Chapter 231

TL: TangSanFan

ED/PR: Tanthus

To the One Who Survived (6)

The battle of nerves with Princess Sella continued for some time.

Even before the closing ceremony, she kept badgering me, putting me in a position where I could only repeat the same words over and over.

"Princess Phoenia is saddened..."

"That's an action against Princess Phoenia's will."

"I cannot lie to Princess Phoenia."

"I move only according to Princess Phoenia's instructions."

Phoenia, Phoenia, Phoenia...

Using Princess Phoenia's name as a shield, I managed to deflect all of Princess Sella's attempts to win me over until the very end.

At this point, even the persistent Princess Sella trying to catch me was commendable in its own right.

She placed the lace fan she had been holding onto the bench table and pressed her temples, narrowing her brow.

Her expression was one of profound suffering. It seemed desperately contrived, yet also bordering on the poignant—exceptional acting indeed, considering she was even willing to set aside her towering pride for this.

However, I could not afford to let my guard down now.

This was something Princess Phoenia had repeatedly emphasized. The moment I gave in, my value would dwindle to that of a used relic. I needed to remain steadfast until the very end.

"It seems, persuading you at your level is a difficult task. You really do listen only to what Phoenia commands," said Princess Sella in a somewhat calmer tone.

After repeating the same conversation for well over ten minutes, it finally seemed that progress would be made in our dialogue.

I gave a slight nod, to which Princess Sella sighed and continued,

"Well then, I have no choice but to speak with Phoenia directly."

"... Excuse me?"

"You said you would follow Phoenia's instructions. If I persuade Phoenia to have you cooperate with me, isn't that the solution?"

"That... Although it's logical, is it even possible?"

It's not possible.

I countered with a tone of resignation, prompting an angry look from Princess Sella as her pride seemed to have been wounded.

"You seem quite confident. Are you so certain that Phoenia will cherish and keep you to the end? Unfortunately for you, taking you from Phoenia's embrace is no difficult task."

"At such a critical time when the battle for the throne is nearing its end, she's not one to hand over her supporters to the opposition."

"It all depends on what I offer in exchange. The support of the Rothtaylor family won't crumble by passing you over. As long as Tanya Rothtaylor, the current family head, supports Phoenia, your defection won't cause any significant upheaval."

Before I could respond, Princess Sella added,

"You were attempting to divide the Elfellan household and mine, weren't you?"

This caught me off guard.

I felt it necessary to keep silent for the moment.

"Why, did you think I wouldn't notice? I caught on a bit late, but I realized that bat from the Elfellan household was up to no good. Going over to Phoenia's side, planning to sell internal secrets of my power... Something like that should have waited until after I left the academy."

"..."

"I suppose for that bat, the end of this festival period seemed like the last chance, a hasty move out of desperation... but sadly, a misjudgment. Just as I know Phoenia well, she knows me just as much."

Princess Sella laughed dominantly. She always displayed added confidence especially when dealing with Phoenia or Persica.

"Phoenia would never employ such traitors. She only wanted to pull the powerful Elfellan household away from my influence. Even if the Elfellan left me to join Phoenia, she would not accept them. Poor fools. If only they had stayed obediently under me, they could've retained their dignity in a vacuous position."

"..."

"Such incompetent traitors are unnecessary for me as well. While the loss of support from the Elfellan household may be damaging, it is far better than clinging to a decaying branch. They will be discarded by Phoenia anyway and naturally eliminated."

Princess Sella was right.

Though Princess Phoenia would employ all sorts of people regardless of their status out of her kind-heart, she never employed traitors.

Just like she had decisively cut ties with Durin Greggs who had betrayed the Elte Merchant Association to join Phoenia, anyone with a history of betrayal was simply unfit for her consideration.

It's why she opposed Lortelle Keheln, the epitome of betrayal and subterfuge.

"If such a fickle officer were by your side, it wouldn't be of any substantial benefit. All I want is your steadfast loyalty directed towards me. If something is needed in the process, I'll ensure it. Your loyalty to Phoenia? All of that will be settled once I've negotiated with Phoenia. There might be losses along the way, but they are worth bearing."

"Princess Sella."

"What is it?"

"In doing so, would we not lose the proper order of things?"

"... What do you mean?"

I pondered how best to explain, then slowly began to speak.

"Instead of using me as a means to fight for the throne, you would incur losses in that struggle just to pull me into your power. This seems... reversed, doesn't it?"

"..."

"Without full support from the Rothtaylor household, sacrificing other political gains to forcibly draw me in is not a wise decision."

"Quiet, what would you know, babbling on like that? You're so insolent. Who do you think you're raising your voice to?"

"Hmph..."

Sella let out a laugh, but her lips were turned down in a sneer.

"It was always so nice to see you acting docile, just nodding your head lethargically... It seems you've experienced a lot attending the academy in Sylvania."

"One thing is certain, Ed Rothtaylor is definitely not someone I'll be handing over to you."

"Phoenia. Provoking my stubbornness isn't a good idea. Once I lose my composure, I don't hold back on the means to my end."

"It's strange in the first place."

Princess Phoenia inwardly panicked at the sight of Princess Sella, who had run all the way to the parlor.

She had considered the possibility of Sella pursuing Ed Rothtaylor, but she had not expected such a straightforward approach.

Securing Ed Rothtaylor within one's power undeniably brings substantial benefits, politically and in terms of influence.

However, if it were purely for selfish, political reasons... It doesn't explain the movements that seem willing to forfeit other political advantages just to control Ed.

"Even conceding power struggles within the royal institutions, are you so desperate to grasp Ed Rothtaylor? Considering his political position, that would seem like a losing move."

"..."

"Is there another reason besides the political one? Are you planning to make Ed do something? It seems too suspicious."

"I'm not particularly planning to make him do anything."

"Lies."

"It's just that he worries me."

"What do you mean by worries? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Why bother with such unnecessary questions? Even if there is another reason, am I obligated to tell you, Phoenia?"

Princess Sella frowned deeply as she spoke to Princess Phoenia.

"And, why should one necessarily have to justify the desire to catch a man's attention? It would be fortunate if there's a political gain involved in the process... But even if there isn't, it's merely my personal desire to have that man, so what's the use in demanding a reason - you'll only get silence from me!"

"..."

"Did I say something outrageous? Why such a look, Phoenia?"

"That... Sella, sister. Maybe you should think over what you just said?"

Phoenia had realized that something was different about Princess Sella.

Despite being someone who used to consider her words carefully, maintaining her dignity, she now seemed uncharacteristically anxious, desperate for a definite answer.

Phoenia had suspected Sella's interest in Ed Rothtaylor, but in terms of a relationship between a man and a woman, it was entirely expected to be for political gain only.

However... Seeing Sella's urgency, Phoenia felt a chilling sense of dissonance.

Sella Eyner Clorel...

"..."

Phoenia still remembered clearly.

From her childhood, Sella was the very image of a tyrant. Her memory of Sella was of the utmost malice, treating everyone like playthings, a living embodiment of the doctrine of innate evil.

Though Phoenia had requested Ed Rothtaylor for cooperation...

Never had she instructed such dire measures!

"Sella, sister... could it be..."

"Don't ask too much. I'm even taken aback right now."

Of course, she would be shocked. Never before had Sella so blatantly compromised her pride.

Watching Phoenia unable to continue speaking, Sella too found herself at a loss for words.

A moment of silence followed before Sella broke it, unable to hold herself back.

"What a farce this is, isn't it? Scions of noble blood, supposedly fit to rule, squabbling over a man... Could there be a more disgraceful sight?"

"It's you who began this, trying to lure away someone from the next force, sister Sella!"

"Look, this matter needs to be settled tonight. Dragging this out will do no one any good - not for you, not for me. And... do you think I don't have more cards hidden up my sleeve? It's better to accept my offer quickly."

Phoenia was baffled by Sella's words, which came out of nowhere.

"Today, his Majesty the Emperor considered pushing for my engagement to Ed Rothtaylor. He seems quite positive about the idea."

"What? Who would believe such an absurd lie?"

"The truth will be clear soon enough. What's important to understand is that if I set my mind to it, I can push the engagement with the backing of His Majesty's support. His word is the law of this empire."

"The world is doomed. What about Ed Rothtaylor's own opinion?"

"Is that really what matters?"

Sella leaned in, a chilled smile spreading across her face.

"That man is mine."

She whispered emphatically.

"Once I have his person and freedom, his heart can be taken slowly over time. It's best to give him up before I take more drastic measures."

"Even if you're intrigued, isn't an engagement quite a burden for you, too, sister? Right?"

"You... Phoenia..."

"Sister, you seem to be on a rampage right now. If you stay calm, you'll see that such a forceful move as an engagement wouldn't be easy, even for you, Sella."

Phoenia's riposte was sharp and true.

Sella's realization of a possessive desire toward Ed Rothtaylor was new.

She wouldn't decide on an engagement based on a mere whim if she were of sound mind.

"I stand corrected, Phoenia."

Phoenia had definitely grown sharper compared to her childhood. She had to acknowledge that.

"However, with your candid criticism, you've just scratched my pride."

What Phoenia perhaps didn't foresee was that Sella's towering pride far exceeded typical strategic considerations.

"Sella, sister?"

"If you're going to be like that, I'm not opposed to an engagement. It might seem impulsive, but if there are problems, we can always break it off."

"Don't lose your reason, sister Sella."

"I am quite composed. It's just that the situations keep provoking me."

Indeed, Sella's voice had calmed.

But a calm voice did not necessarily reflect a calm interior.

"You shouldn't have provoked me."

"I never thought it'd come to this, but such forceful actions could lead to unpleasant results."

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you insinuating that someone might dare threaten Clorel Empire's First Princess?"

"I won't be specific, but the relationships built around Ed Rothtaylor are more complex than you think."

Phoenia was no expert on Ed's social web, but she knew enough to realize that if he was forced into a 'kidnap engagement,' certain individuals wouldn't stand by.

These were not individuals Sella could easily dismiss; they could result in serious complications.

"It's not in my interest to let things escalate, so I'd advise against such actions."

"Don't tell me what to do, Phoenia. Are you feeling self-important now that you have a growing support base? Or perhaps you think loyalty to that man has made you something more...?"

"Sella, sister..."

"Loyalty is as fleeting as reeds in the wind. Remember, those who seem devoted now can turn their hearts away at any time. Considering the sordid strife and intrigue you've witnessed at the Thorn Palace, you should know, shouldn't you?"

Princess Sella leaned in and whispered to Princess Phoenia.

"Loyalty changes far too easily."

She had to admit that.

Princess Sella possessed the charisma that entrapped her subordinates, wrapped in natural elegance and self-assured in her luxury.

It wasn't something that could be learned, but rather, a natural trait often found in those meant to rule.

Even Sella's arrogance was a byproduct of that commanding nature.

Her followers would joyfully kiss the ground under her feet.

Phoenia found herself speechless in response to Sella's words.

Sella had tried several times to break Ed's loyalty and failed. This was merely an attempt to unnerve Phoenia.

Yet Phoenia did not know the full extent. She just felt an uncomfortable foreboding.

After all, the opponent was Ed Rothtaylor, with whom Phoenia had already concluded her business. He was determined not to be swayed by Sella, steadfast in his resolution.

But Ed was only Ed, and Sella was Sella.

Sella was a girl who had pillaged everything thought to be immutable, shaping her life to her will.

The many followers who vowed undying loyalty eventually succumbed to Sella's vision and charisma before being discarded once their utility waned.

Phoenia knew it all too well through countless experiences.

The void left by things taken—far more visceral than things never had.

Knowing Sella as her sister—a princess who grew up on plunder—made it exquisitely clear.

And only now did Phoenia begin to realize the strange sense of security and support she felt under Ed Rothtaylor's wing.

Missing it only revealed how late her recognition was.

The relationship with Ed Rothtaylor was not always smooth.

If anything, Ed would be justified in holding a grudge against Phoenia. Their relationship began in antagonism.

It was strange then, that Ed was so cooperative. In truth, their relationship had been buoyed by Ed's understanding.

Aware of the potential to lose, a gripping dread wells up.

Originally, all this was to destabilize Sella's power using Ed.

"You've racked your brains, haven't you Phoenia, trying to sow discord between me and the Elfellan House."

Yet it felt like Sella had already seen through even that plan.

"Sorry, but if you thought that pitiful scheme would work on me, you're terribly mistaken."

Nothing goes exactly as planned.

Leaving this message behind, Princess Sella rose from her seat and left the parlor.

Left behind, Princess Phoenia sat motionless... enveloped by a silence that filled the room.