Night inside a hidden room deep within the Imperial City.
Candlelight flickered as heavy velvet curtains completely cut off the interior from the outside world, preventing even the moonlight from seeping in.
Soundproofing runes were embedded into the walls, ensuring not a single sound would travel beyond the door.
The furnishings in the room were not extravagant, yet every detail exuded a sense of steadily expanding ambition—a dark oak desk, several high-backed chairs, and a massive map of the Empire hanging on the wall, with key fortresses and territories marked in delicate cinnabar.
Crown Prince Finn von Leinfeld stood by the window, his fingers lightly parting a tiny slit in the curtain as he looked out at the sparse lights of the Imperial City's night view.
He had short, honey-colored hair and handsome features, with an inherent air of superiority and sharpness between his brows.
A few paces behind him, Imperial Prime Minister Marcus Wiesenberger stood quietly.
Though over fifty years old with graying temples, his posture remained upright, and his gray eyes were steady and profound, looking as if they could see right through a person's heart.
Dressed in a dark gray formal suit, he held his hands clasped in front of him, respectful yet far from servile.
"Ever since we forced away my bothersome sister, this seems to be the first time in months that we've met in private, doesn't it?"
Finn let go of the curtain and turned around, a faint, unreadable smile lingering at the corners of his lips.
That smile held a touch of smugness as well as a hint of mockery.
Marcus shook his head slightly, his tone calm and cautious:
"Please mind your words, Your Highness the Crown Prince. We did not force Princess Wendy away. Her Highness disappeared suddenly, and this matter has nothing to do with us."
"Heh."
Finn gave a light chuckle, walked over to the desk, and tapped his fingers lightly twice on the tabletop:
"You people are simply too hypocritical. Even though the deed is done, you still feel the need to beat around the bush when speaking to me. I really don't know what you're worried about. Don't forget, I can foresee the future."
He raised his gaze, looking directly into Marcus's eyes:
"Didn't I already prove this to you before? It's precisely because you believed it that you joined forces with me to force away my bothersome sister. Because you know very well too—the future of the Empire cannot be led by an Empress."
The Empire could not have an Empress—this was an ironclad rule deeply rooted in the Empire's political traditions for centuries.
It was not because women lacked the ability to rule. On the contrary, several imperial princesses in history had displayed talent and courage far surpassing the men of their generation.
Yet every time a princess drew close to the core of power, the Empire would fall into turmoil: border rebellions, noble schisms, financial crises... as if an invisible force were obstructing the birth of an Empress.
Over time, a consensus formed throughout the Empire: the throne could only be inherited by males, which served as the cornerstone for maintaining the Empire's stability.
Marcus fell silent for a moment, offering no denial.
He shifted the topic, lowering his voice by a few notches:
"Your Highness, regarding our plan, do we need to postpone its execution? The Hundred Academy Exchange is currently underway, and teachers and students from magic academies across the continent have gathered in the Imperial Capital. Among them are powerhouses even stronger than myself. If the plan causes widespread chaos during execution, I fear it might attract their attention or even invite unnecessary intervention."
Finn, however, waved his hand dismissively:
"There's no need. Even the headmaster of Ironpledge Crucible Magic Academy wouldn't dare meddle in the affairs of the royal family. As for the others, even if they notice what is taking place within the royal family, they certainly wouldn't dare intervene. This is an internal matter of the Leinfeld family, and outsiders have no standing to interfere."
He paused, a flash of conceit gleaming in his eyes:
"Besides, I have already seen the future where I sit upon that imperial throne before long!"
Hearing this, Marcus fell into hesitation.
Half a year ago, he had indeed witnessed Finn's ability to foresee the future, but he felt this power had arrived far too abruptly.
He had searched through a vast number of secret archives, only to find no similar record among members of the royal family throughout history.
The ability to foresee the future was completely unheard of in the entire history of the Empire.
He could only speculate that perhaps even the gods did not wish for an Empress to be born in the Empire, which was why they bestowed this ability upon His Highness Finn, allowing him to correct the course of history.
And the predictive power displayed by His Highness Finn was perhaps proof of divine will.
He was the Chosen One, destined to ascend the throne.
Marcus finally let out a sigh and lowered his head:
"I understand. I will continue to push forward with the plan. However, Your Highness—even if you have seen the scene of yourself becoming Emperor in the future, it would still be wiser to exercise caution right now. After all, as we both know, just like the princess's sudden disappearance, the future can be changed."
Finn merely smiled indifferently, walking to the window to look outside once more. "It's fine. Do you really think I didn't prepare a backup plan?"
His voice turned low, carrying a trace of coldness:
"I have hidden a vast number of private soldiers in the forests throughout the Empire, including quite a few capable individuals. Though I've kept them completely out of contact with the outside world for concealment, all it takes is one order from me, and they can break through the Imperial Capital's defense lines from all directions to capture my royal father. Therefore, in this struggle, it's impossible for me to lose."
He paused, the corners of his mouth curling into an arrogant arch:
"My only hope right now is that my foolish father has a bit more self-awareness and abdicates the throne to me on his own accord. That way, it saves everyone the trouble."
Standing behind him and watching the spirited back of the young Crown Prince, Marcus couldn't help but picture another figure in his mind—Imperial Princess Wendy von Leinfeld.
That princess who had been forced away was far superior to Finn in managing state affairs, diplomatic maneuvering, and strategic vision.
Had she not been born the wrong gender, the Empire might have welcomed a truly magnificent monarch.
But unfortunately, there were no 'ifs' in this world.
The thought flickered through Marcus's mind without showing on his face as he bowed respectfully. "This servant understands."
Afterwards, he turned around, pushed open the room door, and vanished into the darkness of the corridor.
Quiet returned to the room once again.
Finn stood alone before the window, silent for a moment, then reached out and pushed open the window frame.
The night wind surged in, flickering the candle flame and casting swaying shadows against the wall.
The moment he pushed open the window, a dark shadow appeared silently behind him.
Finn did not look back.
He seemed to have anticipated the arrival of the visitor, speaking slowly in a tone that was devout yet confident:
"Rest assured, Lord Divine Messenger. I will prove my value to the great Goddess and will never waste this power you have granted me."
The shadow behind him made no sound at all, disappearing swiftly just as it had arrived.
Finn continued gazing at the night scene outside the window, the smile at the corners of his mouth growing even deeper.
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