The various commotions had finally settled, and one day, as the air began to turn with the coming of autumn, the two of them met.
The restaurant stood near the main thoroughfare of the Imperial Capital of Leomel, the world’s preeminent military power. It was a place that offered exquisite flavors at prices friendly enough for students, and it was always bustling with customers.
As evening fell and the clientele shifted toward a more mature crowd, a certain voice rang out.
"Strange, isn't it? It seems this place is fully booked again today."
"Is that so?"
The speaker was Radius Vin Leomel, the Third Prince himself. Ren, sitting across from him, replied with a somewhat dismissive shrug.
There was no way such a "strange" coincidence actually existed. Ren simply ignored the lie Radius had uttered, knowing full well that the empty tables were likely a result of security measures.
"Hey."
"Yes, what is it?"
"I’ve been wondering for a while now, but don't you think you move around a bit too freely, Radius?"
At Ren’s question, Radius wore a cool, composed smile. He took a sip of the fruit water in his glass before the author of that smile spoke.
"Did you think we royals work every hour of the day?"
"Not really, but I figured you’d be busier than the average person. Plus, I thought it would be harder for you to just... go out."
"I won't say those restrictions don't exist, but it seems you’re overthinking things, Ren."
Despite his status as a prince, Radius currently looked like nothing more than a remarkably handsome boy. He wore a stylishly cut shirt, his neck draped with an elegant stole. While every accessory was clearly expensive, they were paired with such effortless grace that he didn't come across as pretentious. He was the sort of boy who would inevitably draw the gaze of every girl he passed on the street.
Looking at him, Ren felt the urge to chat about the kind of things ordinary boys his age might discuss.
"Don't you ever wish you were here with a girl instead?"
"Hardly. Or rather, it would be such a headache that it's out of the question."
"A headache... ah, because of your position."
"Exactly. Imagine if the Third Prince were seen at a restaurant with this kind of atmosphere at night with a lady... the rumors would be all over the capital by morning."
Ren recalled having heard that the Third Prince did not currently have a fiancée.
"Then what about your friends from the Academy?"
"You've been asking odd questions for a while now, Ren. What's gotten into you?"
"No, sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."
He had truly just asked out of curiosity. Ren simply hadn't quite adjusted to the fact that the Third Prince invited him to dinner with such casual frequency.
"Th-thank you for waiting."
A staff member arrived with their food. The two had ordered different dishes than their last visit—different types of pasta, each with its own seasoning, accompanied by salads and a light dessert for afterward.
Taking a bite, Radius’s expression softened. "Mm. It is delicious, as expected."
Ren, leaning his cheek on his hand in a slightly casual manner, watched him with a small smile.
"How is life at the Academy?"
"It’s fine. Though, Ren, shouldn't those kinds of questions come from the elder to the younger, not the other way around?"
"Maybe, but I'm still in the middle of my exams. I figured it would be good to hear about the atmosphere there as a reference."
"...Hmph. I suppose that's true."
Radius laughed softly. He wasn't actually worried about Ren; he knew the boy’s academic standing and was well aware that Ren was preparing for the entrance exams with his usual diligence.
The two interacted with an ease that suggested they had been close since childhood. The knights sitting at the surrounding tables, posing as ordinary patrons, watched the prince with quiet joy, glad to see him so relaxed.
Eventually, they finished their meal and moved on to dessert. When they had first arrived, the madder-red glow of dusk had still been visible on the horizon. Now, the sky had deepened into a brilliant canopy of stars.
After finishing their warm tea, the two prepared to leave.
"Shall we?"
"Yeah."
They stood up together. Since the restaurant handled payments at the table, they left the money behind and stepped out. Radius, walking down the main street in his light disguise, was surprisingly adept at going unnoticed.
"I'll be heading off here," Radius said, pointing toward a side street.
A carriage was waiting further ahead, meaning this was where they would part ways.
"See you later, Ren."
"Yeah. See you, Radius."
Ren watched until Radius disappeared into the alley toward his carriage, then began his own walk home. Strolling through the capital at night, he looked up at the vast expanse above.
"Wow... what a beautiful night," he murmured in a relaxed tone.
The cool autumn breeze brushed gently against his cheek.