ғᴏᴜʀᴛʜ.

"Milady, I heard that you're currently studying Law. Perhaps, you can tell us what you think about political affairs." One of the Lords from a wealthy family said and everyone in the circle looked at her with expectations. She took a quick glance from the Viscount and he smiled at her. Of course, the Prince didn't miss to see those gestures. 

"If you will ask, I finished Philosophy recently. Since we are talking about the Politics, it is fascinating enough for me to tackle this one because it is men who are always handling this affair. Women have the ability and skills to be competent enough for the men's positions in society. Families are reproducing more daughters this time and it can't be helped that women are also significant in every region. Perhaps, we will have the chance to lead a country soon. Am I right?" They went silent when she finished talking. 

"Your insights are not incorrect, Milady. The monarchs can see how capable women are and precisely, the women or you, specifically will have a chance to lead the country." The Prince answered and she fanned herself lightly, not wanting to interrupt the stares he got for her. 

"I apologize for interrupting you, gentlemen. I would like to take Lady Fuyu away and have a conversation with her." The Countess of the Jung family suddenly said. Fuyu chuckled softly, looking at them before going to the side with Gia. 

"Did I save you?" Gia whispered to her and she nodded. The servants offered them wine glasses and they got one for themselves. 

"The Prince is giving me such a look. His stares are making me feel flattered." She mumbled. They saw Lauren talking with one of the Archdukes and Gia looked away instead. 

"He is interested in you. It's been a while." Gia whispered once more and she gave her a look instead. 

"Don't you think you're ahead of time?" She smiled at Lauren when she saw them talking. The older one excused herself and approached the two. 

"Why do I feel we are the prey of the night?" Lauren asked in a low voice and they looked around and realized that only a few women were invited to the banquet. 

"I apologize for inviting only a few Ladies tonight. This banquet is not really a huge event to begin with. Father just forced me to hold one because of a certain but unnecessary announcement." Gia explained in sarcasm as the two women know that she is destined to marry the oldest among the Aoyama twins. 

"You're the first one to get married, I see." Fuyu shrugged her shoulders before taking a sip from her wine glass and Gia glared at the youngest. 

The three women knew each other ever since they were studying despite the fact that they chose different fields. Fuyu was the last one to join the circle. Aside from her twin brother, Gia is the other one who knows that she is a courtesan. The eldest among the three tried to stop her from signing a contract but it seems Fuyu started to have an admiration towards the Viscount of the Suzuki family, Lord Higa. She can't blame her as it really shows how good-looking the gentleman is. She knows Higa because he is the close friend of her younger cousin, Lord Ryoji who is the Viscount of the Sugiyama family. 

She is wearing an emerald green gown and a butterfly escoffion with flower embroideries using gold and silver threads. Meanwhile, Lauren is wearing a purple amethyst gown with a cap of gold and silver threads over silk-pearls but she kept a part of her hair braided. Fuyu wore her favorite navy blue gown and she doesn't like wearing a headdress, she got her rubies and sapphires and made it as her hairdress. With the ways they make themselves presentable, it only means that they are gaining more admirers. 

The banquet finally started and the Countess requested for the women to have a separate table for food and beverages. They know how loud and playful the men could be and they want to preserve their peace at one point. The servants brought the food out and the food tasters did their work. It is not uncommon for the banquets to have poisoned food or beverages as they know that everyone wants to have a higher position in society. 

Fuyu is feeling a little uncomfortable since the Prince is just behind her. She knows it is him because he is using a different perfume scent. She can clearly hear his voice but she pretends how unbothered she is with the presence of the said gentleman. She excused herself for a while and looked for the lavatory. She puffed her cheeks when she couldn't find it, so she went to the garden to see if there were stars she could count while relaxing. 

"Only a few." She mumbled while looking up. She heaved a sigh and when she turned around, she saw the Prince standing a few steps away from her. 

"May I know why are you outside? It's cold here." He asked. She looked for her hand fan and realized that she forgot it on the table. 

"I just want to see if there are stars to admire tonight, my Prince." She said softly and he stood besides her to look up. 

"There are few but there is only one that shines the most." He said and she looked up to look for it. He shifted his gaze on her and chuckled softly. 

"It's you, the brightest star among all." He continued and she could feel her cheeks heating up. 

"Is that your way to catch the heart of a woman?" She asked but he shook his head. He looked around first and when he saw that there's no other people there, he leaned closer and placed a kiss on her lips.