Mother's plan for our outing was far from a simple excursion—it was strategy in motion, a means to weave a subtle narrative into the fabric of Thalendris society. The whispers and rumors, once ignited, would ripple through noble circles, carried on gilded tongues and reaching all the ears that mattered. In particular, she wanted to seed the notion that I was deeply, irrevocably smitten with Evelyn.
Why resort to such theatrics? The answer lay in the shifting power dynamics among the empire's most influential houses. Ardenfall, with its impressive war feats against the Antalus Empire, had grown in stature, a meteoric rise that no one could overlook. But the real surprise was the Imperial Family itself, which had not only closed the gap between itself and our own house, Silvaria, but had arguably reclaimed its position as the preeminent force in the Killion Empire.
For Mother, this subtle social maneuvering was the best option. By shaping the image of my relationship with Evelyn, she crafted a shield, a distraction, and perhaps even a beacon that would draw attention away from Evelyn's true origins. She was betting on perception, on the court's natural inclination to gossip and romanticize, rather than probe too deeply into the mysterious new fiancée of the Silvarian heir.
As we strolled through the bustling streets, I could feel the weight of curious gazes upon us. Evelyn's hand rested lightly in mine, and I leaned in close enough to murmur into her ear, all too aware of how it would look to onlookers. The game had begun, and we were the players in a carefully constructed illusion.
Evelyn, though, was blissfully unaware of this. Her innocence in the matter allowed her to be genuine, to go about her time with me without the calculated hesitations and masks that usually accompanied noble maneuvers. And that authenticity was precisely what Mother counted on—it gave weight to the story she was quietly spinning.
"We have to attend the debutante ball, right?" Evelyn asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze lingering on the busy streets of Thalendris.
I nodded in response. "Yes. It's the event for all noble children turning fourteen this year. Technically, you're a bit older for it, but you'll come with me, as my fiancée."
The event, a social debutante for the noble youth of the capital, would also double as the twin princesses' fourteenth birthday celebration. The spectacle of it all only served to underline the rising might of the Evereux Imperial Family. The very air hummed with political currents, each gesture or word carrying weight in the grand game of power.
Evelyn seemed more reserved than usual, her expression softened with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. I glanced at her. "Are you nervous?" I asked.
She hesitated, then nodded slowly. "A little."
I smiled at her, offering what little comfort I could. "There's no need to be nervous," I assured her. "It may be the twin princesses' birthday, but the one who will shine the brightest will be you."
Her cheeks turned a shade of pink, and she quickly looked away, almost as if embarrassed. "T-thanks, Lance," she murmured.
I gave her a warm smile, my voice softening. "I told you, there's nothing to worry about."
She muttered something under her breath, just loud enough for my sharp senses to catch. "I want to be useful."
I turned toward her, meeting her gaze with sincerity. "You will be," I told her. "For now, just focus on growing as much as you can."
Evelyn had always been capable, but I could see the potential beyond even what she realized. She had more in her than anyone in this city could imagine. The daughter of the Empress of Witches, she had been born into a legacy of immeasurable power. And she would rise far beyond even that.
She was destined to be a powerful witch. That much was certain.
In time, her Concept, the very foundation of her magic, would come to fruition. And once she mastered it, materializing her Domain—an unprecedented feat even for many of the greatest mages—would be well within her grasp. But for now, she needed time and guidance. Time to grow. To find herself.
And I would be by her side for it all.
Because what had happened in my past life with *her* could never repeat itself—not while I still drew breath.
I buried those thoughts deep, smiling warmly at Evelyn to dispel them. But as our carriage trundled along the cobbled streets toward the estate, it lurched to a halt, rattling with the unmistakable jolt of impact.
"Stay here," I said to Evelyn, stepping out as Lyra returned from investigating. She inclined her head. "We've collided with another carriage, My Lord."
"Which one?" I asked, though her silence spoke volumes.
I turned, following her gaze, and my eyes fell upon the elaborate design of the carriage we had hit. The sight stole the breath from my chest—the golden dragon insignia, a familiar emblem, gleamed in the midday sun. I had seen it once before, emblazoned across the armor of the fallen knights I'd faced down not long ago. But here, it was more intricately wrought, more opulent, each scale of the dragon meticulously etched and polished.
This was no ordinary insignia. It belonged to the Evereux Imperial Family.
As the door to the carriage opened, I stepped forward and inclined my head. "Greetings, Your Highness," I said, my voice steady as Evelyn followed suit, her posture respectful. We bowed in unison.
The Crown Princess, Rachel Vasillias Evereux, emerged from her carriage. Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight itself, falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Her violet eyes, sharp and perceptive, met mine with a glint of recognition. She was unmistakably the same girl I had seen at my tenth birthday, though time had bestowed a new grace upon her features, a maturity befitting her status.
But it wasn't her appearance that took me aback. I could feel her mana core, a pulsing, nearly palpable presence. She was close—remarkably close—to reaching Indigo Stage. The realization struck me as both impressive and troubling.
Evelyn had reached Indigo Stage at fourteen, but her power came at a heavy cost. Her mother's dark rituals, each cut and scar that marred Evelyn's back, had been the brutal price for that strength.
As for me, I'd reached Indigo with the advantage of past memories—a gift and curse in equal measure, a lifetime of experience condensed into my younger self.
But Rachel?
What trials had she endured, what secrets did she carry, to have risen so far so young? Her core radiated strength that was not born of sacrifice or the echoes of another life. It was her own—a force cultivated within the bounds of the Imperial Family, far removed from our world's harsher edges.
I couldn't help but wonder, as I stood there beneath the Crown Princess's imperious gaze, just what mysteries lay beneath the Imperial crest, and what it was that made Rachel Vasillias Evereux so… formidable.