Chapter 97
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If one were to pick the most splendid place inside the fortress, everyone would point to Princess Ceciliaâs residence without hesitation.
She was already twenty-five years old.
Since dungeons usually appeared en masse once a year, this marked her fifth year in the fortress.
A first-grade purifier. That alone made her a figure deserving of reverence in the fortress.
Moreover, she was a purifier whose purification abilities were among the strongest, even within the individuals who were deemed Grade 1.
While there were other first-grade purifiers, they were naturally regarded as being beneath Princess Cecilia.
However, they didnât seem to mind.
The princess had taken those two into her circle and treated them with the utmost respect.
One of her acts of generosity was allowing them to use this enormous residence, which was practically a mansion.
But today, it seemed she wasnât in the mood for such generosity.
âYouâre saying I canât enter?â
Riosa furrowed her brows. She, like Princess Cecilia, was a first-grade purifier.
âIs something going on?â
âWell… it seems Her Highness has some pressing matters to attend to.â
At that moment, the sound of something shattering echoed from within.
âWhat was that sound?â
Riosaâs eyes widened in surprise.
The Princess Cecilia they knew was always quiet, gentle, and graceful.
Of course, she occasionally summoned low-ranking purifiers wandering the fortress to teach them their place, but even then, she would always smile and treat them kindly.
Such commotion from within her chambers was unexpected.
âIt seems someone had a mishap. In any case, things are a bit chaotic inside, so I must ask that you leave for today, Lady Riosa.â
The princessâs maid, as always, bowed deeply with impeccable courtesy.
A servant wouldnât dare block her path so forcefully on their own.
Clearly, the maid was following the princessâs orders. If that were the case, entering now wouldnât do her any good.
âVery well, Iâll take my leave for today.â
Riosa turned away as if she had no further business.
But even as she left, her mind was racing.
What could have rattled the calm, collected princess so much?
âThereâs only one answer.â
Riosa moved toward the window and looked out. Across from the building they were in stood another with a similar structure.
Naturally, the top floor of that building housed a space almost as grand as Princess Ceciliaâs.
Though the princessâs residence had a large reception hall and a space for small gatherings, the other residence enjoyed similar luxuries.
âIrene Rhodiam, was it?â
Unlike Princess Cecilia, famed for her first-grade purification power, Irene had once been ranked near the bottom as a Grade 10 purifier.
âOr rather, sheâs Grade 8 now.â
A purifier whose rank, once fixed, had changed twice. She even had the potential to rise further.
AndâŚ
âA new circle.â
The fortress, where power dynamics had been unshakable until the princessâs retirement, was now seeing a significant shift in influence.
Recently, the circle Irene had created was growing rapidly.
âHmm.â
Complex emotions flickered in Riosaâs eyes as she gazed at Ireneâs residence.
So far, there wasnât a single first-grade purifier in Ireneâs circle.
The highest-ranked member was Reyna Ortega, a second-grade purifier.
âA novice who just entered the fortress this year.â
She lacked the experience to advise other purifiers.
The rest were a mix of third to fifth-grade purifiers, far too common.
To top it off, the center of the circle was only eighth-grade, hardly making it a proper group.
âBut Sir Michael is there.â
His presence alone could change the game.
Riosa began to ponder.
A circle with a military force as strong as all the knights combinedâon her side.
Yet, lacking a proper purifier to lead them in the purification aspect.
âIf I were to join themâŚâ
For a moment, several future possibilities flashed through Riosaâs mind.
Since their numbers were still small, the share of rewards would be far greater than what she had now.
And unlike now, where everyone worshiped the princess, she could be the most respected among the purifiers. EventuallyâŚ
âSince Sir Michael has chosen his pair this year, thereâs a good chance heâll seek another pair next year.â
Once someone experiences purification, itâs impossible to break free.
Besides, since he had to continue subjugating dungeons, he would definitely need a purifier again next year.
If I can build a connection with him now…
âWouldnât there be a good chance that I could become his pair instead of Princess Cecilia?â
