A while later, Daymond Jurisdiction.

I was living through busy days.

Because my family was getting ready to settle properly in the imperial capital.

Of course, the real preparations were left to the servants.

Han Ji-hyuk checked the list with a face drained of spirit.

“Clothes are ready, books are okay, and... damn it, why isn’t there a labor office in this world?”

I stirred my juice with a straw and answered.

“I wish there was?”

“Of course. Black companies like Astra should be hit hard by the labor office’s hammer.”

Han Ji-hyuk grit his teeth and looked at me.

I chuckled and shrugged.

“I’ll tell Dad. When he enters the Central Tower, I’ll ask him to create a labor office.”

“Can he even get into the Central Tower?”

At that, Conrad, who brought some official documents, frowned.

“What kind of rude talk is that?”

“No, I mean Grimier seems to be eyeing that spot too.”

“That is...”

“Well, right? Daymond Jurisdiction has grown, but it still can’t beat Grimier.”

Conrad glanced at me with a troubled face.

But I was unfazed.

Because it was true.

No matter how Grimier felt inside, he was known in the public as a man of good character.

‘The best person in Astra, and the eldest son.’

Because of that advantage, he had built many things before I was even born.

The most retainers following him.

The trust of his brothers.

Strong ties with the central great nobles.

Han Ji-hyuk shrugged and said,

“So far, Grimier has had far more than you.”

“That’s true.”

When I answered, Han Ji-hyuk narrowed his brows.

“That’s not something you should say so casually.”

Conrad sighed in agreement.

“Han is not wrong.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Even if you get into the Central Tower with the Duke’s help, what comes after is the problem.”

“Because the retainers and uncles, aunts will resist?”

“Exactly. If there is opposition within the family, other nobles will despise Lord Daymond as well.”

Conrad was right.

A member of the Central Tower not recognized by the family.

Others would think it harmless to ignore him.

How much would the stiff-necked great nobles look down on that?

“Should I just watch Dad being disrespected?”

“Do you have a better plan?”

Until now, I had planted many seeds in the imperial capital.

Why else would I attend the bothersome imperial tea parties and the Sun Society?

‘Now it’s time to harvest.’

I stood up and declared,

“We’re going to participate in the Year-End Festival.”

“Wh- Year-End Festival?!”

“The Year-End Festival?!”

Han Ji-hyuk and Conrad’s eyes nearly popped out.

No wonder.

What was the Year-End Festival?

It was a festival held at the end of the year, on December 31st.

To be precise, it was the festival that selected the ‘most outstanding warrior.’

If chosen as the most outstanding warrior, there was a prize.

I would use that prize to give Dad a solid foundation.

Han Ji-hyuk jumped up.

“But only warriors can participate.”

“I already decided to enter the Western Preliminary Warrior Competition. Don’t you remember?”

“You’re not a warrior yet!”

“You just have to be selected.”

Conrad and Han Ji-hyuk looked flustered and said to me,

“Other Western families will be aiming for the warrior spot too.”

“Yeah. We have to get through the Western Warrior Competition first, but how are we supposed to finish all that by year-end?”

“It’s impossible by year-end. You should give up on the Year-End Festival...”

I smiled wickedly.

“Don’t worry. There’s a way.”

A very easy and quick way.

A week later, the Room of Flames, accessible only to warriors.

Elegant laughter echoed inside.

“The might of the Northern Army is truly astonishing.”

“Should we only praise the Eastern Army? Our children are simply diligent. But I value diligence over skill the most.”

“That’s what makes the Northern Army great.”

“Oh my, thank you so much.”

The warriors of the East, South, North, and Central armies were all in a friendly mood.

The Central warrior sitting at the head of the table smiled gently.

“It’s nice to see such kindness between you all.”

Then the warriors of the South and North armies replied.

“The strength of this term is harmony.”

“Yes, last term’s warriors were busy tearing each other apart, weren’t they?”

“That’s because Miss Chateaubriand, the Central Warrior, kept everyone in line.”

Central warrior Cyrille Chateaubriand smiled softly.

“It’s thanks to you all following well.”

“Oh my, such humility. The Central Warrior is truly a model for us warriors.”

“They are excellent, so I have a lot to learn.”

Sebastia, who had attended the Sun Society with Erilot, twisted her mouth.

‘What hypocrites.’

The Southern and Northern warriors were the people who ‘helped Cyrille get selected.’

Supporting soldiers and dispatching excellent commanders.

‘Because they want all attention on the Central.’

They pretended to support harmony but were actually checking to prevent an outstanding warrior from being chosen.

Cyrille raised her teacup and glanced at Sebastia.

“By the way, is Miss Sebastia entering the Year-End Festival as well?”

“I don’t know.”

The Northern warrior, Cyrille’s loyal dog, quickly spoke.

“The Northern and I decided to support Miss Chateaubriand.”

“Excuse me?”

“She is the Central Warrior. The center warrior must shine for all armies to shine.”

“......”

“Miss Biferi, you agree too, don’t you?”

At those words, the Central warrior spoke with a troubled voice.

“Everyone is really stubborn. It’s unnecessary...”

Though she tried to act indifferent, a subtle smile hung at the corner of her mouth.

Sebastia snorted inwardly.

Northern and Southern warriors supporting the Central army?

Then it was a 3 against 1 situation.

‘No matter what task comes out, it won’t be a match from the start.’

This Year-End Festival would be just a ceremony to award the Central Warrior.

Sebastia was silent, and the warriors who accepted it smiled brightly.

“But what about the Western Preliminary Warrior Competition?”

At the Northern warrior’s question, the Southern warrior answered.

“Well, I thought Miss Selene Astra was certain.”

Cyrille’s gaze shifted.

Selene wasn’t only skilled but was also subtly supported by Cyrille.

Her parents were greedy and easy to manipulate.

‘They even helped the mercenary group come from the maternal side, how foolish.’

Even though everything was set on a silver platter, she couldn’t eat it.

The Northern warrior blinked with wide eyes.

“Will it still be Erilot Astra?”

Cyrille’s expression turned cold.

Erilot Astra.

She was a child Cyrille truly disliked.

Although she was now refraining from social activities as a warrior, Cyrille herself was originally the true princess of the social circle.

With the powerful backing of the Chateaubriand dukedom.

The title of the most outstanding young lady in the imperial capital.

And the girl who led the Central army as a warrior.

The imperial capital’s eyes always turned to Cyrille.

Until Erilot Astra acquired her dragon.

When Cyrille’s expression chilled, the Southern warrior gave an awkward glance.

“Well, I’m not sure. I’m not really a fan of Erilot Astra...”

The Northern warrior blinked.

“Why?”

“Because, well, she isn’t very noble.”

“Because of that ‘dirty blood’ rumor?”

“Oh, do you think we’re people who fall for rumors? More than that, I find her desperate need for attention unpleasant.”

“Attention?”

“Look at all the incidents she caused. The Sun Society incident, the Preliminary Warrior Competition, and the dragon too.”

“Did she cause the incidents?”

“If not, how could she be at the center of all those?”

The Southern warrior glanced at Cyrille and continued.

After harshly criticizing Erilot Astra, Cyrille finally relaxed her expression.

She chuckled softly and said,

“Don’t be like that. It’s pitiful, isn’t it?”

“Huh? Ah, yes! It does look pitiful, like she’s begging for attention.”

“How cruel...”

Cyrille lowered her eyebrows and sighed.

“But if the thoughtful Northern warrior says that, there must be a reason.”

“I think everyone agrees she isn’t noble.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Being noble means being like Miss Chateaubriand.”

“Oh my, I’m embarrassed.”

“I oppose Erilot Astra becoming the Western warrior.”

Sebastia Biferi said with a stunned expression.

“The Southern warrior opposing doesn’t mean she won’t become a warrior.”

“That’s just my personal opinion.”

Sebastia’s expression twisted.

‘I don’t like her.’

The warriors this term cared only about petty interests.

Everything was just flattery to the Central Warrior.

They didn’t even care about training.

‘No wonder this term is said to be the worst.’

But as long as Cyrille, the Central Warrior, controls them, there was nothing to be done.

Sebastia’s face darkened.

The Southern warrior said with a displeased look,

“Does the Eastern warrior want Erilot Astra to become the Western warrior?”

“I only want the most outstanding person to become a warrior.”

“Well, I think Erilot Astra is all hype. It’s ridiculous to be evaluated just by having a dragon.”

“Being able to judge people accurately is important for a warrior.”

“Are you saying my evaluation is wrong?”

“I didn’t say that exactly.”

“You say you’re her sworn sister, but it sounds like you’re the one who can’t judge people.”

“What did you say?”

Sebastia and the Southern warrior’s expressions grew fierce.

At that moment, Cyrille pounded the table.

“Enough.”

“......”

“......”

The Southern warrior looked intimidated.

Cyrille smiled kindly at her and looked at Sebastia.

There was displeasure in her gaze.

“The Western warrior will be chosen from the West. It’s not our place to argue. However...”

“However?”

“It’s certain that Miss Erilot Astra cannot participate in this Year-End Festival.”

Because of the schedule, it’s impossible.

She has to go through the Western Preliminary Warrior Competition first.

How could she become a warrior by year-end?

The Southern warrior’s face brightened.

“Isn’t that so?”

“Yes.”

Cyrille raised her teacup elegantly.

‘I should pick another girl before the Western Warrior Competition.’

I have much more experience in the warrior competitions here.

The imperial guards always hold simulated battles.

Sometimes the Southern and Northern divisions have competitions instead.

Though it’s done through commanders sent to each division.

‘I have much more experience.’

Meaning, I know how to win.

If I choose and support another girl, I could even decide the Western warrior.

“Now, let’s continue with the pleasant conversation.”

“Yes. Oh, have you heard about Miss Catherine Trang?”

“No. The Trang family and we don’t even mention each other’s names.”

“She acted unpleasantly again this time...”

The Southern warrior was chattering away.

Urgent footsteps sounded outside the door.

Soon, a knock and a voice followed.

“Central warrior, urgent news.”

At that, Cyrille blinked.

“That’s my aide.”

“Please proceed comfortably.”

“Yes!”

Cyrille smiled kindly at the Southern and Northern warriors’ remarks.

“Come in.”

The door opened and the aide hurried in.

“Urgent news from the West.”

“What is it?”

“The Western warrior has been decided.”

“What?”

Cyrille stood up abruptly.

“What do you mean?! The Western Preliminary Warrior Competition was today?”

No such news had reached them.

The warrior competitions happen after being reported to the imperial palace!

Cyrille’s expression stiffened.

The other warriors looked at the aide in shock.

The aide replied, looking helpless.

“The Western Preliminary Warrior Competition did not take place.”

“What?”

“All the Western families except Astra declared non-participation.”

“What the hell...!”

The warrior is an honorable position called ‘a thousand-year honor.’

And they gave up on it?

Why?

“Miss Astra’s dragon roared over the Western skies.”

“What?”

“One mountain and a large clearing collapsed, and an emergency alert was issued in the West!”

The warriors forgot their dignity and gaped.

Cyrille’s face went pale.

The Southern and Northern warriors also gasped in shock.

The Southern warrior muttered,

“So, you’re saying all the other families got scared and didn’t send their daughters?”

“Yes...”

Impossible!

No one had ever thought that.

‘It’s almost like a threat.’

But no one could object.

Erilot Astra had just gotten back up from falling.

If her blessings were uncontrollable, no one could protest.

“Impressive... no, despicable!”

The Southern warrior quickly changed her words while looking at Cyrille.

Sebastia Biferi burst out laughing.

‘Impressive.’

To enter the warrior position so quickly and without bloodshed.

‘Who would have thought of such a method?’

Truly an astonishingly clever girl.

Sebastia glanced at Cyrille.

She kept her composure but her ears were bright red.

‘Sure. Everyone will be surprised by this, but they’ll all agree she’s clever.’

Anyway, ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ she was an interesting child.

How things will turn out now, no one knew.

One thing was certain.

The protagonist of the Year-End Festival might change.

The other warriors’ interest in the Year-End Festival was not only for honor.

Because there was a special prize.

A special prize that...

Allowed you to make a wish to the Emperor.

And,

‘Allowed you to request any knight you wanted.’

All amazing rewards.

Cyrille clenched her teeth.

‘Erilot Astra!’