Roan and Ocean walked through the bustling streets of Oasis, though walking was a generous word for what Roan was doing. He was maneuvering. Sidestepping. Strategically shielding himself from elbows, lace sleeves, and overenthusiastic socialites who seemed magnetically drawn to Ocean’s mere existence.

The market square glittered with color, silk banners swayed overhead in pastel ribbons of spring, perfumed air clung to the breeze, and jewel-toned carriages lined the curb like resting beasts. But none of that distracted the crowd from its favorite spectacle.

Ocean.

People slowed. Heads turned. Conversations dipped into hushed murmurs.

Roan clenched his jaw as yet another noblewoman "accidentally" drifted too close.

"Careful," he muttered under his breath as he tugged Ocean slightly away from a cluster of staring debutantes. "If they stare any harder, they’ll burn holes through your coat."

Ocean hummed, utterly unbothered.

"Why did you drag me along?" Roan asked at last, dodging a merchant’s assistant carrying folded brocade.

Ocean didn’t even glance at him. "Well," he said lazily, as though they were not navigating a social battlefield, "I was thinking that Kai needs a new outfit for the upcoming Spring Ball."

Roan blinked. "You dragged me into this circus... to shop?"

Ocean’s lips curved faintly. "You say that as though I asked you to duel someone."

"You should have taken him then."

A faint sigh escaped Ocean, this one carrying the weight of responsibility rather than annoyance.

"He’s at my grandfather’s estate. Exams and etiquette training. I can’t have him cut his classes over shopping." His gaze shifted briefly toward a storefront lined with tailored suits in pale blues and silver embroidery. "We can always get it fitted later."

Roan studied him for a moment.

For all his indifference, Ocean noticed everything. Kai’s growth spurt was unnatural, he had only arrived at the Ryujin estate four years ago in the form of a little boy who didn’t look past the age of 7 but now he resembled the age of 15, he had grown tall and muscular but was as lean as Ocean. He was now tall enough to reach Ocean’s shoulders.

Roan exhaled. A Dragon’s growing speed was alarming.

"Aren’t you going to attend this Spring Ball?"

Ocean gave a soft chuckle, low and unbothered. "There’s no use for me being there. Kai will be representing the Ryujin family."

"That’s not what I meant," Roan pressed. "With both Princes away on their assigned duties, you’ll be the most talked-about name in the hall. You know that."

Ocean shrugged, turning down a wider avenue where the nobility grew denser. Velvet coats. Jeweled hairpins. Perfumed handkerchiefs raised just enough to hide curious smiles.

"I can care less."

He paused then, glancing sideways at Roan with faint amusement.

"Or do you want to go?"

Roan scoffed. "As if—"

"I can pick out an outfit for Remi," Ocean cut in smoothly, not even looking at him. "You two can accompany Kai."

Roan’s steps faltered.

The noise of Oasis blurred for a split second as he turned his head slowly toward Ocean.

"Why," he asked carefully, "did you suddenly bring in Remi?"

Ocean finally looked at him.

That infuriating, knowing smirk curved at the corner of his lips.

Roan opened his mouth.

Closed it.

Opened it again.

Then dragged a hand down his face.

He had figured it out.

Ocean didn’t need to say a word. He didn’t need to explain. He was already enjoying himself.

"Please," Roan muttered low enough that only Ocean could hear, "don’t bring it up before him. Or anyone."

Ocean’s eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh? Why? I can help you two."

"Please don’t make me kill you," Roan groaned.

Ocean’s laughter spilled out this time, unrestrained and bright enough to make a few passing nobles glance their way.

They reached Flora’s Boutique, its carved wooden doors framed in climbing ivy and pale spring blossoms.

The bell chimed delicately as they stepped inside.

Soft pastel silks flowed from mannequins like captured sunlight. Lace curtains diffused the golden glow of chandeliers overhead. The faint scent of pressed linen and rosewater lingered in the air.

"Master Ocean!"

Ocean turned at once.

Three attendants nearly rushed forward, eyes bright with delighted recognition.

They bowed gracefully. "Welcome."

Ocean inclined his head in return, polite and composed as ever. "You’re all well, I presume."

"Yes, Master."

"I’ll fetch Madam Flora immediately!" One of them announced before hurrying off.

Ocean gestured casually toward the waiting couch. Roan dropped onto it with a heavy sigh.

Water was offered first.

Ocean accepted a glass, fingers elegant. Roan accepted his with far less ceremony.

The attendants fluttered away again to prepare tea and refreshments.

Ocean lifted the glass, took a measured sip.

And the curtains that separated the women’s fitting section shifted.

They parted softly.

Madam Flora stepped through first, tall, impeccably dressed, all sharp eyes and sharper taste.

But she wasn’t alone.

Two women followed.

Ocean froze.

Just for a breath.

"Oh," Brielle beamed brightly, her smile radiant enough to light the room. "It really is Master Ocean. No wonder everyone suddenly were so excited."

She curtsied gracefully, strawberry-blonde curls bouncing lightly at her shoulders.

Beside her stood Celestia.

Still.

Poised.

Her expression composed.

Ocean’s gaze settled on her for just a second too long.

"Miss Nash," he said evenly, pulling himself back into motion, "Miss Celestia. This is quite the surprise."

He set the water glass down with careful precision and crossed the room toward them.

He bowed slightly and took Brielle’s hand first, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles with flawless etiquette.

Then Celestia’s.

His touch was light. Formal. Exact.

But when he straightened, his eyes met hers directly.

"How are you, Master Ocean? And how is Young Master Kai?" Brielle asked, warmth spilling effortlessly from her tone.

Ocean’s smile was practiced, but not fake.

"We’re both well. And you? How is your family?"

"We’re all well, thanks to you."

There was gratitude there. Real, unhidden.

Ocean inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, but his eyes had already shifted.

To Celestia.

"And how are you, Miss Celestia?"

She blinked, as though pulled out of a distant thought.

"I’m well, Marquis."

They had met only once or twice, brief exchanges at gatherings, polite introductions, but there was something in the way about Ocean that made Celestia have the feeling that she had known him, his voice was eerily familiar.

Ocean held her gaze a fraction longer than etiquette required.

"It seems you’ve made a new friend," he said lightly, glancing between the two women.

Brielle immediately looped her arm through Celestia’s with cheerful affection.

"Well, since my dear best friend Reina is far too busy with work all the time," she sighed, "I decided to bring Miss Celestia along. And she has quite an eye for fashion."

Ocean’s smile deepened just slightly.

"Is that so? Then I’m relieved."

But beneath that ease, his thoughts moved quickly.

Celestia being alone at home would start noticing patterns and would soon even ask questions about Reina’s absences.

But with Brielle beside her, she would be engaged, distrated. That wouldn’t erase the questions but at least delay them.

Ocean preferred this delay for the time being till it was time for her to know.

Brielle’s attention shifted past him. "Are you here to choose your outfit for the Spring Ball as well?"

"Not for myself," Ocean replied smoothly.

Madam Flora stood nearby, silent but observant, her sharp eyes flicking between expressions like a seasoned general surveying terrain.

"I’m here for Kai," Ocean continued. "He will be attending in my place."

Brielle’s brows lifted. "You’re not attending?"

Ocean gave a small shrug. "I have work."

That was when he noticed it.

Celestia’s eyes narrowed, barely.

"Is it regarding the Trials?" Brielle asked, curiosity sparkling.

"That," Ocean corrected gently, "and more."

His gaze returned to Celestia.

She wasn’t looking at him.

She was staring at his mask and at his eyes. Ocean turned away, his Dragon eyes could become a give away for an observant person like Celestia. She has seen Reina’s eyes, if she stared long enough and found that both Ocean’s and Reina’s eyes were same, it will create unnecessary curiosity in her.

Thankfully, in that moment, the boutique door chimed again.

Ocean felt their presence before the trio entered and Brielle dipped into a graceful curtsy, her skirts fanning softly around her as they walked towards the gathered people.

Ocean’s smile shifted instantly, polished, measured, effortlessly aristocratic.

It was Her Majesty Miera, radiant in black silk, every movement deliberate and commanding. Beside her stood Grand Duchess Dahlia, poised and observant, and at her side was Davian.

Davian’s eyes lit up the moment they landed on Ocean.

"O-" The syllable slipped out instinctively before he caught himself. He straightened, cleared his throat, and corrected smoothly, "Marquis. What a pleasant surprise."

Miri’s gaze flicked toward him, brief, knowing, before she stepped forward.

Ocean bowed fluidly. "Your Majesty."

She extended her hand without hesitation. Ocean took it with elegant precision, bending just enough to press a gentle kiss to her knuckles, perfectly timed, perfectly executed.

When he straightened, his expression held polite warmth, nothing more.

He turned next to Dahlia, inclining his head slightly. "Grand Duchess."

Dahlia smiled, her eyes far sharper than her expression suggested. "Marquis."

"It is a day of surprises, I assume," Ocean commented lightly.

"It is indeed," Dahlia replied, but her gaze had already drifted past him.

To Celestia.

Recognition flickered, subtle, assessing. Dahlia moved toward her with quiet purpose, leaving the younger group behind.

Meanwhile, Miri casually looped her arm through Ocean’s as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Are you here with the ladies?" She asked, amusement lacing her tone.

Ocean chuckled softly, allowing the familiarity. "No, Your Majesty. My aide and I came to choose an outfit for Kai. We happened to run into Miss Brielle and Miss Celestia."

Miri raised a perfectly shaped brow. "Is Kai here?"

"He’s at Marquis Fairisles’s estate."

Celestia’s head lifted slightly at that name of Marquis Fairisles.

Her eyes lingered on Ocean for a fraction longer than before.

Miri tilted her head. "So you’re selecting an outfit for him... and he isn’t even present?"

Ocean gave a small, almost lazy shrug. "I know his measurements."

It was said simply.

Confidently.

As though it were obvious.

Davian, who had been quiet since his initial greeting, watched the exchange carefully. His gaze moved from Miri’s arm hooked through Ocean’s to Ocean’s face, then back again.

Ocean noticed.

He always noticed.

But his expression didn’t change.

"Are you here for the same?" Ocean asked smoothly, shifting the attention back to Miri.

Miri hummed thoughtfully. "Yes. Do you have a partner, or are you attending with Kai?"

Ocean’s smile did not falter. "I’m not attending."

The faint crease between Miri’s brows appeared instantly, but Davian was faster.

"Why not?"

The question slipped out sharper than intended. Too quick. Too earnest.

Ocean answered without hesitation. "I have work."

Davian’s jaw tightened. He looked ready to argue, ready to demand what kind of work could possibly outweigh the Spring Ball.

But Miri cut cleanly across him.

"Fine then," she said briskly. "Help me select a dress."

Ocean blinked. "Pardon?"

"If you are sending Kai alone," she continued smoothly, "I shall be his partner."

The words landed like a pebble in still water.

Ocean’s gaze shifted slowly to Davian.

Davian’s expression flickered, shock, protest, something dangerously close to jealousy, before he schooled it into neutrality.

Then Ocean looked back at Miri. "I assumed you would be attending with Prince Davian."

Miri turned her head toward the prince.

Davian looked as though he was restraining a full speech.

She smirked faintly.

"I don’t believe he will be attending."

The look they exchanged lasted half a second, but it said everything.

Yes, right. Play along.

"Yes," Davian said quickly. "I’m not attending."

Ocean rolled his eyes, subtle, almost imperceptible, but Roan caught it and had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning.

Across the boutique, Dahlia paused mid-sentence with Celestia and turned.

"You’re not attending?" she asked her son calmly.

Davian straightened. "Uh... no."

Dahlia studied him.

Then her gaze drifted, unhurried to Ocean.

A slow, knowing smile appeared on her face.

Ocean immediately grew wary.

That smile meant she understood far more than she was letting on.

"Fine," Dahlia said at last.

The single word carried the quiet indulgence of a mother watching her son make a very obvious decision for very obvious reasons.

Miri clapped her hands lightly, reclaiming the room.

"Well then," she declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "since you boys are not attending, you may at least make yourselves useful."

She looked pointedly at Ocean, then Davian and then Roan.

"Help us pick out dresses."