The Imperial Prince and Princess

The annex palace where visitors stayed.

After returning from her private meeting with the Emperor, Loen shared the contents of their conversation with her parents and companions.

“It’s ambiguous.”

Her father was right.

Loen ultimately couldn’t figure out why the Emperor was so favorable toward her. She only confirmed their common goal of “eliminating demons.” Of course, even that was something.

Loen took out the brooch given by the Emperor and handed it to her father.

“Finally, he gave me this.”

As her father examined the golden brooch from all angles, his eyes suddenly sharpened.

“This is….”

Loen looked at her father with expectant eyes. She thought that a 6-star top-tier archmage might know something about it.

However, unexpected words flowed from her father’s mouth.

“This brooch contains power beyond my level.” “…What does that mean?” “This is at least a 7-star grade artifact. Perhaps even higher.” “..!!” “Wow..”

Everyone was astounded by her father’s words. Even her mother and Seraphine were staring at the brooch with their mouths agape.

A 7-star artifact. It was an item that wouldn’t be strange to be called a holy relic.

After silently observing the brooch for a while, her father eventually returned it with a complicated expression.

“Keep it safe, by all means.”

Loen carefully attached the returned brooch to her waist.

A gift received right after saying ‘I want the power to destroy demons.’ Therefore, it was highly likely to be of great help in battles against demons.

Her father spoke as if to change the atmosphere.

“Let’s leave the palace after hearing the results of the State Council, just in case.” “That’s a good idea. Then I’ll rest in my room for a while.” “Go ahead.”

Loen, having expended much mental energy during her meeting with the Emperor, returned to her assigned room.

And as soon as she threw herself on the bed, she fell into a deep nap.

How long did she sleep? Loen was awakened by someone vigorously shaking her body. A familiar voice circled her ear.

“Loen-niiiim.” “..Huh? What?” “Everyone is waiting.”

With a drowsy face, Loen was led by Psyche’s hand to where everyone had gathered. Has so much time passed already? It felt like barely 5 minutes had passed.

And there, Loen.

“I’ll tell you the conclusion first.”

She received shocking news from her father.

“His Majesty the Emperor has decided to allocate all the ownerless cities and territories in the south to you.” “What?”

Loen doubted her ears. What did I just hear?

Simultaneously, Psyche and Seraphine, seated beside her, whispered in disbelief.

“At this point, isn’t she essentially the Grand Duchess of the South?” “That’s essentially how it should be viewed.”

Her mother, as always, simply opened her fan and smiled with her eyes without saying a word.

Suddenly wide awake, Loen reflexively asked.

“…But I’m an inspector?”

It was a question implying whether it was even reasonable for someone who was essentially an imperial official to become the ruler of the south. This was a matter of a different dimension from temporarily serving as a corps commander.

Her father, understanding her concern, said.

“Don’t worry. There’s no clause in the imperial legal code that says an inspector can’t govern a city or territory.”

Her father continued with a grin, as if to dispel her worries.

“Above all, it’s an appointment made directly by His Majesty the Emperor. No one would dare challenge it.”

Loen could only stare blankly at her father’s face. Well, that’s reassuring…

Of course, it was a much better outcome than having unfriendly nobles appointed and engaging in power struggles. But.

Isn’t this too excessive? That’s what Loen thought.

Seeing Loen’s not-so-pleased expression, Carl added a comment.

“If you find it uncomfortable, you can delegate the practical matters to Johan.”

Only then did Loen’s expression brighten slightly.

The corridor of the annex palace.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Loen found herself walking down the corridor alone with the Second Imperial Princess Elia, who had come looking for her.

Around the time when people became scarce.

Elia, who had been walking ahead, stopped and turned her head toward Loen. Her golden eyes simultaneously reflected seriousness and mischief.

“Congratulations, Loen.” “Thank you, Your Highness.”

A mischievous smile bloomed on Elia’s face as she stared at Loen’s face.

“The world is so unpredictable. Who would have thought that you, who had not the slightest interest in power, would become such a big shot?”

Loen shrugged at Elia’s pointed joke.

“Indeed.”

Elia took one step closer.

“So, Loen. How is it now?”

Elia’s golden eyes pierced straight through Loen’s red ones. It was a persistent gaze that wouldn’t miss even the smallest change in expression.

“Is your thinking, that you have absolutely no interest in power, still unchanged?”

That question again. Loen thought inwardly.

This was already the third time. The question from Elia asking if she was still uninterested in power.

The first time was when returning to the capital from Margrave Pelon’s territory. At that time, Loen’s answer had no hesitation whatsoever.

The next was when she cut off the Grand Duke’s wrist at the imperial banquet. At that time, there was a moment’s hesitation in Loen’s answer.

And now, at this moment with the control of the south in her hands. The third question.

Loen’s lips moved several times. Finally, with a soft sigh, she gave a different answer from before.

“I’m not sure.”

Elia’s eyes momentarily widened at the completely unexpected answer. What did she just say?

Elia had naturally expected Loen to answer again that she wasn’t interested in power. That’s how it had always been. The Loen Franz she knew was never someone who would covet power.

“That’s an unexpected answer.”

At Elia’s surprised reaction, Loen let out a self-deprecating laugh.

“To be frank. At this point, even if I were to say I have no interest in power.”

Loen gazed into Elia’s eyes.

“Who would believe those words?” “I suppose….”

Elia mulled over Loen’s words several times. Having reached her own conclusion, she abruptly extended her hand to Loen.

“Well then. Shall we shake hands to commemorate becoming comrades?”

A handshake all of a sudden? As Loen tilted her head, Elia smiled broadly and said.

“Don’t you remember what you said on the train before? You said that power is like a swamp, and once you fall in, you can only struggle endlessly.” “I vaguely remember.” “As you know, I’ve been struggling in that swamp since I was young, right?”

Elia’s smile deepened.

“And as of today, you’ve also jumped into the swamp, so in a way, we’re comrades, aren’t we?”

A princess who had been walking the precarious tightrope of imperial succession competition since childhood. Perhaps because of this, Elia’s jokes had a certain sharp aspect. But Loen didn’t particularly mind it.

She knew that offering such jokes was Elia’s unique way of showing familiarity.

“So what I’m saying is, since things have come to this, let’s shake hands as a sign that we’ll navigate this terrible swamp together.”

Loen, alternately looking at Elia’s extended hand and her face, eventually took her hand. This made Elia’s expression show surprise once more. You’re actually taking it? You’ve changed a lot, Loen.

“Really~ Taking so long just to shake hands. Loen, aren’t you being too fastidious?”

Facing Elia, who was smiling broadly and offering a joking reproach, Loen drew a line in advance.

“Your Highness. I say this just in case, but this doesn’t mean I’ll support Your Highness.” “What? But you just shook my hand?”

Elia asked as if bewildered.

“I only shook your hand.” “…?”

What on earth? Elia momentarily bore a dumbfounded expression.

Watching Elia, Loen thought to herself.

‘It’s not time yet.’

It wasn’t yet time to make a dramatic declaration of support for a specific imperial family member.

‘I need to strengthen my foundation more.’

The Franz family had just achieved rapid growth. Time was needed to solidify their influence in the south.

The same applied to the Southern Corps. Compared to the Eastern Corps and Northern Corps, which were engaged in wars, it was infinitely weaker in reality.

‘I need to visit Arteum to improve my magical skills and uncover Psyche’s secret.’

Until she secured the control of the south, made the corps elite, and further enhanced her inherent magical abilities… she had to hide her blade.

With all eyes already focused on the Franz family. A premature declaration of support would only provide ammunition to other factions.

So now was the time to act cautiously.

“Sigh… I thought it was too easy when you took my hand.”

Elia, who had been wearing a deflated expression, suddenly stiffened her face. As if she had never joked, she returned to the face of a cold and rational princess. As if she had become a different person.

Loen wasn’t surprised by her sudden change. This wasn’t the first time she’d seen such behavior.

“Enough with the jokes. Let me get straight to the point.”

After a brief clearing of her throat, Elia brought up the main topic.

“I want to form a marriage alliance with the Franz family.”

Afterward, Elia’s words continued without pause for breath.

The Franz family’s powerful influence, having successfully devoured the south, and Loen’s existence with the Emperor’s trust. And her own legitimacy as a member of the imperial family and her political foundation.

The synergy they would gain when combined, and the blueprint for the future.

“Hmm…”

The conclusion was a strong expression of intent to draw the Franz family to her side through marriage.

In aristocratic society, marriage alliances were one of the most common occurrences, so it wasn’t particularly special. The only exceptional aspect was that a member of the imperial family was proposing a marriage alliance to a ducal family first.

Loen inwardly clicked her tongue at Elia’s ambitious proposal.

‘To casually put herself forward as a negotiation card.’

Elia too… just like any member of the imperial family. She was also someone who wouldn’t hesitate to use any means or methods for her goals. It must mean that she desperately wants the imperial throne.

“I’ll concede as much as possible on the detailed conditions, so please convey this well to Duke Franz and Johan. Understood?” “I’ll relay it for now.”

Despite Loen’s ambiguous response, Elia didn’t press further.

Elia was satisfied with clearly expressing her intention and decided to withdraw. She knew very well that with Loen’s personality, insisting further would only breed antipathy.

“Then I’ll be going now. See you soon~” “Take care, Your Highness.”

Elia turned around without regret and disappeared beyond the corridor.

Not long after Elia left, as expected, he made his appearance.

Loen stopped walking and gazed at the approaching figure.

“It’s been a while, Loen.” “Have you been well, Your Highness?”

The First Imperial Prince Regnum. It was the appearance of the cold and authoritarian prince who, according to the original work, would become the next emperor.

From the moment she heard the results of the State Council, it was entirely predictable that the Imperial Princess and Imperial Prince would seek her out in succession.

Regnum, who stopped right in front of her, looked down at Loen with arrogant eyes that had never bowed to anyone except the Emperor.

After a moment of exchanging glances, he opened his mouth.

“Let’s walk for a bit.” “As you wish.”

Loen silently followed the prince.

Even as they left the annex palace and crossed between well-decorated gardens, Regnum steadfastly maintained his silence.

Only when they reached a place where people were scarce.

He finally brought up the topic Loen most wanted to avoid.

“Loen. I think we could make a well-matched pair.”

Regnum’s low voice resonated around them.

“That thought remains unchanged from before to now.” “…”

Loen waited for his next words without responding.

“Not being swayed by unnecessary emotions, judging the world with cold reason, and that cruel aspect showing no mercy to enemies. I like it very much.”

He spoke as if giving a compliment.

‘I don’t understand why that would be likable at all.’

Loen thought to herself. He didn’t seem normal, in any case.

“You must know well that the Empire is rotting from within. The emperor of the next era must be someone with iron will and cold decisiveness, like you and me.”

After finishing his words, Regnum stared at Loen’s face as if seeking agreement. Loen nodded slightly, as if going along with him.

Momentarily satisfied with Loen’s agreement, Regnum soon began to elaborate at length on why he must become the Emperor.

His abilities, vision, and legitimacy as a member of the imperial family. After boasting about himself for quite some time, he extended his hand to Loen and revealed his main point.

“So Loen. Take my hand. We’ll create a new Empire together.”

Contrary to Regnum’s confidence that she would take his hand.

Loen showed only an ambiguous attitude this time as well.

“While I appreciate Your Highness’s proposal, this matter is not something I can decide right—”

Regnum roughly cut off Loen’s words. His face was a mix of displeasure at being rejected and urgency.

“Loen, do you know how much blood is on your hands? Sins that no ordinary person could bear are hanging on your frail shoulders. The more you continue this merciless path, the more everyone in the Empire will fear and dread you.”

He pounded his chest with his hand.

“But I am different. I can understand you. No, only I, Regnum, can understand and accept your blood-stained hands and cruel nature!”

Unable to contain his increasingly boiling emotions, he cornered Loen with a persistent attitude.

“So give me a definitive answer right here.”

But despite his passionate speech, Loen’s answer remained unchanged. Her red eyes only coldly gleamed under Regnum’s coercive gaze.

“Your Highness. I need more time to deliberate.”

Like in her last conversation with Princess Elia, it was an ambiguous attitude that was neither a clear affirmation nor denial.

However, unlike Elia who had backed down, Regnum’s reaction was the opposite.

His face turned red, as if his pride had been wounded. How dare, I, this I.

I who have never bowed my head to anyone except Father! Despite lowering myself so much and extending my hand, she refuses?

Regnum’s eyes flashed.

“…Fine. I’ll give you time to deliberate.”

He warned in a growling voice.

“But you would do well to remember. The fact that I am leading in the imperial succession competition. And also the fact that I show no mercy to those I consider enemies.”

His words were no longer persuasion. It was a clear threat that he would consider her an enemy if she didn’t follow him.

“So I expect you to make a wise decision.”

Leaving those final cold words, Regnum turned away coldly. The sound of his footsteps penetrated sharply into the stillness of the garden.

Watching his retreating back.

Loen’s intensely cold face gazed steadily.