CHAPTER 446: NEXT HEIR

"The reason the Kingdom of Velys was able to launch its invasion against the Valeria Empire largely stems from its relatively loose ruling structure."

"The nobles do not fully control learning resources related to magical knowledge, and the king stands in opposition to the Pope. Under such circumstances, commoners can hone their spiritual power through organizations like adventurer guilds, the Holy Light Temple, or the Magicians’ Association, thereby strengthening their physical bodies through resilience at the soul level."

But within the Valeria Empire, the means of studying magic were extremely scarce. Even merely sensing spiritual energy was something only exceptionally talented hunters or soldiers could achieve.

"This results in their citizens’ average physical fitness far surpassing that of the Empire’s lower classes. Whether hunting magical beasts, weaving clothes, or farming the land, their efforts yield twice the results. The widespread use of light-element magic further allows some particularly gifted individuals to stand out among millions, becoming blades pointed at the Empire."

In the frozen northern frontier, people who had long lived alongside cold, wild beasts, and natural disasters had already engraved combat into their bones, turning it into a bodily instinct.

Looking into Hibbort’s eyes, Amalia paused slightly, gently lifting a strand of ink-black hair that had fallen against her neck. Her cherry-pink lips parted.

"The truth facing the Kingdom of Velys is the weakening of its internal ruling class. Unable to resist the surging public will, they could only redirect the conflict outward. The neighboring Valeria Empire became their ideal choice, allowing us to glimpse just how immense the war potential of a nation with strong civilian power can be."

"Now, the Valeria Empire possesses a more suitable political system and gentler means of reform, a chance to strengthen the populace without excessively damaging the ruling order."

Imperial authority, represented by the Emperor, was highly centralized. Even great nobles like the Four Dukes could not shake the foundation of the imperial family. In other words, the relatively stable Valeria Empire had fertile ground for widely promoting magical devices, unlike Kingdom of Velys, which risked turning itself into a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.

Once magical devices flourished and civilian strength significantly improved, national power, closely tied to it, would naturally grow steadily.

"When everyone can afford refined white bread, drink coarse barley wine sold in markets, and wear thick cotton garments to ward off the cold, they will wholeheartedly support the Emperor who brought them all this."

"As for the nobles..."

Amalia pressed her knees together. The heels of her pitch-black shoes gently clicked against each other. On the marble tiles, the reflection shows the lace-trimmed hem of her princess dress and two legs sheathed in white silk stockings, smooth as milk.

"Pain comes from being forced to leave one’s original place. It’s natural psychology to resist new things and avoid new variables when one is used to the current comfortable and easy tax-collection environment."

"If I were the next Emperor, I would try my best to unite the reform supporters, then use the convenience of magical devices and tangible benefits to win over the neutral factions..."

"...And if the stubborn faction refuses to step down, I would then assess the balance of power and decide whether to make them nutrition for the soil."

This was something that must be considered, an essential step in the development of magical devices.

After hearing Amalia’s words laced with faint killing intent, Hibbort’s eyes unusually showed a hint of appreciation, though it disappeared in an instant, too quick for either Astrid or Amalia to catch.

"Amalia Varelis, one final question."

The man tensed his facial muscles. His slightly hoarse voice echoed through the study.

"If your vision becomes reality, how would the future Emperor handle Lucas and Alistair?"

Amalia believed she had answered the previous questions flawlessly, but faced with Hibbort’s current question, she instinctively furrowed her brows, not replying immediately.

In her eyes, Hibbort should have been a cold-blooded Emperor indifferent to familial bonds, caring only for power. Yet his apparent concern for his sister seemed genuine. Astrid had once, while lying in bed, casually mentioned the sincere affection between this father and his late wife.

Was she to view tonight’s entire event as an examination? As the chief examiner, what kind of answer did he hope to hear?

"..."

After a long silence, Amalia spoke solemnly.

"I would have them eliminated in prison."

Excess direct royal bloodlines should not exist in this world. Whether it was rebellious actions by their subordinates or noble conservatives rallying under their banners to oppose the new Emperor, both were tremendous troubles for Amalia.

To completely strangle potential threats in the cradle was, in a certain sense, also Amalia’s way of showing respect to her two elder brothers as the one who surpassed them.

Having received Amalia’s answer, Hibbort did not speak again. The aged Emperor sat beneath the glaring candlelight, slowly sipping tea from his cup.

As if awaiting a verdict, Astrid and Amalia remain silent. The study was filled only with the crisp sound of the teacup touching the silver saucer.

No one knew how long had passed before Hibbort finished his tea. The man glanced at the clock and finally spoke.

"I am satisfied with your answers tonight. Therefore, I am willing to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your talents."

Based solely on theory, Amalia’s understanding of the Empire, power, and magical devices far surpasses that of Lucas and Alistair.

It seemed that by constantly staying with Astrid, this easily overlooked royal bloodline had unknowingly matured into a qualified heir to the throne.

However, governing a nation requires more than just theory.

"From now on, come to the Emperor’s chambers every morning for breakfast."

Hibbort, holding the imperial scepter, looked at Astrid with emotionless eyes, and issued a dismissal with imperial authority.

"That’s all for tonight."

.............

Leaving Hibbort’s chambers, walking through the magnificent palace under the night sky, Astrid held Amalia’s hand and silently made their way back.

Hibbort’s revelation wasn’t entirely unexpected. In previous speculations, Astrid had already predicted such a day would come, it was only a matter of time.

The crisp sound of high heels blended into the evening breeze, forming a cool, delicate melody. Astrid’s gaze pierced through the palace walls, looking toward the elevated buildings of the western district. The nobles’ castles stood in continuous rows, their spire-like eaves interlacing with the starry sky, dreamlike and surreal.

From Hibbort’s words, it seemed that not only they, but also other nobles inside and outside the imperial capital, were caught in a political whirlwind triggered by Lucas’s assassination.

By dawn tomorrow, the capital’s noble circles will surely undergo a massive reshuffling.

Knowing her sister was contemplating everything that happened at the banquet, Amalia wisely refrained from disturbing her, merely intertwining her fingers with Astrid’s. Her two smooth, silky white-stockinged legs alternated gracefully, the pure white hem of her dress swaying in the wind like a butterfly dancing under moonlight.

Returning to the Third Princess’s private palace, Elise cautiously erected a soundproof barrier. Standing in the corridor and looking out the window, she noticed that the previously unguarded garden was now patrolled by night-duty Imperial Guards.

Although Elise had been waiting in an adjacent room during the banquet without any communication with Astrid, judging from this sudden mobilization and the powerful auras she sensed along the way, Hibbort must have discovered something.

Most likely, it was Princess Amalia’s true identity.

Unaware that the head maid had already deduced what happened in the study, Astrid’s heart finally settled somewhat upon returning to her own bedroom. She gently patted Amalia’s back.

"Are you alright, Amalia?"

Having to face the Emperor who once ordered her imprisonment and called her "daughter of a criminal," Astrid was actually somewhat worried that Amalia might feel stifled inside, with nowhere to vent.

As an older sister, she should help her younger sister release these pent-up emotions, completely, fully, letting everything out here with her.

Amalia nodded upon hearing this, her voice soft.

"I’m fine, sister."

Just some psychological aversion toward the surname Varelis. Besides, with her sister by her side, she could endure it completely.

"My performance tonight should have been acceptable..."

Given the atmosphere in the study, Hibbort probably acknowledged her critical views on the previous Emperor.

"Yes, it exceeded my expectations." Astrid’s voice was gentle as she leaned down and kissed the forehead of the white-stockinged little girl.

"You did really well, Amalia."

If her answers hadn’t sufficiently satisfied Hibbort, Astrid couldn’t guarantee that even she, the Emperor’s once most beloved child, wouldn’t face a fate similar to Lucas’s.

Someone willing to sacrifice his own son for the greater good, the current Hibbort had almost entirely shed his paternal side, focusing solely on how to sustain the Empire and protect royal interests.

Hearing her sister’s praise, a faint sparkle lit up in Amalia’ eyes. She gently straightened her legs, her two soft, smooth white-stockinged feet slipped out of her shoes to step onto the plush carpet. Half her body leaned into Astrid’s embrace.

"I don’t like him."

"But I have to prove to him that I’m capable of taking on this heavy burden."

Becoming Emperor wasn’t just about herself, it was closely tied to Astrid’s safety as well.

They had long become inseparable beings sharing the same fate.

Feeling her sister’s soft form and inhaling the sweet, clean fragrance from her silver hair, Amalia’s gaze gradually softened. Without a word, she hugged Astrid and walked toward the bed.

"Do you think I... helped you a little..."

As a younger sister, she could enjoy her sister’s endless affection while only needing to give back almost insignificant returns.

But Amalia wanted more. And the more she took, the more she should give.

"Of course, Amalia."

Thinking the girl in her arms had become slightly more proactive due to the earlier pressure, Astrid let her gently push her onto the soft bed, her hand still tenderly resting in Amalia’s hair.

"If not for how outstanding Amalia’s performance was, I definitely wouldn’t have left the study so easily."

The Emperor might not suspect her of having ulterior motives regarding royal power, but Emperor Hibbort needed to consider that possibility.

This test aimed at Amalia was also a probe into Astrid’s true intentions.

"I’m glad I could help." Amalia said.

Her sweet, mellow voice entered Astrid’s ears, further relaxing her overly-tense spirit.

Holding Amalia for a while, feeling the girl’s arms encircling her neck and her legs wrap around her waist, Astrid buried her face in Amalia’s hair, inhaling softly. After a moment of warmth, she spoke.

"Father wants us to have breakfast in his chambers every morning. It probably means he intends to cultivate you."

"The Valeria Emperor usually handles state affairs after breakfast. Based on Father’s words tonight, he’ll give you opportunities to demonstrate your abilities in this area."

Starting with handling draft documents and working your way down, the current political focus should be the Lucas assassination case. If Amalia could properly resolve the entire matter, she would truly be just one step away from the throne.

"Mm, just like what I thought, sister." Amalia.

They should have passed this test.

Gently stroking the girl’s slender, delicate shoulder blades, Astrid leaned close to the Fourth Princess’s ear and whispered some words, mostly expressing agreement with Amalia’s arguments about civilian strength.

To grasp this point without any guidance, Amalia was truly remarkable.

"Today, sitting at the desk, watching Amalia calmly uttering those words... I felt rather complicated."

Amalia tilted her head in confusion.

"Why?"

"Perhaps it’s just... the little girl I’ve always watched suddenly revealing an adult side, making me, as an older sister, feel a bit surprised." Astrid said.

Surprised that under her protection, the other had quietly grown to this extent, already showing signs of imperial dignity.

It seemed Hibbort was right. She truly was an excellent guardian.

"An adult side..." Amalia murmured after hearing this, her voice dropped slightly.

"...Sister, didn’t you just just realize it now?"

To let Astrid know she was no longer a child who knew nothing, needing constant care, she had actually shown some different behaviors from the past.

Yet Astrid hadn’t noticed at all.

"Mmm." Astrid whispered softly.

"It’s a strange feeling, as if everything I’ve known happened just yesterday."

They were eating food in the old castle, riding magical airships high above the imperial capital.

So much time had already passed.

After a moment, Amalia gloomily.

"I’m nearly at the age for my coming-of-age ceremony, sister."

Not just the throne, she was also drawing closer to her innermost desires.

Astrid pursed her lips upon hearing this, her voice warm: "Why are you still so fond of clinging to your sister when you’re almost grown up?"

The silver-haired girl said while reaching out to grasp Amalia’s delicate ankles on either side.

"Isn’t hugging like this something only little kids enjoy?"

The next second, Amalia, who had silently accepted her sister’s touch, broke free from the hold, wrapping her calves around Astrid’s slender waist covered by the black dress. Her two feet firmly hooked together behind Astrid’s back.

No.

Sometimes actions truly are more effective than words.