episode_0016

She’s a strange one.

The first thought that came to Alice’s mind when she saw Silvia was just that.

In reality, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly is strange about her at first glance. Silvia, sitting quietly with her lips sealed, was just a pretty girl who enjoyed reading books.

Even if you engage in a short conversation with her, you might not feel anything particularly odd. Though her tone may be a bit stiff, she still uses polite language and knows how to lower her head to those above her.

However, the longer the conversation goes on, and the more you observe her actions, the more you start to notice something strange.

Silvia had grown up with Alice since she was very young. The exact details of their first meeting in childhood are not clear in her memory. Silvia had somehow slipped into the vague memories of that early period and found herself conversing with Alice.

Or rather, it was more of a one-sided conversation where Alice would initiate the talk and Silvia would respond.

According to Lucas, Alice was afraid of Silvia because no matter what she said, Silvia’s expression never changed. When they crossed paths, Alice would hide behind the adults nearby, and when Silvia was around, she seemed to be afraid to even speak, as if she wanted to run away.

Afraid of Silvia? Me?

When I first heard that, I didn’t really believe it.

But as I pondered on it quietly, I started to think that maybe that statement wasn’t entirely wrong.

In fact, Alice still had a bit of fear towards Silvia.

Alice is the sole heir to the throne. It was only right for her, who had inherited the blood of the Pangryphon dynasty, to succeed, with no other siblings, not even step-siblings. If the current Emperor, Asher III, didn’t have a hobby of grooming his son into his closest confidant, things might have been different.

Even if she didn’t inherit the blood, a Pangryphon is still a Pangryphon.

In the old days, during the time when everything in the world was crumbling and all order was being reformed, a child abandoned at the cliff for being deformed survived in the midst of all sorts of twisted beasts. Riding on the back of the largest griffin, she subdued the griffin herd with a human body and later became the first Emperor of the Empire. People respectfully called her the “Head of the Griffin.”

The name Pangryphon carries that meaning.

Of course, I knew that it was a myth. Griffins still existed in the modern era, but no one had succeeded in taming them. They could be captured or hunted. They might even be able to ride on their backs, but the griffins would rebel until the end. That’s why the story of a person taming a griffin is considered a myth.

After all, griffins are not creatures that live in herds.

But because it was an Empire with such a myth, the name “Pangryphon” carries a special meaning.

We can’t know what the Imperial Council or the citizens think.

But at least from the perspective of the Pangryphon, the name Pangryphon signifies the ability as an Emperor.

Even if the bloodline wasn’t passed down, as long as there was the ability to inherit the name Pangryphon, the Emperor would gladly pass on their position to that person.

That’s why Silvia was afraid. It wasn’t the terrifying atmosphere of the mythical first Emperor, but Silvia seemed to effortlessly handle the tasks in front of her as if she already knew what was going to happen in the future.

However, it was hard to imagine Silvia riding on the back of a griffin.

And that’s why Silvia was a strange one.

With such remarkable abilities, and carrying the name of Fan Gryphon, she acted as if she had no intention of ascending to the throne. She always insisted that the true empress was Alice, and that she was simply there to assist Alice.

At first, I wondered if it was all just a facade to hide her true intentions… Well, I’m not so sure. At least, Sylvia never revealed any intentions that contradicted her words.

There is no worse mistake in politics than judging someone’s intentions based solely on their outward appearance.

However, at least in Alice’s eyes, Sylvia seemed to relax when she was near Alice. While she remained expressionless, Sylvia, who often ignored or gave short answers to the words of others, actively engaged in conversation in front of Alice.

Whenever Alice felt anxious, Sylvia cheered her on, and when she was sad, she comforted her. Although her tone was emotionless and indifferent, Alice felt relieved every time she heard those words.

Was it all just an act?

Is Alice being deceived by such a simple performance?

If that were the case—

—Yes, if even that was all an act, then Sylvia was never meant to become the empress in the first place.

*

Despite somehow following all the way to the kingdom, Alice Fan Gryphon deeply regretted the current situation.

She knew that her father favored Sylvia. While he did not lack love for Alice, there was a distinction between favoring someone as an individual and loving them as a child. Unlike Alice, who had not yet been designated as the Crown Princess and had not yet handled important matters in the country, Sylvia had already accomplished many crucial tasks.

While Sylvia herself always treated Alice as the future empress, her impatience did not disappear. Ultimately, the decision of who would be the next emperor was not up to Sylvia, but to Alice’s father, the current emperor.

“Here we go again…”

Her father often called Sylvia and inquired about her future plans. Each time, Alice would sneak in to listen to the conversation or pretend to be interested as well.

And each time, her father’s disapproval would follow.

He did not shout or hit her, but the weight of his words was heavy, befitting an emperor. Every time Alice heard those words, she felt deflated.

And yet, it was Sylvia who comforted her in those moments.

Alice knew that Sylvia’s words were not always sincere. When she was disappointed by a test she had failed, Sylvia would claim to have answered a few more questions correctly… But Alice knew that Sylvia would never do such a thing.

If necessary, Sylvia could achieve a perfect score.

But even knowing this, every time Alice heard Sylvia’s words, her heart would swell with emotion.

It was a relief for Alice to be called the “future empress” by someone as capable as Sylvia. In a place where she had no friends to call her own within the palace, Sylvia was both a competitor and her only friend.

After this confrontation, Sylvia would surely comfort Alice.

The reality of that fact was bittersweet.

Lying on the luxurious hotel bed in the kingdom, staring blankly at the ceiling, Alice whiled away the time. The core of her security detail consisted of Lucas and Jaden, who, honestly, seemed much more intimidating than Sylvia.

Perhaps, if time allowed, she would suggest to Sylvia to explore the kingdom together.

As she pondered this, a cautious knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

Tap, tap.

Someone was gently knocking on the door, causing her to startle and sit up.

“Princess, may I come in for a moment?”

“Uh, yes! Why, what’s the matter?”

And in a panic, she shouted. She had never welcomed anyone in a situation where there was no one around, except for the Imperial Guards outside the door – no, the person knocking on the door was probably one of the Imperial Guards. They were the troops directly guarding the princess.

However, she had never welcomed a guest in an empty room like this before. It was a last-minute decision to take the fancy train, so even the head maid was not prepared.

“Her Royal Highness Charlotte de Belvur of the Belvur Kingdom requests an audience.”

“Wow, a princess—oh!”

Without realizing it, Alice was about to scream in shock, but she managed to stop herself by covering her mouth with her hand.

In terms of status, the princess of the Belvur Kingdom was not on the same level as the princess of the Pegasus Griffon Royal Family. Perhaps that’s why she had come personally upon hearing the news that the ‘real’ princess of the Pegasus Griffon had arrived. While both princesses could not participate in official matters, they could still establish connections.

Connections among nobles could lead to future collaborations. It was even more important between royal families. It would be easier to talk to someone whose face you knew rather than a complete stranger.

Although she had no practical experience, Alice, who had received some political education, could recall information about the Princess of Belvur.

Alice, a single noblewoman like herself. A potential heir to the throne. And the same age as Alice and Silvia.

“…Phew.”

She didn’t know the reason for the visit. But even so, it was not her place to turn away a princess who had come all the way here.

Despite being extremely nervous, she had to overcome this moment.

Alice recalled the conversation she had with Silvia earlier.

Always be confident, befitting of someone who will inherit the throne.

She quickly checked her clothes. Were there any wrinkles or stains? Fortunately, there were a few slightly creased areas, but nothing too noticeable.

She stood up straight, chest out, and slightly lifted her head, imitating the noblewoman she had seen before.

And she tried to mimic Silvia’s expression.

After taking a few deep breaths, Alice opened her mouth.

“Yes, please come in.”

Of course, her heart was not as calm as Silvia’s.