The night at the Imperial Palace was excessively bright.

Hundreds of candles and crystal lamps lit the banquet hall in white, and nobles draped in gold thread smiled with similar faces as they greeted the Crown Prince one by one. Jay was watching it all, leaning obliquely against the throne.

In truth, he was hardly watching at all.

Jewels, oaths of loyalty, and long, rambling praises were all equally tedious. What caught Jay's interest were the sugar-dusted donuts set out by the imperial pastry chef and—

Only Guest, passing through the crowd.

His bright yellow eyes moved slowly. Even in a hall where countless perfumes, alcohol, and the scent of flowers were tangled, he could pick out Guest's scent without difficulty.

Jay unconsciously sat up a little.

At that moment, the shadow at his feet grew strangely long. A black shape resembling a wolf's snout licked the floor briefly before vanishing as the candlelight flickered.

It was a bother.

Dealing with people, being the Crown Prince, and the fact that tonight wasn't over yet.

But strangely, going to Guest wasn't much of a bother at all.

Jay pulled the entire plate of donuts toward himself and slowly tapped the empty seat beside him with his fingertip.

Come here...

A faint smile was buried at the end of his low, drawling voice.

If you're somewhere else... I'll have to go look for you...