Aurelia was not someone who lacked a sense of security.
Naturally so—the entire Western Region’s economy was prosperous, and anything she desired could be procured with the financial power of the Godefiel Chamber of Commerce.
Whether it was the heart’s blood of a giant dragon, the Moonlight Pearl of Mermaid Bay, or the Branches and Leaves of the World Tree.
Even though Aurelia herself possessed no real power, the Godefiel blood ran in her veins, granting her influence and a wealth that could sway the entire continent.
Yet, El had truly changed her.
He made her sentimental, anxious, and hesitant.
The reason was that all the things she prided herself on—her family background, lineage, wealth, influence, even her beauty—none of it attracted El.
In El’s eyes, the real reason he fell in love with Aurelia was her soul.
She was both proud and fragile; in her, El saw a reflection of himself, and couldn’t help but want to protect her.
Over time, that emotion gradually fermented into admiration. He genuinely appreciated Aurelia, loving everything about her.
This was exactly what Aurelia longed for—the most sincere emotion. Every day with El felt like a dream, and now her life wanted for nothing else.
At the same time, she was vaguely worried. The fact that El showed no interest in any of her other attributes also meant she found it difficult to control him.
Forgive her for having such thoughts; ultimately, Aurelia lacked confidence in herself.
Even though El always stayed by her side, encouraging her, deep down she still held the notion that “once I lose my identity as a Godfrey, I’ll be worth nothing.”
The peaceful and beautiful days were finally shattered one day, when someone told Aurelia that Princess Iris was seeking her.
Peach-pink hair styled into an elegant updo, violet eyes, exquisite features—no matter who saw her, even without knowing her identity, the word “princess” would immediately come to mind.
Aurelia admitted this woman’s beauty was not beneath her own.
For some reason, though the princess concealed it well, Aurelia—herself maxed out in social ability—still read a hint of hostility in her gaze.
Her Highness the Princess got straight to the point: “Miss Godfrey, I have a way to solve the problem you carry, to return you the Alchemical Talent you deserve.”
“What? You have a way to solve it? And why should I trust you?”
Aurelia quickly regained her composure after a moment of shock. In negotiations, revealing your intentions was the greatest taboo. She had to conceal her excitement well.
“My method must remain secret, but I swear upon the Royal Family’s name, my words are true. If you don’t believe me, we can sign a set of contracts.”
The princess produced a gleaming golden document, densely packed with clauses—clearly, she was fully prepared.
A contract imbued with Word Law… If broken, it would inflict backlash; the specific rules would be determined by both parties.
This also proved that Her Highness the Princess did indeed have a way for her to obtain the Alchemical Talent.
Suppressing the excitement in her heart, Aurelia asked, “What price must I pay? Supporting you to ascend the throne?”
She had made up her mind—no matter the demand, she would accept it. Aurelia had long since had enough of talentless days; the future would soon be in her own hands.
El would surely be happy for her! Perhaps, his magic problem would even need her to solve it!
“The throne? No, the Western Region can barely intervene, and besides, the throne is already in my pocket. See for yourself—the conditions are all there. If you’re dissatisfied, I’ll convince you otherwise.”
The princess stifled a yawn, looking exceedingly arrogant.
Aurelia picked up the document and began to read it closely. She had possessed this ability since she was seven years old.
Most of the clauses were unproblematic; though it seemed long, it was mainly to clarify each party’s responsibilities—it was clear the princess was showing considerable sincerity.
Suddenly, Aurelia stood up and walked wordlessly toward the door.
“Oh my, losing patience already? You know, once this opportunity’s gone, it won’t come again. Across the entire continent, I’m afraid only I can help you solve this problem.”
“And my demand is so simple, I can’t even profit from it.” The princess spoke in an exaggerated tone, as if she were doing charity.
Aurelia’s voice could no longer suppress her anger: “What exactly is your purpose? What good does it do you to separate me and El? This contract can be summarized simply.”
“Party A: Princess Iris. She will resolve the problem that prevents Party B from practicing alchemy, and to put Aurelia at ease, she imposed many restrictions on herself.”
“Party B: Aurelia Godfrey. At the request of Party A, she must break up with El Regis, and maintain at least a month of distant relations with him. She must also keep any information regarding this contract secret; the confidentiality clauses were exceptionally rigorous.”
“You think I would betray our feelings for the sake of alchemy? True, I do obsess over my talent, but in my eyes, he stands above all else.”
“But is that really wise? After all—if I may be blunt, Miss Godfrey, what exactly do you possess that attracts your little lover? Wealth? Beauty? I’m afraid that’s not enough, is it? What if he leaves you one day—what then?”
The princess was not at all surprised by Aurelia’s anger. She calmly analyzed the situation, like a mother worrying over her daughter. “You lack a bargaining chip, one strong enough to trump all others.”
This struck right at Aurelia’s sore spot, but she still retorted: “There’s nothing more to discuss. I would never leave him of my own accord. He would only be hurt by that.”
She turned, leaving a golden silhouette for the princess to see. It seemed… this negotiation would end here.
Heartbroken… The princess’s lips twitched, and she continued: “El Regis—so far as I know, his magical power ceased growing at the age of twelve. He’s just a so-called genius in name only.”
“What right do you have to say that about him! You don’t understand anything! Your Highness, if you don’t apologize to him, I promise—the Godfrey family will become your enemy.”
She was anxious now.
“I can assure you, if you reclaim your Alchemical Talent, you’ll gain the qualifications to restore his magical power. I can even add this to the contract—the Royal Family will spare no effort to assist, and help Count Regis solve his magic issue.”
Aurelia could disregard her own Alchemical Talent, but what about El? She knew El’s love for magic, and often felt regret on his behalf.
She hesitated, and the princess seized on that emotion: “Do you not have confidence in the feelings between you two? This is but a single month—a mere ripple in the long river of time. Besides, after a month, you can tell him everything. I believe Count Regis will understand.”
Aurelia turned around, and Her Highness the Princess smiled.
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