Auriana and Nikulas contemplated Ida’s words, looking at Rael whose face was twisted with rage. This was his empire and his people, and thus, he should be the person they should be listening to.

“So they wish for the downfall of this empire?” Rael raised an eyebrow, smirking to himself. “How brave.”

Seeing the arrogant poise of Rael and his angered expression, Ida recalled the future content of this novel, and where she read until, the ruler of the throne hadn’t been decided. However, it was the final battle between Rael and the ducal family of Ravengard. The family that the fifth prince belonged to, a family that he was indebted to. The fifth prince was also someone Rael greatly treasured.

“...”

Ida sighed inwardly to herself.

“Elder brother. If killing me is what will end this, please do so. The empire needs you more than I do.”

It was the first time that Ida shed a tear for the novel as she remembered Rael trudged towards the bloody throne, listless and apathetic. The golden throne was soaked in the blood of his siblings, and amongst them all, it was from a sibling that he treasured dearly. A family member that he considered…a family. Just like that, Ida closed the book as she read Rael’s last thoughts, who was hesitant to sit on the blood-soaked throne.

“Isn’t it amusing, Auri? Nik?”

“The empire needs me, but what about me? The people I need…are gone.”

“Now that I have reached here, I…do not see any purpose sitting on this throne any longer.”

Ida closed the book and refused to continue reading it.

A few days passed before she decided to touch the book again, but alas, her previous life soon became a living hell and she never had the chance to touch the book ever again.

“Is it that dangerous?” Rael questioned. “There’s no need to worry like that.”

“...hm?” Ida blinked, breaking out of her daze. “Worried?”

“You were sighing in such a depressing manner.”

Ida raised her head, realising that three pairs of curious eyes were on her. Even June had sensed her emotions, flitting around Ida in curiosity and concern. Ida stiffened, blinking to herself before she solemnly shook her head.

“No, I’m not worried.”

A small smile flitted past her lips as she observed the people standing in this room.

“With everyone here, there’s nothing to be worried about.”

These people saved my home, and the villagers. I want to prevent the same tragedy from happening to them.

No matter the cost.

Ida kept those thoughts to herself as they nodded their heads in agreement.

“Just leave the fighting to me and Auri.” Nikulas stated.

“As the Crown Prince of this empire, I will do anything to prevent this disaster.” Rael added.

“Very well. I will start with how they plan to lay their trap in this funeral, and who their targets are,” Ida explained, remembering the unpleasant details of the story and her voice becoming grave. “Their highest priority is your uncle, Your Highness, but he isn’t the only target.”

“Since they wish to fuel the flames of war for the throne, it isn’t surprising they will be targeting other members of royalty.”

Ida placed her finger at a point of interest on the map which was laid out on the table. That was where the first trap will be laid, and the trap that will lead to the downfall of Rael Grenyth Liant.

***

It has been one week since the funeral ceremony of the emperor had been announced, and the citizens of the capital were required to be dressed in all-black for a month. No form of celebration could be held, whether it was someone’s birthday or wedding. During that time, due to the strict rules being implemented, Nikulas and Auriana weren't granted access to visit the minister who was imprisoned in the dungeons. Thus, the two of them had resorted to sneaking into the dungeons and seeking counsel from the minister.

“We are off.” Nikulas announced.

“You were almost discovered by the guards, so don’t be too reckless this time,” Ida advised, crossing her arms as she gestured at them. “You are strong enough to fend off the guards, but your actions have consequences that affect you and others around you. You have time, so assess the situation carefully before making a move.”

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

After finishing her words, Auriana covered her mouth as she snickered.

“Did I say something strange?”

“No, it’s just…” Auriana smiled thoughtfully. “You remind us of our teacher.”

Ida blinked, lowering her arm as she cleared her throat awkwardly. Her habits from her past life were surfacing.

“Miss Ida sounds experienced with taking care of people under her wing,” Rael commented, taking a sip of his tea. “Like a commander or a captain.”

Due to the funeral, the atmosphere in the streets was somber and dull. Ever since then, Ida had been spending her days with Auriana, Nikulas and Rael in the drawing room of the palace. Whether it was to discuss more plans about the funeral or receiving reports from Rael’s people about suspicious movement, she was basically confined to the drawing room. Occasionally, she walked around the garden and wrote letters to her parents to ease their worries of her “recovery” in the capital.

“Mhmm. Our teacher always nagged at us like that.” Nikulas agreed.

Even June found the situation amusing and giggled to herself, laying down on Ida’s shoulder and kicking her legs up in the air.

“You should go.” Ida abruptly said.

“Yes, captain.” Auriana teased.

“Yes, teacher.” Nikulas added on.

The two left with a smile on their face as Ida frowned to herself.

“I’m not surprised if you have a hidden army of troops that you have been secretly training without anyone knowing.” Rael murmured nonchalantly, looking out his balcony at the bright, clear skies.

“I wouldn’t dare, Your Highness.”

“And also…” Rael trailed off, glancing up at the smiling figure lingering around Ida’s side.

Ever since Ida gained Rael’s trust, Elaphyra started making several appearances of her own will. Despite being the leader of all druids, Ida couldn’t believe that Elaphyra was so relaxed around her. She still couldn’t understand why Elaphyra had taken a liking to her.

“I still don’t understand why she likes you so much.” Rael said, sharing the same sentiment as Ida.

“Truthfully, I have no idea either.”

Elaphyra was playing along with June’s antics, and she realised two pairs of eyes on her. She merely smiled politely at them before focusing her attention on June again.

“You even have a contracted fae by your side, and they are no spirit.” Rael said with a sigh, clutching his head. “Ida Wolfe, who in the world are you?”

“...just a normal fallen noble.”

Rael raised his eyebrows, his eyes filled with incredulity.

“I apologise, Your Highness,” Ida sighed and with a resigned expression. “If possible, I didn't want to reveal June so quickly but, a fae will listen to no one. She couldn't stop herself after seeing Elaphyra in her physical form. They get along well.”

“Druids and fae are forces of nature. It'll be strange if they don't get along.” Rael nodded in agreement before he shrugged. “Also, fine, I won’t bug you about your identity any longer.”

Ida nodded gratefully at Rael and looked towards June who was hovering excitedly around Elaphyra. She recalled the conversation with Auriana and Nikulas after they met the minister for the first time.

“While you were in the dungeon, did you discover anything strange?”

“Strange? I couldn't sense anything. Nikulas, did you find anything?”

“There was a familiar stench, and a stench that shouldn't belong in a place like that.”

“Could it possibly be…”

“Yes, it was the scent of a fae, but it was very faint. If it weren't for that maid…”

June mentioned that it was possible that the maid carried some fae dust on her. Thus, Ida began walking around in the garden. It was to allow June to pick up on any clues, especially encountering that maid that Nikulas mentioned. Alas, ever since then, there were no other clues and Ida could only wait as the days passed by. Fortunately, the presence of Elaphyra served as a good distraction for June.

“Your Highness. It is time for the afternoon tea with Her Highness, the Empress.”

“I'll leave Elaphyra here. I suggest not to leave here for now, or you might encounter other nobles.”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Rael exited the drawing room and left Ida to herself as she soaked in the quiet atmosphere, sipping her tea. She hesitated before opening her mouth, looking at Elaphyra.

“Elaphyra, other than June, do you sense any other fae in the area?”

“I don't, but there's a mortal held captive in the dungeon who is bonded deeply to a fae.”

Ida stood up in surprise. “Yo-you know about them?”

“Hero! I wanna play the hero! Save the day, hehehe!” June cheered.

“The bond between this mortal and the fae has always been a mystery. They were warned of their fates, but they continued such an ill-fated relationship.”

“I will save the queen's little one! The queen and the little one can play again! And again! Forever!” June cheered once more, her ominous words making Ida frown.

“Queen?” Ida repeated.

“Yes, our queen! She loves that little one so much, and so do we! She sent me out to play a game with her little one!”

“Queen? Beloved?” Ida paled, imagining many unspeakable things. “Their beloved is currently being tortured in the dungeons…”

Seeing that the tree spirit she summoned was entertaining June, Elaphyra made her way over to Ida.

“That’s right,” Elaphyra answered, agreeing to June's words with a relaxed smile. “The same mortal we are speaking of is the beloved of the queen of all faes and pixies.”

After hearing those words, Ida's expression was a complete opposite of Elaphyra and June. She turned stiffly to Elaphyra, frowning and asking in the most hesitant manner.

“Elaphyra. Do you think it's advisable to break a promise between a fae, especially if it involves one's life?”

“Breaking a promise with a fae won't just end with death.” Elaphyra responded, a hint of disbelief in her words as if wondering who would be bold enough to go against a fae.

“What if it involves the fate of the world?”

“Faes have no concept of time, and so, their anger will never fade,” Elaphyra explained, her voice grim. “Not even mentioning the queen of the faes, even June is capable of destroying an entire continent if she wanted to.”

Ida groaned, placing her hand on her forehead. The situation had grown needlessly complicated. Not only did she have to prevent the tragic events at the funeral, but now, she had to break into the deepest part of the dungeon to rescue the Fae Queen's lover. If not, the entire Grenyth Empire will have to suffer under the wrath of two powerful faes.

I should have not chased those damned wolves away that day.