Donning a tuxedo from another world for the first time, Zhang Fan felt slightly out of his element. However, his physique complemented the attire well, much to the admiration of the attending maids. Only his glasses seemed somewhat out of place, igniting in Lizel a strong impulse to remove them.
"What's the matter?" Zhang Fan asked, sensing an odd tension.
"Hero, may I be so bold as to remove your glasses?" Lizel stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"No!" Zhang Fan immediately declined, puzzled by his own refusal. Perhaps it was habit, he thought, not delving deeper. He vaguely remembered a promise made in his youth never to remove his glasses, a pledge he had faithfully kept.
"That's unfortunate," Lizel sighed, clearly seeing no chance of convincing him. Her acute observation skills told her Zhang Fan was adamant about keeping his glasses on.
"Then, Hero, this way, please," Lizel conceded, leading the way to a small garden within the castle grounds.
"Good evening, Hero," the princess's guards greeted him upon arrival. Princess Mishiori was visibly delighted to see Zhang Fan, promptly standing and greeting him first.
"Good evening, Your Highness," Zhang Fan bowed, a gesture of respect he had learned from past mentors and refined during his time in the espionage corps.
"Please, take a seat. It's a bit chilly tonight, so I've prepared some hot tea," Mishiori offered, presenting a cup of sweet, fruit-scented tea likely favored by young ladies. Although not Zhang Fan's usual preference, he found it quite enjoyable.
"It tastes wonderful," he complimented.
"If you like it, that's great," Mishiori sighed in relief, her demeanor turning shy as if hesitating to speak further.
"What's troubling you, Your Highness?" Zhang Fan inquired.
"I... I'm terribly sorry for summoning you to this world without consent," Mishiori finally voiced her apology, a matter they had discussed before.
"Let's not dwell on it. However, I am curious, Your Highness. Why did you choose me to be the Hero?" Zhang Fan asked, intrigued by the selection process behind his summoning.
"Are you familiar with the art of Star Chanting?" Mishiori asked in return.
"Ah, I see," Zhang Fan nodded, understanding that Mishiori had used Star Chanting to identify him as the Hero. Star Chanting, a form of rune magic, allowed glimpses into distant or future realms, though its utility was limited without mastery.
Mishiori explained she had seen Zhang Fan's bravery and kindness through Star Chanting, along with his companionship with various beautiful girls. Flustered by her own words, she quickly tried to clarify, but found herself at a loss.
"Why not just call me by my name when it's just us? 'Hero' feels a bit formal," Zhang Fan suggested, hoping to ease the formality.
"That seems improper... It feels disrespectful to address you so casually," Mishiori hesitated, bound by the etiquettes she had been taught.
"It's alright. When we're alone, you can call me by my name," Zhang Fan reassured her, offering a compromise.
"Then, I'll call you 'Zhang Fan brother,' and you can call me 'Mishiori.' My parents and even Darkeion used to call me that," Mishiori agreed, her excitement fading as she mentioned Darkeion.
"Okay, Mishiori. Darkeion still cares for you deeply. You must believe in her," Zhang Fan comforted her, planning to reveal more about Darkeion's intentions. Before he could continue, they were informed of visitors from the Garet Lion Corps, sparking curiosity about the late-hour guests.
To their surprise, the visitors were none other than Prince Galou Garet De Rowa of the Garet Lion Corps, accompanied by the infamous trio of his personal guard. The reason for their nocturnal visit remained a mystery.