The autumn breeze wafted gently, providing a refreshing respite from the usual heat. My hair fluttered lightly in the wind, and despite this not being the life I had envisioned for myself, I couldn't help but think that perhaps it was for the best.

In this place, I’m not trapped in a beautiful cage. The life in the palace seemed to be beautiful because of the life full of vanity, but even if the place here in Caenare Mountain is too simple for my taste, if I'll have the right perspective – I should be thankful for having my life spared away from my Evrart's cruelty.

Unfortunately, it's still not easy to accept things. It was a riches-to-rags story, and I hate being a part of it.

Trying to believe that this life is better feels like lying to myself, embracing something that I don't agree with at all. I keep on calling it the' right mindset' but still doesn't feel right.

Sometimes it makes me think – what are the differences between the truth and lie? Having the opportunity to escape the palace with Marius is a blessing, but it doesn't change the fact that it's another way of running away from the problem.

Being in this place is a temporary solution. One day, I have to face Evrart.

If I had Thyra's courage, I would've done that.

I believe her decision to leave was driven by a desire to avoid unnecessary conflict and drama. While she may possess the ability to confront her enemies head-on, it would be unrealistic to expect her to emerge victorious against every adversary while keeping herself unharmed. I have heard that an Izavene's power has its limitations, and excessive use of that power can potentially result in self-destruction.

Indeed, that is a stark reality. I recall her being unconscious for four consecutive days following the war due to the excessive use of her power. Witnesses even mentioned that she was seen vomiting blood, highlighting the severe toll that overexertion can take on an Izavene's well-being. How gross.

Regardless of Thyra's current status, she is the least of my concerns. If she were to discover that I am either deceased or missing, it is likely that she would find some form of satisfaction in that news. If that brings her joy, then so be it.

“I see you’re here by yourself,” Elliot said, his voice calm. I can be wrong but his voice sounds like there is always a hint of sadness in it. Eviona said that he’s the emperor of the Ruivenfiere Empire, but he’s nothing but a commoner in this isolated place. Come to think of it, I still have no idea why they’re here. I know some points, but not the entire thing.

“Now that you’re here, I’ll take advantage of this situation for us to talk about my daughter, Eviona. I want you to avoid being in trouble so,” clueless on how to react, I only blinked, which can be concluded as a yes. Part of me is not interested, but I also want to hear what he has to say for it sounds like something serious.

“You already know that Eviona’s the banished princess, and since the basis of the empire’s leader depends on who’s more powerful, she believes that she’s the rightful person to take over the throne. But her power of hearing people’s thoughts also affects her, because it’s like hearing everyone speak at once. Nobody can lie to her, but the truth is, she can only hear the thoughts of those who are around three meters away from her. So, us being outside the house would make it unlikely for her to hear us. I know that I can’t leave her alone, so I stepped down as the emperor to be her guardian at some point. I want to believe that with my guidance, I can change her goals. She may not know it, but her mindset and ways are not different from the blood empress. Rebellion is her language. If you noticed, history repeated itself. You’re the rightful empress, but Heloise stole that right from you. Eviona is the rightful heir of the empire, but it was given to the crown prince instead. Thus, she wants to steal it but didn’t see it as stealing because she believes it’s hers from the beginning. If she’ll push that idea, bloodshed will happen. She’s indirectly negotiating with the leaders of other regions to help her, but since hearing tons of thoughts can be deafening at once, she talks to them one by one, and if it needs to be done as a group, someone does that on her behalf. Her mind is her power because she can't use weapons. That said, she's like a player of chess, moving one piece to another instead of being one of the pieces," he explained, and I think I'm having an idea why he's saying all these to me. Though fighting Eviona is not a part of my goals, it won't be bad to know more about who I'm living with.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"How serious is Eviona about her rebellion? When will she strike by any chance?" I'm not sure if I should care about it, but maybe I should anyway. This is frustrating. Marius is everything I'm worried about, and I already told myself to be out of the war business and any related issues.

I learned my lesson the hard way.

Aiming to be on top is like climbing a mountain – you do whatever it takes, but once achieved you’ll realize that you’re alone, and the emptiness will swallow up your heart.

“I’m not sure how long she’s planning to make the first move. But she said that she has a guest today, so she must be talking to that person now,” Elliot led the way and I followed him into the house.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“… are you dumb or numb? Or probably both?” that was the first question I overheard from her study, and Elliot tries to listen to it – I understand eavesdropping feels wrong, but it was Elliot's idea. If there are consequences, I'll blame him.

“Come on, Thyra is an asset in our group. She’s on our side now. Imagine how she can kill Azriel’s army with her alone. We both have the same goal, and she wants Azriel’s head on a plate because I told her that it was him who killed the Eurhyian king,” A cocky unfamiliar male voice said, and I covered my mouth to avoid making noises. Thyra’s the last name I’m expecting to hear, but it seems like she’s involved here. Seriously, of all the people. Why her?

“You don’t get it, don’t you? That lightning girl of yours isn’t locked up. If you threatened her just to choose you, then she can escape. How sure are you that she won’t betray us? You hardly know that girl. You were only stunned with what she can do,” Eviona fired back, and even though I didn't hear their whole conversation, the thing I can pick up is about Eviona rejecting that man's proposal of including Thyra in their alliance. I don’t know what to feel about it, but if she’ll be their ally … I’ll end up seeing her around, right?

That woman.

I know she despises me. She cheated death when I tried to kill her. If our paths will cross, will it be her turn to do that to me?

I buried my face in my hands and leaned against the wall. Reflecting on the situation, I can't help but feel regret for my actions. However, I can't deny that she also played a part in our mutual hatred. The difference lies in the fact that my methods were more perilous than hers.

“Corianne, is there something wrong? Don’t you feel well? If you feel ill, I can bring escort you to your room,” Elliot whispered. He softly grasped my shoulders, careful not to draw attention from Eviona and her guest, as we eavesdropped.

I declined his assistance by shaking my head and taking a step back.

“… I still suggest giving room for betrayal. Hervouet, that girl can't be a fool, and we don't know what she's thinking. So, if you'll keep on insisting for her to join us, then fine. Don’t blame me if the situation gets out of hand. She’s your responsibility now.” Eviona added.

"Don't worry, I have complete control over her life. If she dares to betray us, it would be her own demise. She is responsible for the devastating loss of our army in the war. As the last known alexandrite Izavene, all evidence points to her. I will ensure she faces the empress's punishment. If you desire, you can witness her retribution."

As the man's confident voice reached Elliot's ears, his eyes widened in response. His expression revealed a mix of recognition and shock, suggesting that he either recognized the voice or was taken aback by the weightiness of the words. Elliot, being a gentle and compassionate individual, might have felt uneasy upon hearing such cruel statements.

"That voice belongs to Hervouet, my first son from a mistress," he disclosed. "Eviona and Hervouet are plotting against the crown prince, Azriel. Initially, I underestimated the threat, assuming it was only Eviona and a few minor allies. However, with Hervouet's involvement, the entire empire is at risk of crumbling to ruins. This is not an exaggeration but a possible reality."