What could be better than a war between two nations? A war that nobody could imagine would break out. In this world, where victory became power over the vulnerable, it has become the utmost explanation for every conquest, a reason for every breath, and an ambition for every life in existence. To survive.
"Lady Aliana, wake up!"
Nini's voice rang through the air as she yanked the curtains open, flooding the room with sunlight. Aliana groaned, burying her face deeper into the silk pillow. She mumbled something incoherent, hoping it would be enough to make Nini leave.
But Nini wasn't one to give up. "My lady, you can't keep ignoring me. Do you have any idea what time it is?"
Aliana peeked one eye open. "Too early," she muttered.
Nini sighed dramatically, crossing her arms. "Late, actually. There's a guest waiting for you."
That got Aliana's attention. She bolted upright, her hair a tangled mess. "A guest? At this hour?"
"You've been asleep all day, my lady," Nini corrected, rolling her eyes. "Now, up you get. You can't receive visitors looking like… that."
Before Aliana could protest, Nini had hauled her out of bed and dragged her toward the dressing room. A gown awaited her, emerald green with intricate gold embroidery that shimmered in the sunlight.
"Do I really have to?" Aliana whined, eyeing the elaborate outfit.
"Yes, you do," Nini said firmly, shoving her into a chair. "Now sit still."
In the kingdom of Achtenberg, power wasn't just about wealth or titles. It was about survival. The empire was held together by five great powers, known as the Pillars of Achtenberg:
The Crown of the Empire – The royal family.
The Sword of the Empire – The Kior family, protectors of the North.
The Shield of the Empire – The Vios family, defenders of the East.
The Shadow of the Empire – The Dior family, masters of the South's secrets.
The Hidden Magic Tower – The elusive order of mages.
Rumor had it that if even one Pillar fell, the empire would collapse into chaos. Most dismissed it as mere superstition, but Aliana knew better. She had lived through that very collapse in another life.
Nini worked swiftly, brushing Aliana's hair until it gleamed and applying just enough makeup to enhance her natural beauty. As Aliana stared at her reflection, she barely recognized herself. The gown hugged her form perfectly, and the gold accents brought out the warmth in her hazel eyes.
But underneath the glamour, she couldn't shake her unease. All of this… the gowns, the jewels, the image of perfection. None of it will matter if I fail again.
Her memories of her past life were fragmented but vivid. She remembered the blood, the screams, the betrayal. She remembered watching the empire fall, powerless to stop it.
And she remembered the promise she had made before her death: This time, I will save them. No matter the cost.
A knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Nini opened it to reveal a man whose presence dominated the room. Tall and broad-shouldered, with sharp features and piercing gray eyes, he exuded an authority that demanded attention.
"Lady Aliana," he greeted, his voice low and steady. "We need to talk."
Aliana's heart skipped a beat. She knew this man. Kael Kior – the youngest heir of the Kior family, known as the Sword of the Empire. In her past life, he had been both an ally and an enigma, his motives always just out of reach.
"Kael," she said, her voice calm despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She rose to her feet, meeting his gaze head-on. "To what do I owe the honor?"
Kael's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smirk. "Because, Lady Aliana," he said, his tone heavy with meaning, "you're not just the Shield of the Empire. You're its last hope."