“I plan to establish a country where witches are not discriminated against. And to achieve that, I need your power.”

Vivian couldn’t quite comprehend what she had just heard. She had heard it before from her sister: A country will be created where you can live as yourself. Those words had sounded as sweet as a lie from an unattainable fantasy, making them all the harder to believe. She despised herself, so how could this be? Even when her sister persuaded her to dress in outdoor clothes and led her into this grand mansion, Vivian suspected her sister might have been deceived by someone’s lies.

Yet, before she promised to create a place where she could breathe freely, the princess even said she needed her help to make it happen. She needed her.

Could a single sentence be filled with words she longed to hear? Tears welled up in Vivian’s eyes. It felt as though the years of hatred and hardship she had endured were finally being compensated for. Of course, such long years couldn’t truly be made up for with just a few words, but it felt that way now. It was the first time someone needed her power and the first time someone promised to create a world where people like her wouldn’t face discrimination.

She thought she might learn to accept the power she had always despised. She wasn’t confident yet but didn’t want to let go of the hope standing before her. Helia didn’t miss the opportunity and continued speaking to Vivian.

“Will you lend me your power?”

“I-I… My power is… hard to control…“

Vivian’s voice trailed off, barely a whisper. Fear began to eat away at her again. That’s right. How could I… Hope? It’s impossible for someone like me. And what if I trust this hope only for it to shatter? What would I do then? Fear gripped her tightly, and she wanted to run away from this place.

Unaware of Vivian’s inner turmoil, Helia spoke in a casual tone.

How about I introduce you to another witch who might be able to help you?

“Another witch? Help me?”

Vivian almost jumped in place, her head snapping up, eyes wide with surprise. The gloomy thoughts she had been spiraling into vanished in an instant.

Helia glanced at Miel, unsure if she had said something wrong, but Miel seemed equally puzzled. Helia decided to wait quietly for Vivian’s reaction. By now, tears shimmered in Vivian’s eyes.

“I… I’ve never even thought about it. Meeting another witch… And getting help from them…”

Vivian seemed overwhelmed with emotion. She showed no resistance to the idea of meeting another witch, which was a relief. Helia sighed in relief, and Miel looked fondly at her sister with pride.

Vivian was lost in the miraculous moment that had come to her. Why are so many good things happening to me all of a sudden? Could this be a prelude to something terrible? The thought made her uneasy. Still, the idea of meeting another witch filled her with hope. Even if she had to keep living in a world that despised witches, living alongside another witch would make it bearable.

She felt a pang of guilt toward her sister, who had tried to show her a grander vision of the future. Revolution, a world where witches weren’t discriminated against—she no longer cared about such lofty ideals. Even if the effort failed, she would already have achieved what she longed for most.

No, I should try my best, she resolved. A better world could unfold than one where I’m forced to live in hiding. Vivian decided not to let fear stop her. She lifted her head with newfound determination, unaware that her tears were spilling over. Startled, she looked at her sister, who watched her like a mother bird, seeing her fledgling take its first flight. Helia, too, waited patiently for her answer, a calm smile on her face.

Realizing she had been lost in her emotions, Vivian clenched her fists tightly and exclaimed, “I-I’ll do my best!”

It was the answer Helia had been waiting for. She nodded with satisfaction, a smile spreading across her face. “That’s the spirit. You have to work hard.“ A spark of motivation was always a good sign.

Satisfied, Helia recalled something Lette had mentioned and asked, “By the way, is there a particular type of magic you’re better at?“

“I’m… not sure…”

Vivian hesitated. After all, she had been a child locked away in her room, unable to control her power until recently. Expecting an answer was asking too much.

Helia decided to arrange for Vivian to meet Lette as soon as possible. But then Vivian said something unexpected.

“I’m… somewhat good at healing injured animals…”

That was an opportunity too good to pass up.

***

Vivian and Lette met smoothly. Initially, Vivian nearly fainted at Lette’s introduction as a saint, but as Lette calmly explained her magic, Vivian quickly accepted it. Perhaps because they were both witches, the two easily developed a sense of camaraderie.

Ruben mentioned that Vivian was adapting well to her secret training with Lette. Helia nodded in satisfaction.

Meanwhile, preparations for the war steadily progressed. Thanks to Ikael’s efforts, the revolutionary forces stabilized more quickly than anticipated. Discussions about supplying materials for the war were already underway, and the Effenberg territory needed to prepare in earnest.

“I’m worried,“ Helia said, tossing a document aside and stretching.

Next to her, Ruben carefully organized the discarded papers and asked, “Is it about the founding?“

“Yeah. The capital will be Effenberg anyway, so we could declare the kingdom now, but it might be better in terms of justification to deal with Bailey first.”

Helia pressed a hand to her forehead, visibly troubled.

“What do you think?“

“I believe founding the kingdom should come first.”

“Why?“

“Because I want to place the crown on Your Highness’s head as soon as possible.”

At Ruben’s response, Helia shot him a playful glare. He had recently started making such frivolous remarks while maintaining his usual serious demeanor. Not that she disliked it—in fact, that was the problem. She liked it too much. If possible, she wanted to keep him by her side all day, listening to his praise. 

She doubted she could stay grounded if those clear green eyes held only her image and that incredible voice spoke solely of her virtues. She finally understood why tyrants in history were said to neglect their duties, consumed by their infatuations.

No, she couldn’t allow herself to think that way. Clearing her throat, Helia forced herself back to the topic at hand.

“Of course. No one suits the crown better than I do.”

… Or so she thought, but apparently not. Before she knew it, she agreed with Ruben’s flattery, a pleased grin spreading across her face. Helia, who already lacked humility, now brimmed confidently thanks to Ruben. She knew it wasn’t wise to grow too accustomed to sweet words, but she rationalized it as training to resist flattery from others. The truth, however, was that she simply wanted to hear more of Ruben’s praise.

Perhaps aware of her thoughts, Ruben discreetly tucked away his smile and returned to the matter.

“It’s important to frame it as a civil war, but if we establish the kingdom after subjugating Bailey, it might seem like we’re merely continuing Bailey’s legacy. This perception would be even stronger since Your Highness was previously associated with Bailey. It would be more advantageous to establish a nation entirely separate from Bailey and then deal with it afterward, aligning better with Your Highness’s aspirations.”

Helia nodded, acknowledging the validity of his reasoning. She hadn’t considered this perspective before, being focused on the justification for founding a new kingdom. Destroying and absorbing the existing kingdom first seemed logical in many ways. But Ruben was right—establishing the kingdom first would better demonstrate a clean break from Bailey. She needed to cast off Bailey’s shell entirely.

“Then we’ll need to move quickly.“

“Arrangements for the coronation in Effenberg have already been made. Once you give the order, we can begin immediately.”

He was as capable as ever. Helia nodded, satisfied.

“But there is something only Your Highness can do.“

“What is it?“

“Bestow a name befitting this new beginning.”

Ah. Helia let out a small sigh. A new name. It would also mark the end of Effenberg.

Helia looked up at Ruben, who willingly lowered himself as if he dared not look down on her.

“Well, I’ll think about it…“

“Yes.“

“And if you don’t like it, feel free to change it later…”