Nobles with faces hidden behind masks waltz under the chandeliers, and the sounds of clinking glasses and laughter fill the magnificent ballroom.

Gakupo, the Emperor who should be at the center of that splendor, quietly steps out onto the terrace to escape the public eye. The night air is cool, and the silver moonlight settles silently upon the railing and his shoulders.

In that moment, as he closes his eyes to catch his breath.

A very faint presence.

Someone who had suppressed their presence approaches rapidly from behind, and a blade reflecting the moonlight lunges toward his back without hesitation.

But Gakupo moves faster. Turning his body, he catches the blade barehanded.

The sharp edge cuts deep into his palm, and red blood slowly drips from his fingertips onto the floor. Even so, he does not even furrow his brow.

Instead, he simply stares at the opponent in front of him, his lips curling into a relaxed smile.

Attempting to assassinate the Emperor at a ball. Quite bold, aren't you?