Deal was made.
Ducas and Valerie, both staring at me, confused as to why I made such a proposition. Is it a bluff? Or do I actually have evidence to show? If so, what?
I could read the questions on their faces, the curiosity and doubt flickering in their expressions. Valerie, in particular, looked betrayed.
Oh, stop it. I'm not handing anything over to anyone, I groaned internally.
My gaze shifted to Griff. I couldn't help but suppress a smirk at his expression. I noted the shock on his face.
I remembered how meticulously he had planned the attack—how much thought and preparation went into it.
A lot of good that did, I grumbled to myself. He ended up poisoning himself, and now he's ruined my night as well.
His face was pale, his mind undoubtedly racing as he scoured his memories for any gaps in his plan—any slip-ups, any overlooked recording devices in my room.
His eyes darted around, his brows furrowed deep in thought.
There weren't any recording devices.
But maybe I should get some in the future. I just need to go through the items I stole. It would've been useful, giving us something concrete to discuss.
Not that it matters. The attack happened in an entirely different place.
Still, the question remains: how could someone like me possibly have any evidence?
Well... I don't.
Not in the traditional sense—not the kind I can show these people.
So, how would I prove it?
"Prove it," Felicity demanded.
Naturally, she wouldn't let it go otherwise. And of course. I wouldn't bring it up if I couldn't deliver.
I didn't respond to her directly. Instead, my eyes drifted upward, tracing the beautifully embroidered ceiling, the chandelier hanging directly above us.
Everyone in the room—except Persephone—watched me in confusion. Ignoring them, I spoke casually.
"Has anyone solved today's riddle yet?"
At my words, the confusion only deepened. It was completely unrelated, and they had no idea what I meant.
"Sir Arthur?"
"What riddle are you talking about?"
Ducas and Valerie were the ones who asked. Griff remained lost in his thoughts, still dissecting his failed plan. Felicity, however, studied me with an odd expression.
I ignored them. I wasn't talking to them anyway.
I was speaking to the Nubeculas.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "No." ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' is sad. ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' is looking in your direction. ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' is looking in your direction. ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments: "It is rather tricky." ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is highly inquisitive toward you. ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' comments: "Your riddles are bullshit." ]
+
What? Don't blame me if you're dumb.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' is looking in your direction. ]
+
Messages flooded my vision. They all responded.
Gumiho and Hwang Jini's responses told me all I needed to know, enough to confirm that no one had solved today's riddle.
Gumiho is a rumor expert—she'd know if anyone did.
Hwang Jini, a perfect tactician. If she hadn't cracked it, then none of the Nubeculas watching had.
Everyone else in the room was still staring at me.
"Since no one can answer, help me out here, will you?" I said, gesturing vaguely toward the room.
Every day, I posed a riddle or two to the Nubeculas. I still didn't know why they humored me, but they did. Recently, I'd started offering a reward—if they answered, I answer something about myself in return.
Of course, so far, they've only asked simple things. Never once anything serious. I'm guessing they enjoy the mystery.
As higher existences, curiosity was like honey to them.
And since I've kept that curiosity alive for them, now is the time to use it.
This was a classic carrot-and-stick scenario—and now I wield the stick.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' comments: "Yes yes, we should help!" ]
+
[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' is laughing madly. ]
+
[ 500 points have been donated to you. ]
+
Did he just break or something?
I was sure he'd make this difficult, but not only was he agreeing, he'd even donated points. Weird.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "What?" ]
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' is explaining the situation to 'Gumiho'. ]
[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' comments: "He's using us as witnesses." ]
[ Several Nubeculas are belittling you. ]
+
Why the complaints now?
I am using them as witnesses—what's wrong with that?
They comment on useless things all day.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' comments: "We will tell them." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' is gently looking in your direction. ]
+
This went better than expected.
Too well, in fact. I hadn't anticipated them agreeing so quickly.
I thought there'd be... weird demands.
+
[ Some Nubeculas want you to shake your hips and bark like a dog first. ]
+
And there it is. They never change.
In this world, gods are worshipped—omnipotent beings hailed as supreme.
They possess the power to shape reality and are feared and revered across the lower realms.
Yet, to me, they often seemed immature, power-hungry entities who'd traded ambition for entertainment.
They should really stop watching these livestreams and go back to their grand goals they once had, I thought, frustrated.
Wow. I sound like a parent.
"Professor, are you done talking to yourself?"
Felicity's crisp voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
Right. I still hadn't said anything.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "I understand. We'll tell them everything!" ]
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' is excited. ]
+
Gumiho seemed to grasp what I wanted. But why is she so excited? The others, too—their enthusiasm was unsettling.
Uncertainty crept into me. Isn't this going too smoothly?
I hesitated for a moment.
But after weighing it all out, I decided to go through with it.
This was, after all, the most effective solution.
Putting on a casual expression, I spoke flatly to Felicity:
"Just wait a few seconds."
It came out ruder than intended. She narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. And then it happened.
After a pause, she stiffened as if struck by lightning. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Her eyes widened, disbelief flooding her face.
Ducas and Valerie reacted the same. Griff, too, snapped out of his thoughts and stared blankly into the space before him, mouth slightly open.
"…So many gods."
I tried to hold back a grin. Their expressions were priceless.
They were reading the Nubeculas' messages now. I could see them all, flooding the room like confetti.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Gumiho' comments: "Arthur is right! I saw it! His actions were so pious." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Dionysus' comments: "That's just how it happened." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' comments: "He just can't keep his nose out. Always has to play the hero." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Whose Heart Bleeds For Heartbroken' comments: "Arthur is trustworthy." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Hwang Jini' comments: "Arthur is telling the truth. Always a step ahead—just the way I like it." ]
[ The Nubecula 'Raziel' comments: "You all need more proof?" ]
+
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Archangel Raziel, too?"
Everyone was stunned. Shocked murmurs filled the room.
Felicity couldn't even form a sentence, mouth opening and closing soundlessly.
How could they argue against the words of the gods they worshipped?
Watching them struggle to process it all—I couldn't help it.
The feeling inside me was exhilarating.
I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, and a wave of relaxation washed over me as I took a silent, deep breath.
"Are you sure that was a good idea?"
Persephone's voice cut through, just as I started to settle into that fleeting sense of peace.
My eyes darted toward her. What does she mean by that?
The cozy feeling lasted only until I heard Felicity's next question.
"Are you a God's Child?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
The words left my mouth before I could stop them.
Why did she bring that up? A God's Child? What did that dreadful label have to do with any of this?
God's Child—that title is specifically reserved for those who've been blessed by the gods.
Avatars of Nubeculas. Chosen by higher existences.
How did she even reach that conclusion?
With a sigh, a mix of deep disappointment and self-pity, I realized I'd made a mistake.
No, not a mistake—I expected some reaction, but this... this was exaggerated.
God's Child? I never liked that title. Always felt like slapping a sticker on someone—labeling them like merchandise.
Still, when you think about it, the title makes sense.
Those individuals do share a connection with the higher realms.
In fact, if people believe I have a Blesser, it might even benefit me.
Respect, reverence... special treatment.
Hmm...
But no—I can't have that.
The problems far outweighed the benefits. There would be too many complications if people here thought I had a Blesser.
I steeled my expression, voice firm with conviction.
"I am definitely not."
Felicity's face stiffened at my authoritative tone, though she still looked unconvinced.
Griff and Valerie stared at me in a daze. Surprisingly, Ducas was the only one who didn't look shocked. His expression remained close to neutral.
I get it. Too many Nubeculas had spoken on my behalf. For them, this might be a first.
Currently, the world's condition is relatively stable compared to the chaos of Year Zero. And higher existences rarely interact with lower ones anymore.
The title God's Child isn't thrown around lightly.
So of course they think I'm one of those rare, chosen few.
+
[ The Nubecula 'Who Likes Cigars And Candy' is laughing madly. ]
+
[ Several Nubeculas are thrilled to see your expression. ]
+
This bastard.
He definitely anticipated the situation would play out this way. That's why he was so excited earlier.
"Don't be annoyed. It's an obvious reaction," Persephone said.
"People in the lower realms worship Nubeculas as gods. You asked for help once, and so many answered. Even those with Blessers rarely receive that much attention."
I already knew that.
Still, her words eased my irritation slightly. She must've sensed my frustration
After all, I was annoyed. The way everyone was staring at me was uncomfortable.
But it's alright. No need to get rattled. I shouldn't lose composure; I needed to stay calm.
I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs. Felicity's skepticism was plain.
But the real priority was more important to focus on—like getting these people out, making some progress with my work, and then finally getting some rest.
I decided to throw Felicity's question out the window.
Figuratively—not literally.
...Though, should I do it literally?
No, that trick is too early for this part of the story.
"I swore the [Oath of Existence]," I said aloud.
As soon as the words left my mouth, Valerie and Ducas sobered, their expressions turned grim.
But I ignored them.
Felicity looked startled, but I held her gaze, unwavering.
+
[ Oath of Existence has been called. ]
+
A radiant blue light burst forth, emanating from a floating crystal orb surrounded by smaller, dancing shards. The room glowed as the universe itself manifested my oath.
+
[ Oath of Existence is in use. ]
+
"I swear on the Oath of Existence that the following words are true: I do not have a Blesser."
I refused to let this misunderstanding stand.
I wasn't going to let myself be casually tied to the Nubeculas.
+
[ 'Blue Hell Fire' has come into existence. ]
+
[ A Hell Fire has been targeted to your heart. ]
+
If anyone could hear my thoughts, they'd never believe I was being this hostile toward their gods.
+
[ Oath of Existence has been processed. ]
+
The blue light turned gold, then rose-gold—confirmation of truth.
It disintegrated into glittering motes of rose-gold light, drifting away like fireflies.
+
[ 'Blue Hell Fire' has been neutralized. ]
+
The ominous message vanished.
And after invoking the Oath, no one could argue my claim.
It was undeniable now.
"Any more questions? Is the proof enough?" I asked, finally speaking like a true professor.
"...Yes."
Silence followed. They avoided each other's eyes, grappling with what they'd witnessed.
It was funny to me—how seriously they were taking it.
Maybe they were acting normal.
Maybe I was the odd one out.
Most people on this planet would probably react the same way.
I wondered how they'd react if they knew Lisa had a Blesser.
Or that a god roamed the halls of this school in the form of a cat.
I glanced toward the beautiful woman seated across the table.
There was a god sitting in this very room—elegant, composed, hidden in plain sight.
And these people around me?
We believe that we understand reality.
But clung to their perception, they don't even see what's right in front of them.
Do I truly see more than they do?
What if there's even more I still can't comprehend?
The dream I'd had while unconscious resurfaced—the man who looked like me had said something strange—
"Reality is nothing but a dream within dreams."
What did he mean by that?
I pushed the thought deep into my mind, to be revisited later.
"Now that Sir Arthur has proven we were telling the truth," Ducas's words snapped me out of my thoughts. He was addressing Griff. "It's your turn."
He wanted an explanation—why Griff had attacked Valerie in the alleyway in front of the trivia.
Griff's jaw tightened. A frown crept onto his face. He opened his mouth, but Felicity cut in.
"Indeed. I cannot deny Sir Arthur's claim, not after the gods have confirmed it by decree. To ease your mind, I'll explain it this way: 'He did all that because of me.'"
Ducas was confused by her words. Valerie remained calm as she understood her cryptic words.
"What do you mean by that?" Ducas pressed further.
"It's pointless to dive into such vast details. Sir Arthur has already proven his side, winning his half of the deal."
A smile tugged at my lips. Yes, I had won.
The deal had been sealed, and I had fulfilled my part.
"According to the deal, I now have to do one thing you ask. You were going to request an explanation for my brother's actions—and assurance that it would never happen again, weren't you, Professor?"
"No." I said flatly.
"Huh?"
Felicity frowned deeper, clearly surprised.
Yes, I won the deal—but I didn't want her explanation.
I already knew the situation.
And even if I asked, I knew how she'd respond.
She'd downplay everything, conceal the truth, and avoid mentioning her family.
Felicity would dodge the heart of the matter. She'd never expose her family's secrets to someone like me.
But I didn't care.
Why would I ask for something I already understood?
I had another request in mind.
It would be entirely reasonable...
But she definitely wouldn't like it.
In fact, Valerie and Felicity both would probably rather burn each other's estates to the ground than agree to it.
Persephone, sensing the shift through our Soul Contract, folded her arms beneath her chest and crossed her legs with a sly smile.
"I think this will be interesting."
Everyone in the room tensed with confusion and curiosity.
If I didn't want an explanation about why Griff attacked Valerie, then what could I possibly want?
Griff's face darkened with concern. Its true, had attacked Valerie for Felicity's sake - his respected older sister, the person to whom he owed everything. How could he not act when she needed him?
Even if she hadn't asked him, he could never ignore her struggles. She was his loyalty. His future queen.
His big sister—the one who should become the future queen of their tribe.
He respects her. He was proud of her qualities. And above all, he was grateful for how she treated him.
Despite being the Lion King's son and brother to the future queen, Griff had always been an outcast. By tribal custom, the male heir should inherit the throne regardless of age. But he lacked the required traits.
Still, Felicity had believed in him.
And as a result, he had sworn to become strong for her—and he did.
He became her hidden hand- her hidden hand, her shadow blade. Hence his attribute: [Malika's Hidden Hand].
And now, his queen had to do one thing that I would ask of her.
That thought made him deeply uneasy.
I could sense exactly what Griff was thinking.
+
[ Lower Realm Existence 'Griff Hanson' is hostile toward you. ]
+
I observed him carefully. Though maintaining his noble composure, every muscle in his body seemed ready to lunge at me, to tear me apart.
He had to.
I had openly spoken their full name, which meant that in this moment, they were officially representing the Royal Marquis family before me.
I offered a reassuring smile. "It won't be anything unreasonable, of course."
Griff flinched, realizing I'd read him perfectly. His fists unclenched slightly, but his guard remained impenetrable.
Felicity glanced at him with a neutral expression, as if checking his reaction. Then she turned back to me, equally composed.
"So, what do you want, Professor?"
Do I need to tell her to stop calling me that?
What is with everyone giving me strange titles when they talk to me?
Suppressing my irritation, I answered with deliberate, mischievous smile.
"A talk."
"…Excuse me?"
"I want you to talk."
Her eyes sharpened. "…I'm afraid I don't understand. You want to talk to me? Have a discussion? That entire godlike display—just for a conversation? Or is it something I'm not allowed to talk about?"
Her conclusion was understandable, but I didn't appreciate her implication about being "blessed," but the misunderstanding was my own fault for using the Nubeculas as witnesses.
Still—
"No, you misunderstood, Miss Hanson—"
"Please, Felicity."
"Miss Felicity," I continued, correcting myself, "I'm afraid I wasn't implying a conversation between us."
Eyes around the room narrowed in confusion.
Everyone looked frustrated and bewildered as I continued hiding my real intention.
I was still uncertain whether this idea would work or even be a good one at all.
But I didn't show a hint of hesitation.
I subtly shifted everyone's focus toward Valerie. Then back to Felicity. Then back to Valerie again, my gaze flicking meaningfully between the two women.
Their eyes followed mine, flicking between each other. After a tense silence, realization struck them simultaneously. Their eyes widened.
"No way," they said at the same time, eyes widening.
Ducas and Griff remained bewildered.. Their frowns deepened, and a smile crept onto my face.
"There's nothing that can't be solved by talking honestly."
"Sir Arthur," Valerie offered a strained smile. "… I don't think that's a good idea."
I knew she wasn't against the idea—she just knew how Felicity would react.
"It's the first time I actually agree with her. There's nothing to talk about."
"You," I looked at Felicity, "heir of the Royal Hanson family. And you," I turned to Valerie, "heir of the Royal Davison family. Do I really need to explain further what I want you two to talk about?"
"That information has been kept secret for years. How do you even know that?" Felicity's composure cracked. "Even if you're some hired henchman or bodyguard, it doesn't explain the things you know."
"Is it more important how I know... or that I know?" I countered, honestly, the how was the real issue—but I wasn't going to let that stop me.
Nor was I afraid.
At worst, this was just... troublesome.
"Besides, a win is a win and a defeat is a defeat. Not even gods can change that. I won. I want you to talk to Valerie and resolve the issue."
I stressed that I had won the deal.
Valerie and Felicity both of their expressions twisted in unison.
Ducas still seemed confused but remained quiet.
Griff, however, looked ready to intervene, clearly displeased.
My words had more or less made my intention clear—to those who already knew the tension between the two heirs, the message was transparent.
Naturally, Griff, being loyal to his sister, didn't want Felicity to talk about such a sensitive topic.
It was all highly entertaining to me.
I looked toward Ducas with amusement and spoke.
"Atlas is a demihuman country of the Cloud Continent."
Ducas made eye contact with me, and Valerie frowned slightly at my words.
"On this land, parts of the Queendom have each of their royal positions occupied by different demihuman races."
Everyone listened attentively.
+
[ Some Nubeculas are listening to your words. ]
+
"Its noble houses are divided by species - Baron, Count, Viscount, Marquise, Duke." As I spoke, I looked at Valerie. Ducas followed my gaze.
"But unlike the generational custom, the honorary dukedom is held by the only human family - the Davisons."
Griff's expression twisted with distaste.
Felicity's face went stiff—not because of the Davison household, but because she could tell what was coming next.
I turned to her with a small smile.
"And the Honorary Marquise position is currently held by the King of the Lion Tribe—Marquis Hanson."
"HOW DARE YOU!"
Griff snapped, growling like an angry cub. Uncomfortable, considering he was defending me just moments ago.
Ducas turned to stare at Felicity, eyes widened as he began piecing things together.
Smart guy.
I ignored them and kept looking at Felicity.
Felicity inhaled sharply before speaking with remarkable control:
"You're well-informed. But this is still common knowledge. Nevertheless… my intuition tells me you know more than you're letting on."
"Oh, I know much more." My smile turned razor-thin.
I know far more than they expect.
One thing was clear: No one is supposed to know about Felicity's and Valerie's status as future majesties.
Their heir status had been kept secret to protect them from threats and attacks.
Only those within the Lion Tribe or ranked higher than her father knew about Felicity's future role.
Felicity's mask slipped for just an instant before she demanded: "But… how?"
"I'll tell you the same thing I told Miss Valerie. And the same I told you earlier. It doesn't matter."
Because it really didn't.
How I knew wasn't important.
What mattered was: I did know.
Felicity's brows turned to a frown. My answer clearly displeased her, but I couldn't care less. Griff opened and closed his mouth, clenched and unclenched his fists multiple times, clearly suppressing the urge to rip my heart out with claws that, thankfully, weren't present on his human hands.
He wanted to say a lot, but he had been with his sister long enough to teach him restraint.
She didn't press me for an explanation, so he held his tongue as well.
"Talk and resolve it." I repeated.
"Never."
"Are you going back on your word? I didn't think royals behaved like that, let alone someone who's planning to take the throne of her tribe. A royal's word is their crown. That's the only thing that makes them royal."
Felicity clamped her mouth shut.
Got her.
In all my time in this world, Felicity was the one with whom I'd had the most serious conversation so far.
I smiled slightly, knowing exactly what my last line must have triggered in her memory.
She had the natural bearing of a leader.
A leader doesn't bow.
A leader doesn't back down.
A leader thinks of their people first.
She had those qualities.
That's why she would become the queen of the jungle.
And that's also why I could manipulate her.
Because I'd seen her father tell her those very things in my dreams.
< 'Felicity, do you know why, even though we are animals, lions are rulers? Why are we among the royals?'
'Because of pride. Since a group of lions is called a pride, we embody that trait.'
'Yes. That's why we rule the jungle. But what makes us royals?'
'Strength? Attitude? Emotion?'
'Those matters in small groups. But even a swarm of ants can kill an elephant. That's not enough for a large society. So why do people listen to your father—even when I can't fight them all?'
'Why?'
'Because your father keeps his word. When I speak, they know I will do everything in my power to deliver. My words have meaning. And we never go back on them.' >
+
[ Your perception has increased. ]
+
Just like I said—she would talk.
Because she's a leader.
And leaders keep their word.
Felicity stiffened and turned to Valerie, scanning her features, a quiet turmoil clearly stirring within her.
"…What exactly do you want us to talk about?"
I sighed.
I knew what she was doing—trying to ask vague questions to delay the inevitable.
"I guess I have no choice but to address it directly, huh?"
I looked at Valerie and spoke bluntly.
"Miss Valerie, you have no intention of becoming the Duchess of Atlas, do you?"
"…Yes." Only the slightest hesitation betrayed her surprise at my knowledge.
Her eyes held a questioning gaze, asking me how I knew that.
Well, I couldn't help it. I just knew.
"Bullshit. You want the position. You just want to use it to undermine demi-humans."
Griff snapped, then immediately slapped his hand over his mouth, realizing what he'd done.
He had spoken before the queen of his tribe had. A clear violation of royal etiquette.
Still, I smiled. The dam had broken. The conversation had finally taken the turn it needed to.
Felicity turned to Valerie.
"You don't want the position? I've heard that as a rumor—but that's just ludicrous."
"I don't want to be the Duchess," Valerie repeated coolly.
"I don't believe you." Felicity's scoff held centuries of resentment.
"Believe what you want. I don't care." Felicity's scoff held centuries of resentment. "I have no interest in making you believe anything."
Even if Valerie didn't want the duchess title, she was still a person—with self-respect and pride. Felicity's suspicions and values weren't her problem.
However…
Felicity, ever the strategist, had come to Trivia prepared - encountering Valerie here was no accident.
She stayed calm—like a leader.
She looked at me for several seconds.
Why was she looking at me?
I had no idea.
Would've helped to get some information right about now.
+
[ Lower existence Felicity Hanson is showing curiosity toward you. ]
+
After a moment, she opened her mouth—just as their conversation threatened to veer toward irreconcilable tension—so I decided to intervene.
"Atlas is a territory of demi-humans."
All eyes snapped back to me.
"That was how the first leader, the Ice Princess 'Crystal,' established the country."
Ten thousand years ago, when the world stabilized, Crystal created four nations—each for a different faction.
"The lion used to hold the Duke position—they were rulers of the jungle."
Felicity stopped looking at me and turned her gaze back to Valerie.
"But over the centuries, the Davison household pushed them out and claimed the title."
The Atlas Queendom had originally reserved all its royal positions for demi-humans.
Then came one man—a human—who gathered enough influence to become the first human to hold a royal title in Atlas.
"But it was by fair means," Valerie interjected, her voice tight with restrained emotion.
+
[ Lower Existence 'Valerie Davison' feels wronged. ]
+
"Fair means?" Felicity repeated, her tone heavy with condescension.
+
[ Lower Existence 'Valerie Davison' feels annoyed. ]
+
Well… sometimes there were messages like that, too.
Anyway, the conversation between Felicity and Valerie had picked up steam, flowing naturally now.
"We earned it."
"Your family didn't do anything. The first leader of the Davison household earned that Duke title. The rest of you are just living off what he left behind." Felicity's voice turned glacial.
"Preserving what he established," Valerie corrected, "Holding it at the roots. We're protecting the legacy of an honorable predecessor."
The first human Duke of Atlas had been just and respected, loved for his fairness.
But after his death, his descendants inherited the title, and none of them matched his integrity.
"Well, you can have what you want," Valerie sneered, anger and frustration seeping through her carefully guarded voice.
"Take it—just like you said we did."
"You talk like it's so easy." A deep frown appeared on Felicity's cold but beautiful face. "Your family flaunts the Duke position in the open, without a shred of concern. They've always oppressed us—they'd rather see us extinct than let us claim the title."
"What are you implying?" Valerie's posture stiffened.
"Don't pretend you don't know. Every time we try to rise, the Davison household sabotages us."
"You're accusing us of bad faith?"
"Bad faith?" she scoffed. "Your family's words never meant anything to begin with. The Davison family doesn't deserve any royal title."
The age-old pattern repeated itself. It happens all the time.
When someone tries to rise, those above them try to crush them.
Valerie knew this. But she didn't want to admit it—not when it was her own family.
"You can take it back." Valerie offered quietly.
"You think your absence changes anything?"
"I don't want the position."
"I don't believe you."
Sigh...
A heavy sigh escaped Valerie's lips. She realized she couldn't convince her.
Still, she understood Felicity's perspective. The scars left by their previous generations had created a deep, seemingly unhealed rift.
I looked between the two of them. I suspected it would be like this.
Valerie didn't care for royal politics, but she had wanted to build a good relationship with Felicity.
Unfortunately, Felicity didn't trust the Davison household—and rightly so.
Even so, this was better, in my opinion. At least they were finally talking about it.
Amid the silence that followed their exchange, I decided to intervene.
"If I may," I said plainly, "I think I have a solution that could satisfy everyone, at least to some extent."
It was something I had thought about often, during my dreams of their interactions, and even afterward, when I vented in my journal.
As all eyes turned toward me, I raised a hand and waved.
"Let's make a contract, then."
Silver light shimmered and dissipated, and a golden-colored scroll appeared, hovering over my hand.
+
[ Contract of Understandability and Unambiguousness. ]
+
A contract used by the Church Organization.
The highest tier of contract—even the Twelve Pillars of the Church had used this very contract with the old man of the Church.
Naturally, I had obtained it from the Church Vault, where the sixth pillar, that odd little kid, had stored everything for safekeeping.
The memory of that dream—me sneaking into Brimos Church before leaving Bob's house—flashed in my mind.
Gasps filled the room. Everyone stared in disbelief at the golden scroll. They'd probably never seen a contract higher than silver before.
"A gold contract… I heard only sovereigns wield those," Griff muttered, dumbfounded.
Ignoring their reactions, I spoke the terms calmly.
"Miss Valerie will forgo the Duke position for the next three years. During that time, Felicity can announce her succession. After that, you're free to compete for influence as you wish."
"You can't be serious." Felicity said, stunned.
I said nothing and simply looked at Valerie.
A household with a confirmed successor, and one without—it would destabilize the Duke's household while stabilizing the Marquise household.
That gap would open the Duke position to others who could build enough influence.
Valerie stared at me, surprised.
She didn't want to harm her family—she cared for them deeply.
But then, her expression changed—becoming calm and resolute.
I wondered what brought about that shift, but I didn't ask.
She looked Felicity in the eyes and said:
"Yes. Let's make the contract."
****
The negotiations concluded with both women pricking their fingers, their blood igniting the parchment.
The Contract of Understandability and Unambiguousness flared with golden fire—and disappeared.
+
[ Lower Existence 'Felicity Hanson' is confused. ]
+
Despite agreeing, Felicity was confused.
She couldn't understand why Valerie would accept a deal that clearly wasn't in her favor.
It was strange.
But I had been confident from the beginning that Valerie would go along with it.
Her goals had nothing to do with holding the Duke position. She wanted to master magic.
Maybe she wanted to give Felicity a fair chance—especially since her family had undermined Felicity's so many times. This was her chance to atone for her family's transgressions while pursuing her true passion for magic.
But to me, none of that mattered.
I had recommended a three-year term for a reason.
After that, there wouldn't be any positions left, when the real crisis came, such titles would mean nothing.
After that, the world would have much bigger things to worry about.
And Valerie? She didn't need her family's title to grow stronger.
I glanced at her.
My thoughts scattered when I caught Valerie's gaze - and the radiant smile she wore.
Why does she look so... happy?
Contrary to Felicity's confusion, Valerie was smiling—genuinely.
Maybe she was relieved.
Now she could focus on studying magic instead of dealing with Felicity's faction.
I shook the thoughts out of my mind.
It has nothing to do with me, anyway.
"That settles the contract?" Felicity rose abruptly, her regal bearing undiminished by her confusion.
My gentle smile provoked Persephone's jab: "Why do you always smile like that?" she frowned. "It feels like you're trying to scam people."
I ignored her and responded to Felicity—the future Queen of Lions.
"Yes. You may leave, Your Royal Highness."
Now that she had officially announced her intent to succeed, she is a legitimate royal.
Felicity's lips parted, as if to respond to my comment—then sealed shut.
Whatever she wanted to say, she held it in.
With a curt nod, she turned to leave, sparing one final glance at Valerie and Ducas.
She had come for Griff—and he was safe. She had no reason to stay.
At least I got them to sign the contract.
No words were exchanged. Not that I wanted to talk to her.
I just wanted everyone gone so I could finally rest.
Griff followed, though not before shooting me an unreadable look.
"Ah... Miss Felicity."
A thought struck me suddenly.
Hearing my voice, She turned, and my widening smile made her brow twitch.
"You're smiling like that again." Persephone muttered. I resisted the urge to snap back at her.
I really was thinking of something interesting.
****
+
[ Several Nubeculas are doubting your intentions. ]
+