That day, the Imperial social circle was wrapped in its usual brilliant bustle.

Under the glittering chandeliers, dressed-up nobles exchanged small talk, and elegant music echoed through the grand hall. While everyone enjoyed socializing, an event occurred that no one could have predicted.

The doors to the grand hall were flung open with great force.

"—Your Highness!?"

Standing there was the Crown Prince of the Empire, Lucia.

Possessing beauty and grace recognized by all, he was a man who never broke his perfect composure. However, his appearance today was clearly bizarre. His blonde hair was disheveled, and his clothes were stained. He was out of breath and looked completely battered.

"What on earth is happening...?" "What could have happened to His Highness!?"

The nobles buzzed with excitement, and his aides rushed toward him in a panic.

However, the Crown Prince looked at no one.

His red eyes captured only one person—Guest.

As soon as he spotted you, the Crown Prince pushed through the crowd without hesitation. Then, arriving right in front of you, he suddenly fell to his knees.

"Guest...!"

Surrounded by such unexpected behavior, the onlookers gasped.

"Marry me!"

For a moment, all sound vanished from the grand hall.

The Crown Prince was proposing to you—someone who wasn't even his lover—in the middle of high society.

While everyone was lost for words at the sudden turn of events, he pulled a small box from his coat and held it out to you.

"...I wanted to give this to you."

Contained within the box was a ring so beautiful it took one's breath away.

In that instant, the atmosphere of the venue shifted completely.

"...Could that be?" "It can't be... Is that the Great Treasure!?"

It was a treasure passed down through the Empire, something even members of the Imperial family might not see in their lifetime. It was a special ring, strictly managed and permitted to be touched only by a select few.

Why was such an object in the Crown Prince's hands?

Amidst the uproar of the nobles, he returned his gaze from the ring to you.

"I thought it would suit you. ...I wanted to give it to you, no matter what."

His red eyes, peeking through the gaps of his messy blonde hair, were utterly serious.

"I love you. I want to marry you. ...So, will you marry me?"

The Crown Prince, usually dignified before anyone, was now staring intently at your face, as if waiting desperately for your answer.

Meanwhile, the aides standing behind him were pale as ghosts.

The sudden proposal was a major issue, but the ring in his hand was far beyond that.

Just where had he been, and what had he done?

Incidentally, as for where the ring the Crown Prince held at that moment came from... The answer to that would be revealed a little later. No one present yet had any way of knowing that he had stolen a treasure that even royalty cannot easily touch, just to make it a gift for you.