We can't owe each other anything now. Politics and feelings are separate."
He understood. They had helped each other in the past, but now they were strangers again.
Shirone: "...I'll put it to good use after I graduate."
He put the magical bead safely in his pocket. As he stepped through the door, he paused and looked back.
Shirone: "...Thank you, Wuorin. For everything. I don't think I would've made it this far without you."
Wuorin grinned at him.
Wuorin: "Even in hell, there's water to drink."
Shirone (chuckling softly): "A Kazura proverb? That makes sense."
With one final look, Shirone turned and ran out of Zion's room, ready to find his friend.