From Sophien's perspective, the imperial succession ceremony ended rather uneventfully. She had secretly hoped for a sudden attack—perhaps a bombing or some grand magic—but nothing of the sort happened. Safely entering the Emperor's inner chambers, she found them, contrary to her expectations of decay and disease, surprisingly clean and fragrant. 2

Bored, she returned to her study and took out a chessboard. As she played alone, various ministers and officials arrived with documents. Sophien ignored them, focusing on her chess game until they left.0

Finally, she said, “I saw the one who gave me that homework. He acted like he knew me.”2

"How could anyone on this continent not know you, Your Majesty?" Keiron asked respectfully.0

Of course, no one in the land was unaware of Sophien, but her meaning went deeper.2

“His ego didn’t waver even in my presence.”0

“Indeed?”0

Sophien had looked into Deculein’s eyes but couldn't discern his hidden emotions, which she found amusing.1

“That was amusing. It felt like encountering a kindred spirit after a long time.”0

He possessed a strong and unwavering soul, someone who wouldn’t flinch even with a blade at his throat—a truly transcendent being of the Mortal Realm.2

“Did you manage to solve the homework, Your Majesty?” Keiron inquired, shifting the topic.0

“Yes, I did. It was interesting. I understand why Geor gave it to me. Solving it made for a somewhat refreshing half-day,” Sophien said, briefly indulging in the conversation before stating, “Keiron, I will lift the restrictions on Marik.”12

Keiron bowed silently. Marik was the name of the northwest imperial mana stone mining area, currently off-limits due to rampant demonic energy and frequent...0