Charlotte endured for several tens of seconds, listening to the sound of the wind. As she felt the rise stop, her body relaxed slightly.

“Are you afraid of heights?”

“You should ask that beforehand.”

“You’re right.”

“I have no experience to compare this situation to, so I can only say that I don’t understand.”

“That’s true.”

His reply was very nonchalant.

“…Are you sure I won’t fall?”

“Yes. There’s no way I’d make such a mistake.”

He was as confident as ever.

But it certainly gave her a sense of security. Though the unfamiliar floating sensation made Charlotte feel uneasy, her heart began to calm.

“Open your eyes.”

She timidly opened her eyes, not loosening her grip on Ethelbert as he whispered.

Well…

The two were overlooking the royal capital.

Countless, glittering artificial lights floated in the darkness. They were closer than the stars in the night sky, so they emitted a large, bright gleam.

Charlotte sighed in pure admiration at the sight that unfolded below her.

“How beautiful…”

“It’s proof of prosperity.”

They were a light source that only existed because of technological development and human activity. It might be beautiful, but many sacrifices had been made to create it.

If it was within the scope of what could be called “labor,” it wouldn’t be called a sacrifice. However, once that labor became excessive, it was a different story.

I wish I could just be a normal person who spent her time here.

It felt like a long time ago when she wanted to protect this view.

Now, she wanted to crush it all.

***

“Your Highness Charlotte.”

After finishing their aerial walk and landing on the balcony, Charlotte wondered if it was time to return to the venue. Then, Ethelbert took a box out of his pocket and handed it to her.

“It’s a graduation gift.”

Charlotte was confused, as she’d never expected to receive such a thing from Ethelbert, especially directly. However, she wasn’t yet prepared to dismiss his kindness.

She’d been trying to distance herself from him, and he had clearly sensed it, yet he was still trying to connect with her. Filled with joy at his actions, her heart wavered.

As Charlotte hesitated, Ethelbert took her hand and placed the box on top of her palm.

The box bore the logo of the most famous store in the empire, one renowned throughout the world.

She glanced at Ethelbert once, but he gave her a look that seemed to be telling her to open it. It didn’t take much to know that even if she pushed it back, he wouldn’t accept it.

She made up her mind and nervously opened the lid. She saw a hair ornament adorned with jade. He had probably chosen it with Charlotte’s eyes in mind, just like Charlotte had done with the bracelet she had given him in return.

“Thank you, but wasn’t it expensive?”

“I’m the emperor’s younger brother, you know?”

Even if it was expensive, it was only pocket money for him. His sense of value seemed scary, judging from the magic bracelet.

“I chose something modest, keeping in mind that we’re friends. I don’t want you to feel embarrassed.”

“…It’s beautiful. Very beautiful.”

How modest by royal standards—but that wasn’t the point.

This was undoubtedly a gift chosen for Charlotte. It didn’t reflect Juliet’s preference—it was a gift given solely for her!

“Thank you so much.”

She had received two such heartfelt gifts from Ethelbert in a short period of time, but when was the last time she had ever received one from anyone other than him?

The gifts given to Charlotte by both her fiancé and Frederick were obligatory and formal. Meanwhile, those who were trying to curry favor with the crown princess only gave whatever caught their eyes. Above all, Juliet, who seemed to be thinking of Charlotte, chose ones colored by her own preferences.

Not a single gift had been given with Charlotte’s interest in mind.

This was a rare present she could truly be happy to receive.

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