The pretty black-haired girl who walked in was Kurome.
Her clear black-and-white eyes widened as she looked at Sayo, who was flushed and nestled in Kaguya's arms. She then turned her gaze to Kaguya, her delicate face showing an expression of anger.
Noticing Kurome's gaze, Kaguya casually withdrew her hand as if nothing had happened, not even changing her expression.
Sayo, who had been immersed in a tingling sensation, also realized something was amiss. She looked up, and her dazed eyes met Kurome's furious gaze.
Sayo quickly regained her composure, calmly tidied her disheveled clothing, buttoning up her shirt to cover the exposed pale skin. A slight smile appeared on her lips as she said to Kurome, "Hasn't anyone ever told you to knock before entering? Don't you have any manners?"
"Seductively throwing yourself at the Princess—is that what you call ladylike manners?" Kurome snorted coldly. "You're nothing but a shameless slut."
"Slut?" Sayo laughed softly, batting her eyes. "It's still better than having nothing attractive about you at all. How pitiful to lack any appeal whatsoever." She emphasized her point by subtly pushing her chest forward.
"So, your idea of appeal is just those two lumps of fat on your chest?" Kurome retorted disdainfully. "Only those who lack real power would shamelessly use their bodies to achieve their goals."
"Only those who are insecure would scoff at others' strengths out of jealousy," Sayo replied with a faint smile. "Besides, someone who can't tell the difference between a chest and a back has no right to criticize me. The Princess likes it, after all. But you, even if you offered yourself to her, she wouldn't be interested. No one is interested in a washboard—unless they're a pervert."
For some reason, Kaguya suddenly felt as if she had been caught in the crossfire.
Kurome bit her lip, her eyes practically burning with anger. Her hand gripped her sword hilt so tightly that her knuckles turned white, making one worry she might draw the blade.
"Uh, ahem," Kaguya cleared her throat as the tension began to focus on her. She stood up and said to Sayo, "Don't you have something to do? You should go."
"Yes, Your Highness." Sayo walked elegantly toward the door. As she passed Kurome, she smirked and said, "Little girl, peeking at others being intimate will give you a stye."
Without waiting for a response, she continued on her way, leaving with a satisfied smile.
Kurome was fuming. The arrogance and audacity of that woman made her want to draw her sword and cut her down.
Feeling caught in an awkward situation, Kaguya tried to change the subject, saying, "So, what brings you here? Is something the matter?"
Why did this feel like getting caught in the act?
"Am I not allowed to come see you without a reason?" Kurome pouted, her voice filled with hurt. "Did I interrupt something?" Her eyes began to well up with tears.
"No, nothing like that," Kaguya quickly reassured her, pulling her into an embrace as if holding a delicate porcelain doll. "You can come to see me anytime."
"Then why don't you come to find me?" Kurome huffed.
"I've just been busy," Kaguya replied with a nervous laugh, knowing full well that this excuse didn't hold much weight.
"You're just avoiding me because I'm too small, right?" Kurome mumbled, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Of course not," Kaguya declared firmly. "You're my favorite, you know that."
Kurome blushed slightly as she seemed to remember something, her voice lowering as she said, "Then prove it to me."
A soft blush spread across Kurome's cheeks, the delicate color blooming against her fair skin. Her slender shoulders shrugged as the straps of her dress slid down, revealing the soft curves of her developing figure.
Despite being young, Kurome's body had a graceful allure, her chest modest yet perfectly shaped, reminiscent of an inverted jade bowl, exuding a subtle sweetness.
"Well, let me prove it to you through action then, since words won't suffice."
Kaguya's voice was muffled, her mouth occupied with something sweet and tender, her tongue busy as she spoke.
"Stop it, you don't have to prove it this way...not here..."
By the time Kaguya emerged from the room, it was already evening.
The moon had risen, and the night was in full bloom.
Neon lights illuminated the Princess's palace, casting a warm glow within. Thanks to the heating, the interior remained pleasantly warm, untouched by the cold winds outside.
Since Sayo had to oversee the procurement of food supplies, she had left earlier that afternoon, accompanied by Ieyasu. Under Kaguya's meticulous guidance, Sayo's strength had grown significantly. While she wasn't yet a match for Kurome, she was much stronger than before.
Ieyasu, too, had shown incredible potential, progressing rapidly. Kaguya hadn't expected him to have such talent; his potential nearly rivaled Kurome's. However, since his weapon was merely a Imperial Arm, not an Teigu, his power was somewhat limited. Still, Kaguya felt he was nearly on par with Night Raid's former member, Bulat.
With their strength, Kaguya had no worries. In the Empire, they were considered top-tier, and unless Esdeath personally intervened, they would at least be able to escape even if they couldn't win.
That evening, the dinner table was shared by Seryu, Kurome, and the three sisters. Thankfully, their presence kept the grand palace from feeling too empty. Kaguya enjoyed lively company; too much quiet made her uncomfortable.
Interestingly, although Kurome and Sayo never seemed to get along, she and Seryu were quite friendly, often chatting away. This might be due to their shared history of serving in the Imperial Army.
As for the three sisters, they had opened up considerably, their original lively natures returning thanks to Kaguya's approachable demeanor. She never displayed the aloofness one might expect from a princess.
"Seryu," Kaguya said after finishing her meal, picking up a napkin to dab at her lips, "come to my room tonight."
"Oh."
Seryu seemed curious but didn't ask any questions. Kurome, however, immediately perked up, her ears twitching.