8 NORTHERN REGION: PART I

At House Adolphus.

Athena quickly rushes to her room causing everyone to wonder what happened?

Silvia didn't say a word of what happened earlier since it was not her place to inform them of such dreadful news.

...Those stupid ignorant!! Who do they think they are accusing me of such a crime? The f*cking princess, if this was back in my world... Ha! She ends up dead if my mother finds out she dare slander me.

The girl tried to keep her tears within and not let them fall, but she felt horrible for what just happened. "What have I done, I brought dishonor to my new family, and I've only been here for days."

Athena didn't know how to solve such a problem. Surely her family will be informed of what happened.

As she was worrying about what to do, suddenly someone knocked at her door.

"My Lady, may I come in?"

It was Silvia, who was knocking at her door.

She must be worried since I didn't say anything on our way home. And, I just ran to my room without giving anyone an explanation.

"You may…"

Silvia slowly opened the door, seeing her fragile little lady, her tears soon rolled down her face. "My Lady…"

"Now Silvia, don't worry, it was my choice not by the Empress nor the Queen. However, you must not tell anyone, especially my parents. Not a word of what happened today must reach them." She asked of her, despite words about what happened will eventually reach her family since people like to gossip. As she went to her desk, she started working on something that caught Silvia's attention.

However, the woman was still in her emotional state and did not bother about what the girl was doing. She continues to complain about how terrible her decision is. "But how will you survive in the Northern Region when it's filled with monsters. At the same time, the people there are dying every day."

"Then, I shall help them…" Athena smiled at her as she continued with what she was doing.

"My Lady, not only is the Northern Region filled with monsters, but it's also home to barbarian and dark casters," She continued to explain and cried, but the young girl was not moved at all, "How can they send a weak girl like you."

"Don't worry about me. Silvia, stop crying already."

"My Lady, you said you want to help them. When no one can help the Northern Region. What can a powerless girl like you do there?"

"Now, don't think it's the end. Anyways, I'll have you visit me in my coming of age." Athena continued to smile with no worries, as she then handed a piece of paper to the woman. "Asked someone to prepare this for me."

Silvia wiped her tears as she grabbed the piece of paper, "Are you planning to wear this?"

"Yes, also…" She gave her another piece of paper and whispered. "Asked a blacksmith to craft me that bow and dagger, but keep it a secret."

Silvia was curious as to why she needed such a weapon. But, she did not ask and just did as she was told. As she headed out to the door, she paused for a moment to take a last glimpse at the girl before she went. She saw the determination in the girl's eyes and realized no matter what, she'll say, the girl will not be moved at all.

"I just hope I made the right choice."

Athena sat back on the chair as she stared at the ceiling. Her room was partly dark and she thought of doing something to prove what she'd been speculating. She notices her body seems to be different within, which could only mean that her mana energy is much better than before.

"How should I do this?" She was clueless of how magic works. Despite, she has the memories of the previous owner learning magic. Somehow, she cannot put it into action.

Athena closed her eyes, she only thought of the image of a light. A light which she hopes will magically appear right in front of her.

She placed her hand right in front of her, picturing a shape of a small glow of light. As she slowly opened her eyes.

"I did it."

It was brief, but she was indeed able to produce light. She was unable to stabilize it, but it was enough for her to enjoy. How she wished she could have shown it to someone, but she realized it was better that no one saw her.

"I guess, I can't tell anyone about this..."

As she recalled her master plan, she needed a way to cancel her engagement with the prince. Now that she was a step closer to having it be cancelled, she must not let anyone know she is able to use magic now. Since, if the royal family finds out. They will surely not let her go anymore.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Place.

The Queen just arrived from the gathering. She was smiling as bright as the sun as she headed to her chamber.

"My Queen, it seems something good has happened today?" The head lady in waiting said as she helped the girl change.

"Have you not heard the news, the beloved daughter of House Adolphus is now being sent to the North. All thanks to our lovely Empress."

The head lady-in-waiting was shocked to hear such news that she was unable to respond to it.

"That's right, thanks to our beloved Empress. I am now one step closer to making sure my son will be the Emperor."

"But, how about the duke?"

"Hmm, don't worry about him. As long as I find my son a suitable partner who can give birth to a powerful son as well. Who would dare go against my son being the Emperor?"

What the woman said was all truth. At this moment, the throne does not really have a suitable heir. Well, the Grand Duke is a suitable heir, but there are just a lot of people who are under the queen stopping that from happening.

Indeed she does not have any power, but she was good at handling people. In which, she has manipulated them into her lap dogs. Because of them, the royal family does not know how much wealth and power the woman has acquired throughout the years.

"Saintess, what a load of ****." The Queen mumbled as she thought of what happened earlier. Luckily she was able to manipulate the stupid princess as well. Who would have thought that the princess would be stupid enough as well to be her chess piece.

'Seems like it won't be long till I became Queen Regent then.' She thought to herself as she imagined herself wearing such beautiful jewels and the crown of the queen regent.