“My man?”

The audacious choice of words immediately provoked a strong reaction. The princess’s already flushed cheeks deepened in color, and a hint of anger sharpened her voice.

In stark contrast, Mirian remained as composed as ever, her demeanor cool and detached, as if such trivial emotions were beneath her.

“Has the barbarity of the outside world blinded your eyes and ears? You have a habit of asking about things you’ve already been told.”

“I only react that way when I can’t understand or accept what’s being said. Like now.”

“Exactly.”

“And this is my room. So, kindly leave.”

The princess pointed directly at the door. But, predictably, Mirian made no move to comply.

“This may be your room, but it’s also my palace. Am I wrong?”

“That doesn’t give you the right to invade my privacy. If you continue this, I won’t stand for it.”

“Calm yourself. I didn’t come here with any ill intent.”

“Oh, really?”

“I simply thought the three of us could spend some time together. Perhaps with a glass of wine.”

Mirian turned slightly, gesturing toward a glass bottle sitting by the window. The dark red wine inside mirrored the deep shade of her painted lips.

“I’m sure you and the hero both have plenty of questions for me. So, I thought tonight would be a good time to address them.”

“How considerate of you,” the princess replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“We still have much to learn about each other. For instance, I hadn’t realized how small your room is.”

“I’ve been using the same room since I was a child.”

“Exactly. If I’d known, I would have brought an extra chair. But going out to fetch one now feels tedious, so I hope you don’t mind if I sit on the bed instead?”

“What?”

“Thank you for your permission.”

Though the princess’s exclamation was meant as protest, Mirian took it as consent and moved to the bed. She effortlessly dragged over a small table and two chairs, arranging them neatly.

“Sit down, both of you.”

“...”

“If you prefer, Princess, I can spend the evening alone with the hero. What will it be?”

Her expression was calm, but her tone was laced with an almost playful provocation. Left with little choice, the princess sat down with a reluctant scowl.

I followed suit, taking the seat beside her.

Mirian poured the wine into the prepared glasses. The princess, still slightly tipsy from earlier, let out an involuntary hiccup, which Mirian didn’t miss.

“It seems the princess is already a little drunk. I can’t possibly encourage a child to drink more, so perhaps only the hero and I will partake.”

“I’m fine!” the princess snapped. “I’m not a child!”

Determined not to be outdone, she poured herself a glass. Mirian watched her with quiet amusement before lifting her own glass.

“Then let’s toast. To our princess’s brilliant future.”

“To your health and happiness.”

“To our beloved Alpheus’s promising path ahead.”

“Cheers.”

The glasses clinked together with a clear, ringing sound. As the rich wine touched my lips, its velvety flavor filled my senses, though its potency was not to be underestimated.

“...Hmm.”

“Too strong? You can stop if it’s too much.”

“No, I can handle it.”

“I see. Well then, shall we begin our little conversation?”

Mirian leaned forward slightly, her expression hinting at mischief.

“Actually, rather than just talking, why don’t we play a little game?”

“A game?”

“A simple one. We take turns asking each other questions, and the person must answer truthfully. If they refuse, they must drink instead.”

“That’s...”

“What do you think, Princess?”

“...Sounds fun.”

Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, the princess agreed more readily than expected. Mirian nodded, as though my opinion didn’t matter, and proceeded.

“Great. Since it’s my idea, I’ll go first and show you how it’s done.”

“You’re asking a question?”

“That’s right. Now, who shall I ask first...”

Mirian’s gaze wandered before settling on the princess.

“Princess, what color is the underwear you’re wearing today?”

“What?!”

“I mean the one you’re wearing right now. What color is it?”

“That’s... I didn’t expect that kind of question... It’s, uh...”

Caught off guard, the princess stammered. Her eyes darted toward her wine glass, and with a shy tone, she finally answered.

“White.”

“Good. See? That’s how it works.”

“What kind of question is that? Are you just teasing me?”

“Of course. That’s the point of games like these. Adults sometimes indulge in childish fun.”

Mirian’s warm laugh and light touch on the princess’s hand were disarming, drawing an uneasy smile from the princess despite herself.

“Fine. My turn, then. Alpheus!”

“Yes, Princess?”

“How many women have you been with?”

“Could you clarify what you mean by ‘been with’?”

“Uh... I mean...”

“Goodness, Princess,” Mirian interjected, her tone amused. “You can’t blush after asking a question like that.”

Despite her embarrassment, the princess pressed on. I gave a measured response, smiling faintly.

“There was a woman who used to dote on me when I was younger. She was three years older and loved to hug me. I remember thinking how soft women’s bodies were.”

“How adorable,” Mirian remarked.

“Do you still know her?” the princess asked, her tone lightening.

“The last time we met was five years ago.”

Satisfied, the princess exhaled softly, her relief evident.

Now it was my turn. I turned toward Mirian.

“May I call you Mirian?”

“...Hmm.”

Her gaze sparkled with intrigue as she considered the question. After a moment, a faint smile played on her lips.

“Strictly speaking, that’s a request, not a question. But I’ll allow it—it’s amusing in its own way.”

“Thank you. Then I’ll consider it permission.”

“In that case, I’ll call you Alpheus.”

“Feel free, Mirian.”

The exchange carried an unspoken tension, one not lost on the princess, who frowned slightly but remained silent.