2 Prologue: The Princess

"Princess, the ceremony is about to begin in thirty minutes."

Elizabeth looked into the mirror. Her long blue hair that went down past her shoulders matched well with her blue eyes. The fact that she wore her contacts today instead of her glasses made her appearance all the better.

While she was checking to make sure that everything was ready, she responded to the maid,

"I'll be done in a moment."

The maid bowed and left, leaving just Elizabeth alone in the dressing room. She reached for the small box that was underneath the mirror.

It had a simple silver design, with only minor decorations on the side. Elizabeth opened the small box and took out what was inside.

A diamond-shaped necklace was reflected in the mirror. It had a shining silver chain, in the middle was a sparkling blue lapis.

Although it was a fairly simple necklace, the only time Elizabeth wore this was for important occasions such as this.

After putting it on, she checked herself one more time in the mirror.

'Hair, check. Makeup, check. Dress, check. Necklace, check.'

'Okay, good.'

Everything was ready. Elizabeth clutched onto her necklace. It was almost like a good luck charm for her. She whispered under her breath.

"Today's the day."

It was her 18th birthday, but also the day where she would stand in front of all of her future subjects and announce herself as queen. She had been waiting for this day for a very long time.

Elizabeth had already practiced her lines hundreds of times this past week and especially the night before, but she decided to do it one last time before the real thing. After struggling to calm her beating heart, she took a deep breath.

'You can do this, Liz. This is what you've been preparing for.'

Elizebeth stood up, the blue dress she wore along with her appearance made her look like an ocean of beauty.

She walked out. Her maid was outside the door waiting for her. She bowed to Elizabeth.

"I wish you the best of luck princess Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled.

"Thank you, Vivian."

She headed over to the palace balcony, where numerous aristocrats and nobles were waiting for her.

"Princess Elizabeth! How good it is to see you! I hope that your ceremony goes well."

"Thank you, Marquess Bradley. It is a pleasure seeing you as well."

"Princess. General Isenkov and I both are cheering you on for today's ceremony."

"Thank you, General Rorden. Please send General Isenkov my regards."

As Elizabeth passed by and greeted the different aristocrats, she could already feel her body tiring out.

She wasn't much for the political side when it came to these greetings, but as the princess of her kingdom, she needed to greet each of the nobles respectfully.

However, as Elizabeth walked down the hall, she started to look around confused. It was almost as if she was searching for someone. She turned to the official that was behind her and asked,

"I can't seem to find the Mages' Tower representatives. Do you perhaps know where they are?"

"Princess, they said that they were currently too busy and that they could not attend."

"What!?"

The official shrank back in surprise as he heard her voice raise.

"Do they not know what day it is today? Are they treating our kingdom as some kind of joke!?"

"I-I'm sorry, princess."

"Huuh~ Don't be. The ones that should be sorry are them. They'll soon know that this kingdom isn't the same as before."

Elizabeth soon arrived at the balcony doors, where right outside, her people waited for her.

"It's time."

She took one deep breath and...

Creak!

Pushed the doors open.

The first thing that hit her was the beams of sunshine. The second thing being the sounds of people murmuring.

Elizabeth looked out. The streets were crowded to the point where it was almost overfilling. Hundreds of thousands of citizens had come out to watch.

Elizabeth was trembling. She tried her best to keep on a calm expression, yet just thinking about having to speak in front of all of these people made her obviously nervous.

She turned to her left, where all the most important aristocrats, the viscounts, sat down patiently. They smiled towards her as they whispered words of encouragement. Although Elizabeth knew some of them were fake, she ignored it.

"We've come here today to announce that since princess Elizabeth has officially come of age. It is custom for those of the royal bloodline to take the throne once the time comes. Elizabeth has now arrived at that time."

The one who was speaking was the Pope of the Holy Church. He was already 70 years old, yet he had the strength and vigor of someone in his 40s.

"We welcome princess Elizbeth! She shall now be known as Queen Elizabeth!"

Light clapping resounded out from the crowd. They had already long gotten used to this. If anything they just wanted things to end so that they could get back to work.

"We will now allow Elizabeth to give a speech to her new citizens."

Elizabeth walked up. The first thing that she was met with was not cheers but with faces of dissatisfaction.

'An eighteen-year-old girl? Our Queen?'

'Just what in the world has this kingdom come to?'

'Couldn't they have chosen someone better?'

Elizabeth smiled bitterly. She knew that it would give a bad reaction to the public, even if she was the best leader for them. But it didn't really matter what they thought.

All she had to do was prove her ability and gain their trust.

She looked at the mage to activate the noise amplification magic and once she tested to make sure it was working before exhaling. Squeezing her necklace one more time for good luck, she spoke,

"I first want to thank everyone here for coming to this ceremony. It is a great honor for me to have such great subjects and helpers by my side..."

She had started her speech fairly basic.

"However..."

Elizabeth let out a cough.

"For the past hundreds of years, my ancestors have worked their hardest as both warriors and kings to help bring the kingdom on top of its peers."

"They believed that strength in a kingdom relied on the military. Although that is what makes a kingdom strong...that isn't what makes it great."

As soon as they heard those last words, the crowd paused...

"For it is not the kings nor the warriors that make a kingdom great, but its people."

And soon widened their eyes in surprise.

Elizabeth cleared her throat and continued.

"The workers who build our houses! The chefs who cook our food! The parents who love their children! The children who study in schools! The teachers who teach them! All of them are necessary for a kingdom to be called great."

Before anyone had realized, those in the streets had changed from their expressionless gazes to interested and intrigued. Those whom Elizabeth called out felt their chests rise as they remembered their importance in the kingdom.

"But as you know, even though these people help our kingdom run every day, they don't always get the appreciation they deserve."

"Instead, they are forced to work hour after hour, day after day, for a measly amount to feed their entire family. Their children have to beg for money just so that their parents can eat that day."

"But what do I know? I'm just a royal princess who has lived her entire life in comfort. How would I understand the hardships that you've experienced and the things that you want?"

She looked out from the balcony.

"Only you know. Meaning that without your guidance, our kingdom will never truly know how to improve."

The aristocrats started putting on faces of concern...

"So, starting as soon as next season, I will be creating a system where even the poor will be able to go to education."

As those in the streets had on faces of hope.

As Elizabeth dropped that bombshell, the sounds of murmuring in the crowds instantly grew.

"What?"

"Does that mean I don't have to pay for my child to go to school?"

"I will also open up imperial examinations that allow those with the necessary skills to be elected into the government, and be able to influence the laws that they believe will help the kingdom as a whole."

The whole area was now filled with clamor. The aristocrats clearly wanted Elizabeth to stop, even going as far as signaling the mage to cut the voice amplification magic. But even when the mage did, Elizabeth didn't stop. She yelled out,

"Although we aren't great right now, we can be. But only if we work together!"

"Now, who is willing to join me!?"

"I will!"

"If it's to support the new Queen, I will!"

"For the new Queen!"

"Queen Elizabeth! Queen Elizabeth! Queen Elizabeth!"

Even when Elizabeth was led out of the balcony by the Lead Administrator, she could still hear the cheers that continued to roar outside the palace.

She breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness she didn't trip over any words while she was up there. She had let her emotions seep into the speech, but luckily she didn't say anything too bad.

Vivian bowed to her and gently smiled.

"You did great out there Princes-no, your majesty"

"You were the one who helped me the most, Vivian. Thank you."

"Anything for your majesty."

"Now it's time to go into the frying pan."

The Nobles' Meeting.

As she sat at the head of the large oval table, the aristocrats could no longer hold themselves back and began to shout.

"Princess! What were you thinking!?"

"Giving free education to the common folk? And allowing them to run for the government? That's preposterous!"

"Are you trying to ruin the balance that your ancestors have created for the past hundreds of years?"

They continued to yell at her, berating her with insults of her misuse of authority and her childish nature.

Elizabeth remained silent though as she looked at the nobles blabbering away. They weren't even trying to ask her reasons or why she came up with that plan. All they were doing was yelling at her for her actions.

She sighed. She had imagined things would end up this way, but she didn't expect them to go so far as to not give her any space to talk.

Not that it mattered though.

The nobles continued to yell at Elizabeth, but all of them froze once they saw a huge ball of flame appearing on top of Elizabeth's palm.

"M-Magic! How!?"

"T-That's something only the Mages can do!"

"Guards, apprehend the princess! S-she's trying to attack us!"

The guards outside rushed inside to see what the commotion was, and just as they were about to head towards Elizabeth, she sent a stare to the guards.

"...Do you serve the nobles? Or do you serve the kingdom?"

Hearing her, the royal soldiers began to hesitate, then after looking at the fireball in the woman's hand, they decided to back off.

One of the nobles shot out of his chair and shouted at them.

"What the hell are you doing! Stop her!"

Elizabeth glared at him.

"Baron Williams, are you perhaps going against the Royal Bloodline?"

"Those words that you've spoken can be considered as treason against the kingdom. Not only will you be sentenced to the death penalty, but your family, your loved ones, and your future generations will suffer. Do you understand?"

The noble's face paled. He was shocked by what she just said. But he was more afraid of the fact that she was aiming the fireball towards him.

"I asked if you understood or not."

He gulped. He replied meekly towards her.

"I-I do."

"Then sit down."

Elizabeth turned to the rest of the aristocrats sitting at the table.

"...Did you know?"

"Despite having everything handed to you from birth, whether that be status or wealth, your greed continues to consume everything this kingdom has to offer."

"...You belittle the common folk. Trash on them. Set strict laws that only apply to them and not yourself. You must look down on them terribly."

She smirked.

"...However, just from them having an opportunity, you rage out like a bunch of babies. And you want to call me a child?"

"...Is it because of your pride? Or is it because you're scared that they'll actually overtake you?"

One of them tried to speak up,

"Princess-"

"I am no longer the princess, nor am I a part of the common folk. I am the Queen. I didn't come here to ask your opinion. I came here to inform you that I WILL carry out this plan. Whether or not you support it matters not to me."

She closed her hand into a fist, crushing the fireball into nothingness. She looked at every single one of the nobles at the table before turning around.

"This meeting is adjourned. We shall finish this later after I have solidified the details of the plan."

She then turned around and left the meeting hall, along with Vivian.

The doors behind her closed, leaving the nobles behind her sitting there in shock and fear.

"Vivian, what the next thing on my schedule?"

"Your next appointment is a meeting with the kingdom officials in 20 minutes."

"Great. Out of the frying pan and into the fire huh?"

"I'm sure if it's you, your majesty, then you will be able to deal with it."

Elizabeth chuckled.

"That's right. It's my duty as a queen to do this."

-

6 hours had passed since the ceremony. Elizabeth was sitting in her study room chair with her shoulders slouched. That was a lot more tiring than she thought it would be.

After the Nobles' meeting, she had to talk to the other officials, as well as the common folk to build her reputation. She also had to fill out numerous documents, sign bills, and send letters to foreign kingdoms to build a positive relationship.

Elizabeth sighed. She had expected things to be like this ever since she became queen, but she never expected that she would be so busy on her first day. She took a sip of tea before groaning.

"Ugh. It just doesn't match up to yours, Vivian. Do you think you can make me a cup of tea? The usual kind of course."

Vivian smiled at her.

"I shall make sure that your favorite scones are on the side as well."

"Yeah...That would be great. You know me best. Thank you for all the hard work that you do."

"My duties are nothing compared to your majesty. I would do anything if it is for you."

As Vivian bowed and walked out, Elizabeth leaned her arm against her head. She needed to relax after everything that she had gone through today. But, even if she wanted to rest, she still needed to finish the outline for the Common Education Act.

She had to find a way that would benefit the common folk but would also not harm any aristocrats who've done a good job up until now. She was so focused on writing that she didn't even realize that someone had arrived at her door.

"Well, that was exciting."

Elizabeth looked up.

Leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed was a middle-aged man with blond facial hair. He was wearing a general's outfit, one that was only suitable for those of the highest rank.

"Yeah, Uncle Bernard, it was quite exhilarating."

Duke Bernard was her father's best friend and had been raising Elizabeth ever since her father died.

He looked at Elizabeth and she could already tell from the look on his face that he wanted to say something. She groaned.

"Not you too. Let me guess. You want to convince me to rethink my actions?"

Bernard chuckled softly.

"I know how you feel Liz, I really do. Giving the poor an opportunity for education and strengthening our internal structure is a good thing. But to do things so suddenly..."

Elizabeth sighed.

"You're right. But if I discussed it with the nobles beforehand, then they would've just shut me down. Besides, it gives me a chance to show off what I've been learning for the past few years."

But this isn't the way of doing things. Do you know why your ancestors never tried to do anything to free the slaves or directly help people in the slums? Because it would mess up the social balance in the kingdom."

"Maybe that's why our kingdom ended up in this state."

"Elizabeth..."

Elizabeth stood up.

"Do you not understand, uncle? The Mages Tower looks down on us. The Nobles look down on the common folk. The common folk looks down on those in the slums."

"It's just an endless cycle of social stratification that will never end. Our kingdom is weak, Bernard. If we want to strengthen it. We have to start at the bottom."

"If only they were strong from the beginning then..."

She bit her lip.

Bernard continued to try to convince her.

"But Liz, you're only eighteen. Maybe you should've given this responsibility to someone more experienced-"

Elizabeth cut in.

"No. With the relationship between the common folk and the nobles, the citizens wouldn't believe them even if they were helping. But with the royal bloodline, at least they will listen to me."

Seeing that Elizbeth was adamant about her decision, Bernard sighed as he walked closer towards her.

"I really didn't want to have to do this."

"Do what-"

Shnk!

The feeling of coldness entered her body. Elizabeth looked down, a small dagger was buried into her stomach.

Her eyes widened in shock. She looked at the man in front of her with eyes of horror.

"...Why?"

Her body lost strength, and she soon crashed into the table, causing the tea and papers to spill out onto the ground.

As Elizabeth laid in the growing puddle of blood, Benard kneeled to her.

"I was going to let you live Liz, I really was. All you had to do was just follow my guidance and listen to the nobles. Was it really that hard? But of course, you had to believe yourself to be some sort of savior to your kingdom."

Bernard scoffed.

"No matter. Once the kingdom finds out that the royal bloodline has ended. They will need a new ruler. And as leader of the royal knights with the support of the nobles, I'm sure that I will be the first in line to rule this kingdom."

Elizabeth's vision was turning blurry. She glanced up as she asked weakly,

"Do you...think...you can...get away...with this?"

Benard laughed as he looked down on her.

"I've already paid off all the other workers here. The only one I have to deal with now is that poor maid of yours, nobody will know the truth of what happened here today. Soon, I will be the new king."

'Vivian...'

Elizabeth wanted to do something. Anything. But her body wouldn't listen to her. A simple dagger couldn't have done this. He must have imbued a poison on the blade that restricted her body's movement. She couldn't even probably control her mana.

"Goodbye then. Princess."

There was no hope left. Her eyes slowly lost their light, causing Elizabeth to fall into darkness.

Just when she thought everything was over, however, something strange appeared before her.

Something she had never seen before.

[Initiating Soul Transportation...]