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Last night, the noble families were thrown into chaos by a sudden imperial order mandating their attendance at the upcoming event. As a result, all the tailors and dress shops were working frantically, barely able to catch their breath.
In the midst of that, being able to rent out an entire boutique like this was possible simply because “we are Hadenberg.”
“You’re free to wear whatever you want.”
“Retilia’s right. No one can force you. Not even the Emperor himself.”
“And if there’s some arrogant idiot who tries, we’ll take care of them for you. So choose comfortably.”
Although Retilia, Isaac, and Ethan spoke warmly, their words weren’t exactly gentle. The faces of the surrounding staff had turned pale.
“Well then… I kind of want to try wearing pants.”
If I dressed up formally in a gown for the entire long banquet, my body would probably be wrecked by the end of the night.
“Yeah?”
“Mm. Like Retilia. Pants look the coolest on her, after all.”
“Oh my goodness…!”
Retilia covered her mouth, looking deeply moved. Then, without hesitation, she declared, “Bring me everything you have here!”
The staff stared blankly for a second, then scrambled in panic, nodding frantically before rushing off to find the few pairs of women’s trousers they had.
“M–Miss, these are all the trousers we currently have in the shop…”
The woman who seemed to be in charge carefully showed me several pairs placed behind her. Most of them were designed for horseback riding or hunting—outdoor activities.
‘Well, of course. It’s not like women wear trousers often here.’
Even having this many was impressive.
As I examined the trousers, I asked carefully,
“Um, would it be possible to modify the design a little?”
“Yes, yes! Absolutely! What kind of alterations would you like…?”
“Ah, then…”
I glanced around and pointed to a dress hanging nearby. It was made of smooth, dark navy fabric that faded to a lighter shade toward the hem.
“Could you make the pant legs look like this starting near the ankles? Darker toward the top, closer to black.”
“Of course, that’s possible.”
“And for the decorations…”
My gaze naturally shifted to the five sitting behind me. They were watching me warmly from their seats.
“…Please use gold. Around the waistband area, moderately. I’ll leave the specific design to you.”
“Leave it to us.”
After all, this was the event where I would be presented as a member of Hadenberg. I wanted to include gold, one of their symbolic colors—along with a shade of navy so dark it was nearly black.
I added that the top should match in fabric and color, and we finished the rough design adjustments.
“I’ll handle the bill.”
Retilia stated casually and went downstairs with the shop manager. The rest of us prepared to leave the boutique as well.
“Let’s go. The dresses and the clothes you ordered will all be delivered to the estate within this week.”
“That’s plenty of time.”
Even if time was tight, it was obvious the staff would pour their souls into it—no one wanted to risk angering these five.
Feeling a bit guilty, I repeatedly thanked everyone sincerely as we left the shop, receiving their utmost respectful farewell.
“This is kind of refreshing.”
“What is?”
I muttered as we walked away from the elegant boutique. Isaac met my gaze and asked.
“I never imagined I’d spend this much money in my life. Even if it’s technically not my money…”
“What are you talking about? Everything we have is for you.”
“That’s exactly what makes it weird…”
Anyone overhearing might think I’d mortgaged their entire fortune.
In fact, one nobleman passing by looked horrified after overhearing Isaac’s words, but the five simply remained relaxed, as if they all agreed.
“You’ll get used to it.”
“Yeah, Shunen. Don’t hold back. Use it however you like.”
Nobel and Ethan added with smirks.
I eventually gave up and nodded. Whatever. It’s not like they’re the type to get scammed.
“Then, Shunen,” Retilia said gently.
“The dessert shop you liked last time is nearby. Want to stop by?”
“Wait, do you mean the egg tarts from before?”
“They have plenty of other delicious things too.”
“I’m in!!”
I exclaimed excitedly. Last time, it had been amazing.
I’d never lived this luxuriously before. Finally, I’d found a place to happily spend money.
Ethan and Isaac grinned.
“Yeah, let’s just buy out the whole stand today.”
“Or we could just take the baker… I mean, bring him over. Which do you prefer?”
Once again, the choices laid out before me were anything but normal. Damn it.
❖ ❖ ❖
The Emperor’s personal decree. Delivered in the middle of the night, the sudden news made every noble family in the empire panic.
[All noble houses of the Rusperth Empire must attend the debutante ball hosted by Hadenberg in three weeks.]
Even a simple imperial debutante ball for one individual would’ve been unexpected—but the fact that Hadenberg was hosting it shocked everyone.
The Kolhart Duchy, newly referred to as “the new Hadenberg,” had ignored all inquiries from other families. Rumors had started to die down… until this official announcement proved them wrong.
‘Who on earth are they!’
Who could possibly be so extraordinary that the Five revolve around them and even the Emperor grants the imperial palace itself for the event?
No one knew the details, but one thing was clear.
‘If they’re that extraordinary, then they’re not just part of Hadenberg—they’re the new power at the heart of the empire.’
This person would be the one to shape the empire’s future social and political landscape.
Naturally, the imperial notice reached the Duke’s household, and both Saren and the Duke were left speechless.
Crash!
The vase in Saren’s delicate hands shattered to pieces.
“Ahhh!”
Saren screamed, unable to believe the reality before her eyes.
“How… how could it be YOU!?”
“M–My lady…”
“How could that person be—!”
Bang! The bedside table went flying.
—I’m the author, you lunatic!!
The relentless voice echoing in her head made her dizzy. Even when she closed her eyes, Shunenia’s mocking, triumphant face appeared before her.
“Yes… she must’ve schemed something…!”
Saren muttered. It was the only way she could explain the current situation.
“She planned all of this!”
Of course, as the “author,” she must have manipulated things somehow.
It was a baseless, desperate belief—but it was the only thing she could cling to.
Crackle—
A faint, white light sparked in her clenched hand.
No one—not Saren with her face buried in the floor, nor the maids outside the room—noticed the tiny light.
❖ ❖ ❖
Time passed, and the day of the grand debutante ball finally arrived.
“Wow.”
The clothes we ordered had already arrived a few days earlier. Opening the wardrobe I’d grown familiar with over the week, I took out today’s outfit.
It was stunning: pants as smooth as flowing water, as if cut from the night sky itself, gold-embellished shoes, and a white top layered with a matching navy uniform-like coat.
Any lingering anxiety about wearing pants vanished before how incredible the outfit looked.
“Oh my goodness.”
Retilia gasped when she saw me fully dressed. The other four also stood up from their seats.
“It looks so good it’s almost awkward. I don’t look weird, do I?” I asked a bit shyly.
“Of course not.”
“Shunen, you look beautiful.”
“The clothes don’t even deserve you.”
“Mm-hm, Nobel’s right. It suits you perfectly~”
They all earnestly insisted, making me laugh. It’s not like they’d ever say it didn’t suit me.
I’d already decided to wear it because it was exactly my style, but I asked again for reassurance.
“It’s really okay to wear pants, right?”
“It’s for you—why wouldn’t it be?”
“No one’s foolish enough to complain.”
“And if they are, we’ll take care of them quietly.”
Retilia, Ethan, and Nobel delivered their usual seamless combo of answers.
I’d gotten used to receiving multiple overlapping responses to a simple question, so I just let out a helpless laugh.
“I don’t know. If anyone talks, you’ll take my side, right?”
“Of course.”
“Always, Shunen.”
Isaac smiled softly.
That warm smile put me at ease, and I couldn’t help but smile playfully back.
Once I was ready, the other five began preparing too. Thanks to Isaac’s abilities, we all had plenty of time to get dressed leisurely.
“Wow…!”
I exclaimed, eyes shining. The combination of their breathtaking looks and expensive outfits was spectacular.
The five, dressed formally for once, radiated an aura of untouchable elegance. Their outfits were refined yet individualistic, and their natural looks and presence tied everything together.
They truly looked like protagonists.
“You all look amazing.”
“Yeah?”
“Well, these brothers look at least 50% better the moment they shut their mouths.”
“Wow, introducing yourself much, Isaac.”
Sorry, but that applies to all five of you.
Silently, I agreed with Nobel’s jab. Honestly, Isaac was the biggest culprit when it came to inviting trouble with his words.
“Guess you don’t even have the conscience to deny it, brother.”
“Look who’s talking. Your genius brain doesn’t exactly help with self-awareness, does it?”
“If I kept my mouth shut, do you know what would happen to this already dysfunctional sibling group? You’d be the first to go, Nobel.”
“Well, to be fair, Isaac does think for all of us.”
“Oh, so you’re joining in too now?”
As even Ethan chimed in, Nobel gave a twisted smile. Oh boy.
‘Seriously? Right before we leave?!’
If this kept up, they’d blow up part of the house again.
I was debating whether to intervene when thankfully Retilia waved her hand, silencing them all.
“Enough chatter.”
She looked out the window.
The sky had turned completely dark, the night curtain falling.
‘It’s time.’
The dazzling night glittered like gold dust as the banquet approached.
“Shall we go?”
Isaac held out his hand. One by one, we all joined hands.
‘Come to think of it… we really do look alike.’
For the first time, I realized how similar my outfit was to theirs. The colors mirrored the night sky outside, and I suddenly felt a fluttering pride in being part of Hadenberg.
Living with the main characters—it was the highest honor for a fan and the author.
Isaac met my eyes.
As his gaze softened into a smile, my heart thumped—and a flash of blue light flared.
❖ ❖ ❖
The crimson sunset had completely disappeared, and the sky was covered in deep navy.
Nobles began arriving one by one at the imperial palace, glowing brighter than the stars and moon with its golden light.
“Do you think it’s true?”
Throughout the crowded ballroom, similar whispers spread.
“It must be. His Majesty himself gave the order.”
“But this is Hadenberg we’re talking about. For those free-spirited people to appear at such an event to introduce a new member…”
