"Yes, my dy."

  It wasn’t the first time Princess Eveline had sent a letter to Selena. After all, the two were close childhood friends.

  The Everthrone noble house had always maintained a close retionship with the royal family, even since the days of the old Velmoria Kingdom.

  However, despite their strong ties to the royal family, House Everthrone remained neutral and refrained from taking sides in the battle for the throne.

  "Bring the letter here."

  "Yes, my dy. Excuse me."

  The maid entered Selena’s office and handed her the letter.

  "Thank you. You may return to your duties."

  Selena received the letter with a gentle smile.

  There was no royal seal of Velmoria on the envelope, meaning it was unofficial. A personal letter, directly from Princess Eveline.

  The letter read:

  ---

  Hey, my dear Selena!

  It's been so long since we st met, and I miss you terribly.

  Don’t you miss me too?

  Come to the pace tomorrow so I can finally relieve this aching longing for youuuuu~

  ---

  "Seriously… how can she act so carefree at a time like this? The struggle for the throne is just around the corner… maybe I’m the fool for worrying so much,"

  Selena muttered, holding her forehead as a headache began to form.

  "My dy, will you be going?"

  "Of course. She's been my friend since we were little, after all."

  Selena decided to visit the pace the next day, using Eveline’s longing as an excuse. But deep down, she already knew the true reason behind the invitation…

  ---

  — The Next Day —

  Selena rode in a carriage bound for the royal pace, accompanied by her two guards, Astrid and Vine, as well as her secretary, Serephina.

  At first, Selena had pnned to go alone, thinking it was just an informal meeting with a close friend. But the three women insisted on coming along, citing concerns for her safety and support.

  "It’s just tea with Eveline… this feels excessive."

  "Absolutely not, my dy. As your secretary, it is my duty to accompany you and be ready at all times—even during sleep, meals, or even baths..."

  "Indeed, your safety is our top priority. During the Demonic Beast hunt, we deliberately left the troops behind just to guard you personally."

  "Nod nod."

  Serephina decred her loyalty loudly, though her voice trailed off near the end. Astrid spoke firmly, and Vine? Well, she was Vine.

  "Fine, do as you like,"

  Selena sighed in resignation.

  ---

  After the journey from Duchess Everthrone’s territory, Selena and her companions arrived at the royal pace.

  As expected of the royal estate, the pace was enormous—five to six times the size of the Everthrone mansion, which was already quite rge in its own right.

  As Selena approached the entrance, a man’s voice called out:

  "Well, well, well. Look who’s here—our little Duchess Everthrone, paying a visit~"

  "Prince Lucien."

  Lucien Velmoria, the third prince of the Velmoria Kingdom, was known for his cunning and maniputive nature. That was exactly why Duke Caden Hawke chose to support him—the two shared simir personalities.

  "So, what business brings the Duchess Everthrone here~?"

  "Princess Eveline invited me for tea. Nothing more."

  "Hmm~ Is that so? But surely you understand that we’re in the middle of a succession war, where each heir seeks the support of noble houses to prove their worth, no?"

  "...Yes, I’m aware, Prince Lucien."

  "Then wouldn’t a secret meeting between the leader of the Neutral Faction and Princess Eveline stir up quite a few rumors~?"

  "This isn’t a secret meeting, Prince Lucien. It’s merely a casual tea gathering."

  Selena replied, her patience thinning. Being near Lucien gave her a dreadful, unpleasant feeling that made her want to leave as soon as possible.

  "Still—"

  Before he could finish, a sharp voice echoed from inside the pace, followed by confident footsteps.

  "Brother Lucien, they're my guests. Please leave them to me."

  "Tch… Fine. Ta-ta~"

  Lucien walked away, his smirk still lingering, while Eveline gred at him coldly. Once he was out of sight, her expression immediately softened as she turned to Selena with a warm smile.

  "Come on, Selena. Let’s go to my room."

  "Alright."

  Selena and her group followed Princess Eveline inside.

  ---

  Upon entering Eveline’s room, the first thing Selena noticed was a massive painting hanging on the wall—an image of the two of them as children, hugging each other.

  Since when did she have that…?

  Selena wondered.

  "S~E~L~E~N~A!!"

  "Ah—"

  While Selena was still looking around the room, Eveline suddenly pushed her onto the bed, rubbing her face into Selena’s chest and grabbing her breasts.

  "Ah~ Selena’s breasts feel so good~ and her scent—ah, I love it so much~ Selenaaa~ let’s get married~!"

  "W-wait, P-Princess E-Eveline—"

  "I’ve told you so many times—don’t call me princess when we’re alone. Just use my name~"

  As Eveline groped her chest and slowly reached her hand down toward Selena’s most intimate area, Selena grabbed her wrist.

  "Wait, Eveline… didn’t you have something important to talk about?"

  "...."

  Eveline’s expression quickly shifted to something far more serious, all traces of her flustered excitement vanishing.

  "So you figured it out."

  "It was just a hunch."

  "Huft... then let’s get straight to the point."

  She looked

  Selena in the eyes and spoke with a calm, commanding voice.

  "Selena—no, Duchess Selena Everthrone—join my faction. Help me cim the throne."