Chapter 181
At Evgenia’s summons, Meliana and I moved to the center. Behind us, each of our guardians maintained a line, kneeling on one knee.
“Both princesses have shown exceptional capabilities as candidates for the next Evgenia. The First Princess has shown great wisdom even in difficult situations, benefiting the kingdom.”
I felt Evgenia’s gaze upon me before shifting toward Meliana.
“And the Second Princess has contributed to the kingdom’s stability with her extraordinary skills and care for commoners. Both have proven their qualities to become Evgenia.”
“…….”
“However, as both are equally exceptional and difficult to distinguish, I wish to impose upon the two princesses the Trial of Lublin, a task passed down since our ancestors.”
Small whispers emerged from various corners of the room, suggesting not everyone present had been aware of this.
“According to the trial’s terms, the successor will be determined by who receives the most tokens from three different races within two years of beginning the trial. If anyone objects to this, step forward now.”
But only silence followed Evgenia’s words.
‘As if anyone could object.’
Evgenia’s question was merely a formality. If someone actually stepped forward in opposition, it would be the quickest way to get marked.
Even Morris Futurum and Duke Futurum, who would most likely oppose this situation, remained silent—who else could possibly step forward?
“With everyone’s consent, I ask the princesses. First Princess, Nepheli Leta Anesis.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Will you undertake the trial?”
Ding!
[<System> New quest arrived!]
[<Linked Quest> The Trial of Lublin.
Evgenia could not decide on a successor between the princesses with excellent qualities.
Therefore, she wishes to determine the successor through the wisdom of previous generations.
This path will be quite arduous and difficult. However, if you overcome this difficult path, you will be rewarded with a prize of equal value.
—Success Reward: Next Evgenia.
—Time Limit: 2 years.]
[Cancel] / [Confirm]
“Yes, I will undertake it.”
As Evgenia asked, an alert sound rang and a message window appeared in midair. However, there was no time to read it leisurely, so I answered immediately.
“Second Princess, Meliana Via Anesis. Will you undertake the trial?”
“It would be an honor.”
Following this, Evgenia called each of our guardians by name and asked them the same question.
‘So she’s asking the guardians too.’
Even knowing that positive answers would come, I couldn’t help feeling tense as Evgenia called each one by name and asked. Only after Killis and everyone else had given affirmative answers did I feel relief.
The same questions were posed to Meliana’s guardians, and their answers were the same.
“Very well. I hereby announce that the Trial of Lublin will begin three weeks from today. May everyone bless the princesses on their journey.”
“May the light of Lublin be with you!”
“May the light of Lublin be with the princesses!”
Shouts and applause erupted from all around in response to Evgenia’s words. The sound was so loud my ears went numb.
‘Finally, I’ve taken the first step toward the main quest that will let me see this game’s ending.’
My heart swelled as all my past hardships flashed before me. Though this was merely the starting line with much still ahead, I felt grateful to have made it this far.
There had certainly been times when I thought I wouldn’t make it here.
While lost in my thoughts, I felt a strange gaze upon me. Turning my head, I saw Meliana looking at me and mouthing something.
‘I won’t lose.’
Her voice was so faint it was hard to hear. But from her lip movements and the look in her eyes, that’s what it seemed to be.
After saying this, Meliana quickly faced forward again. Since she only spoke her piece and then faced forward, I couldn’t respond to her, but I inwardly made my own vow.
‘I will win. No matter what.’
I had to be the one to pass the trial. That was the only way I could return to Jiyu.
* * *
“Departing right after three weeks…….”
On the way back to the princess’s palace, Reno chattered.
“I was prepared when Evgenia told Your Highness to bring in a new guardian, but still, the departure date is quite early.”
“She’s actually being very generous. Records show that sometimes they were ordered to leave the very next day.”
“The very next day?”
“Yes. The reasoning was that leaving immediately without time to prepare would be fair. I believe we were given three weeks out of consideration for my and Lord Isaac’s circumstances.”
Even I, who had been quietly listening, was a bit surprised. The very next day seemed extreme.
I had visited the library many times to learn about the ‘Trial of Lublin,’ but this was the first I’d heard of this.
Killis, who had been explaining to Reno, suddenly turned to me and asked.
“More importantly, Your Highness, are you really alright with this?”
“……?
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