The grand halls of the Karsten mansion felt emptier as the others departed, leaving behind only Anastasia Hoshin and Crusch Karsten—two women of power, intellect, and vastly different ideals.

The atmosphere was tense, thick with the lingering echoes of their previous conversation. The crackling of the fireplace was the only sound for a moment before Anastasia, ever the merchant, broke the silence with a charming chuckle.

"That was quite the show, huh?" she mused, tilting her head slightly. "I gotta say, you got a real talent for puttin' people in their place."

Crusch remained composed, her eyes steady as she regarded Anastasia. "And yet, you are still here. That tells me you have unfinished business."

Anastasia grinned. "Sharp as ever. Yeah, I do. Call it an opportunity, if you will." She leaned forward slightly. "I think it's time we talk about the real future of this whole arrangement."

Crusch didn't move, didn't react emotionally. Instead, she met Anastasia's gaze with unwavering confidence. "I have already accepted the marriage for the sake of the kingdom. There is nothing more to discuss."

Anastasia let out a small laugh. "Oh, but there is. See, you're lookin' at this like it's a duty, somethin' set in stone. But me? I see this as an investment." She tapped the table lightly. "And I think you and I could make this a whole lot more profitable… together."

Crusch's brows furrowed. "You speak as if this is a business deal, Anastasia."

Anastasia smirked. "Ain't it, though? Maybe not in the romantic sense, but politically? This is the biggest deal of our lives. And it's not just about us—it's about the future of Lugunica. It's about what comes after the marriage."

Crusch exhaled sharply, folding her arms. "Explain."

Anastasia leaned back, clearly pleased that Crusch was willing to listen.

"You and I both know that once this marriage is settled, the real power struggle begins. Subaru might be the Emissary of Balance now, but that don't mean he's gonna be the one holdin' all the reins. The kingdom is still up for the takin', and the ones with the most influence over him? Well, they're the ones who'll shape how it all plays out."

Crusch's eyes narrowed. "And you seek to position yourself as one of those influences?"

Anastasia smiled. "Bingo. And I think you should too. Think about it, you're the strongest of us all when it comes to actual governance. You've got military strength, a loyal following, and a vision for the future of Lugunica. But there's one thing you lack."

Crusch's voice was calm but firm. "And what is that?"

Anastasia's grin sharpened. "Flexibility. You're too rigid, too honest. That's admirable, don't get me wrong, but it ain't always the best way to get things done. Sometimes, ya gotta play the long game, pull the right strings, know when to push and when to pull back."

Crusch's expression remained unreadable. "And you believe you can teach me that?"

Anastasia chuckled. "Oh, I ain't that arrogant. But I can help ya navigate the murkier waters of politics. And in return, you can keep me in check—make sure I don't get too greedy, so to speak."

Crusch was silent for a long moment. She was no fool—she knew Anastasia was trying to get something out of this. But at the same time, there was truth in her words. Crusch had always been a woman of honor, of duty, but she had seen firsthand how rigid principles could be exploited by those more cunning.

Still, she was not about to be manipulated.

"And what do you gain from this alliance, Anastasia?"

Anastasia's smile widened, her sharp eyes gleaming. "Mutual benefit, of course. See, I know I ain't got the military backing that you do other than Iron Fangs. And I ain't got that unshakable moral compass that makes people trust ya so easily. But I do have somethin' you don't—connections, money, and the ability to make things move in ways that swords and honor can't."

She leaned forward, her voice lowering slightly. "You keep the kingdom stable, and I make sure we both stay at the top when the dust settles. Sounds like a good deal, don't it?"

Crusch stared at her for a moment before finally speaking. "You assume that I care about maintaining my own position. That is where you misunderstand me."

Anastasia's expression didn't falter. "I don't misunderstand, Crusch-sama. I just think you're lyin' to yourself a little."

Crusch's eyes darkened slightly, but Anastasia continued before she could respond.

"You say it's all for the kingdom. That you're doin' this outta duty. And maybe that's true. But deep down, you know that if you let others take control, the Lugunica you envision ain't gonna happen. You need to be in the room where decisions are made. Otherwise, all your ideals? They'll be twisted into somethin' unrecognizable."

Crusch's grip on her sword tightened slightly.

Anastasia smiled knowingly. "See? You get it. This ain't about ego—it's about makin' sure the right people are the ones callin' the shots. And between you and me? I'd rather it be us than Priscilla or some nobles who don't give a damn about the people."

Crusch let out a slow breath. "I do not trust you, Anastasia."

Anastasia laughed. "I'd be worried if you did."

A tense silence followed. Crusch closed her eyes for a brief moment, then met Anastasia's gaze once more.

"I will consider your proposal."

Anastasia beamed. "That's all I ask. Take your time, think it over. But just remember—opportunities like this don't come around often. And when they do, it's best to grab 'em before someone else does."

Crusch didn't respond immediately then she spoke one last time.

"I will not compromise my principles for ambition. If this alliance ever forces me to abandon my duty to this kingdom, I will end it without hesitation."

Anastasia chuckled. "Fair enough. Let's just see how things play out, shall we?"

Crusch gestured Anastasia to leave

As Anastasia exited the room she had a satisfied smirk on her face.

The game was in motion. And she had just made her most important move yet.

Crusch had underestimated Anastasia... Or did she?

Three of the most renowned knights in Lugunica—Julius Juukulius, Ferris Argyle, and Reinhardt van Astrea—sat in a quiet, uneasy conversation. The topic of discussion? The marriage arrangement that had upended the entire kingdom's power structure.

For Reinhardt, it was a matter of stability and the kingdom. For Julius, it was a question of loyalty to both the kingdom and his lady. For Ferris, however—there was only Crusch.

Ferris sat cross-armed, his tail flicking erratically, his golden eyes narrowed. "I'll be real with ya, Rein. I don't like this one bit. Nya. Not one bit."

Julius, seated beside him, let out a quiet sigh. "I assume you're referring to Lady Crusch involvement in this arrangement?"

Ferris turned sharply, glaring at him. "Of course I'm talkin' about Lady Crusch! nya, who else would I be worried about?! She ain't some tool to be used in a political game!" His ears twitched in anger. "This whole marriage thing is a joke! A dirty, rotten joke!"

Julius leaned back slightly, considering his words. "And yet, Lady Crusch has agreed to it."

Ferris bared his fangs slightly. "She agreed 'cause she's too damn noble for her own good! 'Cause she'd sacrifice everything for the kingdom! That's exactly why I gotta look out for her, nya! "

Ferris whirled."Just 'cause she agreed doesn't mean she wants it! You think Lady Crusch dreams about marryin' Subaru-kyun?! You think she wanted her life to turn into some twisted fairytale?!"

Reinhardt met his gaze calmly. "Perhaps not. But Lady Crusch is not someone who acts against her principles. If she accepted this, then she has her reasons."

Ferris growled. "Yeah, her 'reason' is her damn duty! She don't do things for herself—she does 'em for the kingdom! But does anyone ever ask what she wants?! She's a woman, not just a warrior, nya!"

Julius exhaled sharply. "And yet, Ferris, you would take her choice away from her?"

Ferris flinched. "I-I ain't—!"

Julius continued, his voice measured. "You speak of protecting her. But protecting someone does not mean making choices for them. It does not mean treating them as fragile. Lady Crusch is strong. If she deems this necessary, then who are we to say otherwise?"

Ferris gritted his teeth but said nothing.

Reinhardt glanced at Julius. "And you, Julius? You seem calmer than I expected. I assumed you would have strong feelings on this matter as well."

Julius hesitated for a moment before replying, "I do." His hands tightens the grip on the armrest of his chair. "But I am not merely a knight—I am a servant of the kingdom. My loyalty is not only to Lady Anastasia but to Lugunica itself. If this marriage is what ensures stability, then it is necessary."

Ferris scoffed. "Of course you'd say that. You'd justify anythin' if it meant keepin' the kingdom together. Even if it meant throwin' Lady Anastasia into a marriage she don't need."

Julius' expression didn't waver. "Lady Anastasia is a woman of great ambition. Unlike Lady Crusch, her decision is not solely based on duty, but also on strategy. And I trust that she has already begun planning how to use this marriage to her advantage."

Ferris clicked his tongue. "Ugh, you and your logic. You make it sound like she's got this all figured out, meow."

Julius smiled faintly. "Because she does. Lady Anastasia is not a woman who allows herself to be outmaneuvered. She has already begun manipulating the situation in her favor."

Reinhardt folded his arms, nodding. "That is likely true. Lady Anastasia is not one to be backed into a corner. She sees opportunity in everything."

Ferris let out an exasperated sigh. "Nya… So you two are really okay with this? Really?"

Julius glanced at him, his eyes sharp. "No. I am not okay with it. But I accept it. Because as a knight, I must."

Reinhardt added, "And as a knight, I will ensure that this marriage does not become a burden on any of the candidates. That is my duty."

Ferris shook his head. "Tch. You two sound like you're already makin' peace with this garbage."

Julius gave a small, rueful smile. "Perhaps. But in the end, our personal feelings mean little."

Ferris groaned, rubbing his face. "I still hate this. But fine, if this stupid marriage is really happenin'... I'll just make sure Lafy Crusch doesn't get screwed over. Nya."

Reinhardt nodded. "Then it seems we are all in agreement."

Ferris huffed. "Yeah, yeah. But I swear, if I see one sign that Lady Crusch is sufferin', I'll—"

Julius smirked. "You'll do what? Overthrow the kingdom?"

Ferris glared at him. "If I have to, nya. "

Reinhardt chuckled. "Then let us hope it does not come to that."

Ferris, still visibly irritated, leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. His tail flicked erratically, showing he still had something on his mind.

Then, abruptly, he turned to Reinhardt.

"Oi, Rein. I gotta ask."

Reinhardt glanced at him, his expression as calm as ever. "Hmm?"

Ferris narrowed his eyes. "You're bein' way too okay with this marriage thing, nya"His ears twitched. "You ain't even trying to argue against it. Why're ya actin like this?"

Julius raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. He turned to Reinhardt as well, studying him carefully. "A fair question. You have always been the type to act in the best interest of the kingdom, but this seems... different."

Reinhardt, for the first time in the entire conversation, seemed to hesitate.

It was brief—so brief that an average person might not have noticed—but Julius did. And so did Ferris.

"What do you mean?" Reinhardt finally replied, his voice measured.

Ferris rolled his eyes. "Don't play dumb with me, nya. I know when someone's dodgin'." He leaned forward. "You ain't just 'okay' with this marriage, you support it. Like, you actually think it's a good thing. Why?"

Julius tapped his fingers against the armrest. "Indeed. You have always been steadfast in your beliefs, Reinhardt. If you are backing this arrangement so strongly, then there must be a reason."

Reinhardt sighed, as if debating whether to even answer. He closed his eyes for a moment, then spoke in a slow, careful tone.

"There are some things that must happen. Some paths that must be walked."

Ferris scrunched his face. "Ugh, you're gonna be cryptic, ain't ya?"

Reinhardt opened his eyes and gave a small, unreadable smile. "Perhaps."

Julius frowned. "Reinhardt, you are not one to speak in riddles. If you know something, then speak plainly."

Reinhardt remained silent for a moment before shaking his head. "It is not something I can explain in simple words."

Ferris clicked his tongue. "Tch. Ya sound like some old sage or somethin'. Just tell us, nya."

Reinhardt's expression didn't change. His bright red eyes seemed distant, as if looking beyond the present moment.

Then, he gave his answer.

"Maybe... for the world."

Silence.

Ferris blinked. "...Hah?"

Julius straightened in his seat, his sharp mind immediately catching onto something. "For the world?"

Reinhardt simply smiled again, as if the conversation was over. "Who knows?"

Ferris groaned, rubbing his face. "Ugh! I hate when ya do this, meow! What the hell does that even mean?!"

Julius, however, didn't press further. He merely observed Reinhardt closely, as if trying to decipher something deeper.

"I see," Julius murmured, his expression unreadable.

Reinhardt nodded slightly, standing up. "It's late. We should all rest."

Ferris glared at him. "Oi, don't just brush this off! What do ya mean, 'for the world'?! You better not be hidin' somethin' dangerous, Rein!"

Reinhardt simply walked toward the door, his back turned to them.

"Goodnight."

And with that, he left.

Ferris sat there, completely frustrated. "Ugh, I swear, that guy is so annoyin' sometimes, meow."

Julius, however, remained quiet. His eyes flickered with thought.

Because for all his understanding of people, for all his knowledge of politics, one truth became clear to him that night—

Reinhardt van Astrea knew something that they did not.

As Reinhardt van Astrea left none of them noticed that something appeared his eyes.

Each eye now had multiple pupils.

A small voice came from his mouth

"The balance of the world is broken."

The grand chamber of House Louerg was filled with tension as noble lords and ladies from across the kingdom sat in deep discussion. Their expressions were calculating, their words sharp. The recent turn of events had shaken the entire aristocracy.

Subaru Natsuki.

Though the council had agreed to the marriage, the noble houses had not yet determined their stance. Some saw opportunity, others saw danger. But all of them understood one thing—whoever held the most influence over Subaru would hold the true power in Lugnica.

Duke Randolf Leissmann, an imposing man with streaks of gray in his dark hair, slammed his fist on the table. "This marriage has turned the royal selection into a farce! It doesn't matter if Subaru sits on the throne—his wife with the most influence will be the true ruler!"

Countess Clovis Brunhart, a shrewd woman with a knowing smirk, tapped her fingers against the wooden table. "Which is why we must decide now—who among the five is best suited to guide him?"

Viscount Darios Grenwell scoffed. "Guide? You mean control. Let's not dance around the truth. The woman who bends Subaru Natsuki to her will shall determine the fate of this kingdom."

Baron Falsun, a middle-aged noble with a reputation for playing both sides, leaned forward. "Then the question is—who among them is the most capable of ruling?"

Duke Leissmann answered first. "The answer is obvious. Lady Crusch Karsten. She has the mind of a ruler, the strength of a warrior, and the will to carry the kingdom forward."

Marquis Dravels, a noble loyal to the merchant class, shook his head. "You mean the one who hates the dragon and wants to dissolve our most ancient contract? Backing her means changing the very foundation of this kingdom."

Countess Clovis countered, "Which is why she's dangerous, but also necessary. If anyone can discipline this… wild card of an 'emissary,' it is her."

Viscount Grenwell snorted. "Discipline him? She's a woman bound by duty, but not by cunning. She will never manipulate him the way others can. If we back her, we must do so knowing she will try to wield Subaru as a sword, not a puppet."

"If control is what we seek," Viscount Grenwell continued, "then the best option is Anastasia Hoshin. She is already a master of manipulation, and she sees this kingdom as nothing more than a business venture. She will mold Subaru into a proper ruler or use him as a tool—whichever benefits her more."

Baron Falsun chuckled. "Ah, but would she not simply rule through him? If we support her, are we not simply handing the throne to Hoshin?"

Marquis Dravels, an ally of merchants, smirked. "And what's wrong with that? Lugnica needs economic stability. Anastasia's rule would bring prosperity."

Duke Leissmann scoffed. "Prosperity for her pockets, you mean."

Countess Clovis shrugged. "At least she understands power. Unlike the half-elf."

The room fell silent before Duke Leissmann let out a deep sigh. "And then there is… Felt."

Viscount Grenwell chuckled. "If you want chaos, then she is the best choice."

Marquis Dravels sneered. "She is a street rat with no understanding of governance. She does not have the patience for rule."

Baron Falsun shook his head. "She has the support of the Sword saint though "

The room grew quiet again. The name of Reinhardt van Astrea carried weight.

Duke Leissmann exhaled. "Backing Felt means backing the Sword Saint. And that is both an opportunity and a danger."

Countess Clovis smirked. "She is uncontrollable, yes. But she is also a revolutionary. If she and Subaru truly unite, they may burn the entire noble structure to the ground."

Viscount Grenwell sighed. "Which means… if we support her, we must also prepare to survive her."

Marquis Dravels sighed dramatically. "And then there is her."

There was no need to say her name. Priscilla Barielle.

Duke Leissmann shook his head. "She believes the world exists to serve her whims. She will never be controlled."

Baron Falsun nodded. "And yet, she is always right. As if fate itself bends to her will."

Countess Clovis chuckled. "Backing her means surrendering to her."

Viscount Grenwell exhaled. "She is the most dangerous candidate."
As the discussion shifted to Emilia, the room took on a different kind of tension. Unlike the others, whose strengths and weaknesses could be measured in politics, economics, or war, Emilia's influence came from something far more dangerous.

She had Subaru's heart.

Baron Falsun folded his arms. "It's an open secret. Subaru Natsuki is in love with Emilia. That alone makes her a serious contender."

Countess Clovis sighed. "And yet, love does not make a ruler. She is naive, inexperienced, and uncertain of her own feelings. She doesn't even know if she loves him."

Viscount Grenwell shook his head. "That hardly matters. He loves her. Which means her words will carry weight, even if she herself is uncertain."

Marquis Dravels tapped his fingers. "The question, then, is not whether Emilia can rule—it's whether she will influence Subaru more than the others."

Duke Leissmann exhaled sharply. "That makes her the most unpredictable factor. She is not cunning like Anastasia, nor duty-bound like Crusch, nor revolutionary like Felt, nor overpowering like Priscilla. But if Subaru listens to her the most, then she doesn't need to be any of those things."

Countess Clovis narrowed her eyes. "And what's worse… unlike the others, she wouldn't even be trying to manipulate him. He would obey her out of his own will."

A heavy silence followed.

Emilia was not the smartest, the strongest, or the most ruthless. She was not a schemer, a warrior, or a politician. But she was loved—and in the end, love could shape history as much as ambition or war.

Marquis Dravels finally spoke. "Then if we want to control this kingdom… we must keep a close watch on Emilia. Because whether she realizes it or not, her voice may become the one that rules us all."

Marquis Dravels tapped his fingers thoughtfully. "She is naive, yes. But that makes her malleable. If we place the right people around her, she could be made into a perfect figurehead."

Duke Leissmann grimaced. "And what if she proves to be more than that? What if, in time, she grows into a true ruler?"

The debate stretched into the night. No single answer satisfied them all. Each noble weighed their choices carefully, knowing that whichever candidate they backed would determine the future of Lugnica.

Would they support Crusch, the warrior bound by duty?
Anastasia, the merchant who saw the throne as an investment?
Emilia, the naive figurehead who has captured Subaru's heart?
Felt, the unpredictable revolutionary with the Sword Saint's power?
Or Priscilla, the embodiment of arrogance, whose will seemed absolute?

And at the center of it all was Subaru Natsuki—the man they had all underestimated.

Duke Leissmann leaned forward. "We must choose wisely. For in the end, Subaru Natsuki may wear the crown… but the true ruler will be the woman who holds him and bear his heir."