Buffer Period

Fourth Princess Osfia's breakthrough threw all of the First Prince's plans into disarray.

To the First Prince, even breakthroughs by any of the other princes or princesses would not have been as troublesome as the Fourth Princess's breakthrough.

After all, she had far too much in common with Emperor Gloria from several thousand years ago. Her sudden breakthrough to the ninth rank at such a critical moment was clearly premeditated.

A woman, fourth in line, with azure eyes and features somewhat resembling Emperor Gloria's—she was far more politically correct than he was.

After breaking through to the ninth rank, the Fourth Princess publicly used her breakthrough as grounds to visit the Mausoleum of Past Emperors and pay respects to the three Royal Guardians who watched over the mausoleum and the Royal Blood Crystal.

This time, the result was the exact opposite of the First Prince's. Guardian of Stars showed considerable favor toward the Fourth Princess, while Heart of Darkness became distant. gray remained as indifferent as ever.

Stepping out of the Plane Gate of the Royal Mausoleum, Fourth Princess Oswivia was in an excellent mood.

Her own strength had reached the ninth rank, and she had successfully gained the support of a Royal Guardian. Most of the First Prince's underhanded methods against her had now been rendered completely ineffective.

Just then, she suddenly sensed something and turned her azure eyes toward one side of the Royal Back Garden.

In the direction of her gaze lay a small lake as clear as a sapphire. Along its shore stretched a white stone-carved corridor in a classical Elven style, leading toward the Lake Pavilion.

Beneath the shadows of the Relief Pillars, First Prince Ferdinand stood quietly in a golden robe, his dark golden eyes fixed on her with an unfathomable gaze.

Where their