"Can you guarantee the prosperity and stability of the Velmoria Kingdom?"
Selena spoke with a cold and sharp tone, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.
"I can. I, Eveline Velmoria, swear upon my name that I will bring prosperity to this kingdom if I become its queen."
Eveline's voice was firm, her eyes sharp, revealing an unshakable determination and confidence in her abilities as a future queen.
"I see. But even so... mere words and promises prove nothing."
After a brief pause, Selena continued.
"If it's just words, then anyone can say the same thing. Even I could."
Her words implied a clear distrust in Eveline's promises.
"I know that... But what else can I do? I have no power to prove it. None of the nobles support me—not even you, Selena."
"Please don't blame me, Princess Eveline. This is a decision passed down by my ancestors. Our house has always remained neutral in matters of royal politics."
A heavy silence fell between them before Selena spoke again.
"But your statement about having no power... I believe you're mistaken."
Eveline looked surprised. Hadn't she just explained that none of the nobles backed her? What power could she possibly have?
"What do you mean?"
"As I said—you are not completely without power."
"?"
Still confused, Eveline tilted her head slightly.
"Have you forgotten? You graduated as the top student from the Arcanis Academy."
The Arcanis Academy was an independent institution, free from any political ties to the royal family. It was a power of its own, much like the Adventurer's Guild—though that was a story for another time.
At the academy, students studied a variety of subjects including swordsmanship and arcane knowledge. It accepted anyone with talent, regardless of noble or common background. And among them, Eveline had risen to the top.
"That's true, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"Do you also remember what honor was given to you upon graduation? As the top graduate, you were granted access to the academy's resources."
Princess Eveline had earned a prestigious honor upon her graduation—access to the vast resources of the Arcanis Academy, including its influential instructors and powerful connections.
If she could convince them to back her politically, she could amass a force equal to her siblings and gain the support of the common people of Velmoria.
"But that's impossible! The academy is independent—it has nothing to do with royal politics! That's just wishful thinking!"
"Be that as it may, it's your only option to gain real power and influence. Or are you giving up?"
Selena's tone was once again cold and piercing.
Eveline fell into deep thought while Selena sipped her tea elegantly, calm and composed.
Then, a voice cut through the silence.
"Well, well, well… What do we have here?"
A slow clap echoed from the garden entrance.
A man approached them with relaxed steps and a sly smile on his face.
"Prince Lucien."
"Big brother..."
Both Selena and Eveline spoke at the same time.
Prince Lucien Velmoria—the third prince of the kingdom. He was rumored to be cunning, willing to do anything to achieve his goals, often through manipulation and deceit.
He looked to be around twenty-five years old. Like Eveline, he had golden-blonde hair, which reached just to his neck.
As he reached their table, Selena rose and gave a slight bow out of courtesy. Although she personally disliked Lucien, she kept it well-hidden. Letting that sentiment slip could spell trouble.
"Hello~ Duchess Selena... and my 'little sister.'"
Lucien greeted Selena cheerfully, but squinted slightly when referring to Eveline.
"What brings you here, Prince Lucien?"
"Oh, I heard 'my' Duchess Selena was visiting, so I thought I'd drop by and say hello~"
"With all due respect, Prince Lucien, I belong to no one. I am my own person."
"Oh, come on~ I was just joking~ hehehe~"
"…"
Selena's face remained expressionless, showing no interest in Lucien's antics. Eveline, meanwhile, fidgeted nervously. The timing of her brother's arrival couldn't have been worse.
"So, what were the two of you talking about? Come on, tell me~ I'm curious~"
"Nothing important, Prince Lucien. We were just having tea and casual conversation. Right, Princess Eveline?"
"Y-yes, Duchess Selena."
Eveline's nervousness around her brothers was not without reason. She had long been ignored and treated coldly by them. All her life, their gazes were distant, their words dismissive.
It had left her with a deep sense of trauma.
Only a few had ever truly shown her warmth—her mother, and her closest friend, Selena.
"Ehhh~ just that? Nothing exciting? Not even a little talk about the throne, maybe~?"
Lucien spoke in a tone so low it sent chills down most people's spines—but not Selena.
Closing her eyes briefly and reopening them, Selena answered plainly.
"Indeed. That was one of the topics we discussed."
"Ohoho~ I knew it. So, what exactly were you planning? Some secret plot to take down me, Brother Dorian, and Brother Alric?"
"There's no need for concern, Prince Lucien. It was simply a discussion—nothing that could threaten you in any way."
"Really? So… does that mean my dear little sister has already given up on the throne?"
"N-no."
"Hmm~?"
"N-no, Brother Lucien. I haven't given up—not even a little. I will fight for the throne of this kingdom."
"Oh? And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
Eveline replied with bold determination, meeting Lucien's gaze directly.
"I will ask the academy for their support."
As soon as she said those words, Lucien's expression twisted in disgust. Wrinkles formed on his face as his brows furrowed.
"Hah?"
"I will borrow the academy's strength in this succession war, Brother."
"Hah?! Are you stupid or something?! You think the academy will join you in your bid for the throne?! That's insane! They have nothing to do with politics!"
Lucien's sudden outburst made his shock clear—he hadn't expected this answer from Eveline.
"I'm well aware of that. But even so, I'm going to try and see what comes of it."
"Tch. You were better when you were just a timid, obedient little brat."
With those parting words, Lucien turned and walked away, leaving Eveline and Selena alone in the garden pavilion.
"…"
"…"
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