The Magical Tower stood high above the capital, its dark stone walls touching the clouds.
Inside the highest chamber, everything was quiet.
Ancient books covered the tall shelves, glowing runes floated gently in the air, and several magic circles slowly rotated around the room.
At the large window stood Lucas de Hein.
His black hair moved slightly in the cold wind, and his silver eyes looked down at the city far below.
The imperial meeting had already ended hours ago.
Yet Lucas remained deep in thought.
His mind replayed several moments from the day.
A short girl in a commoner dress laughing in the market.
The same girl standing confidently in the Imperial Hall.
And the way she smiled while calling the market her land.
Lucas crossed his arms slowly.
"…June Astral."
He spoke her name quietly.
The daughter of the Emperor.
The Duke of the Southern Pearls.
And clearly someone far more complicated than most nobles.
A younger mage from the tower carefully approached him from behind.
"Master Lucas."
Lucas didn't turn.
"Yes."
"The Emperor's messenger delivered another letter."
The mage handed him the sealed message.
Lucas opened it calmly and read it.
Inside was the Emperor's decision.
A future joint mission in the southern territories.
With one name written clearly beside his.
June Astral.
Lucas stared at the letter for a moment.
Then he folded it and placed it on the table.
His silver eyes glinted faintly.
"…Interesting."
Far away in the Imperial Palace, the person mentioned in the letter was completely unaware.
But soon…
The Master of the Magical Tower and the Princess of the Southern Pearls would be forced to work together.