---
At that moment...
The king rose after approving the project and began whispering with one of the ministers, while the attendees started exchanging documents and discussing the technical feasibility of implementing it widely.
Bastian kept staring intently at Lucas, a warm smile on his face—one that masked intentions far from innocent.
He spoke in a smooth tone:
"We must all commend Princess Irene's efforts… She has proven to be not only beautiful in appearance but also possessing a mind not to be underestimated."
Lucas finally lifted his head and looked at him.
Some smiled, and Irene bowed politely, but she felt slightly uneasy at his words.
Bastian continued, glancing at the paper in his hand:
"It's wonderful to see someone bearing the name Iscard show this level of responsibility, especially in the absence of... certain influential figures from the council."
Then he slowly turned his face toward Lucas, his gaze calm, his voice steady—but dripping with condescension:
"Perhaps if some leaders attended more sessions, we could have saved a lot of time finding solutions among us... You're lucky to have such a wife, Prince Lucas."
Silence fell.
All eyes turned to Lucas, who remained seated, gazing back at Bastian with deadly calm—without uttering a word.
Richard didn't like Bastian's tone, knowing well how easily his son could be provoked. He was about to intervene, but—
Irene spoke first.
She raised her head calmly, looked at Bastian with a gentle smile, and said in a quiet but firm voice:
"With all due respect, Your Highness the Crown Prince... My husband, Commander Lucas, may not attend political councils often...
But that does not mean he is absent from his national duty."
She paused for a moment, then continued in the same composed tone:
"In fact... Lucas became the army's general commander at a very young age. He is the youngest ever to hold that position in our kingdom's history. That alone is enough to prove his excellence."
Some murmurs stirred around the room, but she ignored them and went on confidently:
"He also led the eastern front in the last war... and achieved a decisive victory that preserved Valerian's borders from collapse and minimized our losses to the bare minimum."
Some began looking at Lucas again, but this time… with cautious respect.
Viola was extremely surprised by Irene's words, staring at her with clear astonishment.
As for Lucas, he was truly taken aback.
Irene was still smiling, but her words gained power:
"And though he may not appear often in politics, it's because he places his life on the line day after day for this nation.
He spends most of his time working, rarely returning home early…
Being exceptional in politics is important, yes… but protecting the very existence of the kingdom is no less significant."
She turned her gaze toward the attendees and added:
"... As everyone knows, it was the great grandfather who divided the kingdom into two wings: the royal wing for his eldest son Christophe and his heirs, and the military wing… for his younger son and his heirs.
It was a wise decision on many levels—especially to prevent power from being concentrated in one council."
She finally looked directly at Bastian and said in a firm tone:
"And Lucas fulfills his duty in his field to the fullest."
She fell silent.
The hall… became utterly still.
Even the Prime Minister nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
As for Bastian... he remained standing, his smile unchanged—but it no longer seemed confident.
He replied in a soft voice:
"Of course... I didn't mean to diminish him, only hoped his political presence could match his military impact."
But one of the attendees responded seriously:
"That's true, Your Highness, but not everyone is required to master every field… diversity in roles is what brings balance to governance."
Nearly everyone nodded in agreement.
Lucas… didn't take his eyes off Irene, a long, silent gaze—
As if Irene had just defused a ticking bomb in less than a minute.
---
At that moment…
Prince Richard shifted slightly in his seat, tilted his head, and a calm smile crept onto his lips…
But it wasn't merely pride—it was a blend of satisfaction, admiration, and perhaps hidden relief.
He had been silently observing his son, but now he was looking at Irene…
As though he were seeing her for the first time—not as the mysterious wife chosen due to political circumstances, but as an independent figure who had just proven herself twice in one day:
Once as a brilliant inventor, and once as a diplomatic speaker who knew exactly when to speak, and when to silence everyone… even the Crown Prince.
He exhaled slowly and murmured, unheard by anyone:
"Very well done…
In the end, it seems his choice wasn't as random as we all assumed."
(He was referring to King Arxon.)
---
As for Viola...
She couldn't hide the shock on her face.
She stared at Irene for long seconds without blinking.
It wasn't just what Irene said… but how she said it.
She had expected this girl to be nothing more than a shadow—as rumors called her, "the forgotten princess,"
A quiet young wife trailing after Lucas's steps.
But what she saw today… was a lady. Standing firm among statesmen, speaking with grace, defending her husband with soft fierceness that no one could counter without seeming foolish.
Something tightened in Viola's throat.
She wasn't envious… but she couldn't ignore what she felt.
The words Irene had spoken—Lucas had needed to hear them from someone.
And she…
She had never dared to say them.
Even if Irene didn't exist.
For a moment, she felt her old place… had been completely taken.
She lowered her eyes, nervously brushing her fingers along the table, then looked up at Lucas…
But his eyes weren't searching for her, as they used to.
He was looking at someone else.
At Irene Iscard.
She sighed silently.
And said nothing.
---
King Christophe sat down again after a short conversation with the Prime Minister, then raised his hand quietly to regain the room's attention, and said with his solemn voice:
"Then… starting tomorrow, we will begin testing Princess Irene's technique on an initial batch of official documents, as a preliminary program after discussing the details more closely with her.
If it proves as effective as we witnessed today, we will adopt a standardized code for it, after consulting all council members."
Some nodded, others jotted down notes, while the king remained fixated on Irene before smiling and saying:
"And by the way… Princess, what you presented today is not just a suggestion. It is a great achievement…
And I must reward you personally for it.
Tell me anything you desire, and I shall make it happen."
Irene raised her head, a flicker of surprise on her face, but she quickly bowed respectfully and said in a calm, clear voice:
"Thank you, Your Majesty... for your generosity and trust.
If I may… I only have a small request."
The king tilted his head slightly, his voice gentle:
"Go ahead."
Irene gave a shy smile and said:
"I've been a book addict since childhood, and since coming here, I've been very curious about the Valerian Royal Library.
I was hoping, if there's no objection, to be allowed to visit it occasionally... with only my personal maid."
A sudden silence swept the hall.
Some ministers exchanged glances, surprised by the simplicity of the request.
Even Viola looked genuinely intrigued.
As for the king… he burst out in laughter—a spontaneous chuckle that lightened the tension in the room.
"Truly?! I expected you to ask for rare jewels, an estate in the countryside, or even a noble title… but you surprised me."
Some of the attendees chuckled lightly.
The king continued, smiling:
"You are now part of the royal family, Irene.
You may visit the palace and any of its wings whenever you wish—no prior permission needed."
He then turned to Richard beside him and said warmly:
"Now I understand why you trusted her so quickly, Richard... the princess is very intelligent and cultured."
Prince Richard smiled faintly without commenting, but his eyes stayed on his new political daughter… and in them was silent pride.
Irene bowed again and said softly:
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty… it's a great honor for me, and I'll always strive to be worthy of the trust.
Despite everything… I'm still learning.
And no matter how much I read or learn… there's always more to discover."
Everyone was looking at her now.
Even those who paid her no attention at first… were now listening—and perhaps re-evaluating.
As for Bastian...
He remained standing, silent, hands behind his back, that same smile still hanging on his face.
But it no longer held the same sarcasm.
Despite the sting of being cornered by her clever response,
Deep down… he felt a rare, genuine admiration—unlike anything he ever felt for Viola.
---
The Prime Minister raised his voice respectfully:
"Your Highness the Princess, if possible… we would appreciate it if you could send us detailed reports on your method tomorrow, with the guard we'll dispatch to your wing."
She fell silent for a moment, then lowered her gaze, thinking quietly:
> If this technique ever reaches Arxon's ears…
He might see it as rebellion.
He might… end my life for it.
She finally raised her head, looked at the minister, then directly at King Christophe, and said in a steady, calm voice:
"Your Majesty… I have a personal request, and I hope everyone here will listen attentively."
The hall fell silent immediately.
Irene continued, her tone sincere:
"I don't like the spotlight… and ever since I was young, I've never been comfortable with attention.
Even my presence at the High Council sessions in Iscard… was done in utmost secrecy, out of respect from my father for my personal preference."
Some attendees raised their heads in surprise.
Irene added more cautiously:
"I invented this method simply to provide as much help as I could—without asking for anything in return."
She looked up at the attendees, her voice clear and honest:
"Therefore… I kindly ask that this technique not be attributed to me.
Not in documents, not in records, not in reports.
I hope this achievement can remain anonymous.
And I hope you will respect that."
A heavy silence followed.
Even King Christophe… showed visible signs of genuine surprise.
Then he raised his voice calmly and said:
"A strange request… but an understandable one."
He then turned to all the attendees, his gaze serious:
"Based on Princess Irene's request, I hereby issue a clear royal decree:
Everything discussed today… remains a secret among us.
It is forbidden to circulate or mention it beyond these walls—out of respect for her wishes."
The attendees nodded in agreement—some still in quiet shock.
Irene exhaled in relief, then stepped forward and handed a small pouch to the Prime Minister, saying:
"These documents contain every step, material, and method in the simplest form possible.
If there's anything missing or unclear, you may send a direct message to His Majesty King Richard—and I'll respond immediately."
The minister took the pouch and bowed to her respectfully.
After that, the king began gathering the papers—
And the session was officially adjourned.
---
Hi guys it's the author i just find out that some people don't know how to pronounce Irene's name correctly
Is
Ay like by
Ayrin and in English we write it IRENE and of course you know the story behind her name... Anyways enjoy and please leave a feedback so i can know your opinion and thanks for choosing my book
<3