Chapter 42

Eventually, today’s discussion headed towards a conclusion.

Fine-tuning conditions, revising wording, confirming the start date of operations. However, there were also pending matters.

Formal agreements were arranged, and only the sound of the recording official’s running pen remained in the room.

“This concludes today’s council,” the Chancellor’s low voice announced.

Chairs were pulled back, and the key retainers slowly stood up.

The door opened, and the waiting Imperial Guard bowed.

I stood up from my seat and lightly bowed my head.

“Thank you for your valuable time today.”

Elysia also responded according to formality.

“To constructive two-way traffic from here on.”

We exchanged bows.

No further words. I exited the room.

The heavy door closed quietly.

—At that moment.

The air in the room changed. After confirming the footsteps heading down the corridor had faded away, the Chancellor opened his mouth.

“Now then.”

A low, heavy single phrase. Surrounding the round table were only the key retainers of the great power. The “symbol” from moments ago had vanished, leaving only the faces of those who protect bloodlines and vested interests.

“The appointment of commoners cannot be approved,” the old Marquis said immediately.

“Even if it is only ten percent, it will become a precedent. Eventually, an expansion will be demanded.”

The Knight Commander crossed his arms.

“But if we completely reject it, it will cause a rift in the treaty. There is also the matter of the sister academy.”

The Chancellor quietly tapped the table.

“We are not debating the pros and cons of appointing commoners. The problem is whether our country currently has the surplus power to allow it.”

Gazes turned to a corner of the table. Elysia remained silent. The old Marquis struck his cane.

“Why is there a need to go that far, Your Highness!”

Elysia did not retreat a single step.

“I stated that the treaty should be a structure, not a symbol.”

But the angry voices did not subside.

“If we approve a sister academy, the small country will gain power!”

“On top of that, admitting commoners? Is that not a double concession!”

And finally, a single voice was raised.

“—Your Highness.”

It was the Chancellor.

Low, but resonating clearly.

“Approving the sister academy itself is a major concession for us. If we even accept the admission of commoners, the prestige of the nobles will fall to the ground.”

A beat.

“If you are to appoint commoners—let it be only on the small country’s side.”

The chamber fell silent.

“Our country’s academy will strictly be limited to the children of nobles. Bloodline is proof of responsibility. That principle will not be moved.”

Voices continued, piling on.

“Otherwise, we cannot possibly approve the sister academy itself.”

A de facto ultimatum.

The sister academy is necessary. If placed only on one side, power becomes biased. Bias eventually becomes a rift.

But—it is still too early to push through the admission of commoners at the same time.

That Third Prince said it. A structure to incorporate talent, not blood.

It stands to reason. That is exactly why it becomes a spark.

All the gazes in the chamber gathered on her.

Protect the treaty? Push through the ideal? Or cut one of them loose?

After a long silence, Elysia opened her mouth.

“…Understood.”

The air wavered.

“Our country’s academy will be limited to the children of nobles as before.”

The stir turned into relief.

“However, in the small country’s academy, we will not hinder admissions based on ability. We interpret this to be within the scope of the treaty.”

It was a quiet voice. But it was a clear drawing of a line.

Thus, the sister academies will be established.

But their inner workings will differ.

A great power’s academy that clings to status. A small country’s academy that opens its doors to talent. Operating differently while touting the same philosophy.

An equilibrium, or the seed of division?

After the meeting adjourned, in the empty chamber, Elysia let out a small breath.

Getting permission for the sister academy was the best she could do.

…That Third Prince. He says so lightly to open the path for commoners. But the weight of the wall protecting bloodlines must be borne in this country.

Even so.

A seed has been sown in the small country.

What will it eventually produce?

“—He left us with a troublesome composition.”

The quiet mutter was absorbed into the stone walls.

When she left the chamber and stepped out into the stone corridor.

The setting sun shone through the high windows, casting long shadows on the floor.

Elysia stopped her feet. At that time, a single footstep came from behind. She knew without turning around. It was her close aide.

“Your Highness.”

A low, suppressed voice. After checking his surroundings, he quietly drew close.

“Tensions near the border are approaching their limit. There is a fear that the skirmishes will expand. …Flames may rise soon.”

A moment of silence. An unscheduled report. But not entirely outside of expectations.

Elysia slowly inhaled.

“…I see.”

Saying only that, she directed her gaze to the setting sun.

The border had been smoldering to begin with. It was true that they had been gathering supplies, solidifying defenses, and confirming alliances.

But whether the flames would rise at this very moment—was in the realm of luck. And the flames were about to rise.

“How convenient.”

The close aide lowered his eyes.

“Is the Third Prince still in the royal castle?”

“Yes. There is remaining schedule related to the treaty.”

“Then there is no need for changes. Rather, petition the King with the opinion that he should stay within the castle to ensure his safety. With the border in an unstable situation, we cannot have our honored guest moving about, can we?”

Her tone was calm. But what she was ordering was an effective grounding. If hostilities open, the Prince cannot move. He will be protected under the name of the treaty, and simultaneously detained.

An accidental escalation of tensions. And the accompanying safety measures.

No one will see intent there.

“…Understood.”

The close aide bowed deeply and left. Elysia began walking again.

Initially, we were supposed to have the upper hand.

That treaty. Equal in name. But in reality, a composition that forces the small country to swallow disadvantageous conditions.

That was how it was supposed to be. But. That Third Prince overturned the board.

This time, the sister academies. The appointment of talent. The equilibrium of the structure.

Struck by his logic, she couldn’t push it through completely.

Appeasing the noble council, making concessions upon concessions, what she finally gave form to was a compromise close to a draw.

—I’ve been had.

But. That is not the end.

Elysia’s lips twisted quietly.

If that Third Prince is going to draw the shape of the future.

I will choose how to use this time.

That war with that country, which we had been concerned about for some time. It wasn’t planned. But—it can be used.

“You won’t be able to return so easily.”

The whisper melted into the setting sun.

The shadow cast on the stone wall did not waver.

And then—she raised the corners of her mouth slightly.