'You long for the banner of Former King Eke, yet whether its Radiance still remains in Erune, as the daughter of King Obergo, the Princess of the Royal Family, I cannot answer; Lord, in Tonyger you have fulfilled the promises mentioned in the letter, such steadfastness serves as a model; now the treacherous rebels rise in the North, the Kingdom teeters on the brink, as a direct bloodline of the Colcorva family, I too cannot retreat in the slightest.'

'I am very grateful for your trust. If hope still exists in Erune, then surely it resides in your heart and mine. This letter is an attempt to give you a response. I promise to change this country, even if it costs me everything.'

Griffith Colcorva, Princess Saint Odefy, gently folded the letter, her face calm, as if worry did not exist on this decaying ship about to sink. Yet this was merely the calm before the storm; the storm gathered on the horizon, ready to unleash its fury.

Knocking came from outside the door, the Attendant in a Red robe inquired for the third time about the Princess's scheduled time; the carriage had long awaited outside the palace, and the important ministers, including Ou Fuwei'er and Macaro, had been waiting for a while.

The meeting with Duke Anlek was imminent. In today's Erune, no one held as significant leverage as this big shot to shift the entire balance. Griffith never hoped that the young people staying in Flada-Pes could change the tide of war, and today's Erune could only rely on the army loyal to Fustan to stand against the Alliance of the northern Dukes.

Her half-brother had tried to woo Anlek into that faction, but he couldn't offer a high enough price. Griffith was aware of that old fox's plans; he needed her to birth a Royal-blooded Inheritor for him to legitimately seize Erune's throne. Since the ten-year decree, this family had long been plotting for this position.

But she would rather see rivers of blood flow from the throne than tolerate such a thing happening. Those who betray their sacred vows shall never inherit the banner of Radiance, for it is a stain on the oath of Lionheart. Furthermore, Anlek had been secretly involved with the All Things Return to One for years. They believed themselves foolproof, but such things are never without leaks.

The lips of the Half-Elf Princess, still in her youthful years, couldn't help but curve into a tightly pressed arc, a silent, angry sneer; no one was a fool. The season of melting snow was imminent, and any further delay would push Anlek Province to the other side; she was a Princess of the Royal Family, and she had already made her choice.

Griffith lowered her head, reaching out with slender fingers to gently smooth the soft hair on her younger brother's forehead.

"Sister?" The Inheritor of Erune's Future raised his head, looking somewhat uneasy at his sister in the uneven light of the tallow candle.

"You will become a King, Haruz," the Princess said.

"I know, you've said so, I am the King of Erune," the young boy replied.

"Yes, I am paving the way for you; no one can change this country's revival, I've arranged everything," said Griffith softly, as if describing a vision, "but you must become strong, Haruz." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

She lifted her head; her silver eyes seemed to have already seen through the coming storm, witnessing a grim end, assassination, conspiracy, blood-drenched roses on the throne, but undoubtedly, the land after the storm would be reborn.

"Yes, I have become stronger, I practice swordsmanship every day," the boy raised his head, seeing the letter in his sister's hand, "Sister, who are you writing to?"

"A Knight."

"I want to be a Knight too," after a year of wandering, away from the Royal Family, the boy had learned the sharpness and cunning appropriate for his age; he looked at his sister the Princess, "They say you are going to Ambeser?"

"Yes."

"What will happen to me if you go?"

"You should learn to make some decisions on your own, do you remember what I told you? You are a man, Haruz, you must steer the helm," Griffith replied.

"Oh," the boy seemed disappointed, "then you must come back soon; otherwise, no one will check my swordsmanship."

Griffith couldn't help but smile wryly; even her soft-hearted brother had learned to speak indirectly.

"Um… he…" The Inheritor of Erune's Future seemed to want to continue the topic but hesitated, appeared to be at a loss for words.