33 THE GRAND DUKE'S DAUGHTER

"I'm wondering about the early response, but it appears that you're trying to introduce her already in the noble circle, Am I right, Your Highness?" I chuckle as I cast a glance to Camilla's table. I thought she was anxious about having a conversation with other nobles. But look at her; she's a natural speaker.

"It's just a coincidence that you sent me an invitation to this gathering, Luna. And I can't simply let her stay caged in the palace. It's a bit drab in that place." She chuckles as I return my gaze to our table.

"It's rare for you to be concerned about people, Hel." I sip my tea before locking my gaze on hers. "I'm afraid to tell you that she's not just some folks, but she's my fiancé. And if you're jealous enough, find yourself a husband." It's been a while since we have this kind of conversation. I'm wondering about when did I start to sulk myself in the palace when I have too many invitations to attend.

It's such a waste that my presence wasn't in their social event. A gathering is not a gathering, without me.

"I thought Your Majesty was looking for someone to stand with her solely just for business and not for some deep relationship. Are you falling for Lady Camilla?" Falling, she said?

"She's just one-of-a-kind." I simply replied. Despite this, I can't deny that I have a soft spot for her. And I'm not sure why I'm feeling this way. Perhaps her personality is a blend of Luna's and Lithia's. Both are appealing and unique in their own way.

"She might become one of your weaknesses, Hel. Don't get attached too much." I chuckle as I lean on my chair,

"Whether I get attached or not, do you know who are you speaking to? I'm Helvetica Ethereal, your future Emperor so instead of telling me about relationships, why don't you think of something that can help me to gain more connections?" She sips her tea as she looks at me with an interesting expression.

"Instead of developing additional contacts, you should consider expanding your jurisdiction, Your Highness. The Empire is crumbling and the population is dwindling due to the crime rates and poverty." I haven't even been crowned as the ruler of this Empire and yet she's already talking about war. Although she's right about it, however—

"My knights are not ready for fighting in the battlefield, Luna. They may appear to be a formidable foe, but they have a lot to learn. I'm afraid we might lose in the first battle and it's hard to stand up after losing." But I have hopes as they look so promising.

"Then what's your plan?"

"Expand my communications, Luna. Plant some spies masquerading as merchants on every Empire. It's risky to assassinate the Emperors. So for now, we'll pretend to be weak and let the people migrate to other Empire." I move the pawn as I explain.

"They will pity us for some moment, so all they have to do is to fight, who's the strongest. It's not thrilling if you fight the weakest first. We'll be the last in their list so all we have to do is to train the knights quietly. Move the innocent people to other Empire and we will not kill them."

"When I accede to the throne, I will immediately issue an order allowing commoners and nobility to reconcile. I'll make certain that everyone of them has a title and a plot of land. The more nobles there are in the Empire, the more authority we have."

"I'll send additional knights to the other Empires and act as if they're brand new recruits. And soon, I'll order them to kill the other Empire knights and that's how the war will start. The rumors will spread throughout each Empire, making them suspicious and forcing them to strategize."

"And that's how I'll train the knights to have experience on the battlefield. And once they come back alive, I'll send the other knights who are inexperienced in battle to pose as new recruits again."

"And that's a CHECKMATE." She leans back in her chair, laughing like a deranged woman in a mental institution. "You're insane!"

"I'm just using my brain and not my heart, Luna." At least I have some nice plan. "And what if your strategy fails?" I chuckle as I start to reposition the chess pieces.

"There are lots of numbers in this universe, Luna. We've only just arrived at Phase 1." It might be a lengthy discussion. But this might be the exciting part for me.

"I can see that. Looks like I have to move from this early stage. And also, I was just curious about your birthday. There's a rumor going around that you wanted criminals as a present. Staying in the palace for a long time must be driving you mad." Look at her. She sounded eerily similar to my father. Why are they all bizarre about it?

"You just have to look forward into that day." As our conversation still going, I saw Camilla, waving her hand to me as she stands up to bow to the other nobles.

Serina dusted Camilla's dress as they go in our place. "Take a seat." Luna said as she sips her tea.

"Thank you for inviting us in this gathering, Lady Luna." Camilla exclaims enthusiastically while her right hand was resting on her cheek. "The Princess will never be a stranger in the Whitehouse manor. I'm glad that Lady Camilla is enjoying her time." Even though we've known each other for years, but I'm still amused by Luna's ability to change her demeanor in an instant.

"How about Lady Serina? Are you having a good time?" Serina looks away as she responded. "Yes, thanks to Lady Luna's invitation." Is it just me, or am I starting to feel uneasy under their pressure for the second time?

"My maid must be exhausted from her prolonged standing. Can she take a seat?" Luna nods after closing her eyes for a few seconds. "Be my guest." She said while pointing the sit besides me with her hand.

"Am I interrupting a good moment?" A soft voice caught my attention as we all look to a newcomer. An ombre blonde mid-hair-length that's much lighter to my sister, a face of a charming woman with ocean eyes and radiant smile imprisoned in a healthy body.

Is none other than, the Grand Duke's Daughter.