Chapter 352 Princess Jasmine 4
"Then, let's start talking about our partnership, shall we?"
"That would be a lot better."
With a subtle nod, I agreed to shift our conversation's focus.
The tension of the moment seemed to dissipate as she settled into a more relaxed demeanor. There was a distinct change in her voice, a transition from formalities to candidness.
"As you must have already understood from my speech at the entrance exam, I am pursuing the path of equality."
Her words were not that entirely wrong. In the game, the princess lacked the backing from nobles, thanks to her being the smallest heir in the race for the crown.
Therefore, she actually wanted to gain the favors of commoners and also wanted to lower the power of nobles for her future.
I am even sure she has already pictured herself as the future ruler of the empire in her mind. This was what kind of character she was: ambitious and leading.
"…."
"And, as you know, the discrimination inside the academy started becoming more and more severe in the recent days."
She began by discussing the increasing discrimination within the academy. It was clear that she also knew the reason why such a thing was happening.
"No matter how they were born, from which household they were born, no person deserves a treatment as such."
'Lies.'
"I wish to make everyone live their lives as happily as they can. Without being suppressed by people in power."
'Lies.'
Her voice conveyed genuine concern for the commoners and their plight. She spoke of a vision where all students, noble and commoner alike, would have the same opportunities and privileges.
But they were nothing but lies. Of course, they were not that completely wrong. It was shown in the game that she had a goal where everyone could live their life happily, but the part without being suppressed was wrong.
After all, she herself was a woman who wanted to stand at the top, who wanted to rule the world. Such a statement can never be true.
It was time to end this play of words.
If this woman knew about something that would be related to the future, she must also know about the future that awaits the empire and herself, unless her knowledge was specific to only me, which I doubt about.
"Princess." This time, rather than addressing her as the president, I used the word princess to show that the point I was going to make was related to her position as a princess.
"Let's cut the cackle." Looking at her directly, I spoke.
"What do you mean?"
"You are also well aware of the darkness surrounding the academy and the empire." I continued my words. "The fact that suddenly the treatment of the commoners became worse is not a coincidence."
"Why do you think so?"
"It is blatantly obvious for those that can look at things from an outer perspective."
"Ho? So, you are saying I missed those points."
"No. You already know it."
"I know what?"
"The fact that someone is trying to cause distrust amongst commoners and wants to egg them on against the nobles."
"You are sharp."
"It is obvious."
"Then, tell me, what is their goal?"
"To answer your question, let me ask you another one. What would you do if you were a fox but you wanted to kill a tiger?"
Her lips curled into a thoughtful smile. "You'd have to be cunning, resourceful, and patient. You'd have to make the tiger's own power and strength work against it."
I nodded in agreement, a smile curling on my own face as well. "Exactly. Someone out there is trying to sow the seeds of discord among the commoners, making them resent the nobility. Their ultimate goal is to weaken the empire, to turn the nobles into the enemy, and to incite a rebellion that would consume the entire nation."
Her amethyst eyes remained fixed on mine as she took in my analysis. "You have a keen mind, Callius." This time, she also spoke with my direct name as if to show that she was acknowledging me as a princess.
"That I do have. I also can easily see why you have called me here. You are suspecting it is the work of Wraslugia Kingdom."
"…..Why do you think I do?"
"Aside from them, who can attempt such a thing?"
"The Mirkwood Kingdom, the country of Elves?"
"They won't use such underhanded methods. The elves are a proud race. If they wanted to rule the world, they would wage war."
"Then, Country of Amazonia?"
"Amazonians don't have the power alone to conduct such operations. Even with the help of rebellion, they can't tackle the empire. And the fact that this generation's talent distribution is also mostly in the hands of Wraslugia Kingdom is enough to make them a considerable threat for future."
"You are indeed as scary as I expected." Looking at me with her purple eyes, she raised her finger. "Indeed, all of the things you have said were true from the start."
Then, pointing her finger at me, she continued.
"The first reason why I used my favor to invite you into the student council was because of your last words. Just as you said, the last three generations' talent distribution is leaning towards the Wraslugia Kingdom. Ark Academy is an academy belonging to the empire, but it is a fair place to enter. The fact that this amount of foreign students are in this academy means that the Empire is failing to produce the talents that will lead the future, which means the power relations will change in the future."
At that point, she stopped, emphasizing her point. "Therefore, as the future ruler of the empire, I need to take countermeasures to it."
"And you are going to do it by recruiting talents in the academy."
"Indeed, by recruiting them. But I need them to be loyal to me; therefore." She stopped again, giving me the chance to fill her words.
"Therefore, you want to use this discrimination case to gain the favors of talented commoners, making them loyal to you."
"Yes."
SIP
Taking a sip from her tea, she continued.
"And who is the juiciest student inside the academy with the status of a commoner?"
"That would be me."
"Yes, you. A person who appeared out of nowhere and became the hot topic of the academy and the world of magic."
"World of Magic?"
"Your reputation is already spreading around the Scholars and Mages. I am certain Red Tower Master had her eyes on you already."
"Your talent was the first reason." She continued. "But it was also the second reason."
"You want to keep me in your sight."
"I won't deny it. Callius, former Augustride. You are an enigma, an unknown that I can't fathom."
"And as a ruler, if you can't control something-"
"You erase it. Exactly."
"But, you won't be able to erase me, Princess. Because Maisy Humphrey had already put her word, correct?"
"She did indeed. This was your goal, wasn't it? To make me interested in you and call you here. Since I wouldn't be able to touch you recklessly, the only choice left for me is to bring you closer and observe you."
"Maybe."
"This is what I like in a man."
"You like in a man?"
"Indeed. Do you know what it is?"
As she asked me this question, I could see a small, crazy glint in her eyes. And I knew what it was.
"Mystery."
Because I was the same.
"….." This time, she didn't reply, but her smirk widened.
"Then, what is the last reason I decided it was you?"
This time, it was my time to smirk.
"Because you are aware of my agenda against Augustrides and their agenda against me."
"You are right once more. Because you are already an enemy of Augustrides, you will be targeted by them in the future."
"So, I need someone's backing."
"Yes. And that is something I can provide to you. The backing you need."
Looking at her standing proudly like that, from her eyes alone, it was obvious that she had already considered the fight for the throne as won. But that didn't mean I was not going to rip the profits.
I took a moment to sip my tea, letting her words hang in the air before I responded. "Your reasoning is sound, Princess. But wouldn't aligning with me make me a target for your siblings, particularly those who have their own designs for the throne?"
Her gaze remained unwavering, a hint of steel in her amethyst eyes. "They won't pose a threat against me; I can guarantee you that."
It was a bold assertion but one she seemed more than confident in. Still, I couldn't help but press further. "And what if they do? What if this alliance draws unwanted attention from your rivals?"
"When that happens, you will witness something good. Aren't you curious how I am going to take the throne and rule the world?"
"I am indeed."
"Good. Now, these were the reasons why I called you here. And this should have already given you enough insight about what I want from you."
"Yes. You want me to watch over commoners and take action against them. Basically, you want me to trample some dogs."
"Trampling over some dogs, huh? Certainly, a word suiting you."
"This is my favorite hobby."
"Then, it is the deal."
"It is the deal."
While I shook her hands, I didn't know that this would be one of the best decisions I had made.
But, it was the day when one of the most dangerous alliances in the world was formed.
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