Aria takes a deep breath before speaking. "I was thinking...with our upcoming duties and responsibilities, we should perhaps consider finding someone trustworthy to help us manage them." She pauses, glancing between her siblings. "Someone who can be our confidante and advisor."

Marianne raises an eyebrow at this suggestion. "And just who do you propose we find for such a position?" she asks skeptically. Buyl Yi remains silent, watching Aria with interest.

Aria hesitates for a moment before answering. "Well...I was thinking perhaps we should consider someone from our own court. Someone we know well and can trust implicitly." She glances at Emma, who looks thoughtful, then back to Marianne.

The older princess crosses her arms over her chest, still unconvinced. "It would have to be someone with significant experience and authority," she says firmly. "We cannot simply appoint any random courtier to such an important role."

"What do you think?" she finally managed to ask, unable to meet their eyes any longer. The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Did they feel it too? Were they thinking the same thing? "Marianne? Emma? Ren?" Her voice cracked slightly as she waited for them to respond.

The air in the room seemed thick with unspoken words, with a strange electricity that made her heart race and her skin tingle.

Emma set down her fork with a loud clang, causing everyone to jump slightly. "I think," she began slowly, glancing at each of them in turn, "that we should discuss this later." Her cheeks flushed pink and she looked away guiltily. "After breakfast."

Ren nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable as usual. He took a sip of wine before speaking again. "Yes, perhaps that would be best." His gaze flickered briefly to Aria before returning to the tabletop.

Marianne considered this for a moment before finally nodding. "Very well, sister," she said stiffly. "If you believe that is the best course of action." Emma smiled encouragingly at Aria, clearly pleased with their agreement.

Aria returned the smile, feeling a small sense of relief wash over her. Perhaps things wouldn't be so lonely and difficult after all. "Thank you both," she said quietly. "I appreciate your understanding and support."

With that, they spent the rest of the day attending to their duties together, making an effort to include one another in conversations and decisions. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. Perhaps with time and patience, they could truly become the supportive siblings Aria had always dreamed of being. And maybe then she wouldn't feel so alone anymore.

Hayato woke up first, the bright morning light streaming through the window casting its warmth across his body. He smiled as he looked over at Aria, still sleeping soundly beside him. She looked so peaceful, so content in her slumber that it brought a smile to his face.

Carefully, he slipped out of bed and padded across the room to dress himself. Once he was decent again, he turned back towards Aria and knelt down beside the bed.

"Ari?" He whispered gently, nudging her shoulder with his hand. "It's time to get up." She stirred at his touch but didn't wake fully. With a sigh, Hayato leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I have to go soon," he murmured, "But I promise I'll be back later today."

Aria smiled broadly at the sound of her sister's agreement. "Thank you, Marin! I promise we won't let you down." She paused for a moment before adding, "And if there's anything you'd like us to bring back from our travels... anything that might make your duties here easier or more enjoyable..." Her voice trailed off hopefully.

Emma chimed in with a grin. "Oh! And maybe some cute souvenirs for you, Marin!" she added, laughing lightly.

Marianne smiled thinly in response before standing up from the table. "Very well," she said, her voice still quiet but more resigned now. "I will speak with Father about this tonight." With that, she turned and left the dining hall, her steps purposeful as she made her way back to her duties.

Aria exchanged glances with Emma, both relieved and grateful for their sister's understanding.