Arthur’s gaze shifted slightly.
He noticed the way Lyra’s fingers had tightened at her sides.
She was barely holding onto her composure.
Arthur’s eyes narrowed.
He finally spoke.
"Young Lord Celestia."
Celestia immediately turned toward him.
Her expression shifted into exaggerated curiosity.
"Oh?"
"I’m sorry, Young Master."
She gave a small, apologetic laugh.
"It seems I got carried away and drifted rather far from our conversation."
"Please don’t mind me."
She lightly touched her cheek.
"I have a tendency to become rather nosy."
"Perhaps it’s simply because I’m naturally considerate."
Her smile widened.
"Speaking of being considerate..."
"You’ll find my gift quite useful to both you and your family, considering your current situation."
A cold sweat formed across Lyra’s forehead.
She immediately bowed her head.
"If you’ll excuse me..."
"I believe I may have had a little too much to eat."
She forced a smile.
"I think I should get some fresh air."
Without waiting for a response, Lyra quietly turned away.
Celestia watched her leave.
Her smile remained perfectly intact.
But inwardly...
Her expression was entirely different.
That’s right, you little wallflower.
Get out of my sight.
You really thought someone like you could stand beside Arthur?
Your family can barely protect itself, let alone House Ashbourne.
And yet you still had the audacity to approach him.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
You think a few spirit beasts and pretty flowers are enough to make you worthy of him?
How amusing.
Know your place.
Because if you insist on standing in my way...
Celestia’s smile became even sweeter.
I’ll simply have to remind you where you belong.
Lyra was just about to leave when suddenly...
Arthur’s arm reached out and gently caught her by the shoulder.
Lyra froze.
Both Lady Celestia and Miranda looked mildly surprised.
Florain, however, simply smiled as she watched the scene unfold.
Arthur looked toward Celestia, a polite smile still on his face.
"Come now, Young Lord Celestia."
"I don’t appreciate you being rude to my guests."
Celestia’s expression became serious for a brief moment.
But just as quickly...
She smiled again.
"Rude?"
"Oh, please."
"I haven’t said anything that wasn’t true."
"Nor did I mock Young Lord Evergreen."
She lightly tilted her head.
"So I don’t think my words could exactly be classified as rude."
"It would be more accurate to say that I was simply looking out for her."
Her smile widened slightly.
"I’m sure you would do the same."
Arthur’s smile remained.
But his eyes became noticeably colder.
"I would never do such a thing."
"And frankly..."
"It’s not a trait I like seeing in people, Young Lord Celestia."
The atmosphere around them subtly changed.
Arthur’s hand remained resting lightly on Lyra’s shoulder.
"I suggest you try not to upset me..."
"...at my own ceremony."
"You dare—"
Miranda was about to step forward, but a subtle gesture from Celestia immediately silenced her.
Celestia took a slow breath, clearly struggling to maintain her composure.
"I’m sorry, Young Master Arthur."
"But as a noble of your standing, I’m sure you’re wise enough to understand what your family needs."
A brief silence followed.
Celestia’s gaze shifted toward Lyra.
There was a faint trace of disgust in her eyes.
"...And what it doesn’t need in its current situation."
Arthur’s expression remained calm.
"I am well aware."
"And I don’t remember asking you to make that judgment for me."
His smile faded slightly.
"The fact that you’ve done so anyway makes me feel rather disrespected."
He gestured subtly toward Lyra.
"Please excuse us."
"Lady Evergreen and I were having an important conversation."
Miranda’s eyes widened.
She immediately spoke up sharply.
"You’re already calling her Lady?"
"You dare to be so forward in front of—"
Celestia immediately raised a hand.
"Enough."
Miranda fell silent.
Celestia turned back toward Arthur and offered another polite smile.
"My apologies, Young Master Arthur."
"I’ll be taking my leave then."
She turned around, Miranda following closely behind.
But after taking several steps...
Celestia stopped.
Without turning around, she spoke.
"Young Master Arthur..."
"Your house is going to need my help."
"No one else here possesses the military might you require to pull your family out of this crisis."
"So I’d advise you to watch the way you speak to me."
She finally glanced over her shoulder.
"Normally, such behavior wouldn’t be overlooked."
"But..."
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Seeing as we have a future together..."
"I’ll let things slide this once."
Her gaze shifted toward Lyra.
She paused.
"And you, Young Lord Evergreen..."
Celestia’s eyes narrowed slightly.
"Your courage tonight has piqued my curiosity."
"Do know that I’ll be keeping an eye on you from now on."
With that...
Celestia turned away.
"Come, Miranda."
"Yes, my lady."
The two disappeared into the crowd.
Lyra remained silent for a moment.
Arthur’s hand was still resting lightly on her shoulder.
Florain watched the direction Celestia had gone with an amused expression.
"...Well."
"That certainly escalated quickly."
Arthur glanced at his sister with a mildly irritated expression.
"’Escalated quickly’?"
"Is that really all you have to say?"
He shook his head.
"You know, for someone who’s supposed to lead our house one day, you’re remarkably comfortable watching your only sibling fight alone."
Florain simply grinned.
"How could I possibly interrupt such a moment?"
She crossed her arms, looking thoroughly amused.
"My little brother putting his foot down against a Young Galactic Lord, no less?"
She laughed softly.
"I had to see it all play out."
Arthur’s expression twitched.
"...You really are enjoying this, aren’t you?"
"Of course."
Arthur sighed.
"You’re supposed to be supporting me."
"I am supporting you."
Florain smiled.
"Emotionally."
She paused.
"By watching."
Arthur stared at her.
"...That’s not what support means."
Lyra, who had been standing beside them, couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.
The tension that had settled over her shoulders finally began to fade.
Florain noticed.
Her eyes briefly shifted toward Lyra before her smile became a little softer.
"Besides..."
She glanced toward the direction Celestia had disappeared.
"You handled yourself well."
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"I wasn’t asking for your approval."
"I know."
Florain grinned.
"I’m giving it anyway."
Arthur shook his head.
"...You’re impossible."
"Runs in the family."
She winked.
Lyra smiled awkwardly before lowering her gaze.
"Young Master Arthur..."
Arthur turned toward her.
"Hm?"
She hesitated.
"...Thank you."
"For what?"
"For earlier."
Her fingers lightly tightened around Syir, who was still resting comfortably in her arms.
"You didn’t have to defend me."
Arthur’s expression softened.
"I wasn’t defending you because I had to."
"I did it because I wanted to."
Lyra’s cheeks immediately became faintly pink.
"...Oh."
Florain’s eyes narrowed playfully.
"Well... Thank you."