Chapter 4.1

“Today is a joyous day that deserves to be celebrated,” the Emperor began and then paused to look over everyone who was in the ballroom.

All of the nobles held their breath as they waited for Emperor Laud to continue his speech.

“Do you remember Askan’s unwavering dedication to the empire eight years ago? When unidentified pillars we called the Beast’s Nest rose all over the continent, not a soul expected the monsters that would then be born from it,” Emperor Laud continued.

In the beginning, some thought of the pillars as an auspicious sign. At the very least, the empire had only stationed inexperienced soldiers. They couldn’t even raise their swords against the beasts that came out of the pillars, and the ending was a terrible disaster.

The Emperor’s face turned gray as he recalled his story, “The empire was in great danger due to the invasion of tens and thousands of the beasts. When even slayers of master-class were dying one after the other, the previous Duke of Askan made his decision – to make Askan as their final resting place.”

It was not revealed to the people how they were able to lure the beasts that flocked to Viseltium, or what was the source of energy for the explosion that lasted for an entire day. What was clear in the end was that all living things who set foot on Askan soil disappeared on that day.

“Before all of that happened,” Emperor Laud said as his eyes fell on Seira, “Duke Askan visited the palace and asked me for one thing.”

The crowds in turn veered their attention towards the direction of the Emperor’s vision, making Seira extremely self-conscious.

She saw the Emperor raise his hand towards her, and he opened his mouth to continue, “It was Seira Askan, his only daughter. Today, this young woman stands before us all as she comes of age. Let this ball be a testament to the faithfulness of the royal family’s commitment to the Askans.”

At that moment, Seira saw the corners of the Emperor’s mouth rise smoothly. She couldn’t understand why, but in the end, it only made her anxious heart constrict even more.

After all, the Emperor’s eyes were filled with discontentment in recent years.

“The imperial family will now bless the grown Seira Askan’s future, and bestow upon her two options,” Emperor Laud added.

He beckoned Seira forward, and she took a few steps up the podium.

“Seira Askan, you can take over the duchy today if you choose to. However, if you don’t want to, you can give up your title and territory, and instead, I will grant you the name of Viseltium,” the Emperor offered.

The Emperor’s words had everyone taken aback. Of course, just as the other nobles doubted their ears, Seira did the same.

Calrad and Seira were already engaged eight years ago. No one doubted that she was going to become the Crown Princess despite the fact she hadn’t manifested yet. To the majority, it was only a matter of time.

A child born between two truly pure bloods. It was a favorable setup to inherit the throne first and succeed the dukedom second to continue the lineage of Viseltium and Askan, respectively.

But now the Emperor was demanding Seira to give up everything if she wanted to be Crown Princess. Even if it was devastated now, the vast land of Askan could someday be revived, the duke’s castle be fortified, and the last remaining lineage be continued.

“Either way, the royal family will respect your choice. Now, tell me,” Emperor Laud asked Seira, “Which do you choose?”

Seira looked at Calrad with trembling eyes. Did he know that the Emperor would demand such a cruel choice from her today?

Calrad stared intently at Seira with a blank expression. He opened his mouth and attempted to say something. However, Saint Isabel, who was standing behind him like a dark shadow, grabbed his arm and stopped him.

Seira looked at Calrad to Isabael. They had their mouths shut and their gazes lowered to the floor.

Would it make a difference if she knew or if she didn’t? Seira’s teeth ground as she felt a strong emotion boiling from deep inside her.

‘The royal family betrayed me and my father,’ she thought at the back of her mind.

That much was a fact that couldn’t be changed.

“I…” Seira opened her mouth to speak.

“Yes, if you’ve made up your mind, then tell me,” the Emperor said with anticipation to her answer.

‘After mentioning Nathan Askan’s devotion with my own words, his daughter who has come of age will be forced to choose. If she wants to stay with Calrad, she will throw away everything. The name of Askan, which existed even before the founding of the imperial family, was her last descendant herself,’ the Emperor silently thought to himself.

Seira’s lips trembled in anger as a million thoughts ran a marathon in her mind.

‘If I had manifested powers before, all of this wouldn’t have happened,’ she thought.

At least they wouldn’t have pushed her into a corner without saying a single word. Seira curled her trembling fingertips, gathering the fabric of her dress’ skirt.

‘I was stupid,’ she blamed herself.

Who would even acknowledge a foolish woman who sold out her family’s name because she wanted the crown? Whichever she would choose, it was bound to be a sad and bitter future ahead of her. It was clear that she would then live a life full of regret as she pondered the other option she had missed.

Suddenly, Calrad’s smiling face came to Seira’s mind. Just a few hours ago, he was holding her in his arms and they had talked about the days they would spend together.

Can he live a normal life by letting go of the kindness that comforted a young girl who was forced out of her family’s arms, crying every single day without showing a sign of irritation?

Just thinking about the future made Seira scared, but all the more dejected.