On that overcast morning, the atmosphere inside Wonderveil Palace was far more tense than usual. Guards stood rigidly along the corridors leading to the main meeting hall. Palace workers walked with lowered heads, terrified of making even the slightest mistake.
Inside the meeting room, Princess Celestia sat in the primary chair. Her face remained calm, but exhaustion was clearly visible in her eyes. Seated before her were several of Wonderveil's prominent nobles—not ordinary aristocrats, but members of the Council, who held significant influence over the nation's politics and economy.
Documents, territorial maps, and food supply reports were spread across the long table. Everyone wore a grave expression. After a moment of silence, an elderly nobleman opened the discussion.
"Your Highness," he began, his voice low but firm. "Do you truly intend to continue this cold war with your sister? If this persists, Wonderveil's reputation will crumble."
A noblewoman joined in. "We are also facing a shortage of food resources." She pointed to the map on the table. "The territory taken by Princess Elowen is the largest agricultural region in Wonderveil. Most of our wheat, fruits, and crops come from there."
Other nobles began whispering anxiously among themselves.
"Shops in the city are raising food prices."
"The people are starting to complain."
"If this continues, riots may break out."
Celestia exhaled slowly before leaning back in her chair. "Yes," she said calmly. "I am aware of all that. But for now, we must be frugal. We will utilize other food sources first." She looked at each of them one by one. "And regarding my sister..." Her tone grew colder. "I do intend to attack her. But I need a proper plan."
A noblewoman immediately interjected. "If this situation continues, the country will suffer. Can we not simply launch an attack on Princess Elowen?"
Several others nodded in agreement, but Celestia shook her head. "You all know my sister has a dragon. That dragon is capable of incinerating an entire city with a single command."
The faces of several nobles turned pale.
"We cannot attack recklessly without a plan," Celestia added.
A man dressed in luxurious attire suddenly spoke up. "In that case... what if Your Highness finds someone strong enough to kill that dragon?"
Celestia lifted her head slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I once met someone," the man replied. "Her name is Alice."
The name caused the nobles to murmur among themselves.
"She's the girl who was present during the Wonderveil anniversary celebration recently."
"I've heard of her."
"They say she possesses powerful magic."
Celestia looked at the nobleman. "Oh? I wasn't aware. Is she truly that strong?"
"I am not certain," the nobleman admitted honestly. "But I am confident she can assist Your Highness."
Celestia remained silent for a few seconds before nodding slowly. "Very well. I will summon her to the palace. I hope she is willing to cooperate with us."
The nobles nodded in agreement. However... no one noticed a small squirrel hiding behind a large wooden shelf at the end of the room, its eyes fixed directly on Celestia.
In a secluded, old mansion far from the city, Alice sat in a chair, watching the magical display before her. The image showed the meeting room through the eyes of Fin the squirrel. Alice smiled slowly.
"Finally..." Her eyes gleamed. "It is time for me to act."
Two days later, a carriage pulled up in front of Wonderveil Palace. The door opened slowly, and Alice stepped out, accompanied by the nobleman who had fetched her. She wore an elegant black gown, her hair perfectly styled, and her face appearing soft and polite. No one would suspect that the girl before them was actually a witch.
Alice was led into the palace guest room. Inside, Princess Celestia sat accompanied by several guards. Alice stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Forgive me, Your Highness."
Celestia looked at Alice for a few moments before offering a small smile. "I am glad you could attend."
Alice sat opposite Celestia with perfect poise. "I also did not expect Your Highness to invite me here. I will help you to the best of my ability."
Celestia nodded. "Of course. I heard about you from the nobility. They would never lie to me."
Alice carved a sweet smile. "Naturally. I will assist Your Highness."
But behind that gentle smile, Alice was struggling to contain her laughter. She had finally succeeded. Celestia was beginning to trust her—completely unaware that the girl standing before her was the very witch who had been destroying the bond between the two sisters from the shadows.
Alice lowered her head slightly so her grin wouldn't be too obvious.
'The real game... has only just begun.'
Since the day Alice was invited into Wonderveil Palace, her life had changed completely. She no longer had to hide in a dusty, dark, old mansion. Now, she resided within the palace alongside nobles and royal guards, making it easy for her to move freely. She could observe the state of the palace, overhear crucial conversations, and subtly use her magic without anyone noticing.
However, Alice knew one thing: if she wanted to remain by Princess Celestia's side, she had to become the most trusted person there. And to gain that trust, she needed to convince everyone that only she was capable of killing Elowen's dragon.
That afternoon, Alice stood in the palace flower garden. A gentle breeze blew through her black hair as she watched the red and white roses blooming along the stone path. Her hand gently touched the petal of a white rose. Beautiful. But her eyes were hollow; she didn't care for the flowers at all. Her mind was occupied only by her schemes.
Tap. Tap.
The sound of small footsteps caught Alice's attention. She turned to find Nyx walking toward her. The black cat appeared calm, but his eyes watched Alice sharply.
"How are you, Alice?" Nyx greeted.
Alice offered a small smile. "How cute... a cat that can talk." She reached out a hand to stroke Nyx's head, but Nyx quickly darted to the side.
"Do not touch me." His voice turned cold. "No one, not even humans, may stroke me like a common cat."
Alice withdrew her hand, chuckling softly. "Don't be so cold with me." She tilted her head slightly. "Have I done something wrong?"
Nyx sat on the stone path, staring at Alice without blinking. "What is your true purpose in coming here?"
Alice gave a thin smile. "Naturally, to help Princess Celestia defeat her sister."
Nyx narrowed his eyes. "Are you truly capable of beheading a dragon that large and powerful?"
"Of course," Alice answered without hesitation. "Do you not have faith in me?"
"It's not that," Nyx replied quietly. "I just find it strange how the nobility knew about you." He licked his fur before continuing. "They do not trust outsiders easily."
Alice carved a gentle smile. "Because they are certain I can help. The nobility, of course, trust me."
Nyx didn't look away. "In that case... can you lead the knights in the coming war?"
Alice raised an eyebrow slightly. "Certainly."
"Follow me."
Nyx began walking away from the flower garden, and Alice followed with a small smile. They headed toward the training grounds on the eastern side of the palace. The clashing of wooden swords rang out loudly as they arrived. Dozens of knights were practicing in pairs—fencing, archery, or lifting heavy weapons.
Alice scanned the area, her eyes gleaming. "Wow... so many knights."
"Yes," Nyx replied briefly. "But I doubt this number is enough to defeat Princess Elowen's dragon."
Alice smiled. "Didn't I say I could take its head? But I know... the dragon can breathe fire. If war breaks out, many will die from the aftermath."
Alice fell silent for a moment. "Princess Celestia hasn't told me when this war will begin. She only told me to make preparations and train." Alice looked at Nyx. "Is she planning something beforehand?"
Nyx nodded slowly. "I think so. Princess Celestia does have her own plans."
Alice feigned deep thought. "Then... why hasn't she told me? I could help her."
Nyx went silent. The words made him think. "You have a point... You are the one helping Princess Celestia, so why isn't she cooperating with you on her plan?"
Alice lowered her gaze slightly, speaking softly. "I see her often with a certain man."
Nyx immediately snorted. "Charles."
"Oh?" Alice pretended not to know. "Who is he?"
"He's just a jester." Nyx's tone was clearly dissatisfied. "I believe that man is too busy with Princess Celestia, to the point she forgets important matters."
Alice looked at Nyx with great interest. "I see..." She stepped closer. "Do you hate that man?"
"I don't hate him," Nyx answered quickly. "It's just... he isn't suitable for Princess Celestia. Their statuses are too different."
Alice smiled slowly. "I can help break their bond."
Nyx looked back at Alice. "What do you mean?"
Alice offered a meaningful grin. "If Charles is no longer by Princess Celestia's side... I'm sure she will focus more on this war."
Nyx remained quiet. Alice's words were beginning to influence his mind, bit by bit.
"I can help you," Alice continued softly. "Do you want to cooperate with me?"
Nyx paused for a few seconds before answering. "Of course. I am only a cat. I cannot drive that man away myself."
Alice's smile widened. "Good. Just follow my plan. And do not tell anyone about this."
Nyx nodded slowly. Without realizing it, he had just stepped right into Alice's game.
...................
Silas's rabbit ears twitched as he saw Liy standing at the library entrance. His expression remained soft and innocent, showing no sign of panic even though his private conversation with Charles had been interrupted.
"Liy," Silas greeted her warmly, his voice as calm as a gentle breeze. "I didn't realize you were there."
Liy walked into the room, her footsteps echoing in the quiet library. She looked at Charles, who was visibly flustered, and then at the small rabbit on the chair. "I just happened to pass by," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But I heard you mentioned something about helping Charles get closer to Princess Celestia?"
Charles cleared his throat, his face turning a shade of red. "It's... it's not what it sounds like, Liy. We were just—"
"We were just discussing how to protect the Princess's happiness," Silas cut in smoothly. He looked at Liy with large, sincere eyes. "You know how stressed she has been lately. Nyx is busy trying to push people away, and Alice is a newcomer we barely know. Charles is one of the few people who can actually make Celestia smile."
Liy crossed her arms, leaning against a mahogany bookshelf. "I agree that Celestia needs happiness, Silas. But you know Nyx—he won't take this lightly if he finds out you're working behind his back. And Alice... there's something about her that doesn't feel right."
Silas nodded understandingly. "That is exactly why I am doing this. If Nyx and Alice succeed in driving Charles away, Celestia will be truly alone in her grief. We are her companions, Liy. Our duty is to her heart, not just her crown."
Liy sighed, her gaze softening as she looked at Charles, who was looking down at his lap. She knew Silas was right about Celestia's isolation. "Fine," she whispered. "I won't tell Nyx. But be careful, Silas. The palace is full of eyes and ears right now."
"I know," Silas replied with a small, knowing smile. "More than you realize."
Liy eventually left the library, leaving the two of them alone again. Charles looked at Silas with a newfound sense of hope. "Do you really think we can do this, Silas? Against the Council, Nyx, and even the threat of war?"
Silas hopped closer to Charles, his gaze turning uncharacteristically sharp for a moment before returning to its usual gentleness. "In a game of chess, Charles, even the smallest piece can checkmate a king if moved correctly. You just have to stay by her side, no matter what happens."
As Silas left the library later that afternoon, he caught sight of Fin the squirrel watching him from a high window. Silas didn't wave or acknowledge him, but his mind was racing. He had successfully positioned himself as Charles's ally, but in truth, Silas was playing a much deeper game.
By encouraging Charles, he was ensuring that Celestia remained distracted by her emotions—making it easier for the pieces on the board to be moved without her noticing.
Silas walked back toward the garden, his heart cold. In the coming storm, love was a luxury Wonderveil could not afford, and if Charles had to be the sacrificial lamb for the "greater good," Silas was more than ready to lead him to the altar.