episode_0267

I stood at the entrance, taking in the entirety of the hall.

The scenery differed somewhat from the King’s audience chamber. The audience chamber needed to be somewhat grand to display the King’s majesty, whereas I, not yet a monarch, could not afford such extravagance.

That’s not to say it was modest. The central dais, and the podium standing proudly in its center. All of it shone with a dazzling light, meant to display the power of the royal family.

Jewels, silk, statues, and ornaments. Nothing felt insignificant. As I confidently strode across the crimson carpet, I felt the entire hall enveloping me.

“That wo- no, that person is the Fifth Princess, Narita Floriane Nifrantz…”

“I believe this is our first meeting. While you possess magnificent looks even now… in your youth, I’ve never seen such a beautiful girl.”

“…Don’t be ridiculous. Back then, it was all about the face. The Princess now, however, is complete in every way: her appearance, of course, but also her graceful walk and expressions, her movements, her fingertips, the way she uses her gaze, even her awe-inspiring, fierce aura…”

Even whispered in my ear, I heard it all. My senses are far beyond those of ordinary people or even most magicians. But I appreciated their attempt to be polite by whispering, and I certainly liked the content of their words.

For the most part, this is the typical reaction. Nobles seeing me for the first time, unaware of the details, remain silent, observing cautiously. Several young men have already frozen stiff.

Nobles who knew me from my childhood are lost in deep thought, reminiscing. Even though it’s not that long ago, about 10 years is enough to stir nostalgia.

Meanwhile, there’s a group casting resentful glances.

“A woman in a place like this…”

“Standing above us is utterly displeasing.”

“It’s the end of days, the end of days…”

Old, crusty conservatives, especially those with high titles, didn’t lower their voices. They openly insulted me so I could hear. Even as royalty, they seem confident that a woman, the last in line for succession, is someone they can easily match.

“…….”

Even among those with negative reactions, some only murmured. Those who understand my current power to some extent, or those who have something to hide if they opened their mouths. You could call them shrewd, but their opportunistic nature is disgusting.

Regardless, I need to reveal my position. To gain recognition and support, and to avoid being ignored.

Standing on the central podium, I straightened my back and opened my mouth.

“Have you all eaten?”

My rather unusual greeting drew everyone’s attention. The familiar greeting of “Did you eat?” is a phrase brimming with Korean sentiment. These blond, fair-skinned bread-eaters wouldn’t understand this feeling.

Receiving everyone’s attention, I continued.

“A hungry stomach hinders concentration. I worry you might have skipped breakfast just to be here.”

The audience stirred. Because, despite being royalty, I started with a humble approach. Perhaps everyone perceived me as gentle.

But that’s a misconception. I haven’t begun anything yet.

“Greetings. My name is Narita Floriane Nifrantz, the fifth princess of this country.”

Kugugugu—

As I introduced myself, I drew up aether. As I stated the name given to me by my mother and father, a pure white radiance engulfed the entire hall.

Overwhelmed by the oppressive atmosphere, everyone froze, held their breaths, and some even collapsed to the floor.

“Consider the meaning of this introduction… before the main point begins.”

The preemptive strike was successful.

Wealth, power, connections. These invisible forces can certainly bind and oppress people. But before true ‘power’ that can take a life, they inevitably kneel.

Even ordinary people who cannot sense mana can feel the momentum or oppressive atmosphere. So, for nobles who can basically manipulate mana, the waves of aether must have been incredibly stimulating.

Like a tsunami engulfing the seashore, the torrent of mana arrived with fierce momentum. Even sensing the completely pure mana energy there for the first time, the terror would be indescribable.

Under the highly charged atmosphere, all the audience was captivated by me. Whether they liked it or not, they had to look at me, listen to me.

“You may know, but I once requested a trade from His Majesty, using my right to royal succession.”

The story returned to my childhood. Because background knowledge was necessary before the important story.

Cultivating my appearance, honing my swordsmanship, and then one day, being confined to my room. The fateful encounter after which I awakened to magic, and then the moment I was about to enter the academy.

“What mattered to me then was only the power to protect the person I loved. I thought that striving for the throne, something I couldn’t possibly obtain anyway, was less worthwhile than honing my swordsmanship and magic.”

I omitted the status window and the story about my past life, but I didn’t lie. At that time, I truly desired nothing but love and strength. That was my all.

“A royal attending the academy… it’s not an impossible thing, but there’s no real precedent. Because superior professors provide individualized instruction directly from the royal family. But I wanted to go. Why?”

Tabak-

Stepping forward, I scattered softer aether than before. An aether barrier, the attribute is shared memory. I made the image magic I showed my father before into something like a 4DX experience.

The three-dimensional image that vividly displayed sound, smell, taste, and touch captivated everyone’s attention. Magic turns imagination into reality, but it doesn’t create the unimaginable.

In that sense, if the same magic contains someone’s experience, it becomes deeper and more interesting. Many nobles became captivated by my memories of studying magic at the academy, competing with cadets, and going on adventures.

“Through many trials and tribulations, I became quite strong. I’m not afraid of any ordinary enemy anymore. Now that I’ve protected my present, I’ve realized that I must protect the future.”

The future is too vast. Compared to the certain present, which is like a single point, it stretches endlessly into the realm of lines, surfaces, and space.

As my vision expanded, I naturally came to understand. What I must protect is not just those of today, but all those who will live tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and for a long time to come.

“Individual strength cannot handle all those uncertainties. That is why I decided to use the power of the system. Each person spreads out as a net, detects future threats, and combines everyone’s strength to block them. That is the virtuous cycle of the state.”

I put a period at the end of the long introduction. I explained why I, who had given up my right to royal succession, had returned to this place and how I was able to do so.

The preparations were complete.

“A few days ago, I requested a second trade from His Majesty. The price I sought was the reacquisition of my right to succession.”

The hall began to stir. My purpose for reinstatement, which had been unclear, was now firmly revealed. It was meant to be that way, but the problem lay elsewhere.

“I hear… that you want the throne for personal reasons?”

“Who would allow someone to become king for their own desires…!!”

Two older nobles shouted. It was all within my expectations.

“My father, King Julius, allowed it. That’s what the deal was.”

Acceptance and understanding are different matters. Even if it is the King’s decision, I need to properly explain the details.

Of course, that is easy.

“There were three conditions. Two remain confidential and cannot be revealed here, but one is fine. It’s my appointment as the head of the Nifrantz Academy Student Council.”

The fact that I took over the academy first to become king. Now, I was merely briefing them. It’s not hard to explain something I prepared and achieved myself.

It was even easier because I had already spoken about attending the academy. My excellent grades and actions like repelling external attacks supported my becoming the student council president.

Several people questioned me about the confidential matters, but I refused to answer. Could I lie after using the King’s name? Rather, my silence gave it more reality.

“I formally announce that I, Narita Floriane Nifrantz, the fifth princess of Nifrantz, have regained my right to royal succession. From now on, all my actions will be aimed at the single goal of the throne.”

A brief silence. Amidst the stillness, Yuri’s applause suddenly rang out. Tier and Aspi followed with enthusiastic applause. Soon, the entire hall was filled with praise.

Right as the applause was about to quiet down, someone appeared to ruin the mood. I expected as much. It wouldn’t be complete without it.

“Well, congratulations. It seems the fifth princess will finally begin the same race as your ten siblings.”

“They’re all fiercely battling near the finish line, and you’re just now at the starting line!”

“So… what will you do? Will you enjoy tea parties with young noble ladies, showering them with jewels and accessories to garner their support?”

Pathetic smear campaign. The level of sarcasm is exactly like that of a Korean high school girl. They probably think they can dismiss me because I’m a woman, but they look more feminine to me.

“…What kind of expression is that?”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

Oh, dear. I made a mistake. The corners of my mouth were twisting freely. I unconsciously let my thoughts show on my face.

“Where was I?”

“…I asked what you’ll do now. There are already six princes in the country, will it even be your turn?”

“So you’re saying that the problem is the fact that I’m a pretty girl?”

I tried to suppress my sneer. I covered my mouth with effort. But it was unstoppable. Laughter poured out uncontrollably.

“You seem to think of me as an ordinary woman who doesn’t know how to sow a seed… that’s a misconception.”

“What do you…”

“Don’t you still understand? Maybe I should show you my dick, then you’ll get it.”

I jumped onto the podium. I gathered everyone’s gaze so they could see my body perfectly, then grasped the hem of my dress.

Flutter—