< Adelle's POV >

Free days that I rarely get, I spend again reading these pages. The magus' previous records, everything I need, I brought here, to my room.

The maid had well-prepared this room with tea before leaving me. They did a great job, although no one came back after the cups and jugs are empty.

Everyone is busy, of course, the day would be calm. Everyone prepared for the big event that was going to happen.

Right. Coronation, crowning? Yes, whatever.

How troublesome? I know. This could only happen because my brother caught the King's attention. I also wonder why they always attracted attention.

Even so, maybe I should be grateful. My brother will be King.

The comfortable life awaits. No, definitely not completely. Still, it's better than winter by the road, right? After thinking, maybe the palace is better.

The streets became castles. Of course, it sounds like a lie. If only I had listened to the rumors, I would have told them it was a lie. Strangely, it really happened.

Plus, my eldest brother got the goddess's blessing, then secured his position.

Doing things like that ... either they are great or just simply insane.

Confusing people, indeed.

But back about my brother, about the throne, I actually will support him. Whatever he does.

I can't admit that I care about people. Ah, but does that make me look bad? Yes, I cannot say that I don't care, indeed.

It is not necessary to think about it. To care for the people is not my job, right? It's my brother's duty. What a pity, he will endure so many difficult things.

Again, this is his ambition. It was visible, so I will pull my pity, no need to feel sorry for him. It's no use either. At least, for now, it's a happy ending.

When my thoughts have stopped, that's when I notice a knock. The knock did not come from the door, but from the window.

I don't have to turn around to know who is coming. Yes, who else is stupid enough to climb up and refuse to come up with the usual means.

My brother, Lucius, is there.

< Lucius' POV >

I stood waiting, silently looking around while letting Adelle takes her time.

The room is nice and good, this veranda also leads to the garden. Yes, it is suitable for women. Unfortunately, she locked this window, forcing me to knock.

Only if she didn't lock this window, of course, I would just enter. What? Should not? I have to go through the door? No way, it's too much trouble.

Sometimes I would run into butlers and they were very talkative. Such and such. Everything is arranged! Sometimes I'm not sure they are being paid to serve or being chatty.

I have to knock even when it's unlocked? Manners? What are you talking about? Come on, we are relatives!

Things like knocking and being too formal are unnecessary, right? Yes, yes, of course, I will knock when faced with the King's room. However, if it's just Adelle and Darius, there's no need, right?

Wait a minute ... Wait a minute ... I will knock when facing the king's room ... what if the king is Darius?

Yes! How?!

Should I knock or not? Or is it?

By now, it was almost a decision that Darius would become King. At least, candidates. They have a system ... what's it called again? Coronation? Ah yes, that.

I won't be there. The decision I made with Darius. We also asked the King's approval by begging him not to get me into troublesome problems. Don't say my name.

Also ... I'm not sure I can keep up the attitude. Like those nobles. I will embarrass my family and myself. But the reality is reality. Just sitting in the same place for hours to read is driving me crazy.

That's why ... I ... don't want to get into this hassle.

Then how will I help Darius?

I know, I promised him. I'm not gifted at things like a formality. I am different from Darius. He's like ... born for this.

Even before entering the palace, Darius was able to choose his words correctly. Too often adults praise him for being polite.

He's calm, sometimes I'm confused about how he does it. Even though we are brothers, we have the same blood, but what he thought I never managed to guess.

I mean, which person wants to take a difficult position like a King? Yes, of course, maybe only Darius.

But look, to begin with, I guess it was impossible. Darius, Adelle, and I, we don't even have royal blood. This is ... a miracle?

However, I know a little bit. Darius also did it because Adelle was here. That's why, in return for what he did for us, I wanted to help him.

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Indeed, I'm not great at making decisions, but there must be something that can be done.

Ah ... wait a minute! I was thinking about knocking or not, right? So how?

While I was thinking about that, the sound of a lock opened came.

"What are you doing?"

That was the greeting that came coldly from Adelle. Right. What is my purpose here? Did I tell you earlier? I forgot.

Completely forgot, and I tried not to show it with my expression.

"For tea, of course."

Soon, I answered to my sister. I walked past her then take the same cup as her earlier.

I noticed something there, the envelope lying next to the teapot.

"Adelle, who is that message from?"

"Oh, the eccentric one from the east."

Eccentric person? What kind of person? East? I never knew Adelle had friends. My thoughts were simply cut short as a clear sigh came from behind me. Of course, it came from Adelle.

"Don't try to make a conversation. Tell me if you forget."

"I didn't forget!"

Goddamn Adelle and her ability to know quickly. Or am I too stupid?

"Don't you need to get ready?"

I'm trying to pull up another topic. At least to erase the fact that I forgot.

"What for?"

"... for Darius' coronation?"

"No, tomorrow I will come. As for today, they do many things in the temple."

"So the temple doesn't accept magicians?"

I asked, staring at my little sister. From the start, what is the connection between the temple and not coming?

"They accept it! It's just that the ceremony is always troublesome!"

"Right ... you always don't like it, I remember you fell asleep when praying!"

"Look at yourself!"

Then we have a fight. Adelle's finger pointed to the glass in her room.

Actually, nothing strange from this. We've done it many times. Darius will be the mediator. The difference is, this time there is no Darius.

"You fall asleep more often!" I replied.

"How can it be! If you fall asleep 10 times, I only fall asleep once, that's the comparison!"

"It's upside down!"

"No, you do fall asleep more often."

"You!" I accused her.

"You!" then he replied.

We reply to each other. Our argument might not make sense, or does it make sense? Not at all.

What stopped us is just another knock on the door.

"Adelle, is there a problem?"

So the voice asks from across there. Instantly, I feel shocked. I recognize that voice. Very familiar with that voice.

It might be ugly to admit it, but I don't really like this person for I never win an argument with her. Clara

"Sit well, I'll open the door...!" so Adelle told me.

Her eyes seemed to say, "We'll continue this later."

Then, I could see her back that is moving away.

Her body ... is more appropriate. No, no! I wasn't thinking strange things, just, I remembered. In the past, she was very small, her bones were seen. Darius and I were always worried when winter comes.

Maybe ... the palace isn't that bad.

The door is opened later. Another mage is there.

"No problem! I just found out Clara is not going to the ceremony."

"No, just my mom."

"Then, Clara, come in. There's a Brother Lucius too. It's okay, right?"

"No problem."

Clara answers. Adelle then invites the 'ice-block' into her room. Just my feelings or the Clara doesn't like me?

Because Adelle, here we are, sitting at the same table, three of us together.

"So, what are you going to do after this?"

The question came out of the mouth of someone other than my sister. I'm curious sometimes, she said it because she cared, curious, or just pleasantries?

Even so, Adelle seemed familiar with her, my sister answered first.

"Me? Of course, as usual, I'll learn magic with you anyway, nothing will change."

That's when I see the ice block smile. Somehow, there's something about her. Something I can't get rid of.

"Thank God ..." she said.

So soft ...

Wait! What am I talking about?! No, no, no, forget it! What's more important is what I want to say.

I've remembered it, thanks to Clara, even though I hate to say it.

"Adelle, I remember!"

"See? You totally forgot! You denied it when I said you forgot!"

"All right, sorry, sorry! Listen first!"

"What?"

As soon as Adelle asked, her gaze turns towards me, Clara is also looking at me.

"I'm leaving the palace ... I've talked about it to Darius too ..."

"Where to?"

Clara asked. Those brown eyes look at me. Strange, she asks. Is it just to contribute to the conversation?

Or do I dare to think that she cares?

"Far away place."

That face becomes worried, or I'm making it up. She looked at me warmly, slowly, the lips moved.

"I'll ask you to be careful, usually you're always careless ..."

As soon as she reminds me, not coldly, but with ... what? How can I say? I feel my cheeks warm. I try not to look at her anymore.

"Thank you..."

I reply slowly.

< Darius' POV >

Those brown eyes are exactly like his daughter. They both look alike huh ... mother and child. Rosemary.

If I'm going to take the throne, there will definitely be a lot to do with them. Rosemary is a royal magician, from generation to generation, who knows since when.

They have a unique history, each generation has only one daughter. Sometimes I get confused, is it on purpose? Like, they would abort it if it were a boy?

However, there is no time to think about that. At least, not now.

My gaze diverse, no longer to the two eyes, but towards the front.

This temple is luxurious. As expected of the main Druantian shrine. I can already imagine the protests from the goddess, who doesn't look like that goddess if only the shrine isn't any good.

But either way, I have to thank her. Only because of her, I can be here.

I know the nobles can't just accept me. If the decision is only made by His Majesty the King, there are too many ways to thwart the decision. As with protests based on the approval of all nobles.

Not to mention, the gentle heart of the old man. Then add the weak soldiers we have.

The incident that night is unforgettable. A testament to the incompetence of the soldiers shown onto my face spectacularly. Also, the fact that Lucius can climb in through the window into my room.

It sounds like the nobles might bribe the soldiers, not to guard properly. Yet, this is only an estimate. I have no proof at all.

However, I will change it. All of that would be troublesome. I know. Much has to be changed from this kingdom.

I know exactly how busy it is. After this, problems will come. It doesn't stop and it's long. I know it.

But the reasons I have are much bigger than the troubles to come. I will do it, whatever it is to protect their eyes.

Just remembering it brought courage back to me. Remember how they laughed, how they fought. My decision is not wrong.

With certainty, I step my feet in front of the great monk. I leaned on one leg in front of him. My head looks at the altar.

Sentences are read to me. His white beard moves as he speaks. A divine message from the goddess to the next king, they said. In the end, the great monk asks. With an aged voice, to me.

"Do you promise and swear solemnly to devote yourself to the Goddess, to Rosewell, to His Majesty the King?"

"Yes, I promise."

"By the holy love bestowed upon-"

"I, I make you the Crown Prince, the 49th successor of King Rosewell."

The voice changed! This incident ... is like that day.

I couldn't stop myself from maintaining my position, from turning around. My eyes go around to find the figure I have ever met, right in front of me.

The great monk himself had also prostrated right in front of her. I have to maintain my appearance ... by doing the same.

Strangely everyone, who had been watching, could now only close their eyes.

"They can't see me, but they can definitely hear me. Let's move on, get down on our knees, Darius."

That is how Druantia said. Easy as a child. I did what she said. Bowed my head before that goddess. Druantia put her hand on top of my head.

"I have sanctified you, bless you, and now make you the successor of the King. He, who tries to hinder, will receive my wrath."

Druantia said. I can feel the sting all over my body. She ... sounded really like a goddess right now. Though I'm not sure what she said was the proper text. However, she is a goddess. She can do it.

"Those eyes, along with your sincere heart, if they stay like that, I will always be with you."

Now ... it's done. An almost absolute throne is mine.

"Rise up, Darius. Present yourselves to this kingdom."