Roland studied his reflection. He was undeniably handsome, charming, and talented—so why did his face now look as black as coal, etched with pure reluctance?

A single offhand remark from Silva—“If you don’t try on the suit, we’re heading back to the palace”—had him completely cornered. With no choice, he slipped into the tuxedo while the tailor took his measurements for final adjustments.

Silva stood gracefully nearby, draped in a snow-white, lavish wedding gown. Every inch radiated noble elegance—pure as an angel among clouds, brilliant as the brightest star. Her flawless face held a gentle smile, tinged with a faint blush that made her utterly endearing. Her clear, starlit eyes gazed at Roland with tender affection, as if beholding her own husband.

Once measurements were done, Silva linked her arm with his and stood beside him before the mirror.

“Are we… officially a couple now?” Her cheeks flushed slightly, voice shy.

“As much as I hate to disappoint you—the answer is no,” Roland replied calmly.

“Right! We’re not just a couple—we’re engaged!” Silva beamed, utterly unbothered by his expected hesitation.

Roland watched her in the glass. The imperial princess’s smile shimmered with joy and maidenly shyness—a purity so captivating it tugged at the soul.

“Roland… what should we name our future child?” she murmured, face crimson, voice trembling with bashfulness.

Roland’s lips twitched. Silence.

“Hmm…” Silva pondered earnestly. “How about…”

“Wait, wait, wait!” Roland cut in sharply, panic flickering behind his eyes. *If she names one, she’ll want one. Then two!*

Truth was, Roland never planned to stay. He’d been searching all along for a single magical item to execute his escape. Nothing yet—but he wasn’t worried. *When the boat reaches the bridge, it will pass. After darkness, light appears.* In a city this vast, he’d find something.

“What’s wrong?” Silva blinked.

“Uh…” Roland rubbed his nose. “Discussing kids feels early. Thirty’s soon enough, right?”

“But… what if precautions fail?” she whispered, blushing deeper.

…

*Girl! You’re thinking way too far ahead! Are you that sure we’ll even marry?*

Roland stayed silent, hoping evasion would save him. Silva, perceptive, pressed no further—just kept his arm tucked close.

His heart hammered. Honestly, the wedding suit brought an odd tension—as if the ceremony might begin any second. He stole glances at her. Silva, the picture of a blushing bride, caught his look and returned it with eyes soft as water.

Roland shuddered. That gaze—clear, loving, shy, tender—struck straight to his soul, etching itself deep.

“This is crooked.” Her delicate fingers smoothed his collar. She nestled against him.

“Can I have a kiss?” she asked, flushed and earnest.

Roland’s throat went dry staring at her glistening lips. He steeled himself. “No.”

*Argh! Damn it! I really want to!*

*But one kiss = no turning back. Hold on! Recite the Great Compassion Mantra! Activate Sage Mode!*

As Roland wrestled inwardly, Silva buried her face in his chest, eyes closed, a sweet smile playing on her lips.

“Then… just let me hold you.”

Her soft warmth pressed close. A soothing, captivating fragrance drifted into his senses—sweet, unforgettable.

*This scent is damnably sweet!*

*Roland! Hold on! Don’t fall for this wealthy, gorgeous girl—or you’ll drown in a life of spending and… you know.*

“Uh… sudden bathroom emergency,” Roland blurted, flustered by the thickening air.

“Perfect! I’ll go too—let’s go together,” Silva said, taking his hand. Two steps later, she paused. “This gown’s tricky… Could you wait while I change?”

*Opportunity!* Roland feigned agony. “I can’t hold it! Change first—I’ll be back!”

Seeing his pained face, Silva bit her lip. “Okay… but keep your promise. Don’t run.”

“Of course. My word is my bond.” He vanished downstairs in a flash.

They’d been on the boutique’s third floor; the restroom was on one. Roland never intended to go. He burst onto the street, scanned the area, and sprinted. *Fast enough, and I’ll find what I need within this “break.”*

Passersby blinked at the tuxedo-clad man blurring down the avenue—a real-life Fast & Furious chase. *Late for his wedding?* they wondered.

High above, at the third-floor window, Silva watched with a mysterious smile as Roland disappeared into the crowd.