NOVEL NEXT Chapter 168.2
Chapter 168.2. The Path To The Throne
That was her heartfelt wish.
Born without Bloodline Magic and understanding its cruelty more than anyone else,
she envisioned the future of this nation in her unique way.
…Of course, she understood all too well the immense difficulties in realizing it.
The aristocrats who enjoyed their privileges would universally oppose it.
Its technical feasibility was unknown.
And above all, there was no guarantee that the upcoming effort to create ‘magic usable by anyone’ would succeed.
But even so, her resolve would not waver.
“So that no one has to lament like you do for not being born with exceptional magic! So distortions and tragedies caused by vast disparities in power never happen again! Most importantly—so that this becomes a nation where anyone can seek power, seek magic,
through aspiration and effort!”
At some point, everyone present had started listening.
To her words—and to the unmistakable regal quality emanating from this girl, the youngest among them all.
“As the first step toward that goal, I promise you. With your help, I will create the magic necessary to overcome this crisis!”
“I… I will…”
“Or rather… please let me create it. I… we cannot do it alone. I understand that now.”
Eventually, her tone softened, reverting to that of a girl her age.
“I despise this culture that places absolute value on superior magic. But in the end, I was doing the same thing. I tried to leave everything to those who possess extraordinary magic. I’m sorry. I’ll reflect on this. From now on, I want your help too. So please…”
Even as fear crept back, trembling under the soldiers’ gazes, she stood her ground, refusing to yield on this one point.
Tears welled up as she stood before Hermes, spreading her arms wide once more.
“…Please, stop bullying my master any further…”
Her speech concluded, returning to her original plea.
Silence filled the air.
The fervor that had gripped the soldiers earlier had dissipated entirely.
Scanning the scene, he seemed to judge that now was the moment.
“…I apologize.”
The voice came from Thor, the captain of the Harvist Knights.
He bowed his head first, then addressed the soldiers.
“I bear the blame for your suffering, for your inability to confide your fears in me. I allowed you to shoulder those burdens alone. Later, vent all your frustrations at me; curse me as much as you wish. …But now…”
While acknowledging his own faults, he shifted to what needed to be said.
“Let me ask. Whom did you denounce, criticize, and heap scorn upon just now?”
All the soldiers understood Thor’s question.
They turned their gaze forward. Standing there were—
“…”
“…”
A trembling girl, her small frame shielding someone from the harsh gazes of the adults.
And a boy who had worn himself down physically and mentally, defending this land tirelessly for days.
One of the soldiers muttered.
“…Children.”
“Exactly, children. Even if they hold higher positions than anyone here, even if their magic surpasses anyone’s, they are still young, immature, and need protection. And yet—you all ganged up and assaulted them with words.”
The moment they realized this, the illusion they had projected onto Hermes and his companions shattered.
Simultaneously, they were overwhelmed by a fierce sense of shame—the natural shame any rational person would feel for having bullied such children.
Just as she had said.
Seeing the soldiers grapple with this, Thor stepped in to bring order.
“It will be difficult for you to make calm judgments right now. This gathering is adjourned.”
“…”
“Return to your posts, cool your heads, and reflect—on the wise words. Her Highness Princess Liliana has just shared about this nation’s future.”
This time, no one opposed Thor’s command.
One by one, they departed—not abandoning the matter but leaving to contemplate.
◆
“…”
Confirming that the soldiers and even Thor, who had bowed to them, were gone.
Liliana exhaled deeply, almost collapsing—but she held her ground through sheer willpower.
This was not the time for her to seek support.
She walked toward Hermes, who was barely standing,
his shoulders supported by Katia under the watchful eyes of their retainers.
“…Lily-sama.”
Hearing his fatigued voice, she approached—and embraced him.
Not as she had before, by clinging to him, but by cradling his kneeling head,
as if to cherish and protect him.
“!?”
“Hey, wait—”
Hermes was startled, and Katia seemed ready to protest, but she restrained herself.
She understood Liliana’s feelings too well.
After a while, Liliana loosened her hold slightly. At such close range, Hermes’s expression softened.
“‘Raising the magic level of all citizens,’ you said.… Now that I think about it, that’s precisely what was missing. Thank you, Lily-sama.”
His words were pure praise. Liliana blushed with joy but replied earnestly.
“The thanks are mine.”
“…What?”
She continued, explaining that it was because Hermes had taken her as his apprentice,
because he had encouraged her to find a unique way to use her magic.
And above all—
“The true reason I have this wish…is that I want everyone to know of my master’s greatness.”
Indeed.
Though reducing the divides and tragedies within this nation was part of her goal, what she wished for even more was for Hermes—who had attained his magic through incredible effort and achievement—to be recognized.
Thus, she resolved. For everyone to understand magic. For everyone to reach a level where they could grasp Hermes’s brilliance.
That was her true, heartfelt desire to create magic.
“I don’t know if it’s possible. I can’t do it alone. I will likely rely heavily on your guidance for the magic we must create.”
Acknowledging this, Liliana declared after a moment of self-reflection:
“But if it can be done…The magic I create, and the nation that creates it, will never leave you isolated, Master.”
Once more, she embraced Hermes, pouring her affection and gratitude into the gesture.
And as the conclusion of the moment, she made her customary plea:
“So—please, continue to be my master.”
Thus, how Archbishop Johann had once ensnared Rose were overcome by Hermes and his allies.
Simultaneously…
The first step was taken on the path to true reform for this nation—toward the throne.