Episode 5

"What good does it do me?" you might wonder. Simple, with a few gold coins, I command eyes and ears throughout the palace, gaining information and small services as I deem necessary.

Therefore, after the emperor vacated his office, my dear old dad flew into a rage, hurling everything in his path. Then, summoning the empress and my beloved sister, he relayed the dark emperor's demands. My sister, upon hearing, collapsed in tears; destined to marry such a callous and vile man was beneath her—she was a beautiful princess undeserving of this fate. Both the emperor and empress consoled her with their embrace.

It was precisely then that I played my trump card, my ticket to autonomy—well, something like that.

Royal Advisor: "Your Majesty, forgive my intrusion, but there might be a solution."

"Speak."

"Remember, Your Majesty, you have not just one princess, and the dark emperor did not specify which one should be sent to his lands. Thus, instead of dispatching Princess Carla, let Princess Jensi take her place. This rids you of her for good—I'm certain the dark emperor will tire of her and soon end her life, freeing you from this burden, leaving only your true daughter, Princess Carla Griffin Valentine, in the empire."

Royal Advisor: "Command me to take the decree to that baseborn girl's chambers, telling her by your order she leaves for the dark empire in one month to join that academy and prepare to become the dark emperor's bride."

"As you command, Majesty, I'll deliver the imperial decree at once."

And so, here I am perched atop this infernal contraption, being pulled by two horses—how I yearn for a car at this very moment. If this continues, I'll arrive in pieces. I'll have it refitted later to make my long journey more comfortable and ensure I arrive intact.

I hope for some peace at the academy. I've left my business in trustworthy hands; they'll continue to send me reports each month, and I'll supply them with fresh, innovative ideas to keep my ventures thriving. After all, my ambition is to become the wealthiest woman, recognized across many empires.

I've already done my research on the dark empire; the novel offered scant details. I know there's significant trade, and that's my strength—I shall establish my enterprises there too. My nanny handles it while I provide everything from the shadows. I'll reveal my identity as the owner when the time is right, but for now, this works.