Chapter 22

Yuri’s mood was on a slow, steady decline.

I knew why but, for now, I had to play dumb, even as Yuri spent long periods of lunch break in the toilets or ‘on a walk’.

“Onee-sama…”

“I know, Yui, I know.”

It hurt me too, but everything will be better soon.

***

“It would appear your gut instinct was correct,” mother said with a ‘cheerful’ smile. “There are more than I expected bad-mouthing our Yuri.”

I laughed. “I did tell you this would happen.”

“I always knew there would be some ill whispers, but to think they would be this widespread.” Mother lost her smile completely as she dropped her happy persona. “It seems they’ve forgotten who the Armina family are.”

“…Do you still remember the ones from my birthday party?” She nodded. “I believe they are people who are aiming for the crown princess’s position and have decided to unite against me.”

“Despite how clear you’re made your thoughts on Lord Cain and despite your, ahem, ‘lovers’.”

“It hurts me a little when you say it that way, mother.”

“The truth often stings, daughter of mine. How do you want to handle this?”

I gave her a wide grin. “In a manner befitting of the Arminas. Complete and total annihilation of our enemies.”

Mother smiled proudly back. “You can leave the adult social scene to me.”

***

“I’ve successfully integrated myself within several school societies and a few cliques and tea parties,” Victoria reported.

“Excellent work. And?”

“They were under the misconception that I was suffering as a subordinate of yours or that you were forcing me to stay at your side to control Lord Michael.”

That might have been the case years ago, but I’d never do that now.

“Did you play that role?”

“Not directly. Instead, I made sure that I never confirmed or denied anything - I simply played the role they perceived me to have.” Victoria chuckled. “It was easier than I expected.”

“I hope I’m not asking too much of you.”

“…While it does upset me helping a rival for your affections, I don’t like seeing Yuri like that.”

“Good girl. Do well and I’ll give you plenty of rewards.”

She appreciated my words and the chin scratches that came with them.

Without realising it, I feel I’ve raised a pet.

Oh well.

***

“Has the sun begun to rise in the night? Have buffalo learned to breathe under water? Or has the Father himself bestowed his blessings upon us?!”

“…I said I’d find you someone else, Lord Michael.”

“Lady Raena, as much as I appreciate all of the help you’ve provided me and the Wessex family, asking me to take part in a scheme like this…it’s a little, how should I put this, a little…gently…yeah, gently is best…it’s a bit insane.”

“Hah?”

“Why does that upset you so much?! Especially when you know how much you’re asking!”

“…I’m aware, but this is something that doesn’t just impact me but the whole country.”

“…Go on.”

“The position of the crown prince’s bride is one of the hottest topics among nobles of all ages. Lord Cain has shared tea parties and pleasantries and letters with many young ladies, but he has not decided on a match. My name has been thrown into the conversation without my permission, and despite Lord Cain’s refusal and my own…’circumstances’.”

“That’s a weird way to describe your debauchery lifestyle.”

“Would you care for a rematch, Lord Michael Wessex?”

“My full name? Okay, let’s move along.” He sighed. “Well, you would normally be the most suitable candidate, both for your family’s power and because you are currently the only princess from a duchy in our kingdom of the right age. Regardless of your own feelings or circumstances, you are the ‘perfect candidate’.”

“Try saying that without gritting your teeth next time…but yes, my position, political prowess, beauty, intelligence and strength are all highly desirable qualities.”

“Everything you’ve said is true, yet I wish to punch you in the face, Lady Raena.”

“You are more than welcome to try, Lord Michael.”

“…What specifically is it do you need me to do?”

***

“…Thank you for your time today, Lord Cain.”

The slightly pale colour of his skin told me he was extremely unhappy to see me.

How rude…not that I could blame him.

I was rather famous for my lovers, and I was a constant reminder of the attempted assault.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Lady Armina?”

“Right now, you and I are the most talked about people in the country,” I said calmly. “Despite what we’ve both said, people talk and they are-”

“What do you want me to do about it? Take some random girl who-?”

“What if we instead gave a different reason for why our names were mentioned in the same breath? Say, for example, removing future problems from society that negatively impact your reign?”

“…A tempting proposal.”

“Then-”

“Except it would be I helping you more than you helping me, right?” Lord Cain seemed even more displeased. “If I went along with your plans, I would be nothing more than a puppet of the Arminas.” He scoffed. “To think this is your level; I’m disappointed in-”

“Without my family’s support and connections, you will struggle to rule.” My curt tone was not what he expected. “At present, I am the star of our generation. This is not a brag or exaggeration; this is a fact.

“The social flower Victoria Highland is mine. Lord Michael feels a kinship and a debt to me, one that will likely grow as we become much more acquainted. My father and mother are well connected, and all of those nobles are positioning themselves to become closer with me.

“The why should be obvious.”

“If I name a candidate for my bride, then you’ll lose quite a lot of that standing.”

“Perhaps, but they’ll spend their whole life being compared to me. I’d rather not force that punishment on a poor innocent soul.” He stared daggers at me. “Was that a threat?”

“It is simply a prediction for the future. Or are you too blind to see straight?”

***

“I’m surprised that worked, Onee-sama.”

“As am I. If mother ever finds out I basically blackmailed royalty, she’d execute me herself.”

“And he gave you permission?”

I nodded. “With a signed, fully legal Royal Declaration.”

Yes, this was the final weapon I needed.

Just Cause.

Lord Cain had named me as a temporary Royal Agent in charge of investigating corruption and problematic nobles at the academy.

Using this and with the aid of my co-conspirators, I would forever shield Yuri from harm.

How?

I giggled to myself.

By eliminating all the weeds before they flower.

***

“You’re a very interesting woman, Raena von Armina.”

“…Thank you for your kind words, Prince Ah-rahm.”

The future emperor snorted and leant forward in his chair. “You’re far more interesting than I gave you credit for. When I first saw you will all those birds flaunting over you, I thought you were just showing off for no reason. Now, it all makes sense.” He grinned. “So? How many bridges do you think you’ll burn?”

“Between me and them, or between everyone?” I remained expressionless and sipped from the teacup Teles had prepared for me. “Does it concern you?”

“No, but it does concern this country, and it especially concerns my fiancée.”

Ah, I had forgotten - long ago, Yuri had said that Lord Cain’s older sister, Princess Claudia, was engaged to the future emperor.

…Is that why he approached me?

Because I had blackmailed royalty to do my bidding.

Well, I had forgotten to consider this very real risk.

Actually, now that she’s engaged to Ah-rahm, she probably is the most powerful woman in the country. Maybe one of the most powerful in the world.

She’s definitely more powerful than the Queen now.

So, what should I say to this man?

He was definitely the arrogant type, someone like Lord Michael but with all the talents and skills to back it up.

He was intelligent and he was cunning; if not, how would he have managed to become Princess Claudia’s fiancé?

Alliance be damned - Princess Claudia wouldn’t offer herself to anyone unless they could prove themselves to her.

So, I simply gave him no responses, no tells, no anything.

What would you make of this, future emperor?

Ah-rahm chuckled and leant back. “Then, answer just one of my questions - are you actively plotting against this country or mine?”

I gave him a polite smile. “Of course not. I’m merely protecting what’s mine.”

That made him smirk, satisfied with my answer.

Like I thought, we were two of the same types of creatures.

“Would you consider being my friend, Lady Raena?”

“Of course, but don’t forget - I won’t hesitate to burn every bridge I need to if it means getting what I want.”

“Heh, what a terrifying woman.”

“Oh, what a rude thing to say to a noble lady.”