The World Is Mine For The Taking

Titania stopped scrolling through her phone and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Look, I get it. The crisis back home sounds serious, but nothing's going to change if I rush back there. Besides, the kingdom isn't about to crumble overnight. You might think Bethlan is just some lousy backwater, but we're noble and brave, you know? As long as it's being protected by people with the same blood as me, nothing's going to go wrong. And do you really think my father would let the Empire invade without putting up a fight?"

Her confidence in Bethlan's resilience was almost palpable, making Trill's worries feel less pressing by the second. She had a point—Bethlan wasn't known for its overwhelming strength, but they were capable defenders. Their survival wasn't just luck; it was built on preparation and resolve.

"Besides," Titania continued, her voice sharpening as she leaned back, "the election's in a few days. I need to focus on making my campaign count if I want to have even a shot at beating Princess Myrcella."

The election was closing in fast. With Princess Myrcella leading the race, Titania had her work cut out for her. Winning wasn't just about speeches. It was about promises and strategy. She had to convince the student body to see her vision, and that wasn't easy when her opponent was practically royalty here. Still, Titania was a princess too, and with Trill on her side, she had the beast race firmly in her corner. If she won, she'd be the one picking officers—and it wasn't hard to guess she'd choose Trill. Maybe she'd pick me too, but I already knew I'd have to turn her down when the time came. Continue your adventure at empire

"I've heard Princess Myrcella's speeches plenty of times," I said. "Honestly, it's going to be tough to top her."

Princess Myrcella wasn't playing around. She was a master strategist, using every tool at her disposal—media, events, campaigns, even grassroots movements—to solidify her lead. Titania was holding her own, though, with tactics like live streaming, and I was helping her as much as I could using the influence of Leonamon. But as good as her efforts were, they hadn't yet tipped the scale completely in her favor.

"It's not easy going against her on her home turf," Trill admitted. "But you're not doing bad, Nia. Not bad at all."

Despite Princess Myrcella commanding half the student body's support, Titania was closing the gap—a feat none of the other competitors had even come close to. Most of them were so far behind, it was almost embarrassing.

"I actually think Princess Myrcella deserves to win," Titania said suddenly, her tone quiet but resolute.

"Huh? What are you saying, Nia?"

Trill turned to me, her face a mix of confusion and concern. I didn't have an answer either, so I just shrugged.

"My reasons for running aren't noble like hers," Titania admitted. "They're selfish. Just wish-fulfillment, really. I'm not doing this for the people or the academy—I'm doing it for me. That's not the kind of reasoning that should win an election, let alone justify running in the first place." She sprawled out on my bed, picking up her phone again with a careless wave of her hand. Her voice dropped to a murmur as she continued, "Honestly, I don't care if I lose. Being president doesn't seem worth all the trouble anyway."

She sounded like she was on the verge of giving up.

Trill shot me a glance, her expression a mix of concern and confusion. I just shrugged. Honestly, I had no clue what was running through Titania's mind.

"Don't worry," she said, breaking the silence. Her tone was calm, almost reassuring. "It's not because of the news I got earlier today. I truly believe my father will do whatever it takes to stop the invasion. I said those things because I feel like I've already achieved the reason I wanted to run in the first place."

She turned to look at both of us, her lips curling into a warm, genuine smile.

That's right. Titania wasn't in this for glory or power. Deep down, all she wanted was something more meaningful—connections, real friendships. Her relationships with others had always been rocky, partly thanks to her high-and-mighty personality. But seeing Artemis surrounded by a crowd of people who genuinely cared about her had lit a fire in Titania. That was the real reason she'd started this journey. Now, with friends standing beside her and even a boyfriend in the picture, she felt like she'd already won in her own way.

"I'm sorry if I worried you," she said softly, her smile growing brighter, almost radiant. "Of course, I won't back out now. I've committed to this, and I'll give it everything I have. Whether I win or lose, I'll be satisfied."

Her smile wasn't just brighter—it was different, glowing with an authenticity that almost felt like it could pierce through doubt.

I stepped forward, resting my hand on her shoulder. "It's fine. What matters is that you're seeing this through. Whatever you need, I'm with you every step of the way."

If she was determined to finish this, even after feeling like her personal mission was already complete, there was no way I wouldn't stand by her.

"I have no idea what you're even talking about," Trill said, resting a hand on her hip, her lips curving into a sly grin. "But, I guess I'm in. What are friends for, right?"

The banter between them was lighthearted, but it carried the weight of how far they'd come. From strangers who have the same feelings on a same person, they'd somehow turned into the closest of friends.

***

The next day, at lunch, we borrowed the student council office. This was where Titania would broadcast her speech.

"I'm… kinda nervous," she admitted, scratching her cheek with a sheepish laugh.

"Come on, Nia! You've got this! You've been nailing it so far, right?"

She took a deep breath, her gaze settling on the camera set up before her. This livestream was critical. If she wanted to secure votes, this was her shot.

I didn't know what she'd prepared, but after what she'd said yesterday—about being content even if she didn't win—it was clear that whatever she'd written came from a place that mattered deeply to her. That meant whatever speech she'd prepared had come straight from the heart.

Honestly, I couldn't wait to hear what she had to say.

"Before we start, can I say something first? These words are just for the two of you," Titania said, her voice carrying a weight that demanded attention.

Trill and I exchanged looks, curiosity flickering between us, before focusing on her.

"I honestly don't think I'm going to win this battle," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate, as though each syllable carried the weight of her doubts. Her eyes darted between us, searching for something—understanding, perhaps. "But, on the off chance that I do, I have a request. Trill, I want you to be my vice president. And Leon, I'd like you to take the position of secretary."

So, this was where we were heading. It wasn't shocking that she'd pick Trill as her vice president. It made sense given their bond. But why me as secretary? The reasoning behind it eluded me, though it didn't really matter. I already knew what I had to say.

"As much as I'd like to support you on your journey as president, I'm afraid I have to decline."

Those words didn't come from me, but rather from Trill. Her response caught me off guard. I hadn't expected her to outright refuse.

Trill exhaled deeply, crossing her arms as she explained herself. "In the Feliann family, we hold a tradition—one that's deeply ingrained in our bloodline. The women of our clan don't bow to anyone except their husband. It's a belief that's been passed down for generations. I can't just abandon that for this."

Huh. I'd heard whispers about certain beast clans having a fierce sense of pride, their customs bordering on unyielding. But hearing it straight from her lips made it feel… more than just a rumor.

"That's fine. I understand," Titania said with a calmness that surprised me. Not even a flicker of disappointment crossed her face. Instead, she turned her gaze toward me, her eyes steady. "I assume it's the same for you, right, Leon?"

I nodded slightly, my lips curling into a faint, apologetic smile. "As much as I'd like to be a pillar of support for you, I can't commit to being part of the council. I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize," Titania said, her voice soft but resolute. "It's fine. Honestly, I think it's better this way. I don't want to bind either of you to something you don't truly care about."

Her understanding hit harder than any reprimand could. There wasn't a shred of anger in her words, not even a hint of disappointment. She accepted our refusals with a grace that only deepened my respect for her.

With a deep inhale, Titania straightened her shoulders, a flicker of determination sparking in her eyes. "Well then, let's get to it," she said, her voice steady and full of purpose.

And with those words, the livestream for her speech began.