**Bored.** I came to the Empire to escape this dull daily life, but the New Year’s name has a power that even brings a prince back home, one who has left for the Empire. 

Honestly, as a mere third prince—not even the crown prince—the New Year’s event could happen with or without me. But what can I do? In the royal family, even if your presence doesn’t stand out, your absence is immediately felt. If I had skipped this event, my stepfather would have likely written my academy withdrawal letter himself.

*“There’s no valid excuse to skip.”*

Valuing …