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Chapter 292 part 1

Due to the large number of people in Amria’s group, the table was divided in two. It was arranged with Yachiyo, Fuuko, Lynette, Gundeus, and Kyrlinne – the five escorts and attendants at one, while Amria, Gwandan, and Asteria formed a trio at the other. Yachiyo and Fuuko visibly kept their ears alert, their gazes shifting rapidly between the sibling interaction of Amria and Asteria.

On the other hand, Lynette and the others seemed to relish their herbal tea, exuding a strong coolness and a faint sourness, along with a fragrant aroma. Despite their overly compliant nature, these three artificial life sisters couldn’t ignore the danger their master and friends were in. They indulged in the hospitality, but their vigilance remained undiminished.

The greatest strength of the empire present was the Dragon General, Kyles. His body was encased in armor made from the scales, claws, fangs, and blood of wise dragons, along with rare ores. The small sword he carried, intended for indoor combat, radiated powerful dragon magic. Its sheathed blade, crafted from dragon scales using advanced techniques, was imbued with several layers of the Romal Empire’s finest enchantment magic.

Lynette and her team could potentially overcome Kyles’ defenses with their combined physical abilities, combat skills, and equipment. However, Kyles also possessed combat prowess capable of delivering a fatal blow to them.

Their vigilance extended not only to Kyles but also to Zanad and his subordinates outside the room, and to the butler and maids displaying refined movements befitting attendance on Asteria. After all, Lynette and her team were themselves high-powered combat servants; it wouldn’t be surprising if those serving Asteria were similarly capable.

As Asteria addressed Amria, who paused with a cup of herbal tea in hand, her princess smile remained intact.

「There is no poison in it. If you’re still concerned, I can drink first, and you can use the same cup afterwards.」

Even if the drink wasn’t poisoned, the cup itself could be. Asteria suggested this, implying that sharing the same spot on the cup would demonstrate its safety. Amria, having listened to Asteria’s words, picked up her cup, adorned with emerald ivy and ruby roses.

Of course, she chose her own cup. She drank the amber liquid confidently, exhibiting poise fitting for a royal tea party. Gwandan, often surprised by Amria’s boldness, was reassured by her adeptness at high society manners.

「Sister, you are being a bit playful.」

After Amria placed her cup back on the saucer, admonishing like scolding a child’s mischief, Asteria nodded slightly and also sipped her tea. This exchange verified that Amria wasn’t a faint-hearted person easily disturbed by minor teasing.

Seeing Amria initiate the tea-drinking, Yachiyo and Fuuko also began tasting the vividly colored baked sweets, albeit more slowly than usual. The confections crumbled delightfully upon entering the mouth, spreading a soft sweetness of fruit and sugar. The light texture and non-lingering sweetness soon had Yachiyo and Fuuko reaching for more.

「Indeed, Amria. I, too, was perhaps overly excited about meeting you. I have been keeping track of your activities since you left the Empire, took refuge in the Arkrest Kingdom, and then returned. You’ve traveled from Grand Duke Linosart’s area, through various rebel territories with differing temperatures, witnessing realities unknown to hearsay. Is experiencing their reality directly your goal?」

「Yes, partly. I did it to understand what I can and want to do here again, after leaving the Romal Empire.」

「I understand your purpose, but I can’t quite empathize. Even if you, a person without desires, tour this land, you’ll only stir up more trouble in the Empire – a cliché statement, isn’t it? Rest assured, those of us, including myself, who are vying for power in the Empire, are strategizing to leverage your presence for our advantage. Many believe having more catalysts for change is beneficial.」

Asteria spoke with her smile unchanged, to which Yachiyo reacted almost instinctively.

「To speak so openly, huh?」

Ignoring Yachiyo’s murmur, Asteria finally dropped her feigned smile, revealing the true face of a woman continually feigning familial strife with her uncle. There was no fierceness, spirit, or dignity – only a literal emptiness. Her expression, devoid of human desires or emotions, was perhaps the true essence of Asteria. Yachiyo and Fuuko were visibly shocked, seeing this stark contrast to her earlier demeanor.

「Amria and I are relieved. If you say so, Sister, I am reassured of my own value.」

「Oh, did I let something slip? But yes, Amria, your custody is indeed valuable. Neither my uncle nor I will mistake how to use you. Though, this might be difficult for those dissatisfied with the Empire’s rule.」

The Arkrest Kingdom seems a bit mysterious. Despite a clear desire to use you to encroach upon the lands of Romal, they curiously allow you much freedom.

If their intention is to manipulate you as a puppet, they are excessively endowing you with wisdom and vision. It would be far easier to control someone kept unaware of the world, deprived of knowledge, and with a limited perspective. Yet, they do the opposite. A noticeable discrepancy exists between their desires and actions.

「The people of that country respect me as an individual. They don’t disregard national interests for this respect. They emphasize the process of achieving national interests, valuing it more than other countries do.

Yes, it’s fair to say they tend to pursue national interests in a way that allows them to maintain their pride.」

If this is true, it’s not a very suitable tendency for a leader of all people. The usual way is to not be selective about the means for the sake of the outcome.

Asteria’s honest opinion, tinged with a hint of astonishment, would likely resonate with those in leadership roles, whether among royalty, nobility, or any group.

The Arkrest Kingdom, beyond the current king and Prince Sperion, has historically preferred to choose their means carefully. This tendency might stem from the royal family’s roots in a nation risen from adventurers, treated somewhat humorously.

「If a king of a nation, unblemished since its inception, suggests that being unfit for kingship is the actual fit, then perhaps you’ve been influenced too?」

Amria responded to Asteria with surprising candor, given the context of their probing conversation.

「Yes, greatly so. I’ve often felt fortunate about where I ended up.」

「I understand. My vassals would argue that embracing someone influenced by Arkrest Kingdom’s ideology contradicts the imperial legitimacy.」

A pregnant pause filled the room, as if Asteria was suggesting disagreement. In that short exchange, it seemed she might find Amria’s perspective valuable, judging by the nuances in their dialogue.

「Sister, may I pose a question?」

「Of course, if it’s within my capacity to answer.」

「Your aim is the imperial throne of the Romal Empire. Is that truly all?」

Amria’s query seemed almost redundant, likely to elicit a ‘what else could it be?’ reaction from both the empire’s subjects and neighboring nations.

「Yes, it’s to transform the previously unfair and inefficient empire into a more effective state. The current imperial approach feels too irrational and uncomfortable for me.」

「So, becoming uncomfortable necessitates a transformation of the nation, and for that, you seek the imperial throne. To you, the emperor’s role is not an end, but a means, a tool?」

「Such a view is unspeakable in public. The emperor, being the empire’s utmost and revered position, viewing it as a mere tool could be seen as disrespectful, even for a princess like myself.

But then, perhaps you share this view. I believe your goals are even more irreverent towards the Romal Empire and its history.」