''Among the students in the academy, the third years have the most power. Do you know why?''

The day after the third-year students come back, Chloe, Luxia, and I are lazing about on the Luminous Dorm's rooftop. While enjoying our tea, Chloe suddenly has the urge to info-dump us, it seems.

''Mhm? Mwy?''

The saintess, who has a whole cake roll in her mouth, tilts her head. It's not strange that she doesn't know anything about the power dynamic here. She doesn't even care.

''For one, freshmen are busy familiarizing themselves with the environment and are generally forbidden from taking powerful positions.'' Chloe says. ''The sophomores are better, but they can't be said to have unparalleled power, except for some generations in the past.''

''Hm... What about the fourth years?'' Luxia inquires.

''Most fourth years are busy with their graduation thesis and general preparations to apply for a proper job. The thesis is quite daunting to finish, you see.'' Chloe replies. ''They usually leave the power scene fully after their third year.''

''That explains why the people I met yesterday were so haughty.''

As Luxia can read thoughts, she was assigned a mission to gather typical information about the third years and their recent internship. According to her, everything is still the same as the original story, which is a relief.

''But why talk about this?''

''You ask lots of questions.''

''That's cause you guys won't let me read your thoughts! I'm not complaining, though.''

The forever curious Luxia is still pursuing entertainment.

In any case, we now don't have to hide things from her anymore. So, Chloe confidently discloses the next scenario.

''The next chapter of the story.'' She says. ''It'll revolve around Her Highness the crown princess and her brother. Throne competition stuff.''

"Ah, that girl?" Luxia gently taps her chin. ''Imperial infighting... That's quite boring. Oh, wait. Wasn't there something about the secret heirloom in the palace?"

This is why Luxia is so scary. She already knows most of the top secrets in the empire.

''Yup. That's it.''

''Ah... Okay, I see. Don't spoil it any further, though.''

''Sure. I'll just inform you of what you need to do.''

Soon, the topic of the story subsides, leaving us with other small ones to tackle. Because we don't allow her to read our thoughts, she is not at all informed about our situation in Zircon.

''Chloe, treat me to some dessert.''

''Lap pillow.''

''Deal.''

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

So, naturally, I earn some easy money by making an underground deal with the rich lady. With Luxia laughing non-stop at our interaction, we move to a famous café in the academy and book a quiet table in the corner.

Here, I have a full view of the first floor and the street at the same time, so it's pretty nice. Additionally, for some privacy, Luxia is employing a sound barrier using wind magic.

''It's all couples, jeez.''

Following Luxia's gaze, we scan around the shop, and indeed, most of the customers are couples. As this is a luxury shop, they're all nobles as well.

Right then, I feel a weight on my lap. From God knows when, Chloe has already laid down comfortably on my thighs, pulling her long hair into a tail and putting it on her stomach.

''It doesn't matter.'' She says, eyes closed in bliss. ''As long as I get to do this...''

''You really do love her, don't you?'' Luxia pokes her head in, giggling.

''Yes.''

Hearing Chloe's instant reply, Luxia bursts into laughter again.

''Nyahahah...! Why aren't you guys a couple already?''

Playing along the flow, Chloe makes a sad face and curls herself, conveniently landing her face into my stomach.

''My crush doesn't know love, you see. Hic, hic.''

''Pfft- Nyahahah! That's so sad...!''

Why are you laughing when it's sad? And...

''It's tickling.''

Finally ending this joke after a while, desserts arrive, and we move to more serious stuff. This time, I'm the one conversing with Luxia as Chloe is busy being fed by me.

''Now that I think about it, didn't the crown princess meet her ancestor a while ago?'' Luxia turns to me.''That was your ally, right?''

''Mhm. One of my friends.'' I reply.

''Let me meet her! I've always wanted a ghost friend!''

''There's a skeleton as well.''

''Ooh...!''

''Aside from that, did you learn anything else from reading Sierra's thoughts?''

''Ah, I was about to tell you guys that as well. She won't tell anyone the secret just yet, but she does plan to make Zircon her own eventually.''

In an instant, my mood plummets. Perhaps because of [Monarch]'s influence, I become irritated every time someone tries to take away something that's mine.

''...Why?'' I ask regardless.

''She just thought it was interesting.''

''...''

I see. A ruler's conquer instinct...

For the sake of the scenario, I am willing to help Sierra, but if I let her be for long, she will inevitably aim for my territory. If so, isn't the solution simple?

I shall conquer the empire before that.

It's a good goal to have.

As Chloe tugs my tummy, demanding another snack, I give her my half-eaten piece of puff cream and renew my destination in this world once more.

''Oh, talk about the devil.''

Right then, seemingly out of nowhere, the woman herself, Sierra Alaina Astra, enters the store with another man and several bodyguards. The handsome man's identity is not hard to guess as he has the same black hair and silvery-white eyes as Sierra, and his face looks similar to hers as well.

Killian Kassius Astra, the former crown prince.

Immediately, the shop becomes eerily quiet. Most people, perhaps fearing they will ruin the imperial siblings' time, opt to leave the place altogether.

Soon enough, only them, us, and a few more unfazed people left.

''May I know what the matter is today, brother?''

Sierra opens the conversation first with an elaborate piece of mechanical puzzle in her hand, appearing quite relaxed. At this, the man's face turns sour.

"Do I have to spell it out, sister?" Killian asks. "What did you do to His Majesty? Why did you abruptly become the heir?"

Although his voice is calm, a fierce rage can easily be inferred from his words. Sierra remains composed, however, as she tries to unlock the puzzle.

''The calm blood really does run through this family, huh?''

I have to disagree with that, Chloe. Didn't you see Ariel?

In any case, as the tension rapidly rises, Sierra finally opens her mouth again.

''Wouldn't it be more productive if you asked His Majesty?'' She replies. ''Moreover... Here is clearly not a suitable spot for such a talk.''

''You were the one who decided the place.''

''Oh, that's right. Oops.''

''...Sister, I am being serious.''

''Do you think I am not serious?''

Soon enough, the two begin an intense stare-down, leaving us three no choice but to cower in fear and munch away at the snacks. How scary, indeed...

''Well? We will find out once the banquet starts, brother.''

''What?''

''His Majesty will attend the party this year, of course, together with all of the dukes.''

''Why suddenly...?''

Because it's a breaking point in the game. Something big will happen, that is.