“We must seize this opportunity to improve Aetherion’s standing. The Theocracy and the Celestine Hegemony has been developing at a faster pace than us for years. All we have to show is our progress in magical research. But that alone won’t sustain an empire.”
“Agreed, Marquess Ludwig,” another noble replied. “The more debt other empires owe us, the stronger our position becomes.”
Inside the Council of High Nobles, several noblemen gathered around the table as they discussed the appropriate response to the magic phenomenon known as Leyline Hurricanes.
In the wake of the disaster, the Celestine Hegemony had turned to Aetherion for assistance.
With the Duchy of Esmeralda disqualified from the Council and stripped entirely of its aristocratic status, its Duke title revoked and the house reduced to nothing more than commoners, only six Dukedoms remained, three of which were of Imperial Family descent.
Meanwhile, eight Marquesses were present, each still active in political affairs. Ten Earldoms, who were granted exclusive rights due to their political standing, also held seats.
Meanwhile, Vanitas Astrea sat silently among the noblemen, listening intently to the ongoing discussion.
“We give them the coin, yes, but on our terms, Marquess Arendelle. Trade rights, diplomatic oversight, and perhaps a long-term artistic collaboration treaty.”
“We risk overextending. Has it not come to your mind, Marquess Elenoir, that if the Hegemony defaults, we stand to lose more than we gain?”
The meeting lasted a total of five hours. When they finally reached a unanimous agreement, it was decided that Aetherion would assist in the Hegemony’s recovery—but with terms that would benefit Aetherion far more than it stood to lose.
“The meeting is adjourned,” declared Imperial Prince Franz.
As the session concluded, Vanitas stepped out of the chamber, exhausted. Even he hadn’t been spared from voicing his suggestions.
Truthfully, he had been attending every meeting over the past few months. He had gradually established himself among the high nobility and earned a degree of respect from the elder statesmen.
Though, “respect” might have been an overstatement.
It was closer to jealousy.
Vanitas’s close relationship with Imperial Prince Franz Barielle Aetherion had stirred envy among the noblemen, who had long sought the Prince’s favor for themselves.
Standing outside, Vanitas pulled a cigarette from his pocket.
“Last one, huh?”
He had personally tested the cigarette product that Irene had supplied him. There were no adverse health effects, and it had proven to be a useful way to ease the anxiety gnawing at his thoughts.
*Puff*
Smoke billowed from his lips as he exhaled. Then, footsteps echoed nearby.
Tak. Tak. Tak.
——Those old fucks are so annoying.
Silas appeared beside him. At just nineteen, he was still acclimating to his new role as head of his household, having only begun attending council meetings this month.
“You’ll get used to it,” Vanitas said. “You’re already lucky your welcome was warm, considering what happened.”
“Well, they don’t really care,” Silas shrugged. “One rival household crossed off their list. They practically look down on the Ainsleys now. Not that I mind much.”
“You should mind. Your goal is the parliament, isn’t it? Establish yourself here, and the invitation will come to your doorstep.”
“Yes, yes. I heard you the first time,” Silas replied. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Just let me graduate. Those old fucks won’t know what hit them.”
Vanitas scoffed lightly. A brief silence settled between them before Silas spoke again.
“By the way, Arwen’s been asking when you’ll visit again,” said Silas.
Vanitas paused. Since taking over as head of the household, Silas had removed Arwen from Arkhald Asylum and brought her back to the Ainsley estate, where she was now under the care of a private caretaker.
“Maybe next week,” Vanitas said.
“I see.”
A brief silence followed before the conversation shifted.
“Also… is it true?” Silas asked. “What they’re saying about the Emperor’s health?”
Vanitas raised an eyebrow. “Why are you asking me?”
“You’re close with His Highness, Franz. Maybe he’s told you something.” Silas shrugged. “I’m just curious, that’s all. It’s not every generation you get to witness the crowning of a new Emperor.”
“You talk like he’s already dead.”
“You gonna brand me for treason?”
Vanitas scoffed, then said, “Yes, it’s true. The public doesn’t know yet, but an official statement should come out soon. Apparently, the Emperor’s been bedridden for the last two months. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he kicks the bucket.”
“I guess it’s no wonder Astrid’s starting to take initiative,” Silas muttered, glancing toward Vanitas, who flicked the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under his heel.
“That girl… might not win the file for candidacy,” Vanitas said.
Ever since the graduation of the previous student council president, Astrid had begun her campaign and had filed her candidacy alongside a handful of second and third-year students.
“What makes you so sure?” Silas asked.
“Her support is fragile,” Vanitas replied. “She might have caught the University Board’s attention, but she doesn’t have enough concrete achievements to her name. The third-years, on the other hand, some of them have strong ties to the Scholars’ Institute. Her Imperial Title won’t do anything here.”
In an academic setting, merit held far more weight than titles. Astrid may have been a competent student, and had even surpassed Ezra as the top-ranked second-year, but she still lacked real experience in academic leadership, and many of her peers were aware of that.
“If she loses, it’ll still be good experience for her.”
“You’re not going to support her?” Silas asked. “She holds you in high regard, you know.”
“I’m not supporting anyone.”
* * *
The Silver University Tower bustled with activity as the student council elections entered full swing.
Pamphlets were handed out at every corner, campaign banners were pinned to notice boards, and student groups gathered across campus to rally support for their preferred candidates.
“I’m Astrid Barielle Aetherion, and I’m running for the position of Student Council President,” Astrid announced confidently, standing at the center of a lecture hall.
First-year students sat scattered across the seats, listening as the campaign began to unfold.
“My goal is simple,” she continued. To bridge the gap between academic merit and student welfare. We deserve a council that doesn’t just manage, but represents.”
She took a moment to scan the crowd before continuing.
“For too long, the student council has operated like a bureaucracy. They are efficient on paper, but disconnected from the actual needs of the students. That ends now.”
Several heads in the crowd began nodding. The students leaned in a little closer.
“I’m not just here to keep records and organize events. I’m here to build a council that listens. That advocates. That takes real issues and addresses them directly with the administration.”
Her words carried weight. Some students listened intently. Others couldn’t help but be drawn in by the otherworldly beauty of the Imperial Princess herself.
And the fact that an Imperial Princess stood at the front of a hall, speaking openly about meritocracy, was nothing short of inspiring.
There were rules in place that supposedly separated nobility from commoners in the eyes of the university system.
But those distinctions were still reinforced by social norms and generational prejudice. It couldn’t be abolished so easily, considering its prevalence in Aetherion itself.
Yet Astrid, perhaps more than anyone expected, was trying to dismantle that divide.
She wanted to challenge the hierarchy, and she intended to start right here with the student body.
As her speech concluded, the room was filled with murmurs. But before the momentum could fade, another student stepped forward.
“I’m Ezra Kaelus, and I’m running for the position of Vice-President….”
It came as a surprise to many. Ezra Kaelus was often labeled the “lazy genius” of the second years, and was known more for his laid-back attitude than political ambition.
However, his brilliance was unquestioned, and when it mattered, he had often took on leadership whenever necessary.
“I may not carry a title, but I carry experience, working with student research groups, leading policy reviews, and directly mediating between students and faculty. I understand the required competence to run this place, and I know where it needs fixing.”
And here he was, stepping forward.
Given the opportunity, Ezra, too, wanted to begin his journey. And he had chosen to start here.
Because one day, he planned to join the parliament.
“So vote for me!”
….All for the sake of challenging the Imperial Prince, Franz.
* * *
“Here.”
Ezra tossed a water bottle toward Astrid. Caught off guard, she instinctively caught it midair with her telekinesis.
“Thanks,” she said, twisting the cap open and taking a drink.
Over the past few months, the two had formed a business-like collaboration. Astrid had begun referring to him by name, and Ezra, at least most of the time, managed to remember hers.
Their campaign party consisted of four second-year students, including the two of them, and two third-year students, each running for their respective positions.
“By the way, Ezra, are you free after this?” Astrid asked.
“I’ve got assistant duties. Why?”
“Is that so?” Astrid tilted her head, then smirked mischievously. “The party’s planning a small celebration. I could cover for you, if you want to go.”
“No can do,” Ezra cut in. “Professor Vanitas will kill me if you showed up instead of me.”
Ever since Karina Maeril left the university, Ezra had applied, and was chosen to be Professor Vanitas’s student assistant. Astrid had tried as well, but Vanitas had turned her down.
She still didn’t understand why. Why him? Not me? That question crossed her mind more often than she cared to admit, leaving a bitter feeling in her heart.
“….”
….Especially whenever she remembered how he had held her that day.
“Fine.”
It just didn’t make any sense!
She was certain she was the favorite student!
“Later, Ass… trid.”
“It’s Astrid!” she snapped. “Seriously, you’re doing that on purpose!”
“Maybe.” Ezra smirked, then turned and walked off, leaving Astrid to her own thoughts.
It was quite strange how nice Astrid was toward him. The shift in their relationship had made him ponder, especially when she had often offered to cover for him, though he would turn her down.
“Ah, seriously. Why is she so nice to me?!”
In any case, truth be told, Ezra had wanted to join the celebration. But he knew he had responsibilities to fulfill, especially now, with the upcoming Summit Festival.
This year, the Silver University Tower had been chosen to host the event.
To put things into perspective, the Summit Festival was held every two years. It was a grand academic gathering where all six University Towers came together at the host institution.
Students from each alma mater competed across various fields, academic, magic, combat, and even artistic talent, to determine the rankings of their respective towers.
For the past decade, the Silver University Tower had claimed the top position without fail, undoubtedly cementing its reputation as the most prestigious institution across all Empires.
Naturally, that meant Professor Vanitas was buried in backlogs. Ezra assumed he’d be busy helping with the workload. After all, the sooner they cleared it, the more time he’d have for other extracurricular activities.
But that expectation was quickly shattered.
“Ah, no. There’s nothing to do today. You can go,” Vanitas said casually, as if dumping cold water over Ezra’s plans.
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“….”
Ezra glanced at the towering stack of documents on the desk, then back at Vanitas.
“You’re done with all of that?” he asked.
“Yes.” Vanitas nodded.
“Seriously?”
“Do I have to repeat myself?”
“So I can just… go?”
“I mean, if you want to stay, then feel free.”
“….I’ll be going now.”
“Go ahead.”
“Sure?”
Vanitas looked up, his brows furrowing. “Are you testing my patience, Ezra?”
“Alright, alright, I’m going.”
And with that, Ezra slipped out of Professor Vanitas’s office and headed off to join the celebration after all.
* * *
——Cheers!
The sound of clinking glasses filled the air as everyone gathered in a luxurious suite owned by Adam Oleander, a third-year student from the Oleander Earl Household.
The celebration marked their party’s 50th successful campaign event. It might not have seemed like much on paper, but talks around campus told a different story.
Their party was gaining traction, more attention than most others, and with each passing week, the odds of securing victory grew stronger.
“It’s all thanks to you, Princess,” Adam said, setting his glass down and turning toward Astrid.
Astrid sat beside Ezra with her legs crossed.
“No, no, not at all, Senior Adam,” she replied with a polite smile. “It’s thanks to everyone’s effort here.”
The room buzzed with laughter and conversation as they began talking about their plans moving forward.
Ezra leaned back slightly, swirling his drink in silence, watching the group.
“Still,” Adam continued. “We can’t afford to let our guard down. Audelle’s party hasn’t shown much yet, but that makes them all the more unpredictable.”
Audelle Pittsburg, a formidable third-year and the sole daughter of the Pittsburg Marquess Household.
“We should have enough support to win the elections next week,” added Natalia Reichenstein, another third-year, representing the Reichenstein Viscount Household.
“Princess Astrid will most definitely win,” said Victor Almir, leaning forward slightly.
Though not from a noble lineage, Victor came from a respected working-class family known for their smithery.
Astrid offered a modest laugh. “Haha… I hope so.”
But even as she smiled, her thoughts drifted. Confidence was one thing, certainty was another.
“I’ll release the final address next week,” Astrid began. “A closing statement that consolidates our core values and sets a clear message for undecided voters.”
“We can work on it together,” Ezra said suddenly, shifting slightly beside her. “I’ll draft the policy outline with you.”
“Thanks.” Astrid turned to him with a warm smile. A smile so bright it made Ezra freeze for a second, swallowing the words he’d meant to say next.
“….”
This woman… she was the younger sister of the man who had taken his family from him.
And yet, here she was, sitting beside him, her golden gaze locked onto his. Their goals aligned more than he cared to admit. And no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t bring himself to hate her.
She wasn’t like Franz.
Not even close.
“What’s wrong?” Astrid asked, leaning in slightly, her tone laced with concern.
“N-Nothing,” Ezra said quickly, turning his head away. Maybe it was the alcohol, but his face had grown warm all of a sudden.
“….?”
Astrid tilted her head curiously but didn’t press further.
Across the room, Adam and Natalia continued chatting with Victor about student turnout projections, oblivious to the brief shift in atmosphere.
Ezra took another sip of his drink, trying to steady himself.
When the party concluded a few hours later, Ezra returned to the university dorms. Outside, the rain had begun to pour heavily.
As he walked down the quiet hallway of the dormitory, he noticed a faculty staff member standing in front of his door.
Curious, Ezra approached. “Good evening?”
“Are you Ezra Kaelus?” the staff member asked.
“Yes, that would be me.”
“There’s been… an emergency,” the staff said suddenly. “Your grandmother… was involved in a traffic accident.”
“….”
….Amidst the storm outside, Ezra felt like his entire world had frozen.