'The Law doesn't protect people. People protect the law. People have always detested evil and sought out a righteous way of living. Their feelings… The accumulation of those people's feelings are the law. '

Ibuki Sumire, the second daughter and the third heir of the Ibuki household was always under the impression that as long as she stayed on the side of the law then everything would work out. After all that's how she had been raised, as a Princess she had been given lessons on all sorts of things. From manners, speech, grace, flower arranging, koto. Yet never once had she been taught how to protect herself. Her father was strictly against her using weapons of any sort and always kept her restricted from going to the training grounds. Or even doing horse riding. Living life peacefully. Without a care in the world.

'It may be the country's wish for you to remain ignorant.

Defer to their will and think of that as for being the sake of your country and I'm sure they will be happy.'

After she had expressed her thoughts on the matter. That person had merely told her those words. Whether or not it was out of spite was something she was well aware of. He said it due to experience, those of noble blood will forever live such a life. However she didn't want that lifestyle at all. She didn't want that at all. Although it went against what her father wanted, although it went against her very people's notions of a princess. Although it went against that person's will, she fought. She fought and turned to the violent side of the world. She wanted that power to fight, to be stronger than anyone. If she could do that much then perhaps she would be able to find it. Find something that will truly be able to feel the emptiness in her heart. Even though she had barely lived her life then, back then she had noticed it. Noticed many things that a young girl of her age should not have noticed.

Darkness. The world is swallowed up in darkness, the smiles and people's faces of the elders and clergy members in the cancel were fake. Their words of affection and display of adoration and compliments were merely fake. For show. Upon realising that, she realised that there was something she wanted to do for the people. Even if it means going against their very beliefs.

Long before she met him, there was already someone who she had considered to be important.

However when she first met him, she was under the impression that he was the same as those people. The same as those people who wouldn't show their true faces. Wouldn't show their true smiles and would do anything to be in her father - in her family's good books.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Sumire. I sincerely hope that this marriage serves as a foundation to unite our two groups."

Sumire immediately noticed it. Ah, this person's smile is also....fake. Yet she wondered why she sensed as though that there was something else.

"I bid you welcome. Though this is but a humble offering.. We hold this feast to welcome you. I hope it serves to ease the fatigue from your long journey." Sumire said as she held her cup in the air.

She sighed deeply un-noticed by her engagement partner. Asking an eleven year old year old to do something like this is really uncalled for. Besides that, she spies the prince beside her. This guy is older than her by four years isn't he? Indeed it was something you could instantly tell, especially their height difference. However it was something she agreed to.

Her father had proposed a tournament to win her hand before not too long ago. But it had more or less ended with Nao beating everyone. Senbi Nao was her bodyguard, but he was her age so she treated him as one of her friends. Nao huh? In the end her gaze landed on her black hair guard who was standing by the door at the exit.

They haven't been able to talk to each other much since then. She wondered if he was alright. Perhaps, those words made him realise it?

"Without distinction. Rank or name was this your doing Princess?" Soujiro asked. She could not miss the slight change in his tone. It was not disgust but it was not pleasant either.

"Indeed it was. Thank you for obliging me Prince. Truthfully speaking though I had planned to have our seats placed between the others but as expected I was prevented from doing so."

Soujiro laughs. "Fuh. Is this how things are run in this place? How interesting."

Ah, there it is again that fake smile. A moment ago however it looked like he would show his true feelings but it immediately broke. Once again all she can see is a mask. She wonders if this person is not tired. Is it not tiring showing fake emotions?

The way of the elite huh? It was something she could not understand very well.

"It is in accordance with what my master taught me. I am trying to act as I see fit."

That's right, being tied down that is not what she wants. What she wants is something more. Something more than these fancy dresses, wealth that has no meaning and gatherings with people who are greedy for power. A lifestyle like this is restricting. Most people would say she is privileged and has no right to complain. But despite being this privileged why does she feel so empty?

"My my."

She wonders why this person smiles in such a manner. Is it a front? Is he exactly like all the others? Indeed when she first met him she was repulsed by his behaviour. However even then there was already something about him that drew her attention.

…

Sumire raised her head at that moment dispelling her memory of the past when she saw Asami-san carrying new shoes. It surprised her when she learned that the girl was wealthy too. With her personality, the girl did not behave like a member of the rich circle.

It seems she has no choice but to go. Her gaze fell on the sky. Ah what a beautiful moon. She wonders if her dearest is watching too.

Meeting Soujiro had changed a lot of things in her life for her. However, it was when she met him that things truly did change.

A smart person, quite an unusual guy who uses the knowledge of books in a way to relate with society. Though she had always been fond of reading, perhaps it was back then that she began to take things more seriously..

It was he who taught her that being a delinquent and being in this side of the world isn't a bad thing. Even though she turned to this side to protect her people. She always had doubts on the matter knowing that her people would not approve of it.

'Being a delinquent isn't about bringing someone down, but rather protecting someone'

Even now those words were one she remembers quite clearly. Ones that had always remained in her heart. Perhaps had she not met him, then she would have always remained caged.