---
"A letter from Princess Eveline?"
"Yes, my lady."
It wasn't unusual for the Princess to send letters to Selena. They had been close childhood friends for as long as anyone could remember.
The Everthore House and the royal family had maintained a strong relationship for generations, so it was common for Selena and Princess Eveline to spend time together, simply playing or talking.
"Bring the letter in."
"Of course, my lady. Excuse me."
The servant opened the door, entered the office, and carefully placed the letter on Selena's desk before stepping back.
"Thank you. You may return to your duties."
"Yes, my lady. Excuse me."
The servant bowed and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
The first thing Selena noticed was the envelope—it bore no royal insignia, meaning this was a personal letter, not an official one.
She opened it and read its contents:
---
Hey, my beloved Selena!
It's been so long since we last met. I miss you terribly.
Don't you miss me too?
Come to the palace tomorrow, so I can soothe this unbearable longing I have for you~
---
"She's too carefree… even though she'll soon be caught up in the throne succession war with her brothers."
Selena sighed, exhausted by Eveline's antics.
Since they were children, Eveline had always been playful and unserious, often giving palace staff headaches. Selena was no exception—she had her fair share of migraines thanks to the princess.
"What did it say, my lady?"
"Princess Eveline wants me to visit her tomorrow. She says she misses me."
Seraphina, standing nearby, had asked. Selena then placed the letter back in its envelope and tucked it into a desk drawer. Astrid, standing to the side, chimed in.
"Will you be going, my lady?"
"Of course. She's my friend, after all."
Astrid nodded.
"Very well. The three of you may rest now—we'll head to the palace tomorrow at noon."
"Yes, my lady!"
Astrid, Vine, and Seraphina responded in unison.
After giving that order, Selena continued working at her desk until late into the night. Only once everything was done did she retire to her chambers for rest.
---
[The Next Day]
Inside a luxurious carriage adorned with floral patterns and painted in elegant off-white and gold, Selena made her way to the capital. The carriage was pulled by four pristine white horses.
As they passed through the Everthore farmlands, Selena couldn't help but admire the lush fields that stretched out along the road, making the journey feel refreshing.
"Hmhm, our farms are quite impressive. It makes me proud."
"Yes, and it's all thanks to you, my lady. After you told us about that 'fertilizer' and its effects, we began producing it in large quantities and instructed all our farmers to use it."
"And this is the result, huh..."
Seraphina responded to Selena's admiration with a proud smile.
Fertilizer is a substance added to soil or plants to provide essential nutrients that support plant growth and development. It helps increase soil fertility, improve crop quality, and boost harvest yields.
Selena had discovered this fertilizer during her own experiments in her research room, and the formula had proven extremely effective.
"Indeed, my lady. Thanks to it, our agriculture is almost rivaling that of Duke Enmud Blackwood, who has long dominated the farming sector."
Each of the Four Pillars of Dukes in the Kingdom of Velmoria governs one major sector vital to the kingdom's stability:
1. Duke Alistar Draven oversees the military. While not in full control of the royal army, House Draven remains a dominant force in Velmoria's military affairs.
2. Duke Enmud Blackwood governs the agricultural sector of Velmoria.
3. Duke Caden Hawke holds influence over commerce and trade.
4. Duchess Selena Everthore, the only female among the Four Dukes, is closest to the royal family and governs the magical knowledge and research sector.
"Excellent. I want every sector in Everthore to keep progressing."
Seraphina nodded and smiled. She had always believed that with Selena leading House Everthore, prosperity was inevitable. The other noble houses would just be left biting their nails in frustration.
---
"My lady, we're nearly at the capital."
After several hours of travel—enough to make Selena's backside sore—they finally arrived at the capital of the Velmoria Kingdom:
Solmaris.
It was the largest and most prosperous region in the entire kingdom. Grand and towering buildings decorated the city, and wherever one looked, people were smiling and laughing—a testament to how well the kingdom governed its capital.
Low black fences lined the streets, separating the roadways from pedestrian walkways. Merchants displayed their goods eagerly, and the wealthy paraded about in lavish garments.
"It's been a while since I visited the capital... still as impressive as ever."
Though Selena said it softly, Astrid, Vine, and Seraphina all heard her clearly.
"Indeed, my lady. I believe Everthore will become just as prosperous if you continue to lead us."
Seraphina and Vine nodded in agreement.
"Hehe, you're too kind, Astrid."
---
Soon, they arrived at the palace gates, where royal guards greeted and escorted Selena's group inside. Among the guards stood a large man, bulkier than the rest, likely in his 50s but still remarkably fit. A deep scar ran across his left shoulder—a clear sign of past battles.
"It's been a while, Captain Drullkill. About two months, I think?"
"Hahaha! That's right, Duchess Selena. The last time you visited was when the King call you."
"Yes, well... I prefer staying in my own domain rather than traveling too far."
"Hahaha! That sounds just like you, alright!"
As they walked through the palace's lavish hallways—adorned with expensive paintings and lined with luxurious red carpets—the grandeur of the royal palace became more apparent.
Eventually, they arrived at Princess Eveline's chamber.
But something was odd—the door was slightly ajar.
Curious, Selena leaned in to peek… and heard something that made her freeze.
"Ah~ Selenaaa~ Harder~~"
(Silence.)
Selena immediately pulled back and turned to face her group and Captain Drullkill.
"What is it, my lady?" Seraphina asked, puzzled. Drullkill tilted his head in confusion.
"H-Hey, Captain Drullkill... shouldn't you report to the King that I've arrived?"
"Ah, yes, now that you mention it, I nearly forgot."
"Exactly! So hurry and go report."
"Haha, alright then. I'll take my leave and inform His Majesty."
With that, Drullkill departed to make his report. Selena then turned to her group—Astrid, Vine, and Seraphina.
"You three wait here. I'll go in alone."
They nodded and stayed behind as Selena reached for the door and stepped into Eveline's room. What she saw inside was...