Dimitri's dreams were shattered when all of the major heirs to the throne died in quick succession, along with the plague.Many Coulson residents became ill, succumbing to death far too quickly. The cause of their deaths was unknown, but after extensive investigation, it was discovered that their waterways had been contaminated. There were no current known methods to cure the infection, so the royal family members died one after the other, far too quickly.Fortunately, the king did not die after a long battle with the epidemic... but... on the other hand, he was the only living royal male. The Crown Prince was no longer alive, and the remaining male royals were unable to function normally.The king could only look to the sons of his concubines or a distant line of descent — like Dimitri.After much deliberation, it was decided that Dimitri would be the heir to the throne and the next king. The sons of the concubines had no claim to the throne and thus rebelled, believing it was unjust
Alicia slept through the night alone and with a heavy heart.And then... The night passed, and the morning came quietly.Alicia made her way to the princess's palace. Helen was in a state of shock within the palace's walls. Helen rushed towards Alicia, the confident-looking girl, and wrapped her arms tightly around the silver-haired girl for a tight hug."Didn't you hear the news last night?" Helen stated. "What do you think is going to happen to us now?""Don't be too worried, princess. Ehrlich's king must understand how dangerous it is to turn Coulson against them. He is not a moron." Alicia gently patted Helen's back and comforted her."Do you really believe that?""Yes, and most importantly, the threat of the Toulouse Empire looms over us." First and foremost, he despised Coulson's constant meddling in Ehrlich's internal affairs. Fighting a full-fledged war benefits neither party."Alicia did not comfort the princess with lies because she believed them herself. She saw no logical
The conference room was deafeningly quiet. After learning of their defeat, they were filled with rage, but now only a somber tune could be heard."But won't this become a national wedding?" It's not like this hasn't happened before. We don't need to be concerned..."The prince snorted in response to the nobleman's remark. "Your example is completely incorrect. Previously, when both sides married for the sake of peace, unity, and harmony, and this time we're forced to unilaterally give up our princess as if she's a mere pawn? "Did I get that right?"“No… I…”The nobleman's brow furrowed. He closed his mouth as he sensed the atmosphere deteriorating.The noblemen next to him began to speak up one by one."It's an unusual request, to say the least. I've heard that in Ehrlich, there had been a number of repeated arguments about the king's marriage, but the king himself vehemently refused each time... until this time, when he unexpectedly requested a national marriage.""I wonder what the
"Damn it!" Marquis Cheney cursed as dark thoughts ran through his mind.What if Ehrlich's king truly desired the princess' hand in marriage and later became enraged upon seeing Alicia? All of his resentment would be directed at his niece. He would never allow it. He couldn't and wouldn't."Alicia is unqualified for the job. She is a frail and vulnerable person who still has nightmares. She will be unable to hold the title of Queen. "Please reconsider," the marquis pleaded."So you'd rather my only sibling, my sister, suffer?" The crown prince's golden eyes shuddered.The nearby noblemen breathed quietly as they saw his steel-hardened face.“That’s…” Marquis Cheney tried to come up with a defense, but he couldn't think of anything. He eventually shut his mouth because he knew that any further resistance would only lead to worse consequences for him and his family."Don't be too concerned, marquis. When your niece was a child, she lived in Ehrlich. She is accustomed to their way of life
Short chapter.The marquis went into great detail about what happened at the emergency meeting of state affairs a few hours ago. Ehrlich was able to encircle Coulson in the sea and officially convey the king's intentions via an envoy. Ehrlich desired peace and harmony, never antagonizing Coulson. As proof, he requested that a royal member of Coulson be sent to him. She is going to be his queen.Alicia listened intently to the story, her face stiff.Finally, the marquis concluded, "At first, everyone was furious because they thought Helen'd become Ehrlich's tool, but after a consensus that a royal lady could be anyone, you, Alicia, were chosen... I'm sorry I couldn't be of assistance."The marquis' face flushed with guilt and his head drooped. Alicia was beautiful, but beauty was often the cause of a nation's downfall. He believed there would come a time when he would abandon her..."So you want to send Alicia to Ehrlich and kill her? You can't be of assistance, so you give up? What d
"....Dimi, uncle, it's late. Let's take a break for now and talk again tomorrow."Alicia sent them out of the room while rubbing her brow. If she does not treat their wounds, an irreversible scar will form.She exited the study room and noticed Latty outside on standby. Her deep brown eyes were swollen with tears. She dashed over to Alicia."Oh, Miss..." Latty moaned.Alicia gave a bitter smile. "Did you hear it all?"Latty nodded and wiped her tears. "Yes, I heard it earlier when the door opened. Is it true, Miss? Will you have to go to Ehrlich rather than the princess...?"Alicia was unable to respond to Latty's inquiry. She had no idea. She had been constantly worried about Helen until today, but everything had changed. She now had to be concerned about herself."Uncle said he'll figure something out. Don't be too worried, Latty. I'm exhausted and need to rest. You should as well."Latty nodded, still in tears. "Yes, Miss. I'll take you to your room."Latty led Alicia to her bedro
"Who... who..."“Shh…”Alicia struggled to speak with her mouth closed, but she couldn't stop herself from hearing that familiar voice."Dimi?" she asked softly, her beautiful silhouette glistening in the moonlight streaming through the window.Dimi, her cousin, pressed his finger to her lips and quietly said, "Be silent."Alicia was taken aback when Dimitri handed her a coat, shoes, and a hat and said, "Put this on first.""What is it, Dimi?""I'll explain on the way." There isn't any time. Come on. Hurry.”Alicia hurriedly dressed up in response to his urgent request. Dimitri grabbed her hand as she put on her shoes and exited the room. She was led from the dark mansion into the stable.Dimitri hurriedly mounted Alicia on the horse and climbed up behind her. The duo had only taken a few moments to leave the mansion."Dimi, be honest. What exactly is going on?" Alicia inquired after reaching a state of calm. Regardless, Dimitri remained silent and continued their journey in silence
Short chapter. Next chapter will be long and lengthy.“Alice!”Dimitri pounced on Alicia, immediately embracing her in his arms and shielding her from an unknown object.Alicia and Dimitri looked up and saw stones shining brightly around them. They realized what it was and their face quickly hardened.It was an ore named Arc Stone and categorized as one of the rarest minerals in the world. When burned, it produced light and heat without odor. Every nation made great to acquire Arc Stones. For its usefulness, the masses titled the ore Lord of Light.Apart from its purpose to burn lights, arc stones had far too many purposes – one included flying through the air to reveal their target. Though the problem was the rarity of the stones. It was not easy for regular folks to have one in their hands. Only the powerful and wealthy could afford such luxury and Alicia and Dimitri know fairly well who wielded that power in Coulson.A few minutes later, a dozen men appeared in the light the stone