Interlude 1
 

Elena and Byleth were chatting closely, creating a space where no one else could intrude.
 
Meanwhile, Aria of the Duke’s family continued her conversation with her friend Luna.
 
The topic of their discussion was about the pair in their peripheral vision.
 
“Hey Luna, those two aren’t dating, right…?”
 
“Not as far as I know,”
 
“I see… They seem so comfortable with each other, I couldn’t help but wonder…”
 
(That’s definitely a couple’s distance! It’s weird if they’re not dating…)
 
Aria thought to herself, keeping her true feelings hidden behind her polite facade.
 
“Given their atmosphere, it’s understandable … Read the rest

While it’s a pleasant evening banquet and there are no nobles who raise their voices or threaten her, suppressing her feelings is even more tiring.
 
(…Master Byleth)
 
Having finished greeting another person, Sia sends a wistful glance towards her master.
 
There— replacing Sonya, Aria’s personal maid, are two maids… greeting Byleth.
 
Though nervous, they seem to be enjoying themselves.
 
(I wish… I could join them)
 
Those two maids are classmates who have already exchanged greetings at the venue.
 
They’re maids who listened with interest when Byleth was discussed at the academy.
 
This … Read the rest

“Um, by the way, was it okay to tell me this information? It seems like quite a secret.”
 
“There’s a trick to it—no one believes it.”
 
“Oh…?”
 
“Another reason is that I judged Lord Byleth not to be the type to spread rumors or be put off by them. Don’t you think he has the mindset of ‘If they’re doing what needs to be done, it’s better to let them spend their free time as they like’?”
 
“That’s quite an impressive observation…”
 
“You can understand to some extent if you engage in dialogue. I’ve seen … Read the rest

Chapter 3: The Dinner Party (Part 2) – Impressions
 

(Phew… Conversing with someone in a higher position is indeed tiring… Especially since we’re practically strangers.)
 
After spending about fifteen minutes eating and chatting with Aria, Byleth now moved away to avoid monopolizing her time.
 
Having picked up some new dishes, Byleth relocated to a corner by the wall, careful not to disturb anyone.
 
The hall was bustling with even more energy now that a variety of dishes had been served.
 
The atmosphere alone was engaging enough to prevent boredom.
 
Just observing made one feel … Read the rest

 
“Um, after you finish greeting Lady Aria, what will you do? Will you come back here?”
 
“No, I’ll have to act separately for a while.”
 
“I… see.”
 
Luna’s voice suddenly darkens, and she lowers her eyes.
 
It’s nice that she seems disappointed, but this can’t be helped.
 
“Just to avoid misunderstanding, it’s not because I’ve grown tired of talking with you alone. I have to give way to people who want to greet you, Luna.”
 
From the beginning, it’s important to refrain from monopolizing a specific person. Moreover, I can’t ruin Luna’s chances … Read the rest

 
Perhaps because it was hosted by the Leclerc family, who didn’t discriminate based on status.
 
There were no nobles who looked down on those of lower status, and one could see the guests who had arrived earlier chatting amicably.
 
This was the scene even before the food was served.
 
Once the food arrived – with topics about the cuisine and more interactions – it would surely become even livelier.
 
(Wait, huh?)
 
Byleth had intended to reassure Luna by voicing his thoughts, but her reaction seemed somewhat lacking.
 
As if to explain this, Luna … Read the rest

Chapter 2: The Dinner Party Part 1 – Entrance and Encounters
 

Time passed, and the day of Leclerc’s dinner party arrived.
 
“S-Sia…? Being stared at so intently makes me a bit uncomfortable…”
 
“I-I’m so sorry!”
 
As they rode in the carriage to the Leclerc mansion, timed to arrive for the entrance, Byleth looked troubled as he gently chided Sia, who was sitting across from him and staring intently.
 
“Is something out of place? I don’t think my outfit is strange since you coordinated it, Sia.”
 
“No, it’s just… I think you look very handsome!”… Read the rest

While the four were excitedly chatting in the that room…
 
“Yawn~”
 
In the ducal family’s bedroom, with its grand estate and impressive gates…
 
On a spacious bed, a platinum blonde young lady with a beautifully clear voice was sprawled out, completely relaxed.
 
Her well-proportioned features and perfectly maintained hair had a cotton-like, fluffy quality.
 
It was the kind of appearance that would make any woman envious at first glance, but her current behavior ruined it all.
 
“L-Lady Aria…”
 
How many times had she seen this sight?
 
Sonya, the dedicated maid of Aria … Read the rest

 
“Ah, oh…! I’m coming.”
 
Looking towards the familiar voice calling him, he spotted red-haired Elena standing up from her chair.
 
And next to her was another unexpected person.
 
As Byleth approached with Sia, he called out with widened eyes.
 
“Luna’s here too? It’s unusual to see you with Elena after school, isn’t it?”
 
“Not really. Right, Luna?”
 
“That’s right.”
 
Luna, with her beautiful hair tied in a side tail and sleepy golden eyes, seemed to be quite at ease with Elena.
 
She was known as the “bookworm genius” who supposedly never left the library except for coming to and leaving … Read the rest

Chapter 1: Their Everyday Lives
 

 
“Sia? Sorry to bother you for a moment.”
 
“Yes!”
 
It was Thursday evening, four days later.
 
After returning home from what could be called a typical day at the academy.
 
Byleth, who had stopped Sia as she was diligently working, asked her the following as she hurried over with quick steps:
 
“So, about the dinner party coming up in two days… how should we handle the greetings? I heard quite a number of people will be attending.”
 
“What do you mean by ‘how should we handle it’?”
 
“Well, it’s embarrassing to say, but I’m … Read the rest