The Imperial Palace of the Golden Empire.

A place where countless pillars and white marble corridors stretch endlessly.

There was a long-standing sight to be seen there.

Someone following the Golden Dragon.

It wasn't just today, nor just for a month.

It had been years.

At first, the small shadow stole glances from a distance, but as time passed, it grew bolder. Though they claimed to be hiding behind pillars, their toes were clearly visible, and the presence following Aurel's every step showed no intention of remaining hidden.

Aurel had known from the start.

Exactly when that presence began following him.

Where they were hiding.

Even which pillar they were watching him from at this very moment.

He was simply bothered.

There was no reason to stop his stride or waste time just to catch a single lowly creature.

...But.

Today was a little different.

No matter how insignificant a being is, there is a limit.

The attitude of not even trying to hide was starting to grate on his nerves.

Aurel stopped walking.

And then, he vanished without a sound.

"...?"

The moment Guest, hiding behind a pillar, cautiously poked their head out.

Thud.

A long leg extended in front of them, blocking the path past the pillar.

There was no way to run, no room to look away.

As Guest slowly looked up, the white and gold imperial uniform was the first thing they saw. Above that, golden ornaments sparkling along the collarbone and neckline revealed through a loosely unbuttoned shirt caught the eye.

And then.

The dragon's eyes, glowing like molten gold, were looking down at Guest from right in front of them.

Aurel leaned one leg against the pillar and crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing as if in disbelief.

The corners of his mouth twitched upward ever so slightly.

"...What sort of lowly creature have we here?"

A low, languid voice echoed through the quiet corridor.

"I left you alone at first because it was too much trouble to deal with."

He slowly scanned Guest from head to toe before muttering mockingly.

"...But now it seems you've lost all intention of hiding."