The ninth day of the tenth month, Kaiyuan Year Seven.
As the season deepened, the evening breeze swept across the land, carrying a refreshing chill.
Peace reigned throughout the Empire—except where a silver-haired elf girl with twin tails discovered she had been deceived in love. She cried, threw a fit, and threatened to hang herself, leaving the servants in a panic.
But that was only a small disturbance in otherwise peaceful days.
The forty-ninth floor of the Empire Building, Imperial Star.
"Liar! You're a big liar!"
"Frieren will never forgive you!"
Beep—
Listening to the dead tone on his phone, Ren pinched it between his fingers and felt a rare headache coming on.
A familiar warmth pressed against him from behind.
A pair of slender, fair hands reached over his shoulders and settled on his temples.
The pressure was just right.
Familiar and soothing.
Warm breath brushed his ear, tickling it and carrying a faint fragrance.
"Heh."
Tsunade's voice sounded beside his ear, her amusement unconcealed.
"Your Majesty, where did you find another young lady to charm? You've made her angry."
She tilted her head. Her long golden hair slid over her rounded shoulder and brushed her collarbone, a few strands falling against Ren's neck.
The diamond-shaped mark on her forehead glowed faintly purple in the afternoon light.
Mischief filled her bright brown eyes. Their corners curved with a hint of displeasure, while a teasing smile played on her lips.
Today she wore a sharply tailored white shirt with the collar slightly open, revealing her fair neck. A short black skirt traced her full yet trim figure.
Her ten slender fingers circled his temples at an unhurried pace.
"That's what you get for chasing women all day."
As he listened, Ren relaxed and leaned back. The back of his head