Case 16: For an encounter with the third love interest.

The original dating game had three primary love interests and a few lesser ones.

Rachael was number one, Penelope was number two, and number three was... well, another princess. Not an imperial princess but a royal one. Things like noble ranks and whatnot were confusing to me at first, but after consuming a ton of media relating to them, I had somewhat got the hang of it.

Basically, the Libre empire had a few kingdoms under its wing. Kingdoms were below empires, and royal kings were below imperial emperors. According to this logic, a royal princess was rightfully under an imperial princess.

That wasn't to say that a royal was worthless. They were powerful, but not to the extent of someone like Rachael.

Of course, it depended on the settings, and one needed to consider the political landscape when making up their opinions about these topics either way.

''What are you thinking about?''

A deep, gentle voice from the side snapped me out of my trance. Then, I noticed Rachael had been staring at me, or... my neck, rather. Her eyes were a bit dangerous, so perhaps she asked this to distract herself?

''Ah... I just thought that I was quite fortunate to have the attention of someone like you.''

Like always, I returned her with a whole bunch of pretty words.

Anyway, I should probably work on my attention span next. I was used to long commutes on trains and such, so I developed a habit of drifting off when traveling.

Those times were a bit uncomfortable, but now, I had two beautiful people closing on me like this, which was more than fulfilling enough. Showered in the momentary bliss, I tried to lean on Rachael's shoulder, but then—

[Hiya!]

From absolutely nowhere, a small golden silhouette popped out. Upon closer inspection, it was a little dragon whose sparkling scales were of a golden color. His slit orange pupils scanned around the car before landing precisely on what was in Lyra's embrace.

[Amethyst!]

[Ugh... you again.]

Amethyst snuggled deeper into Lyra's arm, bearing a disgusted expression, while the golden dragon didn't seem to mind much. Before he could shoot forward, however, Rachael caught him by the scruff.

''Jin. Stay still.'' She said. ''I apologize, ladies. My soul guardian is a little... energetic.''

''I can see that.''

Giving it a giggle, I replied.

This was Jin, Rachael's soul guardian. As seen just now, he was mesmerized by Amethyst and actually tried to go for her since the beginning. Rachael seemed troubled by his behavior, but Lyra actually said she liked Jin.

Afterward, we let the two flirt with each other on the seat beside the driver's seat, and by 'flirt,' I mean Amethyst violently roaring at Jin.

The scene was comical enough that even Rachael was smiling. By this time, the princess had smoothly flipped my hand, which was wrapped by hers, and knitted our fingers together.

Amidst this warm, family-like atmosphere, I could feel a furry something climbing up my head.

[So noisy...]

The old hag Lucy had arrived, and as she grunted to herself, Rachael suddenly took a handful of my hair with her other hand.

''I was always curious, but what kind of power did your soul guardian possess?'' She asked, playing with what was on her palms.

[Me? I am the genesis of all guardians, the strongest, most majestic creature!]

''Hahah... she's like this, Your Highness. I suppose she can help me with a few elemental spells.'' I responded, stroking the little lamb's head.

''Hm... I see.''

After chatting a bit more, we eventually arrived at the date spot for today. As the car parked in a VIP area underground, Rachael lightly opened the door.

''Let us go, ladies.''

''Thank you, Your Highness.''

So, Rachael took my hand, I took Lyra's hand, and we three entered the elevator. Once inside, I took the opportunity to adjust my hair before the mirror, and before I noticed it, a fluffy white scarf had been gently wrapped around my neck.

''Your Highness?''

''Wear this. It'll be dangerous if you don't.''

''My... thank you.''

When I flashed her a smile, I could see a faint blush emerging on Rachael's cheeks.

Fufu... would I be endangered by the cold or by you...

Nevertheless, we soon got out on floor thirteen, where the clothing shops were. Today, Rachael invited us to a shopping session, which was exciting since I didn't have many outfits. Besides, Lyra was rapidly growing up, so I wanted to get some for her, too.

Even though the princess only wore one style, which was long pants, shirts, and blazers, she knew many stylish brands. As a result, I found quite a few sets that looked amazing on me, and for a boring girl without a style like me, I was actually able to choose something for Lyra.

''Hm~!''

I was so pleased with them that I even let out a happy squeal.

Of course, Rachael insisted on paying for them, and after telling the attendant to send the bill to the imperial family like a domineering CEO, she didn't let me hold the bag either.

Mom, I wanna marry this sister. Please, I do.

''Are you sure you don't want the other sets?'' She asked, rightfully hugging my waist closer. ''You look amazing in all of them.''

''It's too many, Your Highness,'' I replied. ''I don't really need twenty more sets...''

''Hm... that's a disappointment. I really wanted to see you wear them.''

Half of them were revealing dresses, though?

Excuse me, your horniness is showing, Your Highness...!

''Oh, my. I'm sorry. I didn't think Your Highness would like them.''

''It's alright. But perhaps... you can make up for me?''

Then, she whispered in my ear, ''Come to my palace. Let's have a dinner together.''

Fanning my steaming face, I meekly replied as I covered my mouth, ''O-Of course... how could I refuse?''

I felt a bit sorry for Lyra, who had dead eyes throughout our corny flirting, yet I couldn't do anything about it. When she grew older, she would understand me.

Rich, powerful, and, most importantly, hot.

Who could even refuse advances from such a lady?

I was starting to worry about my chastity at this point. I proudly said I would stall, but I honestly didn't know how long I could endure it. As expected, I needed to make up my mind quickly.

Either way, since it was lunchtime, we decided to go to a restaurant. This mall, like its modern counterparts, had everything, so it was only a matter of moving between floors.

Oh, did I mention that these malls were owned by Penelope's family?

Yeah, I really had a wealthy lady of that caliber bound to a sexual contract. What a genius I was.

''T-This emblem...! I humbly greet Your Highness, the imperial princess! What could I do for you today...?''

''Is there a table?''

''Of course, we have plenty! I'll have someone bring you to a private room, so please wait for a moment!''

Naturally, we got the best, over-the-top treatment. While I was a bit embarrassed at the other customers' reactions, Rachael seemed just fine. I suppose she got used to it at some point.

Then, we followed an enthusiastic attendant inside, where a relatively spacious room of four tables was.

''Ah, this is... um...''

'''' ... ''''

The person guiding us here looked visibly baffled and paled at the same time, unable to come up with an explanation for whatever was in front of us.

More than the beautifully designed furniture and spectacular scenery out the window, our attention was on a certain group of customers sitting at the northmost table.

''Happy birthday, Mr.Chief!''

''Happy birthday! Whoo~!''

''Another year, another pluck of feathers falling!''

[Hahahah...! Just because I'm a bald eagle doesn't mean I'm actually balding, brats!]

On the table, a goofy-looking eagle scratched his head with his wing as if a human, rubbing his feathers against the tiny birthday hat fastened with an equally tiny string.

Surrounding him stood three young women, their faces mostly obscured by oversized neon party glasses. Of course, they, too, had birthday hats on.

As they enthusiastically clapped, one of them finally noticed us.

When her shoulder-length silver hair flowed in the air, dragged by her head's movement, and the blue gleams of her eyes flashed beyond those glasses, I belatedly realized who she was.

The third primary love interest, the prankster—

Kiara d'Anjou.