Chapter 52: Departure
In a secluded chamber deep within the Earth Clan’s estate, the air shimmered with glowing runes and the scent of burning incense. Scrolls, ancient tomes, and alchemical instruments were strewn across the vast stone tables.
The Second Princess stood in the center of the controlled chaos, her deep concentration unwavering as she inscribed a sequence of symbols onto a floating metal plate. Her fingers moved with the precision of a master artisan, weaving magic and science together in a way only she could understand.
A soft knock echoed through the chamber before her attendant entered. The woman hesitated before speaking, knowing full well that disrupting her mistress’s work could invite her ire.
"Lady Talibah," the maid said, bowing slightly. "News has arrived—your brother, Thutmose, has been granted full authority over the Earth Clan in the Patrician’s absence."
The princess didn’t stop her work. Instead, a soft hum of acknowledgment escaped her lips as she inscribed another rune. "Expected," she murmured something to herself, barely paying attention.
She placed the rune-inscribed metal plate onto a levitating disk, watching the symbols glow sequentially. "As someone who decided to follow the way of a runesmith, I was immediately eliminated after that choice, so any update about the throne doesn’t bother me. I have more important things to do."
The maid bowed again, stepping back silently as the princess returned to her work, utterly indifferent to the political strife around her.
....
In another chamber lined with luxurious silk curtains and golden ornaments, the Third Princess lounged on a chaise, idly twirling a goblet of wine between her fingers. A smile played at the edges of her lips as she listened to the report delivered by her attendant.
"So," she mused, tapping her chin. "Thutmose now controls the clan in Father’s absence?"
Her attendant nodded. "Yes, Lady Merit."