“!!!”
What did that mean?
Faust instinctively straightened his back, his expression turning serious.
I really need to sit up and listen to this.
“Heh, that reaction—it seems it is true.”
Seeing this, Artedinis had already obtained the answer she wanted. She pressed her lips together and tilted her head up, looking slightly smug.
“And looking at you, you do not seem very surprised.”
Faust: “It is not the first time I have encountered someone who has awakened from fate.”
Artedinis raised her teacup and took a sip: “Is it Charlotte?”
Good grief, she’s already figured it out?
Or is Charlotte’s side just not tight-lipped enough?
“Why be surprised? You have never truly been acting. That nun of the holy royal bloodline has gone to such lengths to cover for you; how could I not know about the intersections between your kingdom and Charlotte’s side?”
Her Imperial Highness, as if reading Faust’s mind, said softly:
“A little deduction makes it clear. Those members of the royal family who serve the dragon lord are all those who have achieved awakening.”
“Because the guardian fairy of our family is always hinting at something. Only a fool would turn a blind eye, and unfortunately, there are indeed many fools among my siblings.”
Faust thought about it and realized it made perfect sense. He hadn't paid much attention to concealment before because he didn't consider it a big deal.
I’m not the only one doing business with the empire, after all!
“By the way, since you know the truth, why did you not choose to stand with Lian?”
Faust remembered Charlotte saying that the royals who had been awakened by Lian’s revelation all stood on their side, while the remaining siblings were just mindless fools.
Oh my, you lot aren't even united. Why would Charlotte lie to me?
Artedinis tilted her head, her soft beige hair brushing against her delicate, beautiful cheeks, and said:
“Charlotte does not know about this matter. Furthermore, why must I join the dragon’s camp? Is it because I received the grace of a guardian fairy? Or because of that illusory imperial ideal?”
Faust nodded in realization:
“So, you have made the wisest choice?”
By common logic, a fairy of the dragonfall could never succeed, especially after learning how cold and unyielding fate was. Weighing the pros and cons and standing on the side of the victor was only natural.
However, this deduction was clearly wrong, as disappointment and sorrow flickered in Her Imperial Highness’s indigo eyes.
“Seeking advantages and avoiding harm—in your eyes, am I really such a boring person?”
Artedinis clasped her fingers together, resting her chin upon them, and looked at Faust with a faint, shimmering smile:
“I am curious, what is your opinion of me?”
What opinion? Are we close enough for you to ask that?
Faust had only met Artedinis twice and didn't know much about her, but from what he had seen and heard so far, one thing was clear—
This imperial princess was undoubtedly a monarch beloved and admired by her people. The city under her governance was orderly, prosperous, and flourishing. In an empire shattered after the great cataclysm, this place was practically a paradise.
The achievements Artedinis had made included, but were not limited to, subjugating rebels, exterminating monstrous beasts, expanding the territory, and fostering peace and prosperity for the people...
Everyone he saw, whether they were noble occult nobles or commoners, whether they were those who loved and served her or those who feared and hated her, never hesitated to heap all kinds of praise upon her.
High-born, youthful and spirited, breathtakingly beautiful, gifted with extraordinary talent... Good heavens, this is practically me!
Faust felt that Artedinis had stolen his life.
The prince did not hide his thoughts and shared his true impression with Artedinis.
“Mmm, what they say cannot be called wrong.”
Her Imperial Highness closed her eyes, a curve forming at the corners of her lips:
“Even among those who are awakened, we are all different. I was not revealed to by a fairy; I awakened naturally from a very young age.”
“Ah, so this colorful world is actually a stage, and I am a dancer upon it. I understood then that as long as I acted in accordance with my status, everything would go smoothly.”
“So, I do things that fit my role. I will be the brave, skilled, and fair general that my knights are worthy of following.”
“I will be the monarch worshiped by scholars and nobles—the philosopher king who listens to advice, respects the virtuous, and remains wise and gentle.”
“I will be the excellent ally recognized by the sanctuary, a royal with just enough narrow ambition and amusement.”
“I am also the royal sister whom Eleanor takes as a role model, the pillar capable of holding up the spine of the dynasty after the imperial civil war.”
The girl with the beige hair counted on her fingers, enumerating the images she held in the eyes of others.
“There is nothing wrong with this. Everyone has their own duties and actions. I am happy to play my part. Unlike Charlotte and the others, I do not consider this a shackle or oppression.”
Faust listened with a blank expression, feeling a bit of teeth-grinding irritation.
Geez! An 【overlord】 combined with a 【brave one】 fate-star—if you gave me this treatment, I wouldn't be rebellious either. I’d start enjoying life early on.
Although Faust wasn't doing too badly now, he was walking a tightrope. If he slipped, he would die without a burial place. It was only because his mental fortitude was strong enough that he didn't take his own life to heart.
In the end, he was no match for a true child of destiny with a pure pedigree and zero risks.
The prince crossed his arms and said coldly: “In that case, what are you dissatisfied with?”
He was ten, or perhaps nine parts suspicious that Artedinis had come over just to show off to him. She was a very bad, very bad woman!
“Dissatisfied... Yes, I have already obtained everything within reach. If what that Lady of the Lake said is true, I could even create glory and brilliance equal to my ancestors, becoming a founder whose name is sung for a thousand years.”
Artedinis stroked her chest with one hand and reached out toward Faust with the other. The exquisitely beautiful face, half-hidden by her hair, revealed an impeccable smile:
“However... no matter what I do, I am merely playing a part according to the rules. Everything is fake. My goals are fake, my ambitions are fake, and the favor I show my subordinates is fake. Even this smile I wear at this very moment is fake.”
“My true self cannot be shown to others, much less poured out to the puppets on this stage. How boring a solo act is. But the Lady of the Lake told me that there is one person who can absolutely accept my true self, who can become my friend... at least a friend.”
“Only in this way will my barren and shallow soul be fulfilled.”
Her Imperial Highness’s gaze locked directly onto Faust’s handsome face, the meaning self-evident.
Faust: “I don't mind making new friends, but what is your true side actually like? Can you describe it specifically?”
“That is hard to describe in words. Let me just improvise a little.”
“As it happens, I am a bit hungry.”
Artedinis looked around, her gaze locking onto a white dove hanging on a tree branch.
Then, she reached out her hand.
Rate on N.U.
