[Raul PoV]
The survival exam has ended. Nine people died, devoured by monsters within the forest, and the remaining three were killed by Ouroboros agents. However, the academy did not release this information to the public. Their reputation would be tarnished if the public knew their instructors had failed and allowed assassins to roam the testing grounds.
Truthfully, the main reason I was able to defeat those three assassins was that I knew their unique skill, Slippery Skin, whereas they had no knowledge of my abilities. In a life-or-death struggle, intelligence regarding your enemy's capabilities is vital. It is one of the most decisive factors. Had the three of them adapted more quickly to my skills, I certainly would have been the one to perish in that fight.
Therefore, it is essential for me not to use my magic or signature skills recklessly in public.
That was the first real combat I've faced. I must become much stronger, re-accumulating public hatred to unlock my new Profound Codices. I also need to pressure Old Mask to immediately produce the artifacts I'll need for battle.
Currently, we are in Navajo City—the capital of the Duchy of Artagnan, a northern territory of the Empire ruled by Duke Julian de Artagnan, Valeria's father. I assume she went to visit him at the Castile Magic Tower during this break.
I'm in the city center to buy a newspaper. Today, the Church should have announced the Saint candidates who will undergo the Trial in the Holy City of Notredame. In the game, Ariel passes three exams alongside three other Saint candidates.
Speaking of Ariel, she healed me at the center point of the Monster Forest. She really is a kind woman; it's only natural for her to become the Saint of the Temple of Diana. I'm certain she can save many more people once she is ordained as the Holy Maiden of this world.
Upon arriving at a newspaper stall, I bought one to read up on the Empire's news.
"How much for this paper?" I asked the merchant.
"Only 20 kufers, Sir."
I handed a silver coin to the merchant and took a copy. "Keep the change."
"Thank you, Sir. Have a wonderful day."
After purchasing the paper, I sat on a roadside bench to read. There was interesting international news: an increase in immigrants from the Land of Kuwalid, the Slavic Tsardom suffering from monster raids that are devastating their country, and finally... the selection of several Saint candidates from various nations.
"This is impossible, isn't it?" I muttered, shocked by what I was reading.
Out of the four names mentioned as Saint candidates for the Temple of Diana, Ariel's name was nowhere to be found.
"Ugh... Have I changed the flow of the story again?"
***
[3rd PoV]
In a cave located within the territory of the Republic of Venetia, six mysterious masked figures gathered to discuss a matter. They were the group known as The Masquerade, a heretical sect highly sought after by the followers of the Temple of Diana.
"I have discovered the location of the one wearing The Fool mask," said a woman carrying a book. "He was detected wearing it three days ago in the Hernand Duchy of the Aragon Empire, specifically in the Monster Forest."
"Isn't that where the academy students hold their exams?" a woman in dancer's attire murmured.
"You're right, Dancer," the woman with the book continued. "That means... the owner of the mask is either an instructor there or one of the students of Grunbelt Academy."
"Hah... I don't want a partner who is still a brat," said a man holding a doll. "They're the type to die quickly, just like the previous Fool."
"Puppeteer, you will be tasked with finding and recruiting him," the woman with the book commanded.
"Huh? Why me!?" the man with the doll complained.
"Because you're the only one here without a partner," she countered. "The Temple people are becoming more aggressive in exterminating the Children of Destruction. We must hurry to recruit him to carry out our plan."
The Masquerade... a heretical group hunted by the authorities of the Temple of Goddess Diana. they often committed acts of assassination, kidnapping, and robbery. People still do not know the reason behind their actions. What is certain is that the Temple hunts them for protecting the Children of Destruction and utilizing them as weapons to attack the faith.
***
[??? PoV]
The thunderous sound of galloping horses filled my ears, and the piercing cold wind felt like needles against my skin. Currently, I am with a company of 100 soldiers, heading toward a village reported to have just been attacked by a horde of monsters.
After riding for two hours, we finally reached the village. From a distance, monsters could be seen destroying homes; some villagers were fighting desperately to protect their families.
"Attack those monsters!" a knight commanded.
He is Ivan Vasily—the Captain of the Guard from the Romanova Palace. Why would the Captain of the Guard bother moving to exterminate monsters in a village? It's because the Slavic Tsardom—my homeland—is suffering from a shortage of troops due to monster attacks across various regions.
"Evacuate the residents!"
The troops began to engage the monsters. I dismounted my horse to assist them.
"Princess! Leave this to us! You don't need to trouble yourself!" Ivan said, stopping me from entering the village.
"Don't stop me, Ivan," I said, looking at him coldly. "With my magic, the monsters will be easily exterminated so that the soldiers don't die in vain!"
"But Princess, if you continue using magic, your condition will—"
I stared at him while releasing my mana aura, cutting him off.
"This is an order from your Princess, Ivan. Do you dare defy it?" I asked seriously.
Hearing my words, Ivan could only bow his head in silence. I then ran toward the village to help the fighting soldiers.
"Ice Spear!"
Aiming my palm at a monster about to prey on an old man, an ice spear manifested and streaked toward the creature, piercing its neck. The monster died instantly. I rushed to help the elderly man.
"Are you alright?" I asked while helping him up.
"I am fine, Your Highness," the man said, his body still trembling. "Thank you for saving me."
"It's no problem. Leave this place quickly, Grandfather. Three hundred meters back, there are Priests and soldiers who will help with the evacuation."
The old man nodded and fled.
—Roaarrr!
I heard a thunderous roar. Turning around, I saw a six-meter-tall Yeti monster tearing through the soldiers' formation.
"Aghhh! Help me!"
One of the soldiers was kicked by the giant monster, flying into the air.
"This monster is too strong! Retreat! Retreat!" the Platoon leader shouted.
I rushed over to help. For a monster of this size, third-tier magic wouldn't kill it instantly. I had to use fourth-tier magic. Aiming my palm at the monster, I began to chant.
"Blizzard Rain!"
A large magic circle appeared above the giant monster. Dozens of massive chunks of ice rained down upon it.
—Rooarrr!
Its body collapsed under the weight of the ice; several shards managed to impale it. Soon after, the icy rain stopped. the giant monster's body lay crushed and broken by my magic.
"Long live Princess Alisha!"
"Long live Princess Alisha!"
'Live, huh? Hearing those words made me want to laugh.'
After defeating the monsters, I headed to the carriage to return to the Romanova Palace. My task here was done. Inside the carriage, I watched the scenery through the window. The land was covered in beautiful snow as far as the eye could see. As the end of the year approaches, the weather in this country will become even more extreme.
With the monster attacks yet to subside, it will be difficult for us to endure. There will be food shortages, a lack of shelter against the cold, and citizens losing their livelihoods to this disaster. The Slavic Tsardom is not a rich country; the soil here is not as fertile as the southern lands, and we rely solely on mineral exports for the state's main income. We are trying other sectors, but it will take time to see results.
Even though our country has the largest territory in the world, it is all just empty land covered in snow. Our location is not strategic for trade, making our mineral exports less than optimal. Thinking about my country's worsening condition made my heart feel heavy.
"Cough!"
My head felt dizzy; I coughed incessantly until I fell from my seat. A stain of blood from my mouth was visible on my palm.
"My condition is worsening..."
Yes... I have a disease that is difficult to cure. The Priests estimate my life will not reach the age of 20.
"I must do my best for my country with the remainder of my life..."
.
.
.
Upon arriving at the palace, I immediately rushed to see my sister in her room. In a few months, she must leave for the Holy City of Notredame for the Saint selection trial of the Temple of Diana. In my sister's room, a butler was talking to a girl with shoulder-length grey hair. Both are the most precious people to me in this world.
"Ah, Big Sister! You're home?" Anastasya greeted, noticing my presence.
"Princess Alisha, you have returned," the butler said.
I gave them a warm smile. His name is Leon. I found him when we were children ten years ago. He is the same age as Ana—my sister. However, I know the truth of his real identity.
Leon's real name is Leonidas Agonid—the Prince and sole heir of the Greco Kingdom, which has now turned into a republic. His entire family was executed by the people, and noble titles were abolished in that land. They then adopted a government system similar to the Republic of Venetia. He also possesses the legendary sword, Balmung, which was always used by the Kings of Greco as a symbol of power.
However, Leon himself does not know the truth of his identity. I am reluctant to tell him because I don't want him to have reckless thoughts that could endanger his life. All he knows is that he is the son of a farmer whose village was destroyed by monsters.
"Ana, how are your studies for the Trial preparation?" I asked my sweet sister.
"Great! Archbishop Rasputin's lessons are very easy to understand!" Ana answered enthusiastically.
"My sister is indeed talented!" I praised while stroking her hair.
—Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Excuse me, Princess."
I heard a maid's voice from outside.
"Princess Anastasya must resume her training," the maid said. "You are also summoned by the Tsar to his study."
Hearing the maid, Ana stood up and walked out of the room. "See you later, Sister, Leon!" Ana said with a wave.
I was left alone with Leon in the room. Glancing at him, Leon's face changed.
"Alisha!" He grabbed my hand. "I was so worried, you know! Why wouldn't you let me go with you to exterminate those monsters!" His tone sounded upset.
That's right—this is how we speak when no one else is watching. It's because Leon and I have always been together since we were children. He is now 17, the same age as Ana, making him one year younger than me.
"I told you, didn't I? Your job is to protect Ana," I said as naturally as possible. "I'll be fine on my own. Have you forgotten? I am very strong."
"But... I want to be with you always, Alisha!" Leon exclaimed as he hugged me.
I am aware of Leon's feelings for me, but I cannot answer them. My life in this world will not last much longer. I want Leon and Ana to build this country together and marry as Tsar and Tsarina. Leon could also claim his throne in the land of Greco someday. If this succeeds, the future of this country will be much better than it is now.
For that, forgive me, Leon. For I cannot return your love, even though I want to.
"We should hurry to meet my father, Leon," I said, breaking the hug.
"Alright."
We left Ana's room for my father's study. The maids bowed as I passed. They are from noble families who have no roles in their homelands. Leon is my exclusive servant, unlike them; his status is much higher despite his humble background.
Arriving at my father's door, I knocked.
"Father, it's me, Alisha."
"Come in."
Having received permission, we both entered. Father was sitting in his chair reading a report. Piles of documents on his desk showed his hard work.
"Ah, Leon, you've come as well?" Father said, noticing my servant.
"Forgive the intrusion, Tsar Feodor," Leon said with a bow.
"It's fine, you are like family in this palace."
Father also knows Leon's true identity. That's why he doesn't mind a man having a close relationship with me and Ana. It seems he also has the same plan to marry him to Ana later.
"Sit down, Alisha. There is something I want to tell you," Father said, his tone shifting slightly.
I nodded and sat in the chair before his desk. I was curious what he wanted to tell me. Aside from state matters, he rarely discussed anything else with me.
"You know the current state of our country, don't you?" Father began.
"Of course, Father. This is the worst condition our country has seen in twenty years," I replied with a heavy heart.
"One week ago, Duke Alvaro de Garcia from the Empire came here for business."
Duke Alvaro? I believe he is the Head of Intelligence for the Aragon Empire—the ruler of the Duchy of Toledo in the northeast. What would bring him all this way from the south?
"He promised business cooperation and a massive investment in our country," Father said, his expression changing.
"This is good, isn't it? Given our country's condition, that will build our economy," I said hopefully.
For the past few years, no other businessmen or nations have wanted to do business or invest in the Slavic Tsardom because of the sudden monster disasters. They feared for the success of any partnership. But what made Duke Alvaro want to invest here despite our poor condition?
"But, there is one condition he gave for this cooperation to happen," Father said, appearing hesitant to speak.
"What kind of condition?"
I would do anything to fix this country. Anything, if it can make this land better in the time I have left, I would gladly do it.
"You must marry his son after graduation."
At Father's words, I heard Leon click his tongue in irritation. But Father ignored him and kept his eyes on me.
"What do you think, Alisha? I don't want to force you in this matter."
Marriage? In the little over two years I have left to live?
"I will give you one day to think about this," Father said, seeing that I didn't immediately answer. "You and Leon may leave; I still have something to finish here."
We both left Father's room. I was still thinking about what he had just said. It was true that the Duchy of Toledo was one of the wealthiest regions in the Empire. The Garcia family was also known for their immense wealth. If this cooperation was formed, the country would recover much faster.
"Alisha..."
Hearing Leon call my name, I turned to him. His face looked sad, as if he were about to cry.
"Please, refuse this offer, Alisha," Leon said with a trembling voice. He clenched his fists tightly.
"Why should I refuse? With this, the Slavic Tsardom will be better, and I can use the rest of my life for the good of my country."
I looked into his eyes seriously as I said that. I know why Leon doesn't want me to marry another man. It's because he loves me; he doesn't want me with anyone but himself.
However, I will give him a chance this time. If he dares to confess his feelings to me and tell my father that he can fix the state of this country with his own abilities, then I will refuse the marriage proposal.
However, Leon could only remain silent, head bowed, at my question.
I could only sigh and walk toward the palace library. Leon tried to follow, but I stopped him. I wanted to be alone for a while.
Arriving at the library, I took down a book on world noble lineages. I opened the page for the Aragon Empire and searched for the Garcia family.
"Raul de Garcia, huh?"
What kind of person is this man who is to be my fiancé?