Sunlight streamed through the tall arched window, casting long golden beams across the crimson sheets of the bed.
. Rina stirred.
Her golden eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the unfamiliar light, and for a long moment, she stared at the carved ceiling above her in silence. This wasn't her room. Not the soft scent of home. Not the warm colors of the Amberhart estate. Not the subtle hum of protective enchantments she had grown up with.
. No.
This place was colder. Larger. Unfamiliar.
And then it hit her.
*The Roché estate.*
She was waking up… in the house of her future husband.
The thought alone soured her mood before she even left the bed.
With a groan, she sat up and threw the covers off, her fiery red hair falling over her shoulders in disheveled waves. Her bare feet touched the cold, polished obsidian floor. Even the ground here felt unnatural—like it absorbed warmth rather than gave it.
She padded across the floor toward the bathroom, pushed the door open, and closed it softly behind her.
---
The bathroom was absurdly luxurious. Carved stone, golden fixtures, and a wide marble bath already filled with steaming water. She turned the temperature slightly warmer, then undressed and slipped into the bath, letting the hot water envelop her body.
The sensation was immediate.
Relief. Calm. Stillness.
The scent of herbal oils and natural soaps floated around her, calming her nerves. She leaned back, letting the water rise up to her shoulders.
But then—
Her instincts tingled.
Her golden eyes narrowed, and a slight pulse of mana surged through her irises, causing them to glow faintly, like molten gold.
The water around her shimmered with soft, glittering particles. Threads. Strands of energy.
Mana.
*High-purity mana water…?*
She stared in surprise, the revelation dawning like a slow sunrise in her mind.
This wasn't just enchanted water. It was pure mana-infused water—rare, expensive, and only used in highly controlled rituals or elite-level potions. Even her family, wealthy as they were, would never *bathe* in it. It was too valuable.
And yet here, in the Roché estate, it was used… for bathing.
Her lips pressed into a thin line.
*So this is what it means to be a family blessed by the Moon God.*
Mana water. Moonstone. Starstone. Blessings from Uranos. The power and arrogance of this place were stitched into every wall, every breath of air.
She closed her eyes and let her head fall back against the edge of the bath.
A long, slow exhale.
Calm… but not peace.
---
Eventually, she rose from the bath, wrapped herself in a plush black towel, and began to prepare.
The outfit had already been laid out for her by one of the silent, well-trained maids: a ruffled black dress with deep crimson accents, elegant yet slightly provocative, paired with red heels. She brushed out her hair, applied a touch of subtle makeup—nothing too bold—and finally opened the door.
Outside, the halls were softly lit with morning light reflecting off the obsidian.
Just as she stepped out, another door opened across the hall.
Leona.
Dressed sharply in a crisp white blouse and fitted trousers, her long white hair swept back and secured at the nape, a gleaming black scabbard at her left hip. Her blue eyes met Rina's, and she smiled softly.
A moment later, another door opened.
Amelia Amberhart stepped out, regal as ever, her long red hair flawlessly styled, golden eyes sharp and unreadable. She wore a flowing garnet robe over a fitted dress, more queen than mother.
Rina cleared her throat gently.
"Good morning, Mother. Leona."
"Good morning," Leona replied with a nod.
"Morning," Amelia said with a glance, cool and composed.
Before they could speak further, a maid approached, bowing respectfully.
"Lady Naoko is awaiting you in the dining hall."
Without another word, the trio followed the maid.
---
The dining room of the Roché estate was nothing short of breathtaking. A grand vaulted ceiling, enchanted chandeliers casting soft silver light, and a long obsidian dining table polished to perfection.
Naoko Roché was already seated at the head of the table.
She sat with one leg crossed over the other, her long silver hair cascading down her back like molten moonlight. Her posture was relaxed, yet impossibly regal—every movement effortless, yet charged with power. Her silver eyes glinted under the light as she looked toward them.
She offered a subtle nod and motioned to the seats before her.
They obeyed without hesitation.
Amelia took the seat to the right.
Rina sat in the center.
Leona to the left.
Moments later, the servants began to bring in food.
Platters of exotic fruits, warm pastries, spiced meats, and delicately prepared side dishes filled the table with color and aroma. It was no less extravagant than the Amberhart estate—or even the Lionheart family's morning feasts. The Rochés, it seemed, knew how to match wealth with elegance.
Silence reigned for a moment as they ate.
Until—
Naoko's gaze flicked to the far end of the hall.
A flash of movement.
White fur.
A sleek, elegant cat padded across the room, tail high, eyes shimmering.
Naoko arched a silver brow, her voice calm and steady.
"…Is Jean here? That's his cat."
The maid nearest to her bowed immediately.
"Yes, Lady Naoko. The young master returned late last night. He's currently in the gravity chamber. Training, as usual."
Naoko nodded, swirling her tea without looking up.
"Should I summon him?" the maid added politely.
.......