In the tranquil atmosphere of the tea hall, the sound of gentle chatter and the aroma of freshly baked cakes and bread filled the air. Sylveria, in an elegant gown, sat poised amidst the refined surroundings with her friends. Her attention was drawn to the approaching figure, a woman whose statuesque beauty commanded respect. Black-haired and porcelain-skinned, the newcomer embodied the epitome of refinement, her attire a sophisticated shade of black that hinted at her affinity for mysterious arts.

"Luisa, a pleasure to see you," Sylveria greeted, rising from her seat to exchange a respectful bow with her fellow princess. The Third Princess, renowned for her mastery over the often-maligned dark magic, inclined her head in return, her eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and warmth. "I must admit, I'm intrigued by your company, Sylvie," Luisa remarked, her voice as smooth as the finest silk.

"Oh, as you know, Isla and Isao are my personal bodyguards and friends, so I always want them by my side. How about you, Luisa? I rarely see you," Sylveria said gently and diplomatically. 

Sylveria's remark drew a subtle smile from Luisa, who leaned back in her chair with a graceful elegance. "Indeed, your loyal guardians are quite impressive," the Third Princess acknowledged, her gaze drifting to Isla and Isao, who remained seated, their presence a quiet reassurance. "As for myself, I tend to keep to my studies and research. The allure of dark magic can be quite consuming, you know." Luisa's words carried a hint of self-deprecation, tempered by the warmth in her eyes as she regarded Sylveria. The connection between the two royal sisters ran deep, forged through the shared experiences of their mothers, Queen Aira and Queen Quintosa, who had stood united in support of the legendary Sword Hero, now King Edric.

"Your dedication to your craft is admirable, Luisa," Isao said.

Isla looked at Luisa with an aloof expression. "Lady, you're much more likable than the brute princess," Luisa's refined features tightened slightly at Isla's bold remark, but the Third Princess kept her composure. "Thank you, Miss Tanaka. Though, I prefer to be seen as 'well-liked' rather than just tolerable." Sylveria bit her lip, suppressing a smile, familiar with her friend's bluntness. Meanwhile, Isao continue to chuckle warmly, patting Isla's arm. "The lady is far too charming to be merely tolerated." Luisa inclined her head gracefully. "Tell me, Miss Tanaka, have you and Princess Sylveria traveled far since arriving in Elyria?"

"No, we only traveled as far as Oakwood Glen," Isla replied.

"Oakwood Glen!? That place is full of bandits. You should avoid it!" Luisa said, concern evident on her face. "It's okay, Luisa... Er, we kind of took care of all the bandits a little while ago," Sylveria admitted awkwardly and Luisa's eyes widened in surprise at Sylveria's casual admission, the Third Princess's delicate features twisting into a mixture of disbelief and amusement. "You... killed the bandits? I assumed the state of disarray you and your companions returned in was due to some sort of mishap." She shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Well, I suppose I should commend your initiative, even if it did result in a rather... messy appearance."

"Isao, blueberry cheesecake is better than strawberry cheesecake," Isla stated with her usual aloof expression.

Isao shook her head, passionately defending her love for strawberry cheesecake.

As the conversation shifted to the realm of desserts, Luisa watched with amusement as Isla and Isao engaged in their debate, the former's detached demeanor a stark contrast to the latter's enthusiastic advocacy for strawberry cheesecake. "Blueberry does have a certain charm, though," Luisa mused, her tone gentle as she sought to find common ground with the enigmatic girls. "Perhaps a taste test is in order to settle this dispute once and for all?" Luisa suggested with a giggle.

"Hey, you brats! I finally found you!" Velidina's thunderous entrance sent shockwaves through the tranquil tea hall, her booming declaration silencing the patrons and drawing startled gazes. She was ready to scold the trio for disappearing so abruptly at the adventurers' guild when she was about to question their reasons for becoming adventurers. Adding to her frustration, her scouts had reported that the trio returned to the capital looking like a mess, especially Isla.

"Oh no, the tyrant has arrived. Run~!" Isla teased playfully, and the trio burst into laughter as they ran off like mischievous children. Veldina stood there in disbelief, even more shocked to see Sylveria running and laughing along with them, despite being scolded by Veldina just days earlier for her behavior. Meanwhile, Luisa remained seated at the table, giggling at the trio's antics. The Second Princess's fierce eyes locked onto the fleeing trio, her lips curled into a scowl as she beheld their joyous escape. "Fools!" Veldina bellowed, striding after them with purposeful strides. "You insolent brats won't evade me that easily!" Despite her harsh words, the trio's laughter only grew louder, their youthful energy propelling them through the winding corridors of the castle. Sylveria, normally the picture of poise, allowed herself to be swept up in the moment, her own giggles intertwining with those of her companions.

As they vanished from Veldina's furious pursuit, the Third Princess Luisa watched the spectacle unfold with a mix of amusement and concern. "Vel, why are you so uptight? They're only 10 years old," Luisa said diplomatically. She understood Veldina wanted Sylveria to act mature, like a proper princess, just as she and the other princesses did at that age.

Luisa's gentle rebuke hit Veldina like a bucket of cold water, momentarily halting the princess's relentless pursuit. Veldina's fiery eyes flickered, a myriad of emotions battling for dominance on her expressive face. "Says the expert on being a 'true princess,'" Veldina scoffed, her voice laced with sarcasm. Yet beneath the biting retort, a hint of vulnerability seeped through - a reminder that beneath her stern exterior, the second princess grappled with her own insecurities. "You may have mastered the art of subtlety, Luisa," Veldina continued, "but I will not stand idly by as Sylvie throws away every advantage our birthright grants her. She needs discipline, not coddling!" Despite her adamant stance, Veldina couldn't shake off the memory of her own carefree childhood, now tainted by the weight of royal responsibilities.

Luisa glanced away with an aloof expression. "Says the princess who was always causing trouble as a kid," she remarked. Veldina's cheeks flushed a deep crimson at Luisa's astute observation, the second princess's rigid posture sagging under the weight of her own hypocrisy. She opened her mouth to protest, but Luisa's words cut deeper than any blade. Just as Veldina was formulating a scathing retort, a gentle chiming sound announced the arrival of another princess. Marybelle, the beloved First Princess, glided into the scene with the grace of a butterfly, her serene presence immediately calming the tense atmosphere.

"What's this, what's this? I heard Veldina was playing tag with the kids, so I came to see my precious siblings." Marybelle echoed, her melodious voice tinged with playful curiosity as she took in the tableau before her. Her keen gaze darted between the quarreling siblings, a mischievous twinkle sparking in her eyes. "Precious siblings, indeed," Veldina muttered under her breath, her frustration evident in the tight line of her lips. With a gentle squeeze of reassurance, Marybelle steered Veldina towards the tea hall, Luisa falling into step beside them.

The warm atmosphere of the hall enveloped them as they settled at a cozy table, Marybelle's radiant smile dispelling the lingering tension. "Why don't the 3 of us spend some time together?" Marybelle said, her soothing voice a balm to Veldina's frazzled nerves. She signaled for the servants to bring forth an assortment of delectable treats. "Let us enjoy these sweet delights and share tales of our adventures." Veldina, although still wary, found herself yielding to Marybelle's gentle persuasion. The calming influence of her eldest sister, coupled with the tantalizing aromas wafting from the laden table, gradually soothed her ruffled sensibilities.

"So, Vel, I heard there's a handsome man in your mercenary group who's determined to protect you. Ahem, ahem—is he a potential boyfriend?" Marybelle asked with a teasing smile.

"Now that you mention it, Vel, is your group staying in town? I haven't seen anyone from your group here at the castle except you." Luisa added curiously. Veldina's eyes narrowed, a telltale flush creeping up her neck at Marybelle's playful probing. "Ha! You think I'd let some mercenary besmirch my title by becoming my beau?" she scoffed, her voice tinged with indignation. "He's just a loyal soldier, nothing more!" However, Luisa's innocent query pricked at Veldina's pride. She hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Actually, my group has moved on to another contract. We parted ways shortly after returning to the capital." A fleeting sense of longing, swiftly suppressed, flashed across Veldina's face. The camaraderie and sense of belonging she had found among her mercenary comrades was a foreign concept in the stuffy halls of the palace, where duty and propriety often suffocated individuality.

"Eh!? You're their boss, right? You let them take on a job without you? That's surprising," Marybelle said.

Veldina explained that it was a scouting mission, they wanted to gather as much information as possible on other kingdoms along with checking on the shadow mimic and Demon king. Staying in the royal capital allowed her to mobilize the army more quickly than if she were away with her group. Marybelle's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her curiosity piqued by Veldina's unexpected admission. "Really, Vel? I wouldn't have pegged you for the 'stay-behind' type," she remarked, a hint of mirth dancing in her eyes.

Veldina rolled her eyes, accustomed to her sister's teasing. "Don't flatter yourself, Marybelle. It's not about trusting my companions; it's about prioritizing royal duties. Should the demon king invade, prompt action is crucial. Again, my presence here allows for swifter mobilization of our forces." While Veldina's logic was sound, a part of her couldn't deny the twinge of regret at being separated from her trusted companions. The bonds forged during their shared battles felt fragile, easily broken by distance and duty.

Noticing Veldina's regret, Luisa changed the subject. "By the way, Vel... Did you know Isao, Sylveria's friend, is the youngest sister of Kite from the Lavender family?" she said. Veldina blushed, startled. Kite was her childhood friend and first love. She had felt heartbroken when she saw him speaking to another girl, assuming it was his girlfriend. "Just so you know," Luisa continued, "Kite doesn't have a girlfriend. He would often visit the castle looking for you after you suddenly disappeared four years ago. Oh, and his spear skills are still unmatched." Marybelle giggled, enjoying the conversation.

Veldina's eyes widened, a crimson tide flooding her cheeks as Luisa's words struck her like a bolt of lightning. "Kite, the boy I had harbored secret feelings for, had never pursued another romance? And he continued seeking me out, his affection unchanged?" questions that nag on her mind. Her heart raced, a whirlwind of emotions threatening to topple her carefully constructed facade. Anger, relief, and a fluttering hope warred within her, leaving her breathless and bewildered.

"Oh, Luisa..." Veldina managed to choke out, her voice husky with unspoken emotion. "You shouldn't spread such rumors carelessly."

Marybelle, sensing her sister's distress, placed a comforting hand on Veldina's arm. "Luisa means well, Vel. And perhaps it's time to confront your feelings and clarify matters with Kite once and for all." Veldina jerked her gaze away, refusing to meet either of her sisters' knowing stares.

"But who knows? Since you keep harassing Sylveria and her friends, Isao might tell Kite that you're bullying them," Marybelle said, breaking the tension with a laugh.

Luisa choked on her tea, surprised by Marybelle's teasing. Veldina's mouth fell open, her cheeks burning even hotter at Marybelle's bold words. "H-harassing!? I am simply maintaining order and discipline, unlike some irresponsible princesses!" she sputtered, her indignant protest dying on her lips as Luisa choked on her tea again, coughing violently. Marybelle, unperturbed by her sister's outrage, smiled sweetly. "Order and discipline can be quite harsh, especially when directed at children. Perhaps a softer approach is needed?"

Veldina's ire flared, but before she could unleash a retort, a commotion ensued as a frantic messenger burst into the tea hall, his breathing ragged. "Your Highnesses, urgent news from the eastern border! Demon incursions have been reported in multiple locations. The King requests your immediate presence in the war council chamber to discuss mobilization strategies." Marybelle, with a gentle smile, stood up along with Veldina, who wore a serious expression, and Luisa, whose face remained calm and focused.