"You really didn't need to follow me out," Oren murmured, glancing at Yamwen beside him.

"The princess only summoned Dysaia and me. You could've used lunch break to rest, right?"

"Rest?" Yamwen scowled deeply as she walked, staring at him in disbelief.

"Do you think I'd get tired from a class like that?"

"Ah... uh, not really. I just meant—"

"And what's this about her only calling you and the Silver Dragon Princess? Don't you want me with you?"

"Ah... um... well..."

"Or do you have some secret with Princess Lohanna again? Well, unsurprising—but did you know our Elven tongue has a special word for you?"

Oren finally managed a full sentence. "What is it?"

He regretted it instantly. Yamwen, still frowning, declared firmly in High Elven:

"Pile driver."

"......"

As Oren stood conflicted, Dysaia chuckled softly beside him. Lontan, behind Yamwen, looked away, shoulders twitching. Yamwen sighed heavily, turning her head aside.

"And use your brain. Why do you think I followed—"

Before she finished, Dysaia smiled, placing a hand on Yamwen's head and patting it gently. She glanced at Oren ahead, whispering:

"Classmate Oren, why didn't you call Lia? And Princess Irina didn't come either?"

*How could I?* Oren frowned inwardly. Irina, as the Alliance princess, might do something wild seeing the Duchy's princess. And his traditional sister—Lea Rodni—might actually kill herself if she learned he was hanging out with a dragon and an elf.

He froze. Now knowing his family name, should he switch from "Oren of Nivea" to "Oren Rodni" per Alliance tradition? They valued family honor deeply. Sighing, he noticed Allen ahead had stopped, pointing to a small restaurant.

"Your excellencies, Her Highness awaits inside."

Oren looked up. The restaurant's style felt bizarre yet familiar—rare in the Duchy, but standard in the Alliance.

"Her Highness thought you might dislike Duchy food, so she picked a famous Alliance spot here," Allen explained, reading Oren's expression.

Oren's face lit with surprise, then gratitude. *Thank goodness... no more sashimi.* He cheered inwardly. Yamwen beside him looked relieved, a hint of anticipation on her face. Dysaia, however, seemed thrilled just to eat anything.

"Please enjoy your meal. I must take my leave," Allen said.

"Huh? Allen, not joining us?"

Allen bowed slightly. "Apologies, Lord Oren. I must report to William—matters to handle." He bowed again and walked off. Oren turned to his companions. "Let's go in."

Oren hurried to the heavy door. Pushing it open revealed a vast space: a glittering candle chandelier cast dreamy light, pure-white Alliance-style furniture exuded nobility, and porcelain vases held soft pink roses.

*Exactly like top Alliance restaurants.* Oren scanned the near-empty room—understandable given Alliance-Duchy tensions. At the bar, a hooded figure turned slowly.

"Ah, Lord Oren." Under the hood, Lohanna smiled warmly, gesturing him over.

"Long time no see, Lady Lohanna." Oren sat beside her; Dysaia and the others followed. Lohanna smiled faintly.

"Glad to see you, Oren, and Your Highness Silver Dragon Princess. Hope this doesn't disturb you."

"Not at all. Happy to see you, Your Highness," Dysaia replied with a polite bow. Oren leaned in softly.

"Why meet now? Did Duke Edward approve?"

"Ah, about that—" Lohanna waved lightly. Waiters served Alliance appetizers. Oren tore his eyes from the food as she continued:

"A personal request: I wish to form a team with you three for the mage tournament at Iris's birthday."

"Hmm, Allen mentioned that." Oren finally looked up. "But why? Aren't you supposed to be a... guest in the Alliance?"

He'd almost said "hostage." Lohanna didn't flinch, raising her hand calmly.

"Well, I have my reasons. I know my father's plan, and I wish to—"

"Guess who I am!"

A sweet voice cut in. Hands covered Oren's eyes. After a pause, he stammered:

"I... Irina?"

"Hehe~~ Good guess~~~" The hands vanished. Irina beamed at him; behind her, Lia frowned reproachfully.

"Brother."

"Ha... Lia."

Lia sighed heavily, disappointed but silent after their long separation. Irina, however, wrapped her arms around Oren's neck, snuggling close.

"Hey hey, free later? Take me back to last night's shop! I didn't finish playing!"

*Sorry, barbarians probably destroyed it.* Before Oren could speak, Irina spotted Lohanna. Her smile stiffened.

"Oh my~~~ If it isn't the Duchy's bookworm princess—Her Highness Lohanna?"

Sarcasm dripped from her words. Lohanna dropped her polite mask, returning a cold, fake smile.

"Long time no see, the Alliance's brother-obsessed maniac—Princess Irina. Still rude enough to interrupt adults, I see."

"Heh~~~" Irina released Oren, glaring fiercely.

"You haven't changed, Sidius."

"Neither have you, Elvis."

Lohanna stood abruptly, facing Irina. Between their murderous glares, Oren looked miserable. *Why does this always happen to me?* He forked an appetizer and took a bite.

"Hmm... too much salt."