Three days had passed since the failed assassination attempt.

  The capital of the Eldoria Imperium had settled into an uneasy calm. Officially, nothing had happened. Unofficially, every noble household was watching the others a little more closely.

  Within the eastern courtyard of the Valemont estate, morning sunlight filtered gently through the trees.

  This was where I trained each day.

  Today, however, I stood aside while Daphne occupied the center.

  She closed her eyes, breathing slowly as faint strands of mana circled her body in a steady rhythm.

  “…Like this, Your Highness?” she asked carefully.

  “Yes,” I replied. “Keep the flow even. Don’t rush it—let the mana expand on its own.”

  Over the past few days, I had developed a new circulation technique tailored specifically for her. It focused on strengthening her foundation—refining her control, enlarging her mana pool, and increasing absorption efficiency.

  It was simple in structure.

  But simplicity, when perfected, could become terrifying.

  With enough perseverance, even someone with ordinary talent could reach the twelfth layer using this method alone.

  Daphne’s talent was respectable, though not extraordinary. For her, solid groundwork mattered far more than explosive growth.

  Of course, I could subtly guide her progress further when necessary.

  Since the incident, life within the Valemont Family had grown strangely quiet.

  My sister, Marielle, had thrown herself into preparations at the Aurelian Imperial Academy. Officially, she claimed it was to strengthen her political footing.

  Yet when our eyes met, I noticed the faintest hint of embarrassment she tried so hard to conceal.

  Sylvia had taken a simpler route—avoidance. The moment she spotted me in a corridor, she would disappear like mist before sunrise.

  As for Aunt Valeria, she had been unusually busy. We had crossed paths only once since the attack. When she agreed to accept Susanne as her assistant, she gave me a knowing smile that suggested she understood far more than she let on.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Which left Daphne.

  For three days, she had been the one constantly at my side.

  During that time, she confronted me about the rumors she had sensed—about the other women connected to me. I chose honesty rather than deception.

  Surprisingly, she did not withdraw.

  “I don’t need to be the only one,” she had told me quietly. “But I want to stand beside you with open eyes.”

  In return, she offered unwavering loyalty.

  When I hinted at my long-term intentions—at the possibility that I might one day move against certain noble factions—she did not hesitate.

  “I will support you,” she had said. “Whatever path you choose.”

  Back in the courtyard, the mana around her suddenly stabilized.

  She opened her eyes, excitement shining brightly within them.

  “Your Highness! I broke through—I’ve reached the third layer!”

  “So soon?” I allowed myself a faint smile. “Well done, Daphne.”

  Her joy was genuine, unguarded.

  “It’s because of you,” she replied warmly.

  She stepped closer and kissed me, gentle but filled with emotion. I returned it briefly before resting my forehead against hers.

  “Not for long,” I murmured. “I begin formal attendance at the Academy tomorrow. There are matters we must settle first.”

  Her expression grew serious.

  “…We’re moving forward with it?”

  “Yes.”

  I studied her carefully. “Once we begin, there may be consequences.”

  Her answer came without the slightest tremor.

  “I know.”

  There was no recklessness in her tone—only resolve.

  Very well.

  At noon, Daphne walked briskly through the palace corridors beside another woman.

  “Where are you dragging me?” Faith Lorne asked, mildly exasperated. “You said it was urgent.”

  “I’m sorry, Sister Faith,” Daphne replied softly. “I just… didn’t want anyone overhearing.”

  Faith raised an eyebrow but followed her nonetheless.

  They entered Daphne’s private chamber. The door shut behind them.

  Faith crossed her arms. “Alright. Speak.”

  Daphne hesitated, then forced herself to meet Faith’s gaze.

  “I need advice.”

  “About what?”

  “…About how to remain irreplaceable.”

  Faith blinked once.

  Daphne continued, cheeks slightly flushed but voice steady.

  “I don’t just want to grow stronger in cultivation. I want to understand him better. The world around him is changing. There are enemies we cannot see yet.”

  The memory of the Ravelle estate’s hidden discussions—though I had not heard them—seemed almost tangible in the shifting atmosphere of the capital.

  Faith’s expression softened.

  “You’re serious.”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t want to fall behind,” Daphne admitted. “Not in strength. Not in heart. Not in understanding.”

  A quiet silence followed.

  Then Faith sighed gently.

  “Keeping someone’s heart isn’t about competition,” she said. “It’s about standing firm when things grow complicated.”

  Daphne listened carefully.

  “And if his path becomes dangerous?” Faith asked.

  “Then I’ll walk it with him.”

  Faith studied her for several long seconds before nodding.

  “Then you need more than affection. You need clarity. Discipline. And the courage to see the truth—even if it’s uncomfortable.”

  Daphne straightened.

  “I’m ready.”

  Outside the palace, nobles maneuvered quietly.

  Within the Ravelle estate, new strategies were surely being drawn.

  And within the imperial household, heirs prepared themselves for futures none of them could fully predict.

  The calm would not last.

  But for now, beneath the soft afternoon light of the Eldoria capital, quiet preparations continued—unseen, but no less decisive.